My Husband, My Life, My Love, My Family, My Cancer

Mae. Would your MO or home health order a suction device for you? That's what saved me. They may want you to have a swallow test. If you aspirate into your lungs, that won't be good. I got choked on my saliva too. I know what it feels like. I know there are ways you can be helped through this while you heal at home. Even your PCP could order one for you. Praying for relief and sleep.💞

Mae, I agree with everyone above. Call someone for help with your breathing and aspirating from the problems swallowing. This needs to be done immediately. You need rest for this to subside and they need to take care of it sooner, not later. Hugs to you as well. I am sorry this has been so rough for you.

Mae- So sorry you are suffering. Why so much trouble with your throat? What are the docs saying? I hope you will get relief soon.

We too send our hugs! We hope your doctors can get you some relief!

One hour at a time my friend. I hope you’re getting your needed rest... I don’t want you in any discomfort !!!

Lol, yes those do apply! They got me in today for another evaluation. No improvement yet but discussed trying different head tilts to help swallowing and avoiding dairy for now, too much mucusy liquid getting stuck halfway and sitting. I’m told the pipes function ok but the actual nerves are not communicating the open/close pipes message well enough yet and unfortunately, that’s something I’ll just have to wait for. Ugh.

Anyway, I found a napping position that let me get a few hours without too much choking, so hoping for a better night ahead.

Mae I hope tonight is better for you and each subsequent night.

Micmel you dug that one up from Mae. You’re toooooo funny. Those would be helpful at a dental appt too.

Tanya

Thanks Boo and everyone. True, this is kind of a low point for me at the moment, but have no fear, I am set up for an epic bounce back!

That a girl, Mae. You will get through this. First things first. Breathe without choking.

I wonder if there's something they could give you to dry up some of the mucus/fluids. Are you already on steroids?

My PCP almost did a happy dance when I saw her for my annual physical. She's so excited about how good my labs look. My Hgb, Hct, etc are actually in normal range. I've been anemic for so long, because of the cancer and or TX, that she could hardly believe her eyes. Remember, a few months ago my Hgb went down to 5.5? Never thought I'd get back up to 12.

My IR explained it best. The blood vessels in my liver had been enlarged in order to feed the rapidly growing tumors. That's why I was "losing" blood. Now, that the tumors are smaller, the blood vessels are looking more normal, too. I'll take a normal Hgb any day, it sure helps me feel more energetic. 💞

Mae, was it like this with other procedures? I know you've been put out before and no doubt had tubes down your throat before. So, is this a normal and expected reaction for you? It seems almost irresponsilbe for a medical establishment to send you home to choke and gag on your own saliva. I am alarmed at how severe and long lasting this reaction seems to be. I hope to god it eases or someone figures something out and offers you a solution. I am sorry for your misery. 

Thanks runor, this was only the second time I’ve been under anesthesia. I recall some discomfort from the tubing after breast surgery but it only lasted a couple of days. This surgery was quite a bit different and although tubed again, this time I was on my right side with head adjusted for surgical position. I suspect the position and my own body weight was a factor but the prominent cause I’m told is the nerve damage, which isn’t something I can rush or exercise. The area removed ended up being mostly tumor and was tucked in deep in the cerebellum between my brain stem and a major artery.

It does totally suck but I’m glad to be home. They did have me swallow tested and monitored to make sure I was capable of dealing with the throat issue. Next is to make sure malnutrition is solved before becoming another wrench in the recovery.

I suspect the nerve issues are more common with brain surgery but I just had no idea that this extreme was a possibility.

Mae, I am so sorry. Alarmed to hear about malnutrition. Personally I carry my own insurance against malnutrition on my gut, thighs and butt. There is a whole lot of padding between me and accidental starvation. Damn. It pretty much takes an apocalypse for me to lose weight. But when I DO lose weight, it's because things are bad. Very, very bad. I hope this is not the case for you and you find your way back to your  rather eclectic and exotic eating habits. (munching lobster in Micmel's living room!)

Mae. That makes sense that the nerve damage happens more often with brain surgery. You passed your swallow test, that's good. Now, if there was a magic wand for healing those nerves. Maybe the nutritionist will have some advice for you. I sure hope so. 💞

Micmel, when I was out of money, I got some things from the Dollar Tree. They would have some nice things and I could save money for better gifts later. I don't have a sweetheart or kids so valentine's is not an issue. I do think that since it comes so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, there should be a limit of ONE holiday you go all out for. Better on the wallet I think.

I haven’t posted lately. Going thru crap right now and seriously tired of it.

Finished rads to my hips. Rads beam had to touch part of my bowels. Side effects I am dealing with this week is constant nausea and days of big D. Had to get fluids Wednesday and going back tomorrow for more. I am pretty dehydrated and TIRED of making trips to the restroom.

I read posts here everyday just worn out and not posting much.

May tomorrow be a better day for each of us