#12665 10-24-2007 01:37 PM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 446 "OCF Canuck" Platinum Member (300+ posts) | OP  "OCF Canuck" Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 446 | We laid my Father to rest, and now we're dealing with the next battle with the Beast. My Father in Law had a kidney removed a month ago, a second surgery a week later for complications, and now the first visit to the cancer center.
We were expecting to hear a straight-forward treatment plan, based on what we knew post surgery. That wasn't to be, apparently.
The cancer he has is very agressive, with lymph node involvement throughout his abdominal cavity and chest. Optimistically, with agressive palative chemo, he has perhaps a year. Without, less than 5 months.
I hate statistics....I also hate unreal expectations. It's tough having to deal with this new reality, especially for my wife. The search for the magic bullet begins again...with different players.
The challenge now is to help my Father in Law make the right decisions regarding treatment. He's alone, and really doesn't understand the magnitude of the situation.
Trying to be there for my family...I wonder how much more of this we can handle
Wayne
SCC left mandible TIVN0M0 40% of jaw removed, rebuilt using fibula, titanium and tissue from forearm.June 06. 30 IMRT Aug.-Oct. 06
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#12666 10-25-2007 07:45 AM | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Hi Wayne,
Just wanted you to know that I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. It is so overwhelming, and with no time to recover from what you've been through. I'm sorry.
Donna
Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
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#12667 10-25-2007 01:20 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Hi Wayne,, I went thru this with my mother a few years ago and thru it with my best friend a year ago. It's tough and like everything it all takes time. My best buddy just wanted to see Christmas with his 1st grandson. He passed New Years morning this past Jan 1st. You have my prayers for sure.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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#12668 10-25-2007 04:32 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 | Wayne, this is not a "comfort" post- but a realistic one. I have been told by several Docs that if we live long enough, 80% of us will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. And the medical profession is dedicated to keeping all of us alive longer. So cancer seems to be in the long term picture at this point for many of us. That doesn't help in the present, but it does let us all know that "cancer in every form" must be a major battle in the medical community and in the public awareness. It doesn't matter what political persuasion we are, the fight against this disease takes precedence over "bridges to no where", pork barrel funding, etc. WE need to get serious with our elected oficials about health issues. I know you are in a very stressful situation and I wish you strenght. Amy in the Ozarks
CGtoJohn:SCC Flr of Mouth.Dx 3\05. Surg.4\05.T3NOMO.IMRTx30. Recur Dx 1\06.Surg 2\06. Chemo: 4 Cycles of Carbo\Taxol:on Erbitux for 7 mo. Lost our battle 2-23-07- But not the will to fight this disease
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