Help Please
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Hi Amanda,
It is hard to
Hi Amanda,
It is hard to know details form what you have written---"what doesn't look good?" Is it blood counts--or has he had other medical problems, loss of weight, change in function or spread of the cancer? I think we need more info to share suggestions.
My dad (was an very active 70 year old) was diagnosed last year 8.4.09----(We remember because it is my moms birthday) with the same as your dad stage 4 EC. He has had the chemo - radiation then surgery and later ---follow up chemo (at Duke). He has been off all treatment for 4 months and goes for his scans in Oct. he folks at Duke were great! It is hard to please my parents since they are "small town" type of people, but Duke staff really seemed to care for everyone! My dad did well for the first 4 weeks of chemo/rad (a clinical trial) but then had a series of side effects tat knocked him out (low blood counts, diarrhea, vomiting,dehydration, etc) - He ended up making it through...and maybe had a longer recoup time than some but had surgery 12/7/09.
Long story short---so far he is doing relatively well but live has changed a bit---he is very thin--having trouble gaining weight (and always has been thin to begin with!)
So- AMANDA.....don't panic---but get more info so you really know what you are dealing with. Get names and numbers of all the doctors, nutritionist, oncologist, radiologist, etc, setc and start making phone calls to find out what they are concerned about---specifically---then you can move on from there...
Many of us have been through the same feeling s you are experiencing---hang in there---be there for your dad--he is probably as nervous as you are! keep us posted and my prayers are with you both---
Kim0 -
Does he have kidney problem
Hydration is important. Chemo drugs can be tough on the kidneys. Cisplatin is one that is. If he is getting chemo as a outpatien you can set it up to have home hydration. I try to get hubby to drink close to 96 ounces a day.
I am sorry your father is going through this. You found a great website and you will learn a lot here. Give us more detail on your dad and we will help all we can.0 -
Mayo Clinic question
Hello, I have just joined the site, and some of the reason was your post asking about Mayo Clinc. My husband just had surgery on August 16 at Mayo Clinc in Rochester, MN. We were referred to them through someone we know who is a MD-liver specialist. This person also has Barrett's Esophagus, so thought it would be nice to know where he would go should he need treatment. Our experience at Mayo was incredible. They were knowledgeable, and could answer any question without hesitation when we ask. We did a second opinion on chemo regimen, as we did our chemo-radiation in Omaha, our hometown, and then opted for surgery at Mayo. I would not hesitate to go there. They are efficient, knowledgeable, and caring. I would truly rate them at 5 stars. Dr. Wigle did my husband's surgery. It was Ivor-Lewis, minimally invasive, robotic assisted. He has done well so far, and is still recovering. If you have any specific questions I will answer if I can. Linda0 -
Thank You All!!unknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
Thank you all very much!
This week has been hard on us all. I found this site at just the right time! Also I have been telling my Dad all of you stories.
William,
This is his 2nd week of treatment and he is having a very hard time keep anything down! Today is the 3rd day he has had to be given fluids. Dad was admitted to the Hospital today he is in acute kidney failure! The Doctors said they WILL get him thru this!! I have answered a few of you question below. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you. I spent most of last night looking at the links you had put on our posting.
What was Dad's initial symptoms that caused him to seek treatment?
He went to his primary doctor due to weight loss and loss of energy two months before the diagnosis. His primary did blood work (that came back great) and told my Dad that is was depression. After a few more weeks of the same and also his BP started dropping which made him dizzy. My Dad went back and ask to see a gastroenterologist. On Friday August 13th we got the news my Mom said she could see it on the doctors face "His face said it all".
What Mayo Clinic is treating your Dad?
Jacksonville, Florida
What is the Surgeon's name?
John A. Odell, M.D.
Does your Dad have any pre-existing conditions?
Yes, He has diabetes and he also "had" high blood presser.
How is Dad's emotional state? Is he a risk taker? Is he prepared to treat this aggressively? I hope he doesn't give up easily! There may be some discouraging days that will make him feel, "Oh what's the use of continuing with these treatments?
He is a very strong man. He also likes to plan for the future. I have never seen him give up on anything but I have never seen him this sick before.
What drugs is he taking and will he have radiation?
He is taking chemotherapy (5-FU) and radiation (28 treatments).
What is his exact stage of Cancer? Stages run from zero to four.
Dr. Odell said high 3. A large mass and in the near by lymph nodes.
Who is going to be the caregiver and are they emotionally strong?
My Mom is there with him now and seems to be holding things together there.
