Scans and Med Port

[mstlyn]

I am starting a new thread as Robert asked to make it easier to keep up with the posts. I agree that it is easier this way.

My son had his CT scan/chest, and blood work done yesterday. The port was implanted today.

I do not have the results for the scan or lab yet so I still do not know what stage my sons cancer is, but we are another step in the right direction.

If the scan is clear, chemo begins January 29th.

If the doctor sees anything new that he is uncomfortable with, chemo begins on January 22nd.

I am nervous, but this needs to get moving so I am as ready as possible.

My son still says he is not worried about it so I'm glad that he is not spending all this time stressed like his mom has been

[dadmo]

If you have a chance get all of your sons perscriptions filled, some of the meds are not off the shelf. It will seem overwhelming when they tell you the schedule for taking each pill so have a pad and pen available. I laid my sons out on 3X5 card with the name of each pill and the time to be taken. Please make sure he takes the anti neusea pills even when he feels good, my son didn't once and it took hours to get back on top of the sickness.
You may want to call your doctor for something to help you sleep. I tried booze but the whiskey dreams were bad so go to a doctor.
Were all here for you and I want you to take comfort in knowing that your a good mom.

[mstlyn]

If you have a chance get all of your sons perscriptions filled, some of the meds are not off the shelf. It will seem overwhelming when they tell you the schedule for taking each pill so have a pad and pen available. I laid my sons out on 3X5 card with the name of each pill and the time to be taken. Please make sure he takes the anti neusea pills even when he feels good, my son didn't once and it took hours to get back on top of the sickness.
You may want to call your doctor for something to help you sleep. I tried booze but the whiskey dreams were bad so go to a doctor.
Were all here for you and I want you to take comfort in knowing that your a good mom.

Aside from chemo, anti-nausea meds and possibly pan meds, what other kind of pills will he have to have?
And why will I need to call my doctor for something to help me sleep?
I get the feeling that I do not really know what to expect??

I am under the impression that medication will keep my son comfortable as far as being nauseated and vomiting.
I am also thinking that since he will be finally getting treatment I will feel some relief and be able to rest better than I do now.
Don't worry about scaring me, please. I would rather know upfront what to expect.
If I am in the dark, please tell me.

[mstlyn]

yes good idea ! restful sleep is good. I often dream of just a little teeny time to sleep. It Is amazing how quickly, things can run you down.

MStlyn,

You are also ordered to do something for yourself today. Take the day off, it's saturday, like 4 degree's here ( well feels like it) get away from cancer, and stuff, and go have some fun.

Did I mention support groups to you? A great caregivers support group would be great outlet for you to meet some people in Flint, who are going thru the same thing. As we know, it is great to be around people who are " hip ' to whats happening. Go have some fun !

I am sure you are right, but I don't know how to get away from cancer when my son can't get away from cancer.
To me, fitting a support group into my days seems more of a burden. When I have time to relax at home I am very thankful for it.

So far my son does not want to talk to anyone in a group or on this board. He started to sit here one day and then he got up and said .. never mind, I dont want to. He does have a good attitude though and does well with his friends around him.

We have one car in the household so for every appointment my son has, I have to get up at 5am to drive people to their jobs so I can keep the car, then get back home to see my daughter on her school bus safely, get ready and hit the road for appointments, try to fit errands and grocery shopping in, go back to pick people up from work, come home to cook dinner and use some evening time to catch up on my class work. ( I take online college courses)

I was supposed to have taken my son to cryogenics again this morning, but he didnt feel well and did not want to get up and go, so other than picking people up from work I can stay home all day today.

That is pretty much how my schedule runs though, just to give you an idea. So even though I am sure a support group would be very good, it sounds exhausting to try and fit something else in.


I know we will get through all of this though. If my son is cured that is all that matters to me.

[mstlyn]

No, you are not in the dark about anything regarding treatment. It is the frantic schedule I think serval of us were expressing about. But it seems that you already have one. So, it is just going to be busier. I think the point is that you need to take care of yourself, physically and emotionally. You are going to be busier than you already are. It is just a thing that we try to help people be aware of, and if you are used to it, by all means, you got me beat !

The Meds are fine, I think what dadmo means is that sometimes, drugs store may have to order, or may not have all meds in stock. I think he means to save you time, and try to get them before, as it is just another thing to take care of before getting even busier than you are. REMEMBER to ask for samples at the treatment center , to cut costs if needed.

Everyone is just concerned about you, not the treatment. As dadmo can tell you, being a caregiver is hard work, and we just remind people to not forget yourself in all the hustle. You sound like you are just fine. Don't worry.

Robert

Whew! Thanks for clearing that up! I was afraid that my son was in for something that we were not aware of.
What about keeping track of this pill and that pill? Are we talking anti-nausea pills?

I have seen some posts from people that say they had pain in their bones from the chemo too ..is that common?

I have also read that it is good to eat every couple of hours to control nausea, but if someone is feeling sick I can't imagine them wanting to eat.

I thought I was all out of questions for you guys, guess not!

[mstlyn]

[QUOTE=Robert2112]

I was supposed to have taken my son to cryogenics again this morning, but he didnt feel well and did not want to get up and go,


Just a thought. Before he goes to make a "deposit" at the bank, you may mention that he not want to "pump the well" for a couple of days before hand, as he wants to make the best "deposit' he can. Not being crude or anything, it's just that quantity in higher number is good. He wants to get the best deposit that he can.

sorry but thought I neded to mention it. After chemo starts , there is not another chance to make the deposit, so make it the best shot.

Yeah Robert, I can't imagine telling my son not to pump the well .. LOL

He made a deposit last week .. they said his count was low at 10 million. Seems like a lot to me but that is what they said.

I hope that he will be able to have kids after treatment and all will be well.