Hi all,
I am writing on behalf of my mother who is 77 recently diagnosed last May 9, 2017. I am so glad there are support blogs on here cause I am learning new things each day, such as what time to take the meds, hand/mouth sore, etc. My mom got diagnosed two months ago by colonoscopy after 8 -9 years from her last one. Her symptoms were constipation, pain in abdomen, fatigue, feeling cold,inability to go BM, and blood in stool. I demanded that my mom go to Dr asap after all those signs and symptoms.
I picked her up from her colonscopy appt and the dr. just flat out told me that she had cancer and it didn't look good and that she will most likely have a colostomy. It was a lot to take in and I was devastated! I had to switch my mom to MEDI - MEDI as I never knew in a million years that she would ever have cancer as it doesn't run in our family. My biggest concern is that my mom has osteoporosis and I'm afraid the radiation will make her bones weak or fracture.
After meeting with a nice USC colorectal surgeon (which I researched the best in the west, performs 3D laparascopy surgery)and USC oncologist. The surgeon mentioned that my mom would probably have a temp colostomy but he could save her rectum but she will have less control than before (sphincter muscles won't be as strong) Two weeks ago, my mom had to do this intense MRI where she had to do an enema, and inject KY jelly up her rectum and vagina. This MRI detects the stage of cancer and where it is in the lymphs. I had to assist her with all these things which of course I will do anything for my mama. After that, it was declared that she had stage 3A and the Dr wants to do the neoadjuvent chemo/radiation therapy combo for 6 weeks straight Mon-Fri. She will take 1300 mg of Xoloda a day once in a.m one in pm, with radiation involved daily mon-fri. She weighs 116 pounds. By the way, I used to work in the rad onc. building and I saw lot of patients coming in and out for their tx and there all so weak. I have some questions for those who have the same diagnosis and doing the Neoadjuvant therapy:
1. How did you tolerate chemo/radiation? What week was the hardest? What were side effects and complaints?
2. If you could suggest anything to me to help my mom prior, what can I get her or prepare her for? Such as medicine timing or food, etc. socks, ointments, lotions, mouth wash, Ensure drinks, chapsticks?
3. How much weight did you lose and did you tolerate the surgery and chemo after?
4. I am planning on getting pregnant this year, I heard that I should stay away from the chemo drug. Should she or myself wear gloves while handing? I am concerned.
5. Does the anti nausea meds really work? Her dr. prescribed two kinds- Prochlorperazine and Ondansetron HCL, which ones worked for you?
6. Did you lose any hair?
Thank you,
Stacy