We're headed to the doctor soon to follow-up on how they think the radiation did for mom. I get scary images of a bad artist standing back with his thumb up, one eye closed, and sizing up the subject with the easel. How else are they going to know what the cancer is doing or did? If they go by pain, she still has it. Frankly, I think the reason she has it is because her body doesn't bounce back like most and it's still inflamed from all the invasive crap they have been doing to her. So today, we'll jump through hoops, hear a lot of hoopla and just go with the flow.
On another note, I was able to make an acupuncturist appt for her on Tuesday evening. She says she isn't going back if she can feel the needles. Now, I've had it done a number of times, and had no issues. But she'll imagine the paint off a truck if she thinks she can feel the needles. Keep your fingers crossed! I think this is her best chance of getting rid of most of the pain, aside from the Lollipops! (but that's another post!)
WE're still making progress on the finances! Way to go people! We'll get there!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
To Scan or not to Scan... that is the question
It's becoming increasingly insame when reading the web, listening to doctors or doing any kind of research on cancer. Some say, get radiation, others say, don't it will just make things worse... mom didn't do chemo or radiation when she got breast cancer. We decided to go the natuopathic way... and for the most part, it seemed to be the right thing to do. It certainly was less stressful than the other way. Which, for mom, was a good thing. Her body and mind could take no more stress!
Now, it's bone cancer, and we opted for radiation of the evil masses. But the questions of to do, or not to do rears its ugly head once again. After going through radiation for her bones the question is, should you do another PET scan to see how much the cancer worked, or should you have blind faith. Since, it doesn't matter, if they didni't get it all, there is nothing they can do anyway. And some say that the PET scan could cause more cancer (who knows if ti's the same kind or not) to show up. Does one blindly just believe that 'They got it all' or do they opt for the 'the tumors shrunk X%'?? It is times like this that the blindly faithful have a leg up! Just trust and move forward... because, being skeptical and ruining the rest of the days doesn't seem to be a great place whether you have one day or 60 years!
Friday mom goes back to the Radiation Doctor and these questions will come up. Should she have the pet scan or should she just go with the flow. And if she gets the scan, what will it tell her? The tumors have shrunk? They haven't shrunk? They've grown? Do they tell you the truth? It's like exploring new software without a users manual... you have no clue what it does or doesn't do, but the surprises when it crashes aren't that fun!
Stay tuned to see how the appointment comes out. I can tell you that mom has agreed to see an accupuncturist to see if we can get rid of the pain. She's freaked out about the needles, but as some of you may know.. those tiny little needles are nothing compaired to the pain she is going through.
Now, it's bone cancer, and we opted for radiation of the evil masses. But the questions of to do, or not to do rears its ugly head once again. After going through radiation for her bones the question is, should you do another PET scan to see how much the cancer worked, or should you have blind faith. Since, it doesn't matter, if they didni't get it all, there is nothing they can do anyway. And some say that the PET scan could cause more cancer (who knows if ti's the same kind or not) to show up. Does one blindly just believe that 'They got it all' or do they opt for the 'the tumors shrunk X%'?? It is times like this that the blindly faithful have a leg up! Just trust and move forward... because, being skeptical and ruining the rest of the days doesn't seem to be a great place whether you have one day or 60 years!
Friday mom goes back to the Radiation Doctor and these questions will come up. Should she have the pet scan or should she just go with the flow. And if she gets the scan, what will it tell her? The tumors have shrunk? They haven't shrunk? They've grown? Do they tell you the truth? It's like exploring new software without a users manual... you have no clue what it does or doesn't do, but the surprises when it crashes aren't that fun!
Stay tuned to see how the appointment comes out. I can tell you that mom has agreed to see an accupuncturist to see if we can get rid of the pain. She's freaked out about the needles, but as some of you may know.. those tiny little needles are nothing compaired to the pain she is going through.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Exhaustion or Illness?
When a cancer survivor is recovering, fighting, or getting through cancer how do they know if it's the cancer or another illness? You read everywhere that if you're feeling this or experiencing that, you should call you doctor. When calling your doctor you get a "customer service" person (not much sarcasm there!) and then maybe a nurse. If your lucky (again more sarcasm) enough to get your doctor after they call back in a day or two... Only to tell you "oh that's to be expected" Why bother? How much of the persons energy is wasted on a false sense of service?
Why are we giving health care coverage to more people who will just be unserviced and disolugioned by the medical industry? Is anyone having a great medical experience?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
Why are we giving health care coverage to more people who will just be unserviced and disolugioned by the medical industry? Is anyone having a great medical experience?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
Sunday, February 14, 2010
What is Zometa?
