Dana Farber C. I.

[Swimmer]

Sitting here in Weymouth watching my 85 year old mother doze off while she.receives a two hour drip i v of sodium cloride because the chemo she is getting is reeking havoc on her body. About eight weeks ago she had 11 inches of her colon and small intestine out because of a cancerous 10 mm lesion. She had a.stomach tumor out five years ago and didn't have chemo then because her lymph nodes were all clean. This time one node of the 23 they tested had a few agressive cells, so she chose to undergo chemotherapy. Her reply to the oncologist at the time when asked was, hey i am not a quitter, of course i'll do it. Many second thoughts are being had though now. She is dozing now, passing gas with abandoned while asleep, in the chair. At 85 death is always nearby, but even moreso in this weakened state.

The imodum hasn't stop the diahrea, so her nurse is giving her a script for something much stronger. Hope that works so she regains some weight. Five months of chemo if she chooses to go the distance.

After we left left tha Dana Farber, and were home about forty minutes I had to bring her back to the E.R. at South Shoe, because her INR test came back 16.3, which basically means her blood was thinner than water. They are going to keep her overnight and give her vitamin K and more potasium. I assume her INR test being what it is was the reason she was so weak the last few days. Get that straightened out and get her on heavier meds for the diahrea she get stronger.

[fishbones]

Your mom's a trooper. Cancer sucks. I went to a wake on Saturday for my mom's best friend who had it. She was diagnosed late and there was nothing they could do.

[fishsmith]

God bless her Swimmer. I may have sat in the chair you're in waiting for my mom. She's been battling ovarian cancer since 2009, just found out it's back again, so she's in for the hell treatments once again. Cancer F*&(*&ing sucks!!

[BigBo]

I've been the "one in the chair" on the receiving end. Cancer does suck indeed.
I will say a prayer for your Mom Frank. BTW; I think they are very good at the D-F Center in Weymouth. Had to use them last year. She's in good hands over there.

[Piscator]

Best wishes for your Mom...

[fishrick]

Courage, prayers, and best wishes for both of you.

[Sea Dangles]

You have got a brave Mom who obviously enjoys life.
Those Doctors perform miracles every day.

[Jimbo]

Please extend best wishes and a "hang in there" from me. I know all to well what she's going through, as I had a large tumor removed last May, finished my chemo around Thanksgiving and this January had my colostomy reversed. I'm still a lumpy mess from that and the neuropathy is a pain, but it nowhere compares to what I was like before diagnosis and treatment. Most importantly, if not for the efforts of a great surgeon and those at the oncology center I went to, I wouldn't be here. It's tough, and it takes its toll on you, but each treatment is one treatment closer to being done.
Lastly, thanks to you and people like you who stand by those like your mother and myself. We (cancer patients) do very much appreciate that support.

[Swimmer]

Thank you for the kind words. Interestingly enough, the diahrea, screwed up her cumiden, because her fluids got out of wack. Her INR was 16.3 a few days ago. Between her hospitalist, because I had to rush her to the ER where she was then admitted, and her oncologist, they devised a treatment of giving her two bags of plasma, FFP's, to get her back on track. After running a myriad of tests on everything, she is feeling much better. Her oncologist is going to cut her chemo in half, but give it to her twice a week. They are going to montior her fluid levels, potasium and vitamin K, more closley during the next four week course of treatment.

I am a little used to this because my wife had a mastectomy in "97". The chemo and the sickness and all the scary chit that is real or imagined that runs its course during the illness can be overwhelming for the patient. But if the patient can take it, I can, we can. At 85 my mother isn't afraid of too much. I have to say my brother, Squidkidsdad, and my two sisters have all been doing thier share as well.

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Please extend best wishes and a "hang in there" from me. I know all to well what she's going through, as I had a large tumor removed last May, finished my chemo around Thanksgiving and this January had my colostomy reversed. I'm still a lumpy mess from that and the neuropathy is a pain, but it nowhere compares to what I was like before diagnosis and treatment. Most importantly, if not for the efforts of a great surgeon and those at the oncology center I went to, I wouldn't be here. It's tough, and it takes its toll on you, but each treatment is one treatment closer to being done.
Lastly, thanks to you and people like you who stand by those like your mother and myself. We (cancer patients) do very much appreciate that support.

Thanks JImbo, I'll pray for your continued recovery.

[spence]

My grandmother was like that...in other words a BATTLE AXE.

Wish her the best.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[afterhours]

best wishes for your mom frank & mike...

[Raven]

Thoughts and Prayers sent.

[DMenace]

In our prayers. Watched my brother go through DFCI for a few years before cancer finally came calling one last time. I have nothing but positive feelings towards Dana Farber though, they were awesome through the whole thing. Also, watched my Mom pass away last July at 87, not cancer though. Either way, you and yours are in our thoughts.

[BigFish]

Thinking of you and Mike and of course your Mom........hope things are better soon Frank! Only met her that one time but what a sweet lady! I found out yesterday a lifelong friend of mine passed away over the weekend........46......cancer. It sucks big time.