Radiation Treatments

DaughterMom

It has been two months since my mothers dx with stage IV bc. Mets to liver, lung, abdomen

We finally had our appointment at the Cancer Center. We met with a Radiologist and he talked to us about palliative treatment.  Mom has a large mass which is putting pressure on her kidneys and bladder, and also causing a blockage.  I am noticing, or maybe, just understanding some symptoms of this blockage now.  She has blood in her urine, a consistant bladder infection for the past 2 months, pain in her kidneys, and just yesterday her feet started to swell.  With moms very enthusiastic consent, he will be admitting mom into the hospital (in the next city, no cancer centre in the city where mom lives) and will do minor surgury to insert a stent in the blockage, as well, she will undergo 10 treatments of radiation to try to shrink the tumor that is causing all the grief.  She initally was totally against any treatment, especially radiation or chemo.  But now, she is ok with radiation, if it means some comfort.  I think she is tired of the constant feeling of having to go to the washroom and of course the pain.  She still is not receptive to accepting any chemo., and I am respecting her decision. 

I really hope we are doing the right thing.  When I talk to family, they are just quiet.  I wish they would just spit it out and offer me some advice or support that the decision to do this proceedure is ok, or not. I am concerned that she will will not be strong enough to endure the radiation, and I may end up regretting it.  It was moms decision, but still, she kept looking at me during the appointment, asking me what she should do.  I put on a brave face for her, and told her that it was up to her, and I tried to help her understand the treatment and proceedure.  She did tell me yesterday that she was feeling so good about going to the hospital and getting things done.  She is already packing her bag, little by little, even though we do not have a date yet.  I am so full of anxiety and mixed emotions, it is just indescribable.  I just love my mom so much, and am not ready to say good-bye.

If you read this far Thanks for listening.  God bless.  

Deb-from-Ohio

AT least she's trying this honey......you don't say how old your Mom is, maybe if she tries this, she will be more open to chemo......My Dad passed away on 11/19/2007.......he was perfectly healthy in Sept, went in for a bypass on his leg, somehow got hepatitis, which lead to liver cancer, he refused to fight it.....nothing, no chemo, no nothing....in less then 3 months he was gone......I just really wish he would have fought it......but he missed my Mom who had passed away 10 yrs prior, said he was lonely and wanted to be with her......Your letter just touched my heart.......especially since my Dad donated his body to science, and I just picked his ashes up today......

I will keep your Mom and you in my prayers hon....I know it's hard on you, especially having to make the decisions for her.....I'm really pulling for the both of you......

Luv, hugs and prayers

Deb

Fitztwins

I hope things help and give your mom the courage to do more.

Janis

marshakb

I wanted you to know the radiation is ABSOLUTELY painless and very quick.  Each treatment takes only minutes to do and she won't feel anything at all.  Alot of times people are afraid of the actual procedure so I wanted to let you know this as someone who currently getting radiation for bone mets.  I'm praying for you and your mom.  Marsha

DaughterMom

You don't know what it means to read your posts, thank you very much.  I have great admiration for your strength and encouraging words.  We got the call this morning, and mom is now in the hospital.  I am so scared for her, and just pray that this treatment will give her some comfort.  Maybe she will get the courage to try more treatment.  I can only hope.

I am not used to this hospital, it is so big.  And the nurses, at least the one, seemed a little snobbish and condescending tonight, like I did not know what I was talking about.  The hospital in her home town is so different and the nurses are so kind and caring every time mom was there, and they KNOW us (unfortunately).  I guess I just have to give them a chance, it's only been one night. 

God Bless, 

DaughterMom

My mother was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon and is now recovering from her radiation treatments at home.  Her stay at the hospital was not a comfortable one.   She had nephrostomy tubes inserted into her kidneys, which brought great relief  to mom, her doctor said mom's kidneys were smiling the day after they were inserted.  Her swelling has gone down considerably, and her creatine levels are close to normal.  I personally did not like the hospital.  Mom is a trooper, and managed ok.  The nursing staff were young, and seemed annoyed at times.  But, the Radiation Technicans were wonderful, and I loved her doctors!   At first mom was in a private room, and her doctor told her that she may be moved to another room, since private rooms are usually reserved for patients recieving chemo.   She enjoyed the private room for most of her stay, except the last few days.  She was moved to a room with 4 other patients on the medical ward, and oh my gosh, what a drama going on all the time.  Mom barely slept, she needs absolute peace and quiet, I don't watch tv or play the radio at all here, love my computer!   Then the last day, I was an hour late picking her up, which I thought oh well, at least she can have lunch, and she can rest while waiting for me.  Well apparently, they needed a bed, so they moved mom and all her belongings to the Family room to wait for me!  I felt bad for one thing, but oh my gosh, my mother is so sick, and so tired and weak, I cannot believe they made her wait in a waiting room.  I am glad she at home.  I believe her doctor wanted to do more rads to her chest area, but mom said "not now".   Rads was tough, and she was, and is still exhausted.  She also lost alot more weight.  Her discharge papers said " Josephine wants to go home now!".  I don't blame her.

luvtotravel

Prayers for you and your mom

dreamwriter

Hey I see someone beating herself up for being a totally supportive daughter.  If I were Josephine, I would give you a hug and a kiss and say thank you.