ZOMETA is a proven treatment for people with bone metastases. It can help protect the bones and delay bone complications caused by the spread of cancer.
Bone metastases
Sometimes referred to as “Bone mets“. Areas of tumor in bone that result from the spread of cancer from another site in the body.
Bisphosphonate
A class of medicines that inhibit bone removal (resorption) by osteoclasts, a type of bone cell that breaks down bone.
Anemia
A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Pyrexia
Fever.
edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
Anorexia
An abnormal loss of the appetite for food.
Myalgia
Pain in a muscle or group of muscles.
Arthralgia
Joint pain.
neoplasm
Tumor; any new and abnormal growth, specifically one in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive. Neoplasms may be benign or malignant.
Insomnia
Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep.
Paresthesia
An abnormal touch sensation, such as burning or prickling, that occurs without an outside stimulus.
Dyspnea
Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.
edemaSwelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
ZOMETA is an FDA-approved prescription drug developed by Novartis Oncology. It is used to treat patients with multiple myeloma. ZOMETA is also used to treat patients with other cancers—including breast, lung, and prostate cancer (following at least one course of failed hormonal therapy)—that have spread to the bones, a process called bone metastasis. When cancer has spread to the bone, treatment with ZOMETA helps to protect bones and may reduce or delay such complications as:
Bone fracture
Need for radiation and/or surgery to bone
Spinal cord compression
Even patients who have already experienced bone complications from the spread of cancer to the bones may be helped by treatment with ZOMETA.
ZOMETA is used with cancer treatments such as radiation, hormonal therapy, or chemotherapy.
To help manage your treatment, see additional ZOMETA Patient Resources.
If therapy with ZOMETA is recommended for you, here are some things you should know.
ZOMETA is given as an intravenous infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. You may receive it at your doctor's office or at a clinic or infusion center. The infusion takes at least 15 minutes once ZOMETA is prepared.
Concerns that you may have about receiving intravenous ZOMETA should be weighed against the potential benefits of treatment, as the complications of bone metastases can be devastating. Speak with your doctor.
In some cases, ZOMETA and other bisphosphonates have been known to cause kidney damage. Prior to each infusion, your doctor will routinely do blood tests to monitor your kidney function. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may determine that ZOMETA should be administered at a reduced dose or should not be given. Patients with severe kidney problems should not take ZOMETA.
It is also important to keep up your fluid intake while on ZOMETA therapy. Signs and symptoms of low fluid intake include thirst, sagging skin, low urine output, and dry mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids.
ZOMETA contains the same active ingredient as found in Reclast® (zoledronic acid). If you are treated with ZOMETA, you should not be treated with Reclast.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking ZOMETA.
It's important to have your blood tested (serum creatinine) during the course of ZOMETA therapy.
ZOMETA should not be given if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
You should have a dental examination prior to treatment with ZOMETA and you should avoid invasive dental procedures during treatment.
Good dental hygiene and routine dental care is important while you're on ZOMETA treatment.
If you have multiple myeloma and bone metastasis of solid tumors you should take an oral calcium supplement of 500 mg and a multiple vitamin containing 400 IU of Vitamin D daily.
The most common side effects associated with ZOMETA include: anemia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, pyrexia, weakness, lower limb edema, anorexia, decreased weight, bone pain, myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, malignant neoplasm aggravated, headache, dizziness, insomnia, paresthesia, dyspnea, cough, and abdominal pain.
Consult your doctor about your individual treatment plan if you experience any of these side effects. Your doctor should closely watch your response to ZOMETA.
ZOMETA should be used with caution in patients with aspirin–sensitive asthma. ZOMETA should not be given to women who are pregnant, because there is the potential that it might harm the unborn child. Women given ZOMETA should not become pregnant during therapy.
Bone metastases
Sometimes referred to as “Bone mets“. Areas of tumor in bone that result from the spread of cancer from another site in the body.
Bisphosphonate
A class of medicines that inhibit bone removal (resorption) by osteoclasts, a type of bone cell that breaks down bone.
Anemia
A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Pyrexia
Fever.
edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
Anorexia
An abnormal loss of the appetite for food.
Myalgia
Pain in a muscle or group of muscles.
Arthralgia
Joint pain.
neoplasm
Tumor; any new and abnormal growth, specifically one in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive. Neoplasms may be benign or malignant.
Insomnia
Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep.
Paresthesia
An abnormal touch sensation, such as burning or prickling, that occurs without an outside stimulus.
