Wow - can't tell you how great it feels to wake up in hell and not feel isolated, thank you for the responses! Would have responded last night but had a daughter fall on the ice (ahh the joys of living in the great north east!) which sent us to the pediatrician. After a quick exam doc says she doesn't think anything is broken..but it if makes her feel better will send for xrays. Had to hire a neighbor to take her to orthopaedic appointment today for the broken wrist, (mom has surgery) who says docs aren't ever wrong? lol
Saw Moms Oncologist yesterday for the pre-treatment visit (chemo starts on monday 1/11). The dr again mentioned a feeding tube (moms current weight is 85) we explained that on monday had seen a gastroentologist (sp?) and it had been determined that since the airway was obstructed it wasn't an option. So she called over to see about a tube straight into the stomach. Not sure what the response on the phone was but after an "Oh, ok then how about a double port" (1 for feedings 1 for chemo) we were informed that would be the way to go. (surgery is set for today) 10 minutes later another call comes in at the office to say there are no double ports available. So a single is what we'll be getting and they'll be doing chemo thru IV. That should be interesting since the radical mastectomy was on the left side leaving that arm weak and the flap surgery was done on her right forearm!
They also warned her yesterday that her airway is so minimal/compromised she runs a real good risk of asphyxiating on her own blood. She will be hospitalized for the first week of radiation (set to start 1/18) as they expect there to be swelling that will cut off airflow and living a half hour away wouldn't be enough time to save her life.
As far as I can tell all the delays have to do with the fact that she was unfortunate enough to be diagnosed around the holidays, for the past two weeks they didn't work on thursdays or fridays and require a chemo class before treatment begins (which is given on fridays). Makes no sense to me.. she's had chemo before I think she knows what to expect but I guess rules are rules huh?
On the bright side at least I learned a bit more info for my signature - T4, very very advanced (two verys'.. docs words not mine) and that it's localized. Wonder if that rosetta stone language program has cancer terms as an option because some days I swear it's like learning a whole other language!
Kris
