#70148 02-20-2008 01:26 PM | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Hi Everyone,
Well, you all know mum went on vacation to Cyprus. She got back today, and apparently hadn't been eating. She was looking very grey, and her stomach was swollen and hard. She was also in a lot of pain. She was taken to the ER by ambulance, and right now she is on the assesment ward at the local hospital - they're giving her fluids and they think there is a problem with her kidneys. I'm expecting to hear more later, and will update you then.
Sue
Update from Ray:
The news is not very good. Brenda has been kept in hospital, at least for tonight and tomorrow undergoing some scans. Apparently from blood tests her kidneys aren't working properly so she is on a drip to put some fluids into her and checking the output. The medical doctor I saw, having checked her history, doesn't think its an infection but cancer related, but is still treating for infection. The fact that she is mumbling and halucinating also makes him think thats its not an infection. So hopefully we will find out tomorrow whats going on. This all surfaced initally on Sunday and when i checked what drugs she had on Saturday I assumed it was too much morphine on so little food which started it. After staying in bed on Sunday and sleeping most of it away she seemed a lot better on Monday but still wasn't eating. Tuesday was similar and today she ate nothing and drank little and was mumbling and incoherent. Somehow she managed the journey back home, with the help of a wheelchair and from Adrians son. Still I assumed it was the morphine but when Lesley saw her she convinced her to go to hospital.
Last edited by Brenfransdaughter; 02-20-2008 01:37 PM.
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig. Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Daughter,, as you know your mom is one of my main hero's. I am so sorry to hear she is doing poorly right now. We have to get her to get that battle started again as it was before her trip. She is in my prayers as always and you are too. Take care keep us posted.
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
| | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 | Brenda is one of the heroes of this board, who always has something wise, funny and\or poignant to contribute to this community. She has picked my spirits up when I was in one of those valleys that we all find ourselves in from time to time. Our prayers are with her, and with you. Jeff SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007 T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007 39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07 Complete response to treatment so far!!
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | Please know that I will be keeping Brenda, her family and the doctors treating her in my prayers.
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 | Brenda is such a great source of inspiration for me. You are all in my prayers.
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008. Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer. | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Thanks guys. I just talked to the nurses in the hospital (thank god for TimeWarnerCable and their .07c a minute UK charges!). She is going into kidney failure, she's stable at the moment but she is very very sick. I am going to call back again in a few hours to set up an appointment to talk to her oncologist via telephone. It's not that I don't trust Ray and my twin, but I have more experience with cancer than they do. I think this is "it"..........the beginning of the end.....from what has been described to me she's the same as my father in law was last year when he started deteriorating. I just talked to DonnaRose an hour ago, and I will make her my main contact for this board. I'll come on and update as I can.
Thank you for all your support. You guys have been sooooooooo wonderful to my mum and I can't thank you enough. I'll update you tomorrow.
Sue x
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig. Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Hi Sue, Thank you for calling me today to let me know. I am feeling so heavyhearted for all of you, especially your mum, my friend. You are all on the prayer tree here, I hope that you are feeling all of them. Please, feel free to call me at any hour--I'm always up. I wish I had something inspirational to write to make you feel better....just know that I love your mum, and will do whatever I can to help you. Love, 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.
| | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Sue, I just read what you wrote--I'm here. Love, 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.
| | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Donna, hope that's ok. Thank you x
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig. Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Hi sue
I guessed when she hadn't posted that all was not well and i just got her phone number out to send her a text.I know she told me a while ago she had a tumour on her adrenal gland and has been suffering pain in her kidney area for some time now.
I have walked evry step of brens journey from the very first day she contacted me nearly a year ago,at first i was helping her and then she helped me.Our long conversation in december before i went away was wonderful and she sounded so good.I am unable to tell you how i feel at reading this news i had said to her the day before she went was she sure she was up to it,but you know your mum.
I pray if this is her time she is at peace and painfree and sue, god bless you.
love liz
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007 Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Sue, Thanks for the picture! It means so much to all of us.
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.
| | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 |
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig. Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 | Hi Sue-
Thinking of you and your mom during this difficult time. Praying for some relief for her. Miss Kate
Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 / Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor
Finished all treatments May 25 2007 Surviving!!!
| | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 | Sue All my thoughts love and prayers to you all. Sunshine.. love and hugs Helen
SCC Base of tongue, (TISN0M0) laser surgery, 10/01 and 05/03 no clear margins. Radial free flap graft to tonsil pillar, partial glossectomy, left neck dissection 08/04
| | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Sue, Your mother, you, and the rest of her loved ones are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother has been such an incredible support and help and model for so many here.
Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Tell her we all know how strong she is; that we're proud of her and we want her to continue to battle this disease. Tell her to post when she's up to it and that we want to hear about Cyprus and her wig experiences.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Sue, Been up thinking of you all night. I hope you are holding up ok. Wish I was there to give you support, happy you were with your friends. Love, 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.
| | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Hi all,
I just got off the phone with my twin. Mums CAT scan showed a massive tumour in her stomach, and another new one in her lung. If she recovers from the renal failure, they're saying no more treatment and she'll be going into a hospice. If she doesn't show any signs of improvement in the next 24 hours, then it's only a matter of days. Thank you for all your kind words and support, it means a lot to me right now.
She's very confused, doesn't know where she is, doesn't know who Jon and Lisa are. The hospital won't let me talk to her. The last time I talked to her was right before she went on holiday.
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig. Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Sue, I think you are right, sleep is needed. A little sleep will help you, might make you feel a bit stronger and maybe help you stop shaking as much. We're all here for you. Love and Prayers.
