| | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Here in the US it is not normal to treat something before its a problem (chemo to prevent mets to the lungs). Thats why we all have had such a hard time understanding why she was given chemo.
From what I went thru I was told, when the cancer invades the jawbone then it would automatically be a Stage IV diagnosis even if caught early. Mine was very early but it was also very fast moving and grew significantly between when I was diagnosed and 2 months later when I had the mandibulectomy.
Since your sister in law is going over to be with her, maybe you can try to get her involved with the forum or print things out to show her. I know its a difficult situation and it can so easily be taken wrong so you have to tip toe around. By talking about it clinically and not mentioning Joyce's name, avoid saying words like "I", "ME", and "YOU" it can be discussed in a different way so its not like picking sides, giving unwanted advice or scolding anyone.
There are alot of people who put their heads in the sand and put all their trust in their doctors. They dont want to know things and by not knowing it cant hurt them..... or so they think. Knowledge is power and helps to ensure Joyce gets the very best treatment where her best interests are always top priority. Boy is this difficult being around the world!
Wishing you and your family all the very best and happy holidays. Good health to all (especially Joyce) in 2013!
((HUGS))
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 143 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 143 | Hello Christine and everybody,
My husband told me that the reason for the conservative treatment is due to the fact that my mother-in-law is weak. She is 5'4 and 88 pounds (lost 30 pounds since her glossectomy in 2010 and never gained weight back), she has an enlarged heart and stage 4 kidney (meaning if the health of her kidneys deteriorate she would ne dialysis). So basically there is nothing much they can do.
Her chemo is only 1 session once a month. She is usually very weak for the first 3 weeks. Originally they planned to give her chemo every 21 days but they had to delay it since she is weak.
I am not sure what they are trying to achieve with her current treatment but that is the most they could give her with her current medical condition.
I hope to hear your opinion about this. Thanks to all.
Please let me end with a quote:
"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."
Agnes M. Pharo
Joyce March 1940 to January 2014
A wife, a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She fought oral cancer from late 2009 to Early 2014.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 143 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 143 | Last night around midnight, we called Joyce to ask her how she is. Her last chemo was in Dec 13. Dec 27, she met with her oncologist and she is scheduled her next chemo Jan 9, 2013. Her blood count is low and she is weak. According to my sister-in-law, she is very fragile and weak to undergo radiation as of the moment. However, everything will be reevaluated after her final treatment Jan 9. My oldest sister-in-law is going to be with her for 6 weeks. Please include her in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks
Joyce March 1940 to January 2014
A wife, a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She fought oral cancer from late 2009 to Early 2014.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | You have my prayers and thoughts coming your way. Hugs and healing vibes...
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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