Second time w/ Cancer Stage 3, Need prayers

Momneedsmyhelp
Momneedsmyhelp Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My mom has nasal pharangeal carcinoma, this is the second time, and she has a strong will to beat this cancer again. However, 2 months into her chemo and she could not eat or drink. When she drank ensure, half of it would come back out through her nose. She had to get a feeding tube put in her stomach, but it went wrong and she's now in a coma with major brain damage since July 29, 2004 and today is Aug. 10. Days later she had to put in the feeding tube and it was done successfully. Doctors now suggest she have a trachea tube put in her to help her breathe instead of a tube down her throat w/ a ventillator. How risky is this w/ 52 times of radiation on one side of her neck and 1/2 that amount on the other side. Her neck is red and has blisters. Please pray for her. She is strong, but I'm afraid this is too much for my mom. :~(

Comments

  • TereB
    TereB Member Posts: 286 Member
    #2
    Hi, I am sorry you and your mom are going through so much right now. I cannot give you any information about feeding or breathing tubes since I've never had any but I just wanted you to know that both you and your mom are going to be in my prayers from now on. All the bes and God Bless, TereB
  • Momneedsmyhelp
    Momneedsmyhelp Member Posts: 3
    #3
    TereB said:

    Hi, I am sorry you and your mom are going through so much right now. I cannot give you any information about feeding or breathing tubes since I've never had any but I just wanted you to know that both you and your mom are going to be in my prayers from now on. All the bes and God Bless, TereB

    Today, Aug. 12, 2004 my mom is hanging tough. Overnight she was able to bring her blood pressure back up to near normal w/o the drug, dopamine. At times she tightens up her arms and legs so much, they start to quiver. She can't speak now, but I she's been scared since she heard her nasal pharangeal cancer has come back. I was too, since it was years ago, the doctors said chances are better every year she is free from cancer. My father, brother, and I are talking about letting the surgeon perform the tracheatomy. We're all scared. I just wish my mom was able to help us with this decision. I love my mom, and I can't see her in so much pain and misery. It's are only choice they said. Thank you for your prayers.
  • TereB
    TereB Member Posts: 286 Member
    #4
    Momneedsmyhelp said:

    Today, Aug. 12, 2004 my mom is hanging tough. Overnight she was able to bring her blood pressure back up to near normal w/o the drug, dopamine. At times she tightens up her arms and legs so much, they start to quiver. She can't speak now, but I she's been scared since she heard her nasal pharangeal cancer has come back. I was too, since it was years ago, the doctors said chances are better every year she is free from cancer. My father, brother, and I are talking about letting the surgeon perform the tracheatomy. We're all scared. I just wish my mom was able to help us with this decision. I love my mom, and I can't see her in so much pain and misery. It's are only choice they said. Thank you for your prayers.

    I can understand how you and your family are feeling about your mom. I have a rare cancer with no cure and every time I go for a check up to see if there are new tumors I think my husband and kids hold their breaths until we get the results back. It is hard for the patient but it is also very hard for the family. I am sorry you are all going through such difficult moments. I am sure you will be able to reach the right decision about the tracheatomy; if you are not sure about what the doctor is saying, you can always get a second opinion. You all are still in my prayers. All the best and God Bless. TereB
  • Momneedsmyhelp
    Momneedsmyhelp Member Posts: 3
    #5
    TereB said:

    I can understand how you and your family are feeling about your mom. I have a rare cancer with no cure and every time I go for a check up to see if there are new tumors I think my husband and kids hold their breaths until we get the results back. It is hard for the patient but it is also very hard for the family. I am sorry you are all going through such difficult moments. I am sure you will be able to reach the right decision about the tracheatomy; if you are not sure about what the doctor is saying, you can always get a second opinion. You all are still in my prayers. All the best and God Bless. TereB

    Mom's vital signs are stable now, somewhat. Yesterday she was scheduled to have the tracheatomy but the nurse, in a rush, to give her all her prescribed medicine and checks. Pushed in medicine and flush it with saline or tap water (not sure, she does not practice aseptic techniques, no gloves or wash w/ disinfectant). In any case, 20 mins. before she was suppose to go to the surgery room, her blood pressure was over 200/100 and heartbeat and breathing was too high. The nurse told the doctor she was having a seizure. They gave her two injections of sedatives, which she is very sensitive to, and it drops her heart rate. Surgery for the trachea was cancelled at it is almost 3 weeks now. This is frustrating! And guess what? Later in the day a few hours afterward, she had to give her medicine again thru her G-tube and this time we asked her to do it slowly, and sure enough my mom's blood pressure went up again, like last time, and her one of her leg curled up. My father's english is not so good, he said, "She hurt." In 15 mins. she calmed down and was back to normal. She was having stomach pains and could not speak - that's all!
  • jbfenley
    jbfenley Member Posts: 1
    #6
    Momneedsmyhelp said:

    Mom's vital signs are stable now, somewhat. Yesterday she was scheduled to have the tracheatomy but the nurse, in a rush, to give her all her prescribed medicine and checks. Pushed in medicine and flush it with saline or tap water (not sure, she does not practice aseptic techniques, no gloves or wash w/ disinfectant). In any case, 20 mins. before she was suppose to go to the surgery room, her blood pressure was over 200/100 and heartbeat and breathing was too high. The nurse told the doctor she was having a seizure. They gave her two injections of sedatives, which she is very sensitive to, and it drops her heart rate. Surgery for the trachea was cancelled at it is almost 3 weeks now. This is frustrating! And guess what? Later in the day a few hours afterward, she had to give her medicine again thru her G-tube and this time we asked her to do it slowly, and sure enough my mom's blood pressure went up again, like last time, and her one of her leg curled up. My father's english is not so good, he said, "She hurt." In 15 mins. she calmed down and was back to normal. She was having stomach pains and could not speak - that's all!

    My husband has had limited success with chemotherapy for his nasopharyngeal reoccurrence. He takes oxaliplatin, erbitux, and xeloda. Check with you doctor - perhaps her could let your mom try these.

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