Posts by Linda Patel21

Zachary Howard2, seriously, this has been dragging on way too long. I really hope he can get it sorted out so the guy doesn't have to suffer through all this crap anymore.

Fiz and Pixie, I'm praying for your loved ones too.

Hey Richard Martin5, I know you're going through it right now, just like everyone else who’s been through this hell on this forum. Honestly, there aren't any words that actually help at a time like this, but you've gotta try to stay level-headed because your mom needs you focused. The prognosis isn't great, but if you look at the bright side, the doctors actually want to operate and it hasn't metastasized yet. It’s going to be a brutal fight ahead, but plenty of people pull through. Why couldn't your mom be one of them? Sending you guys nothing but luck in fighting this jerk, and hang in there—it isn't over until it's over.🙂

Fiz, you definitely gotta ask the doctor. Jeez, never a moment's peace...

Fiz, my bad, the antibiotic is actually Cipro. I finally dug up the paperwork from the hospital.

Zachary Howard2, that VSL#3 probiotic you have is actually pretty solid. It’s a bit pricey though, so maybe check with your doctor before you dive in. That antibiotic I mentioned earlier... I think it's called cyclosporine, but I can't be 100% sure.

*Lilly*, I'm so sorry... us adults have a rough enough time dealing with sickness, but nothing hits harder than when it involves kids. From what I've been through, it’s not all doom and gloom. My start was absolutely brutal. They didn't even think I'd make it out, but here I am ten years later doing relatively well. I haven't missed a single day of work because of this; people who don't know what I'm actually fighting don't even believe me when I tell them. Obviously, I have to be careful and I've had to give up certain things. I just wanted to say that I truly believe your little one is going to be okay. I'm rooting for you guys with everything I've got.🙂

Fiza, I'm so sorry things aren't looking better yet. Can your father-in-law still handle that current food he's on? I deal with Crohn's, so I totally get how brutal it is when you can't eat anything and everything just passes right through you. I used to be stuck on IV drips for up to two weeks at a time where I wasn't allowed to swallow a single thing. They were throwing everything at me just to keep me from crashing even harder—I even got some heavy-duty antibiotics through the IV. Back then, they told me if that didn't work, nothing would. Honestly, I felt better after just the first bag. I know this stuff is pricey and hospitals hate paying for it, but maybe ask about that specific treatment.

You hit the nail on the head. Everything just feels different without them around. My dad was such a firecracker, too, but then this illness just tore him apart in like two months flat. It sucks that we all have to deal with this crap, but like my friend always says—THAT'S JUST LIFE.

Angela Wright, you're preaching the truth here. Even through my own medical issues, I ended up learning things about the system I never should've had to deal with, but honestly, that knowledge is the only thing that kept me sane while I was stuck in the hospital. My biggest regret is that I couldn't do more for my dad—he was battling pancreatic cancer with metastases. To this day, I still struggle with the feeling that I missed something, even though everyone keeps telling me we did everything possible. I miss him so much. I just hope that one day I can find peace with it, the same way you found peace after losing your mom.😢

Zachary Howard2, glad I heard things are looking up. It's honestly insane that you guys had to basically coach the doctors on how to do their jobs. When someone's sick, they shouldn't be left hanging like that. Now, let's just hope he pulls through.🙂

Zachary Howard2, I am so incredibly sorry you're going through this. It's gut-wrenching watching someone close to you suffer like this. I've dealt with my own share of crap, so I get where you're coming from. I don't even know what to say to make it better, other than hoping your father-in-law finds some peace and less pain, and wishing you guys all the strength in the world to get through this hell.

Nicole Alvarez81, I felt the exact same way. Looking back, everyone actually told me everything I needed to know, I just couldn't wrap my head around it at the time. My emotions were so overwhelming that I completely missed the obvious. Don't get me wrong, doctors can be pretty tight-lipped—they could definitely put in a bit more effort sometimes. But when I replay the whole thing in my head, those blunt, short sentences they gave me contained the whole truth. I just wasn't ready to accept it; I was waiting for them to sugarcoat things or say something comforting to make me feel better. Of course, they wouldn't lie to me, and clearly, they weren't going to. That feeling of total helplessness just wrecked me. Even now, almost a year later, I'm still struggling. Life moves on, but it’s still heavy.

🙂🙂Zachary Howard2, glad you’re doing alright after the surgery. Fingers crossed everything stays on track. Honestly, I just found out a friend's mom was diagnosed with cancer today—it's everywhere, full of metastases, and there's nothing they can even do. I am so sick of all this bad news lately. Seriously, what is even happening?

Zachary Howard2, I’m pulling for you, man. Hope everything turns out okay. Let me know how it goes.

Hey Arthur Cooper6, I am so sorry to hear about your dad's metastasis. I know exactly how you're feeling... I don't know a ton about this stuff myself, but there are people here who have dealt with way more than I have, so hopefully they'll reach out. The situation sucks, but I really believe things will look up for him once he gets through surgery and radiation. Try to stay strong and keep it together (easier said than done, I know) because he’s going to need you. Sending you guys nothing but luck with everything ahead!

driftingsurfer14, I am so incredibly sorry. I know exactly what you're going through. It’s almost been a year since my dad passed away, and honestly? It still hurts just as much. Sometimes even the smallest thing hits me out of nowhere and I'm just crying. I miss him so much...

Gary Thomas13, I’m so sorry. I know what you're going through and my words probably don't mean much right now, but at least they didn't suffer. I just want to believe our loved ones are in a better place.

I’d just check with my doctor in Chicago. Pretty sure Zofran requires a prescription here.

Hey >, for nausea, I know a good antiemetic works wonders if you follow the prescription. He can even get IV fluids at home, but you’ll have to clear that with his primary care doctor first. Hope your dad starts feeling better soon and gets back on his feet.