I am living in their home with my 7 year old daughter. I am keeping thing together on this end (bills,house, pets and anything else that needs to be done).
I was hoping that my daughter would not have to see this. My Mom and Dad that I am speaking about are actually my Aunt and Uncle. They have been my parents from the age of 7. My Mother (Aunt and Mother are sisters) passed away from Adrenal Cancer at the age of 31.
Thank you again for all your words they have helped a lot!
Amanda0 -
WelcomeAmanda_5 said:Thank You All!!
Thank you all very much!
This week has been hard on us all. I found this site at just the right time! Also I have been telling my Dad all of you stories.
William,
This is his 2nd week of treatment and he is having a very hard time keep anything down! Today is the 3rd day he has had to be given fluids. Dad was admitted to the Hospital today he is in acute kidney failure! The Doctors said they WILL get him thru this!! I have answered a few of you question below. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you. I spent most of last night looking at the links you had put on our posting.
What was Dad's initial symptoms that caused him to seek treatment?
He went to his primary doctor due to weight loss and loss of energy two months before the diagnosis. His primary did blood work (that came back great) and told my Dad that is was depression. After a few more weeks of the same and also his BP started dropping which made him dizzy. My Dad went back and ask to see a gastroenterologist. On Friday August 13th we got the news my Mom said she could see it on the doctors face "His face said it all".
What Mayo Clinic is treating your Dad?
Jacksonville, Florida
What is the Surgeon's name?
John A. Odell, M.D.
Does your Dad have any pre-existing conditions?
Yes, He has diabetes and he also "had" high blood presser.
How is Dad's emotional state? Is he a risk taker? Is he prepared to treat this aggressively? I hope he doesn't give up easily! There may be some discouraging days that will make him feel, "Oh what's the use of continuing with these treatments?
He is a very strong man. He also likes to plan for the future. I have never seen him give up on anything but I have never seen him this sick before.
What drugs is he taking and will he have radiation?
He is taking chemotherapy (5-FU) and radiation (28 treatments).
What is his exact stage of Cancer? Stages run from zero to four.
Dr. Odell said high 3. A large mass and in the near by lymph nodes.
Who is going to be the caregiver and are they emotionally strong?
My Mom is there with him now and seems to be holding things together there.
I am living in their home with my 7 year old daughter. I am keeping thing together on this end (bills,house, pets and anything else that needs to be done).
I was hoping that my daughter would not have to see this. My Mom and Dad that I am speaking about are actually my Aunt and Uncle. They have been my parents from the age of 7. My Mother (Aunt and Mother are sisters) passed away from Adrenal Cancer at the age of 31.
Thank you again for all your words they have helped a lot!
Amanda
Hello Amanda
I just love your name! My 10 year old daughter is Amanda also. I was a caregiver for my dad. He passed away in March from ec with mets to the liver. From what I have read, you seem to have it all together!
You and your mom are doing a great job. My daughter had to go through this with her grandfather. Actually she was the strongest of us all! She was also the most positive. When my dad did pass away, she said, Come on Mom, you know how sick Pop was. He is in a much better place now. Amazing isnt it? Your daughter will prove to be the "rock" as well. Sorry for the loss of your mom at such a young age! You keep up the good work, you are in one of the best places for treatment. Mayo Clinics are very well known. Keep in touch.
Tina in Va0 -
Bob's wifeBobs1wife said:Mayo Clinic question
Hello, I have just joined the site, and some of the reason was your post asking about Mayo Clinc. My husband just had surgery on August 16 at Mayo Clinc in Rochester, MN. We were referred to them through someone we know who is a MD-liver specialist. This person also has Barrett's Esophagus, so thought it would be nice to know where he would go should he need treatment. Our experience at Mayo was incredible. They were knowledgeable, and could answer any question without hesitation when we ask. We did a second opinion on chemo regimen, as we did our chemo-radiation in Omaha, our hometown, and then opted for surgery at Mayo. I would not hesitate to go there. They are efficient, knowledgeable, and caring. I would truly rate them at 5 stars. Dr. Wigle did my husband's surgery. It was Ivor-Lewis, minimally invasive, robotic assisted. He has done well so far, and is still recovering. If you have any specific questions I will answer if I can. Linda
Hey Bob's wife
I am in Omaha too. My dad has EC stage 4. If you don't mind me asking, where is Bob getting treated with chemo in town? It seems unless you go to UNMC their are only 2 different oncology groups.0 -
Treatment in OmahaLivingFaith said:Bob's wife
Hey Bob's wife
I am in Omaha too. My dad has EC stage 4. If you don't mind me asking, where is Bob getting treated with chemo in town? It seems unless you go to UNMC their are only 2 different oncology groups.
