Posts by Morgan Kern61

Hello everyone, things are getting progressively worse on our end.
Both his surgeon and oncologist have essentially given up on my dad.
We are now dealing with the fact that he is completely immobile.

Does anyone know if palliative radiation to the cervical spine can cause spinal cord damage, and if so, how reversible is that?
He received 6 Gy, and following that, there was a decline that resulted in a total loss of sensation.
However, considering the tumor's location and his poor reaction to chemo (he underwent a third cycle just four days after the radiation),
we aren't entirely certain about the exact cause.
The doctors aren't providing any clear answers.
A year ago, he also received 6 Gy, and that treatment actually worked by reducing his pain.

Angela Wright, thank you..
It seems you have

Morgan Kern61 said:I am looking for a recommendation for a second opinion from an oncologist regarding a primary tumor in the cervical spine.
Thank you.

Chicago

I suppose I could use some recommendations for a second opinion from an oncologist regarding a primary tumor in the cervical spine.

I wonder if anyone could clarify the exact procedure for requesting a second opinion.
Thank you.

For pain management, they use Durogesic, which is prescription-only. I believe you need to present both your own ID and the patient's ID when picking it up, at least according to how things work here in the States.
There are several different strengths available, and they are typically changed every three days.

Raymond Smith53 said:Neuropathy is just one of those side effects from chemo. When the priority is saving or extending a life, neuropathy usually takes a backseat, especially since there isn't really a cure for it. Or...
. You didn't even mention which type of tumor we're talking about. In my humble opinion, changing oncologists probably wouldn't achieve much here.

I suppose I understand that point, but it doesn't seem like the chemo is doing much, given that neither the primary tumor nor the metastasis shows any sign of shrinking.

It's a bone tumor that wasn't fully removed.
And it's not actually being treated, other than some palliative radiation when the pain gets worse. I probably shouldn't go into all the specifics of the disease progression publicly, as this case is quite unique.
From a layman's logical perspective, the management has been flawed from the start (even the surgeon seems to think so).
I am also wondering, if anyone has experience with this—who is actually responsible for monitoring the primary tumor to see if it's growing or stagnating? Is it the oncologist or the surgeon who performed the resection?

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone here has been dissatisfied with their treatment and actually managed to successfully switch oncologists.

My father has been receiving treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital for three years now.
The oncologist seems completely disinterested. During regular check-ups, he ignores my father's reports about neuropathy and the increasing pain at the primary carcinoma site. He just recites the MRI findings regarding a new tumor without offering any actual reaction or commentary to the patient—just a dismissive remark that since the surgeon requested the MRI rather than him, it’s apparently not his concern. On top of that, he’s decided to extend the chemo despite being informed about the initial neuropathy.
The last check on the metastatic tumor was over eight months ago.
We are honestly at a loss for what to do next.

My female coworkers and friends are really starting to get on my nerves with comments like this:

"Wait, you're still working?!" — I've been at it for months now. I'm 27 weeks along, and I have a desk job; it's not like I'm out in the fields or hauling heavy sacks of potatoes...

"Why haven't you gone on maternity leave yet?" — Well, I haven't even dealt with morning sickness, so...

"You should just rest, you'll need the energy".... I suppose I should just sleep all day to build up a reserve for when the baby actually arrives.

And then there are those who already have kids and give me that "it's such a beautiful thing" nonsense. It’s exhausting.

Add to that the fact that I can barely turn over in bed at night,

and my already low tolerance for stupidity is becoming non-existent.😂