Dyspnea
Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.
edemaSwelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
ZOMETA is an FDA-approved prescription drug developed by Novartis Oncology. It is used to treat patients with multiple myeloma. ZOMETA is also used to treat patients with other cancers—including breast, lung, and prostate cancer (following at least one course of failed hormonal therapy)—that have spread to the bones, a process called bone metastasis. When cancer has spread to the bone, treatment with ZOMETA helps to protect bones and may reduce or delay such complications as:
Bone fracture
Need for radiation and/or surgery to bone
Spinal cord compression
Even patients who have already experienced bone complications from the spread of cancer to the bones may be helped by treatment with ZOMETA.
ZOMETA is used with cancer treatments such as radiation, hormonal therapy, or chemotherapy.
To help manage your treatment, see additional ZOMETA Patient Resources.
If therapy with ZOMETA is recommended for you, here are some things you should know.
ZOMETA is given as an intravenous infusion every 3 to 4 weeks. You may receive it at your doctor's office or at a clinic or infusion center. The infusion takes at least 15 minutes once ZOMETA is prepared.
Concerns that you may have about receiving intravenous ZOMETA should be weighed against the potential benefits of treatment, as the complications of bone metastases can be devastating. Speak with your doctor.
In some cases, ZOMETA and other bisphosphonates have been known to cause kidney damage. Prior to each infusion, your doctor will routinely do blood tests to monitor your kidney function. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may determine that ZOMETA should be administered at a reduced dose or should not be given. Patients with severe kidney problems should not take ZOMETA.
It is also important to keep up your fluid intake while on ZOMETA therapy. Signs and symptoms of low fluid intake include thirst, sagging skin, low urine output, and dry mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids.
ZOMETA contains the same active ingredient as found in Reclast® (zoledronic acid). If you are treated with ZOMETA, you should not be treated with Reclast.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking ZOMETA.
It's important to have your blood tested (serum creatinine) during the course of ZOMETA therapy.
ZOMETA should not be given if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
You should have a dental examination prior to treatment with ZOMETA and you should avoid invasive dental procedures during treatment.
Good dental hygiene and routine dental care is important while you're on ZOMETA treatment.
If you have multiple myeloma and bone metastasis of solid tumors you should take an oral calcium supplement of 500 mg and a multiple vitamin containing 400 IU of Vitamin D daily.
The most common side effects associated with ZOMETA include: anemia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, pyrexia, weakness, lower limb edema, anorexia, decreased weight, bone pain, myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, malignant neoplasm aggravated, headache, dizziness, insomnia, paresthesia, dyspnea, cough, and abdominal pain.
Consult your doctor about your individual treatment plan if you experience any of these side effects. Your doctor should closely watch your response to ZOMETA.
ZOMETA should be used with caution in patients with aspirin–sensitive asthma. ZOMETA should not be given to women who are pregnant, because there is the potential that it might harm the unborn child. Women given ZOMETA should not become pregnant during therapy.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Doc or Duck?
Well, I must say that I've been going through each day with hopes that today would be the day that mom would stop hurting and would realize that the radiation has helped her to fight off the cancer in some measurable way. But it's hard. First off, her pain continues in her hip. I expect this since, we were told that the radiation would keep working for 2-3 weeks beyond the last treatment. Since we're still not even a week out, I understand that the area of treatment is irretated and inflamed and can cause pain.
The second difficult issue is that one of her doctors, (DUCK as in QUACK!) did a 180 flip on us. All of the things he told her she should be doing, and all the good that the treatement would do for her... he basically said - well, no sense in getting another PET scan to see how well the treatment worked since you can't get any more radiation in the same spot...ignorance is bliss right? And then tells her that she can either continue with the ZOMETA shot to strengthen the bones or not, her choice... Sort of a sing song - what ever makes you happy... la dee da... WHAT THE HECK IS THAT ABOUT? Now, keep in mind, he has no idea what all the radiation has done for her... he knows nothing about how the treatment is progressing... he just woke up one morning and decided to tell all of his patients to roll over and play dead. How does one encourage and support a person going through cancer treatment when they have a whacked out duck like this at this stage in the game? When we need the support the most the duck just quacked on us! How does one pass this information on to the next unsuspecting person who is depending on this Professional to guide, encourage and lead them out of darkness?
Her folks, is where I tell you that there is not enough natural selection in our world! I know it's hard to be optimistic and upbeat when you don't feel good... but when you're employed, making good money and basically doing what you love to do... step up and take responsibility for delivering the goods to those who are paying you. And trust me, we are paying these doctors a great deal of money to treat us with better kindness and support than many of them are delivering!