Bob's oncologist is Dr. Stephan Thome with Nebraska Cancer Specialists at Methodist. Isn't it something that as large as Omaha is there are just a few choices?0 -
Hi Amanda...
I know it's a really, really hard time right now. You just have to take one day at a time. It's great that your father is getting a second opinion at Mayo. I think it's so important to make sure you have a correct diagnoses.
As far as "not looking good"...I, like others, don't really know what that means. But EC in general is a nasty cancer. So...I'm assuming the doctors think it has spread to lymph nodes and other organs? I'm not really sure what to say to you. It's definately a roller coaster ride dealing with a loved one who is diagnosed with EC.
My dad (69 yr.) was diagnosed in March of this year. He's had lots of ups and downs, but keeps fighting and trying to live his "normal" life as much as possible. He is stage 4 with metastis to the lymph nodes, liver and just recently found out it spread to the spine as well. SO...it's definately not good for him.
You just have to try to stay positive and enjoy each day you have together. Life is so uncertain, whether you have cancer or not. Having a strong faith is helpful as well.
I'll be praying for you and your father. I know I didn't have much of anything "positive" to tell ya, I'm jsut being honest with you. It's a hard, icky journey. But there are still moments of joy and laughter along the way. And those are the things you have to look to and rejoice in!
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Not to Ignore these Posts, but GO HUSKERS!Bobs1wife said:Treatment in Omaha
Bob's oncologist is Dr. Stephan Thome with Nebraska Cancer Specialists at Methodist. Isn't it something that as large as Omaha is there are just a few choices?
How funny that the two of you are in Omaha. My father, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 EC with mets to liver and now spine, is a Nebraskan as well! I was born in Lincoln myself. My father raised me to bleed Husker RED! LOL.
Having said that...the Huskers football season has been a great distractor from all the cancer stuff! It's also given us something besides cancer to talk about. My dad literally lights up when we start talking Husker football! It's nice to see, being he's quite depressed.
I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my dad watching the Huskers kick some more butt this season!:)
Anyway...just wanted to lighten the load a bit and let ya know that there's another Husker in the bunch!!
GO BIG RED!
Blessings,
Sally0 -
This comment has been removed by the ModeratorAmanda_5 said:Thank You All!!
Thank you all very much!
This week has been hard on us all. I found this site at just the right time! Also I have been telling my Dad all of you stories.
William,
This is his 2nd week of treatment and he is having a very hard time keep anything down! Today is the 3rd day he has had to be given fluids. Dad was admitted to the Hospital today he is in acute kidney failure! The Doctors said they WILL get him thru this!! I have answered a few of you question below. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you. I spent most of last night looking at the links you had put on our posting.
What was Dad's initial symptoms that caused him to seek treatment?
He went to his primary doctor due to weight loss and loss of energy two months before the diagnosis. His primary did blood work (that came back great) and told my Dad that is was depression. After a few more weeks of the same and also his BP started dropping which made him dizzy. My Dad went back and ask to see a gastroenterologist. On Friday August 13th we got the news my Mom said she could see it on the doctors face "His face said it all".
What Mayo Clinic is treating your Dad?
Jacksonville, Florida
What is the Surgeon's name?
John A. Odell, M.D.
Does your Dad have any pre-existing conditions?
Yes, He has diabetes and he also "had" high blood presser.
How is Dad's emotional state? Is he a risk taker? Is he prepared to treat this aggressively? I hope he doesn't give up easily! There may be some discouraging days that will make him feel, "Oh what's the use of continuing with these treatments?
He is a very strong man. He also likes to plan for the future. I have never seen him give up on anything but I have never seen him this sick before.
What drugs is he taking and will he have radiation?
He is taking chemotherapy (5-FU) and radiation (28 treatments).
What is his exact stage of Cancer? Stages run from zero to four.
Dr. Odell said high 3. A large mass and in the near by lymph nodes.
Who is going to be the caregiver and are they emotionally strong?
My Mom is there with him now and seems to be holding things together there.
I am living in their home with my 7 year old daughter. I am keeping thing together on this end (bills,house, pets and anything else that needs to be done).
I was hoping that my daughter would not have to see this. My Mom and Dad that I am speaking about are actually my Aunt and Uncle. They have been my parents from the age of 7. My Mother (Aunt and Mother are sisters) passed away from Adrenal Cancer at the age of 31.
Thank you again for all your words they have helped a lot!
Amanda0
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