Posted by chip on 21/11/2007, 3:42 pm

hi guys. Went to mums first oncology appointment to see the cancer specialist. He told us that alsthough the cancer hasn't spread to other organs it has spread to lymph nodes and is a stage 3 cancer, growing out the other side of the osesophagus wall and is about 7cm big. He also confirmed surgery is no good for my mum. The three options were: do nothing except a hospice and pain relief which wouldn't give her long. Do palliative care which involved 5 weeks of radiotherapy daily visits to have it and a stent to keep the throat open OR do mix of chemo and radiotherapy which he advised against. Mum has calcification of the aorta so chemo and a heart infection or infection could kill her. Her biggest wish is not to suffer so she's opting for chemo because if she does have a heart attack it would be quick and at least it does give her some small chance of recovery. It's the five weeks of radio therapy she's not looking forward to. Apparently it will make her throat really sore. Chemo may make her sick but they'll give her drugs for that. It was horrbile. Now faced with those three I would have compared it to hobson's choice. My mum said it is like trying to choose which chocolate to pick from the box! bless her/ The worse bit is the waiting. Unbleievably we have to wait 3 weeks to start and even then they do a CT scan to work out exactly where to blast with radio therapy and something called a quality check before the ACTUALL chemo, It does give her another 3-4 weeks of feeling well beofre the treatment all kicks off and when we got back we had the "talk" about her choices for her funeral etc, which left me really tearful when i left. I'm gonna see if i can have my op in the next four weeks so i'll be well enough to care for mum when she starts her treatment, so keep your fingers crossed. What ever happens it's in God's hands now, so if you have a faith please please keep praying for my lovley mum Maureen. wb x below is a pic of my mum and me some time last year.

Posted by Pat on 21/11/2007, 4:17 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

There really isn't much I can say right now, sweetie, except you can be certain that your Mum will continue to be in my prayers! I do so hope that the treatments won't be too bad for her and that they will give her some quality time. Just know that my thoughts are with you both and that if I could be there to help in any way, I would be. Be sure to take care of yourself so that you can care for her when treatment begins and so that your time with her will be good time. I'm sending the best vibes and the happiest thoughts I can muster your way and hope that the sun shines brightly on you both. All my luv and hugs hugs, Pat XXXX

 Reply

Posted by Keith N (kan) on 21/11/2007, 4:48 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

Chip & Maureen- Please have faith and hope. God works in strange and often puzzling ways. I will be with you in prayer daily. One of our teachers is going thru this with her mom and cancer but due to treatments such as you will be doing she has survived another year to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones. We all must take life one day at a time, even the 'healthy people'. I admire the decision to take the treatment with the possibility of a heart attack looming in the background. I respect and admire you facing this as only you must face it. We are with you and will be here for you. Oklahoma Hugs, Love, & Prayers.

 Reply

Posted by Mud on 21/11/2007, 5:03 pm, in reply to "Re: back from oncology with mum"

I'm ever to sorry to hear all this love, I hope for the best for you and her. You're both in all our thoughts. xxx

 Reply

Posted by Darcy on 21/11/2007, 5:23 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

Your mom is a brave woman..The waiting will be hard, but enjoy every second together..make it a holiday season to remember! God does work in strange ways sometimes...(sometimes we may feel like he doesn't work for us at all!) But he does...Good things and miracles happen everyday!! Keep the faith...You have so many on this board that will keep it as well! I am always praying for you and your family. Take care dear friend. Much Love- Darcy xx

 Reply

Posted by Liz on 21/11/2007, 10:06 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

Hi, thinking of you alot, really hope it goes well for your Mum and you , went through exactly the same cancer with my dad, he had cancer of the osesophagus too, if you want to email me my address is leaz12345@hotmail.co.uk..best wishes to you both...liz

 Reply

Posted by Dave on 21/11/2007, 10:28 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

Chip n Mum Live life to the full whilst you can, this i guess is a warning as to how live is so precious. Ive lost too many people suddenly without warning,which doesnt give anyone time to prepare. Maybe God is saying be brave, fight this disease, but most of all live the next day/month/year/years as if its your last, everything else is unimportant. Dave xx

 Reply

Posted by sam m on 22/11/2007, 10:51 am, in reply to "Re: back from oncology with mum"

Thinking of you and your Mum Chip. x x x

 Reply

Posted by mill on 22/11/2007, 12:09 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

your both still in my prayers and will remain there :-), hugs to you both hun, love donna xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 Reply

Posted by ny on 23/11/2007, 9:09 pm, in reply to "back from oncology with mum"

oh chip! that is such a cute picture of you and your mum!!! it makes me sad to think what's ahead for her. but i hope she fights all the way to getting better!!! tell her we are all pulling for her! take care! lots of aloha!!

 Reply