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.
| | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 199 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 199 | So sorry to hear about Brenda - thinking of you all, Sue, during this difficult time and praying things are easy on you all. Her love and support of everyone here has been tremendous... even in her most difficult times.
Ginny M. SCC of Left lateral tongue Dx 04/06,Surgery MDACC 05/11/06: Partial glossectomy with selective neck dissection. T1N0M0 - no radiation. Phase III clinical trial ("EPOC" trial)04/07 thru 04/08 because tests showed a 65% chance of recurrence. 10 Year Survivor!
| | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 | Damn this awful disease!
Much strength to Sue and the rest of Bren's family...we are all thinking of you.
Deb
Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997. DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0 TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5. TREATMENT END: 10/1/07 PEG OUT: 1/08 PORT OUT: 4/09 FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!
Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill
| | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Sue, I am so sad to read your update on your Mom. I was hoping she would have a marvelous relaxing time in Cyprus and come home and start her treatment. We are all pulling for her. I echo Liz's prayer.
Take care, Eileen
---------------------- Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | Platinum Member (300+ posts) Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | Sue, I cry as I write this, because she talked to me and tried to help me during a stressful time. She was always so humorous and made us all laugh. Please tell her we want her to fight and talk with us again-that we all love her and miss her on this journey.She must try. Much love Debbie
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO. Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw. Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo. | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | She's still very incoherent, doesn't recognize anybody or know where she is. They're moving her to a private room so she'll be more comfortable (she's probably scaring the other patients!). They suspect a possible tumor on her brain - we're awaiting the results of that. My brother says thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
More later after I've talked to the hospital when I get home from work tonight.
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig. Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | So sorry Sue. I hope they can make her comfortable. As always, I'm here.
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.
| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | My thoughts are with you all, and I am praying for strength for all of us - your mom, your family and for all of us here on the board who have truly valued every contriubtion your mom has made to our lives. Positive karma and peace for all.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Such a vibrant and intelligent lady. She left for her trip excited and now this. Life sure as hell isn't fair. I have no idea what to say except your family is in my prayers and especially your mom. She was always giving me advice even in PM land.
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
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | I only have tears and am sorry that I can find no proper words to express my emotions concerning this turn of events. Just let Bren know that she is my very special HERO...Damn this disease and what it does to us, not only the victims but also the ones who love them.....Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Love, Lois & Buzz
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement; T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A 28 IMRT + 6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin Getting stronger every day!
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 | What a tragic thread. My thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and her family. Margaret ---------- C/G: Husband, 48 (at time of dx) Dx 5/18/07 SCC, BOT, lymph node involvement. T1N2BM0. (Stage 4a, G2/3) Tx 6/18 - 8/3/07, IMRT x 33 Cisplatin x3 (stopped after 1st dose due to hearing issues). Weekly Erbitux started 6/27/07 completed 8/6/07.
| | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | I have no words to add to all that has beeen written here. Bren is a remarkable woman. I add my prayers for an easy time for her in these coming days and for strength to all of her family.
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013. Support OCF
| | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 735 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 735 | Sue
I dont think I have the words to express my deereset sympathy to you ..or my admiritaion of your mother..If only tear could convey what words couldnt ... Your mom has been a GREAT source of support to me ( and many many others ) Not only in the area of cancer ..but in my Life..she has been there to listen and Hold my hand and scold me as well ..YOU are a LUCKY woman to have such an amazing MUM and I am only a better person for having know her.
I cant fathom what you are your family are going through right now , but please know you are all in my thoughts and I only hope that she is not in any pain at this time , I know she never was one to speak up about it ... Love you all of you !
Shar
Sharlee 35 year old Female Non smoker, very occasional alcohol ..Scc T1N0M0,partial glossectomy and left neck disection ,2/9/07 No rad deemed ness. 4/16 tonsillectomy ..Trimengenial Neuralga due to surgery
| | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 666 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: May 2007 Posts: 666 | Sue my thoughts are with you.
M
Partial glossectomy (25%) anterior tongue. 4/6/07/. IMRT start @5/24/07 (3x) Erbitux start/end@ 5/24/07. IMRT wider field (30x) start 6/5/07. Weekly cisplatin (2x30mg/m2), then weekly carbo- (5x180mg/m2). End of Tx 19 July 07.
| | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 179 | I'm sorry I didn't see this until today. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mum right now. Please keep us posted. Hang in there and know we are all here for you.
Dad: Age 65 Heavy smoker/drinker. Biopsy-No surgery. Cancer base of tongue/throat. "Invasive Squamous Carcinoma RRT" --Beginning 1/9/08: IMRT treatments (5X/wk),chemo pills (4/day) and Chemo IV (once/wk) PEG tube inserted 1/25/08. Treatments ended 2/26/08
JUNE 30, 2008 Officially CANCER FREE!!! | | | | Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 46 "OCF Down Under" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | "OCF Down Under" Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 46 | Oh NO! My goodness, me too. I am in tears. Brenda (and Jim) pulled me out of the doldrums more than once. My prayers are with Her family and all the close friends she saved, helped and well...was just there for with a kind word or a laugh. I simply dont know what to say as I am so new to this. Please feel my earnest heartfelt blessings and use my tears to water the flowers and brightness that IS Brenda! She lives on here, So much Love...all I can give! Lyn Challands (and Kim..my Husband) from Mount Evelyn, Melbourne, 3796. Australia
Tongue Cancer SCC Removal of 2/3 of right side tongue, neck disection-34 lymph nodes removed. flap for new tongue made from left wrist in 2007. Now (mid 2011) speech has been back to normal since early 2009, and Im back working as a singer. So far so good! 2016... Still cancer free! Yay.
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