Support for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses (Part II)

Back home, our CA marker dropped all the way down to 19-9. Since anything under 37 is considered normal, we were absolutely over the moon,

Every single test result from last week came back perfect. Then, I read this tiny note saying they found something minor on the pelvic bone. Could that be anything other than a metastasis? And does finding it there mean it's spread to the bone, since the pelvis is bone? Or can it just settle somewhere else without involving the bone itself?

I’m sure I sound like an idiot, but....

hollowridge88 said:I just hope that after everything is said and done, I’ll come out the other side feeling a little better knowing I gave it every single ounce of effort I had... Truly, thank you for everything—the talks, the help, the explanations, and for putting up with me and my mom.

Honey, if I helped even a little bit, then it gave some actual meaning to the suffering both my mom and I have been through.

Amanda Miller69 said:My father-in-law's lungs aren't looking good, at least based on how I'm reading this report and what I can see on the scan.
I'll try to transcribe the full report later.
It mentions shadowing on the right side of the lung, FC sinus, and infiltrates. Could those be metastases?

Shadowing doesn't always mean they're mets, but honestly, those infiltrates definitely lean in that direction if you ask me... but once you post the actual report, we can dig into it a bit more.

cosmiclynx14, it could be degenerative changes in the bones, which is most likely the case if the markers are looking okay.

Zachary Howard2, what’s really the point of all those tests if the decision has already been made not to pursue treatment? I don't quite get what they'd actually do once they find specific targets. It feels more humane to just let someone live out their remaining months as normally as possible, rather than dragging them from hospital to hospital when they aren't even feeling that bad.

Richard Sanders7 said:cosmiclynx14, it could just be degenerative bone changes, which is most likely the case if the markers look fine.

Zachary Howard2, what’s the point of all these tests if the decision has already been made not to treat the patient? I don't get what they would actually do even if they found metastases somewhere. You have to let a person live out their remaining months as normally as possible, rather than dragging them from hospital to hospital when they aren't even feeling that bad.

When dealing with a cancer patient, it isn't just about oncological treatment; you also have to manage symptoms and provide palliative care. To handle any of those three aspects effectively, you need a clear picture of the current situation. Certain medications require justification based on the patient's exact condition. For example, if someone starts struggling to breathe because of lung metastases, they can't just get oxygen without a pulmonologist prescribing it based on specific findings.
On top of that, the entire approach to oncological treatment can shift based on a new development in the patient's status.

I mentioned earlier that there’s really no need to go wandering through the hospital halls unless he’s actually feeling unwell . From what I recall, the man went through all the necessary tests during his stay (or at least, those were the ones he was supposed to complete). That way, if things do take a turn for the worse, any changes will be much easier to spot by comparing the old results with the new ones.

Richard Sanders7 said:I mentioned that there’s really no need to go wandering through hospital hallways unless he’s actually feeling unwell. As I recall, the man underwent all the logical tests during his stay at the hospital (or at least, they were supposed to happen), so if things do take a turn for the worse, any changes should be much easier to spot by comparing the old results with the new ones.

He had a chest X-ray done because he has a follow-up appointment with the surgeon on October 2nd, who specifically requested the imaging.
If we're looking at metastases, then I’ll reach back out to the oncologist, because that changes the entire landscape and provides actual reasons for continuing treatment.
I'll also see what the surgeon has to say.

hollowridge88 isn't responding, looks like things are getting pretty rough...

Michelle Kelly4 said:hollowridge88 isn't responding, which makes me think things have taken a turn for the worse...

I'm inclined to agree...

Man, she really went through it...

Here I am, just watching Mom take her final breaths. Her pupils have dilated, she isn't responding to anything, and her breathing is so shallow... she's passing away.

And just call 911, honey

Well, I figured it was time for me to weigh in too.
I took my mom to see a private oncologist—he used to be with the public health system—and let me tell you, this "specialty" is an incredibly expensive sport. 😢 He went over all her recent test results from her regular oncology checkups and sent them off for additional testing covered by Medicare. After reviewing everything, he switched up her treatment plan (by the way, he mentioned her meds should have been adjusted already), so she’s now taking NOLVADEX (10mg).
The costs: consultation $167, specialist board review $700, follow-up $300. 😢

By the way, her marker jumped from 12 to 28, and since the upper limit is 31, her oncologist said it's still technically within the acceptable range.
Mom is doing okay for now. She complains about knee pain occasionally, but she's staying active; she’s even been checking out books on the illness and healthy nutrition from the local library.
The oncologist told us there isn't a cure, but with high-quality therapy, we can hopefully extend her quality of life. 😢

You might remember me venting on the association forums about a conflict I had with this specific doctor. Well, he recognized me immediately, and we actually ended up sharing a hug at the end.😁

Michelle Kelly4 said:Just call 911, honey.

And what exactly are they supposed to do, dear?
A few days ago, doctors were there and couldn't even get a blood pressure reading or a pulse...😢

hollowridge88, hang in there... may the Almighty finally grant you peace and mercy... it’s the only way.😢

It is with a heavy heart that I’m letting you all know my mom passed away at 12:30 today...

Oh, my dear hollowridge88, I am sending you my most sincere condolences😢
she has finally been released from all this earthly suffering and pain

may the angels watch over her now

"Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her"

hollowridge88 said:It is with a heavy heart that I’m letting you all know my mom passed away at 12:30...

My deepest condolences to you and your family...

hollowridge88 said:It’s with a heavy heart that I’m letting you all know Mom passed away at 12:30...

😢
Honey, the Almighty has called her home to be with Him... please try to find some peace now. Mom is resting easy, and you can too—just let yourself grieve. Be proud of her and proud of yourself; she raised an incredible, resilient woman who has her ticket straight to Paradise.

🙂

hollowridge88, I’ve been reading your posts... please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your loved ones.

hollowridge88, please accept my sincere condolences. I haven't really posted here before—I just tend to follow this thread every now and then... 😘