Erik had his three month check up two weeks ago, the ENT did a scope and told us that she thought everything looked good, she then told him that he needed a chest x-ray, CT scan, thyroid function, and Liver function tests. Well there lies the problem, Erik got the thumbs up from his doctor, but is procrastinating getting the other tests done. He says he just keeps forgetting, but I really think he is avoiding them on purpose. I have talked to him, nagged him, and even threatened him (with a padded baseball bat) I cant make him get these done, but does anyone have any advice in this area.
I appreciate any words of wisdom here!
Jennie

Hi Jennie,

he needs the tests. My thyroid was fried. the synthroid I take now really helps my energy level and general outlook. I am ready to get my annual CT scan and chest Xray whenever they ask. it is important to make sure nothing has spread. These are just preventative measures. My RO told me 90% of reoccurance happens in the first 2 years. Not sure if that is correct, but I really like the work he has done. None of these test hurt or casue pain. If I were your husband, the worrying would drive me crazy. it is also unfair to you being the caregiver. My wife would take the padding off the bat if I did the same. I feel she went through almost as much as I did, without the physical pain of course.

Good luck. if you want me to kick him in the but, I will.

Steve

Jennie,
I don't know if this helps but my father's ENT told us he prefers the family doctor to handle the blood tests(ie thyroid, liver etc.) My father was already on an every 3 month cycle with his family doctor so we just had the family doctor take the blood and do the test when he went. Just a thought if your husband goes to a family physician on a regular basis. I however agree with Steve he needs the test. I know easy for us to say.
Good luck
Kim

Jennie,
just let Erik know that this is standard followup protocol. I have the same exact thing every 6 months (except the chest x-ray - and an MRI that are done annually). It really needs to be done though. Make sure that he understands that it is HIS responsibility to make all of his followup appointments with the various doctors as well. He is the man of the house and supposed to take care of these matters (I guess you can cut him a little slack being its the first three months ;-). 3 months is also a natural time for depression to set and anxiety may play a role as well.

His followup intervals with change the further away he gets from the end of treatment. Let him know also that 3 months is pretty good - they made me go in every 1 1/2 months for the first 6 months. That meant bloodwork every 1 1/2 months. I have callous' on my veins.

I might add also that my MO managed all of my labwork, scan orders and still does. I go to the internal doctor for routine everyday things like sprains, tennis elbow and neck spasms.

It'll get better - the first ones are always the hardest and most anxiety ridden - you're waiting for the shoe to drop and then it just gets to be an in and out routine - just comes with the survivor territory - at least we don't have to eat live grubs or something with flies buzzing all over it!

Steve,
I would question them why they think a CT is a better idea than an MRI. 1 CT = 3 years of background radiation. The chest x-ray = to 10 days of background radiation.

The numbers I have read on recurrence are: IF (and that is a BIG IF) you are going to have one, the first year there is an 80% chance(with a 20% chance of dying from it if advanced stage), second year 15%, so by the beginning of year 3 the recurrence rate (at the original tumor site) drops to around 5%. That's why 1st and 2nd year anniversaries are important milestones.

And also, Jennie, the reason for the importance of keeping those followup appointments and tests current. Denial (and it's closely related brother procrastination) is not a river in Egypt.

NONE of us were looking foward to any of our early testing I can asuure you. He just has to get it over with.

Thank you for your words, Now I know he is stalling, because he is reminded everyday!! He is also really struggling with the hydrocodones, he is taking way too many of them. I know it has to do with the anxiety, but it is pushing his depression even further. I cant get him to slow down on them. (I do know he has some pain) but not enough pain to be taking 7 or more a day.
Im going out of my mind right now, the tension around here is pretty thick. He says that I need to mind my own business, and I'm pretty sure this is my business. Thanks for all you support!
Jennie

Jennie, He's not taking the hydrocodone with tylenol and codiene is he? If so, taking more than the recommended dose of tylenol BY ITSELF can produce some very nasty effects. I got warned about this quite clearly when I was given liquid codiene and tylenol solution for pain from my most recent surgery. If the recommended dosage of what he has isn't working to help him with pain, he (or you) need to make a stink with the doc who presribed it until he gets something else that does work. Taking more than the recommended dosage on his own is a bad idea.

This discussion of other appts, though, is making me glad that my docs all take care of setting up these kind of tests for me, at the local hospital. I don't have to make my own appointments to have them done. If its imaging, the imaging dept. calls me and sets up a time upon notification from my doc. My MO does all the tests that involve bloodwork.

It deos get tiresome feeling like you spend all your time seeing docs and having tests and I can understand his dragging his feet because of that I guess BUT dragging ones feet isn't a good idea when you're talking about cancer followups....

Nelie

Jen,

I have the scans every 6 months. and a Chest X once a year.

It is normal. And I understand that he is doing well.

I remember how hard it was to go to those post treatment scans. He will have to move past it.
They wont find anything.

My thyriod was shot as well from radiation. The synthroid really does make you feel better. I didnt realize how much better until Mexicana lost my luggage when I was travelling to Mexico. After 4 days with out it, I had zits, I was constipated, and was dragging my butt pretty bad. In fact, it reminded me how I felt just prior to diagnosys.

so he needs to get this stuff checked out.

The hard part is over.

God bless.

Jennie, this may be "off the wall" but your comment about Erik taking all the hydrocodone reminded me of myself about 20 yrs. ago when I was taking Darvon for back pain [it is no longer on the market] i got totaly hooked on it and went from 2 a day to 6 or 7 a day. Is Erik possibly hooked on this drug? And you are right- This Is Your Business. Be Strong. Amy

Jennie... I won`t give you any advice, you have had the best we have to offer. But.. I did want to let you know we are pulling for you, this caregiving experience is very hard.
Its always the ones closest to you that get the brunt of it.

Is there anyone else in your family who he will listen to?
Hang in there.
Marica

Jenny,

I had a tough time coming off the vicodin at the end of treatment, caused me a couple days of discomfort. Talk to his doctor about helping him wean off it so it's not so difficult for him.
Minnie

Jenny,
Actually Hydrodone is generic for Vicodin which is a synthetic, medium strength, opiate (narcotic). It has about 5 mg's of Acetomeniphen (AKA Tylenol in each tablet). Codiene is the only medium strength narcotic you can get that has nothing else in it. It is not prescribed much anymore as doctors prefer Hydrocodone or Oxycodone (AKA Percoden), which is more powerful (and all are synthetic - even Duragesic). I took six or seven a day until they adjusted my long term meds - Duragesic, to the proper level then I was switched to Morphine which is faster acting, for breakthrough pain. I only needed to take them when trying to eat or swallow something, but certainly not with any kind of regular frequency.

According to the PDR, the maximum adult dose is 1-2 tablets taken every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 8 tablets per day. This is for the 5/500 dose NOT ES.

There are also many other drug interactions to consider so have a talk with the pharmacist as well.

It's been 4 months - they should start weaning him off of the pain meds. We all heal at different rates but you might want to mention this to the MO in private - let him be the heavy if that's what's needed.