The second difficult issue is that one of her doctors, (DUCK as in QUACK!) did a 180 flip on us. All of the things he told her she should be doing, and all the good that the treatement would do for her... he basically said - well, no sense in getting another PET scan to see how well the treatment worked since you can't get any more radiation in the same spot...ignorance is bliss right? And then tells her that she can either continue with the ZOMETA shot to strengthen the bones or not, her choice... Sort of a sing song - what ever makes you happy... la dee da... WHAT THE HECK IS THAT ABOUT? Now, keep in mind, he has no idea what all the radiation has done for her... he knows nothing about how the treatment is progressing... he just woke up one morning and decided to tell all of his patients to roll over and play dead. How does one encourage and support a person going through cancer treatment when they have a whacked out duck like this at this stage in the game? When we need the support the most the duck just quacked on us! How does one pass this information on to the next unsuspecting person who is depending on this Professional to guide, encourage and lead them out of darkness?
Her folks, is where I tell you that there is not enough natural selection in our world! I know it's hard to be optimistic and upbeat when you don't feel good... but when you're employed, making good money and basically doing what you love to do... step up and take responsibility for delivering the goods to those who are paying you. And trust me, we are paying these doctors a great deal of money to treat us with better kindness and support than many of them are delivering!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Days after Radiation
It's only been two days since the last treatment of radiation and mom's skin is healing from the blistering that occurred. They tell her not to get hot baths for several more weeks but how does one cope with the aches and pains that the joints and bones are going through? None of the pain meds they have prescribed have even come closer to working. At best they have distracted her with additional rashes, difficulty breathing and itchyness that will drive you nuts. So, no pain meds.
There is the option of medical marijuana! However, that isn't cheap either!! How do people who use medicinal marijuana afford it? You have to have a fulltime job to afford it, but most are too sick to be able to work and afford the basic neccessities. What a catch 22!
The good news is, mom is getting a little more rest. She still isn't sleeping all the way through the night. Melatonin only does so much for a person! Hopefully with the coming days she will get more rest and start to feel better. Will keep you posted!
There is the option of medical marijuana! However, that isn't cheap either!! How do people who use medicinal marijuana afford it? You have to have a fulltime job to afford it, but most are too sick to be able to work and afford the basic neccessities. What a catch 22!
The good news is, mom is getting a little more rest. She still isn't sleeping all the way through the night. Melatonin only does so much for a person! Hopefully with the coming days she will get more rest and start to feel better. Will keep you posted!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Day 15.5
Well mom made it through all of her treatments! Now she needs rest while it continues to work for another two to three weeks. She will still have infusions of a drug called zometa once a month for five more months.
I am also going to look for an accupuncturist just in case as mom said she was willing to try it once. I think it would help with pain and cancer!
Please keep checking back as I am going to continue to blog our progress on the home, moms condition and getting her moved closer to us.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
I am also going to look for an accupuncturist just in case as mom said she was willing to try it once. I think it would help with pain and cancer!
Please keep checking back as I am going to continue to blog our progress on the home, moms condition and getting her moved closer to us.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
Day 15
The final day of radiation treatment for mom. I am so excited for her simply because she is so tired. Prayers, positive thoughts and good will is all we have at this point. Even if a miracle treatment came along I am nit sure mom would trust doctors enough to try it. I would like her to try accupuncture but we will give her time to heal and rest for now.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Day 14
National Cancer Day
How ironical! The snow is flying and today is the next to the last day of treatments. Mom gets a free 30 minute massage today. It's a nice feature of the hospital. Since her pain has been bad she doesn't sleep well, making her neck stiff and painfull. She needs better sleep but no one seems to know how to help her with this right now. The usual melatonin and warm milk just ain't cutting it! I am hoping that after tomorrow she can sleep in more and get better rest.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
How ironical! The snow is flying and today is the next to the last day of treatments. Mom gets a free 30 minute massage today. It's a nice feature of the hospital. Since her pain has been bad she doesn't sleep well, making her neck stiff and painfull. She needs better sleep but no one seems to know how to help her with this right now. The usual melatonin and warm milk just ain't cutting it! I am hoping that after tomorrow she can sleep in more and get better rest.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 13
They say mom is in the "think" of treatment... that is an understatement! Everything aches, tireness is beyond exhaustion and the roller coaster ride of not being hungry and craving something is a ride I never want to be on! Thank God there are only two days left of the radiation.
