Anne:

Welcome to OCF. I know its difficult when you are first diagnosed with cancer. All of us here on OCF have been right where you are.

I will try to give you some pointers to make this easier for you. First have you called the American Cancer Society? They can help with transportantion to and from treatments. They also can help out with medication costs. Even with good insurance they meds are very expensive, some pills are $100 each. There are wonderful people there who understand what its like and you can talk with them.

Life as you know it soent have to be over. Life is just different now. So many people here have taken anti depressants to help them thru this. Its nothing to be ashamed of, cancer can be a devastating illness mentally. Please talk with someone, your family doctor or a social worker at the hospital, or a therapist.

Your situation is a difficult one, but it is something you can do. Hospitals have visiting nurses who will come help you. Its really hard going thru treatment without a caregiver. I know because I did it. I had my teenaged children who drove me to treatment, but other than that I fended for myself. So I do know from experience what you are feeling and going thru right now.

As far as your PEG tube goes. Have you gotten it checked since it was placed? Its probably too tight. Mine hurt like heck til the doctor loosened it.

Please feel free to ask questions, or just to vent your frustrations here. There are so many that have walked in your shoes and will help you.