Hospitalization

cher76
cher76 Member Posts: 292
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Dear ec friends,
It seems like our little world is falling apart the last few days. Since I last posted we returned home from Houston on Saturday with Rickie not feeling well. I had noticed him dragging somewhat on Friday, put just chalked it up to fatigue what with appointments every day. Then I noticed him kind of stumbling Saturday morning and asked him what was going on. He said he felt like he had had a stroke. He said his right leg was dragging. Would not return to the hospital, wanted to go home. So we drove the 5 hours home and then waited until the doctors office opened Monday morning before doing anything. by the time we got to the doctors he had had me get his Dad's walked out so he could get to the car and then into the office. The doctor saw us right away and told him he wanted to admit him to the hospital for fluids and a brain scan. Long story short, they have found tumors in his brain. One of the left frontal lobe is causing the problems with the right side of his body. These were surrounded with fluid which was causing headache and nausea. Last night he was extremely weak and it took three of us to get him to the restroom. When I think back, I realize he has been sleeping quite a bit and not talking a whole lot. Last night he had much confusion in that several times he could not find the words he wanted to say to tell me something, and was restless all night. They have been giving him medication for the swelling and fluid accumulation, and also for high blood pressure, which spiked quite high Monday night. Today we finally seem to have the blood pressure under control, and he seemed to be able to control his right foot a little better. The radiologist came to see us yesterday, and I hated it because no one was here but me to listen to his results and recommendations. I did see the slides from the MRI and they were alarming to say the least. I am researching to find what will be the best path for us. Please keep us in your prayers,
Cheryl
Wife of Rickie, stageIV ec dx Oct. 2010

Comments

  • Wife of patient 50378
    Wife of patient 50378 Member Posts: 124
    #2
    Cheryl
    Hang in there, stay strong and take a deap breath. My thouhgts are with you!
  • sangora
    sangora Member Posts: 213
    #3
    Hard to Hear This News
    Cheryl I am so sadden to hear this latest development. I know you and Ricky are really down right now, but know that though we are helpless to fix this, we are thinking and praying for you both. This,added to the new issues of a few others of our board family, has made this a difficult couple of weeks for many of us on the board. We all will remain here to support you in anyway possible. Sam
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #4
    In our thoughts
    Cheryl,

    You and Rickie are in our thoughts and prayers always. But a lot more now.

    I am so sorry that the tumors have progressed. I'm sure you will receive wonderful guidance from the docs. It sounds like these are doctors that Rickie trusts.

    We are here for you, whatever/whenever you need.

    With very loud prayers coming your way,

    Terry
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #5
    Wife of patient 50378 said:

    Cheryl
    Hang in there, stay strong and take a deap breath. My thouhgts are with you!

    I'm so sorry. God be with
    I'm so sorry. God be with you both.
  • chrissiebass
    chrissiebass Member Posts: 56
    #6
    TerryV said:

    In our thoughts
    Cheryl,

    You and Rickie are in our thoughts and prayers always. But a lot more now.

    I am so sorry that the tumors have progressed. I'm sure you will receive wonderful guidance from the docs. It sounds like these are doctors that Rickie trusts.

    We are here for you, whatever/whenever you need.

    With very loud prayers coming your way,

    Terry

    feeling so sad for you both right now
    Cheryl,

    words alone can not bring you both comfort right now. I wish i could give you a big hug!! How this cancer is affecting everyone right now has me so angry for everyone!! PLEASE know so many here on this board are praying for you and Rickie right now. Hope this helps....

    Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me.... The LORD will work out his plans for my life for your faithful love, O LORD endures forever.

    Psalm 138:7-8

    I know GOD has a plan for each of us, I have to remind myself this more than once a day, but to see such pain in our lives and the ones we love is so hard. Praying for you both, and PLEASE keep us updated, again, thinking of you both and keeping you both in my prayers and heart.

    chrissie
    daughter to stage 4
  • fredswilma
    fredswilma Member Posts: 185
    #7
    Cheryl
    I cannot find the
    Cheryl
    I cannot find the right words just now, but know that you and Rickie are in my thoughts and prayers, someone on here once said you don't know how strong you can be, until all you can be is strong, I am praying that you will find the strength you need to get through these dark times, and know that we are surrounding you and Rickie with all our love.
    Ann
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #8
    Sorry to hear that the beast is trying to fight back!
    Cheryl,
    You and Ricky are such a big part of our family and I am so sorry to hear that Ricky is having to suffer more at all. I will be praying for him to pull through this and recover back to his normal energetic self after the meds and some other control measures take effect. As Terry said, he has good docs and he trusts them. That's good. Really good.

    It sounds to me like you caught it early enough to prevent any major damage and hopefully he will make a full recovery and can continue enjoying time with you and the family. Hindsight is always so easy to say "I should have seen this then" but DON'T beat yourself up at ALL for any pf those thoughts.

    My heart goes out to you having to worry so. I can only imagine the scenarios rushing through your brain at this time. I know my mind does mean things when I get alone to think. Share-and don't keep it inside!
    Breath. We are here for you and we are ALL praying for you and sending strength, love, and those virtual hugs.