So what happens when you have to have treatment like this? Mom arrives each morning, goes to a set area and gets on a gown. then heads to a microwave looking machine where they warm blankets. Ah, now that is a machine that could make it big in society! Then she waits for her turn... her fifteen minutes of torture. When they come from her, they ask her birthdate, full name and she hops on the scale. Mom's weight has been fluctuating about 2-3 lbs a day. Then it's on to the table.. a table that lifts, shifts and moves the person into the exact location that is needed to get their radiation treatment. In mom's case, she is getting zapped from the left side and the right side, so as not to hit her lungs. The treatment is in the rib area as well as the pelvic area. For the time the radiation is being emmitted the person can't move even a hair. For mom that is a difficult task! Since mom is on oxygen, laying flat on her back and not moving is horrible!
The staff adjust and shift and position mom into place. Then they leave the room, zap... return and adjust and push and prod.. leave the room and zap... and within fifteen minutes she's done for another treatment.
I hope that none of you ever have to go through this type of treatment!
So what happens when you have to have treatment like this? Mom arrives each morning, goes to a set area and gets on a gown. then heads to a microwave looking machine where they warm blankets. Ah, now that is a machine that could make it big in society! Then she waits for her turn... her fifteen minutes of torture. When they come from her, they ask her birthdate, full name and she hops on the scale. Mom's weight has been fluctuating about 2-3 lbs a day. Then it's on to the table.. a table that lifts, shifts and moves the person into the exact location that is needed to get their radiation treatment. In mom's case, she is getting zapped from the left side and the right side, so as not to hit her lungs. The treatment is in the rib area as well as the pelvic area. For the time the radiation is being emmitted the person can't move even a hair. For mom that is a difficult task! Since mom is on oxygen, laying flat on her back and not moving is horrible!
The staff adjust and shift and position mom into place. Then they leave the room, zap... return and adjust and push and prod.. leave the room and zap... and within fifteen minutes she's done for another treatment.
I hope that none of you ever have to go through this type of treatment!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 12
With only three days left of radiation treatments I would like to say that each day gets easier. It doesn't. For those people who have more than 15 days or go through this more than once, my hat goes off to them! Each day the will power to have hope that the treatment is working without any proof is exhausting. You just don't know if the radiation they are pumping into the body is helping or hurting. Mom is being a real trooper. Even thought the pain in her hip is still there and today she woke up sick and not feeling great, she keeps plugging away each day. With only three days left, staying positive and having hope are all we have at this point. We won't know if the radiation shrunk the tumors for another 4 to 6 weeks when they redo the petscan. And even then, will the doctors share the truth? This whole business about medicine and "practicing" is a bit of a joke in the waiting rooms but sadly, are far too accurate. I believe that the treatments are helping, but have no proof. Just my gut instincts telling me that they are making a difference.
Keep your fingers crossed, as well as prayers and good wishes coming mom's way. We can use all we can get. Tomorrow is another day and we have that at least!
Keep your fingers crossed, as well as prayers and good wishes coming mom's way. We can use all we can get. Tomorrow is another day and we have that at least!
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Save 20% off your total order, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges and applicable sales tax. Excludes Gift Certificates, Flip Minos, SIGG bottles, CafePress Groups purchases and bulk orders. Coupon code LOVE20 must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on February 2, 2010, at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on February 4, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). All orders must be from the CafePress Marketplace. Offer cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 11
If ever there was light at the end of a tunnel, it would be shining now! Today started out with pain, cold weather and FOG! But by the time we got out of the radiation center the sun was out with a balmy 44 degrees, prairie dogs were yipping for joy and mom only has four more days of getting zapped.
Mom has lost a few pounds. But that is to be expected. She is tired, in pain from her hip and the radiation drains you of any desire to eat. Lucky for her I have to eat ever couple of hours and her little ones are always ready for a bit or two. So there is always an opportunity to nibble on something.
I wanted to thank those of you following along, supporting us through donations and encouragement. Please take the time to visit out sponsors as they are being supportive of us too. With only four days left of treatment this process becomes a waiting game. Please feel free to comment on posts or send a message.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
Mom has lost a few pounds. But that is to be expected. She is tired, in pain from her hip and the radiation drains you of any desire to eat. Lucky for her I have to eat ever couple of hours and her little ones are always ready for a bit or two. So there is always an opportunity to nibble on something.
I wanted to thank those of you following along, supporting us through donations and encouragement. Please take the time to visit out sponsors as they are being supportive of us too. With only four days left of treatment this process becomes a waiting game. Please feel free to comment on posts or send a message.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod
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