My mom recently diagnosed

msccolon said:

I'm so sorry you've had to find us here
But I know you will find some wonderful answers here. There are many helpful souls on this board and I am sure you will find some help. I'm sorry to hear of your mother's advanced disease, sounds like she's got a lot going on. Her being healthy is on her side in this fight. Make sure you have somebody go with her when she visits the oncologist, and write down in a journal side effects she may have as well as any questions you want answered. I am sure if you ask the questions, they will be answered. You are just overwhelmed at this point and it's hard to know what to ask. If you feel there is information being withheld, try and pinpoint WHAT kind of information you think is being withheld and ask directly about it. For example, do you think there's more disease than you've been told? Do you think there are complications you should be looking out for that you don't know about? It sounds like her chemo treatment is pretty standard, either FOLFOX, which is oxaliplatin, 5FU and Leucovorin, with the pump containing 5FU for 46 hours, or FOLFIRI which is the same last 2 drugs and pump, but with CPT-11 instead of the Oxaliplatin. The oxaliplatin and CPT-11 have very different side effects, so if you know which one she's getting, there are people that can help you anticipate and prepare for some of the more common side effects. Her oncologist probably sent her home with papers on the different drugs and some of the possible side effects, but there is more extensive information out there, particularly from those of us who have already had them! This is shocking news whenever you hear it, but it can be fought! Come back often and let us know how you guys are doing, ok?
mary

Thank you..
I have been to every appointment and do take a notebook. I have the meds written down and will get them and post here. You are right...it is shocking. Still in shock. I so appreciate you answering. I believe she is being given the ones you names and the oxaliplatin. When she had her tests we did ask exactly where it was. It is where I shared. We specifically asked about other organs and they are clear. The tumor on the kidney was not biopsied. He is not certain that it is Colon Cancer, but at this point said he would not worry about it, would just watch it to see how it responds to the treatments given. My mom is having problems with the cold. She has a very thorough Nurse Practioner give her all of the possible side effects and I wrote it down. She is really just having the fatigue, general feeling of "crap" and not much tolerance of the cold. She is also having trouble eating, as nothing seems to sound good, but she is eating.

I will be at every treatment as I work for some very understanding people. I have built up quite a few sick days and will take them. I have many questions, but just don't ask in front of my parents as they just want to know what they need to do and then will do it. I guess as time goes on, I will feel a little more "OK" with asking questions. I am making her tell every things she is feeling. She had severe pain in her right side between Christmas and New Year and when she had her port and first chemo on the 3rd, we told the doctor. He did a CT scan as he said blood clots were possible. However her scan was clear. Since then the pain is gone.

I am very blessed to live near them and be able to help. Just want to do all I can. She is very big on vitamins, alternative meds as well as medical treatments. If anyone has any suggestions, please share them.

Thank you so, so much for your support!