    May God bless Ricky with only mild effects from this that won't prevent him from being with you for a long time to come. I know we all have our times and we don't control them. I think he is too strong a person to let this get too much in the way for now. I will pray not.

    With love,
    Eric
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #9
    Prayers for Rickie
    Cheryl,

    I am so sorry to hear that they have found new tumors. I know this past two weeks has been hard on both of you and I am sure this additional bad news is particularly demoralizing.

    I wish I had some uplifting words to write, but all I can say is that you both will be in my prayers, as always.

    Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor
  • jojoshort
    jojoshort Member Posts: 230 Member
    #10
    Fighters
    Cheryl, you and Rickie have been such tenacious fighters in the battle against EC. Eric said it so well, but I just want you to know how much you inspire us all with your research and fighting attitude.
    Here's to Rickie taming the brain mets to a dull roar so that you can have some good old fashioned family time. Keep us posted, and chin up; we are here for you.
    Jo-Ann
  • Wpturner05
    Wpturner05 Member Posts: 114
    #11
    many prayers to you
    Cheryl,
    A devastating discovery to say the least. Even though we know it is such a big possibility, it is always difficult to hear that there is new spread.

    I pray you and Rickie find confidence and comfort in your chosen path.

    We look forward to hearing how things go for you

    Sincerely,
    Whitney
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365
    #12
    Wpturner05 said:

    many prayers to you
    Cheryl,
    A devastating discovery to say the least. Even though we know it is such a big possibility, it is always difficult to hear that there is new spread.

    I pray you and Rickie find confidence and comfort in your chosen path.

    We look forward to hearing how things go for you

    Sincerely,
    Whitney

    Cheryl,
    I am so sorry to hear of the spreading. That is the last thing anyone wants to hear, and especially to the brain. (at least that has been my biggest fear, I'm too scared to even ask the doctor about doing a brain scan) Lee has had quite a bit of trouble with balance lately as well, and has even fallen 3 times in the last week..... I am terrified for the reason. As I'm sure you are so scared right now. I do hope that they can continue to keep his symptoms at bay.

    Please keep us posted on your treatment options. As you know, we are more than willing to offer up what information and research we have to help you and Rickie make the best possible choices. You must be ready to lose your mind right now. I can't even say how saddened I am for you.

    Chantal
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #13
    Daisylin said:

    Cheryl,
    I am so sorry to hear of the spreading. That is the last thing anyone wants to hear, and especially to the brain. (at least that has been my biggest fear, I'm too scared to even ask the doctor about doing a brain scan) Lee has had quite a bit of trouble with balance lately as well, and has even fallen 3 times in the last week..... I am terrified for the reason. As I'm sure you are so scared right now. I do hope that they can continue to keep his symptoms at bay.

    Please keep us posted on your treatment options. As you know, we are more than willing to offer up what information and research we have to help you and Rickie make the best possible choices. You must be ready to lose your mind right now. I can't even say how saddened I am for you.

    Chantal

    so sorry
    Dear Cheryl,
    So sad to hear this news about Rick. I can't imagine having to take all that information in by yourself. My thoughts and prayers will continue. Just can't believe the sheer amount of sad news that is coming on the board. You know we all stand behind you and hold you in our hearts.
    Donna70
  • jss2011
    jss2011 Member Posts: 132
    #14
    Hi Cheryl,
    I'm sure all this news and info is alot to take in. Take a breath and research, talk with us and the drs, you will find the path that is right for you and Rickie.
    Continued prayers for you both, stay strong.

    Hugs, Julie
  • Ericalynn
    Ericalynn Member Posts: 200
    #15
    Praying for Rickie
    Cheryl,
    I am praying for Rickie & you tonight. I am so sad that he is having so many issues.
    I wish I could say something to make it better but I know that is not possible.
    I wish you strength to keep being the great caregiver that you are.
    Sending positive thoughts your way
    Love to you & Rickie
    Erica
  • ritawaite13
    ritawaite13 Member Posts: 236
    #16
    Ericalynn said:

    Praying for Rickie
    Cheryl,
    I am praying for Rickie & you tonight. I am so sad that he is having so many issues.
    I wish I could say something to make it better but I know that is not possible.
    I wish you strength to keep being the great caregiver that you are.
    Sending positive thoughts your way
    Love to you & Rickie
    Erica

    Prayers for you both
    Hi Cheryl,
    I am so sorry this effing cancer is beating the crap out of Rickie. It's just so wrong that good people have to suffer like this. Please know I send hugs and prayers to you from Minnesota.
    Love Rita
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #17
    Cheryl,
    I just don't know
    Cheryl,

    I just don't know what to say. You two have been so brave and fought so hard. I remember stories about brain radiation - I think of Linda and Ed. It seemed so horrible. Let us know what they are recommending and what Rickie wants to do. It is so hard to sit by and wait for them to make decisions, but it is their life and important that they are in charge and get to decide how they want to do things. Knowing that doesn't make it any easier for us though.

    Much love and many hugs,
    Cindy

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