UT Hospital (Chattanooga: title, single, close to)

[bbkaren]

You and your family are still in our hopes and prayers! I hope the hard times are over quickly and you're only stronger for having gone through it! Love and best wishes from all of us--

[hiknapster]

Yes, Karen is right, love from all of us.

[gemkeeper]

Every time we hear from you, luv, it makes me so sad for your family and you for what you have to endure. At the same time, you lift me right up with your positive attitude and trust in God's will.

You are not only your sister's hero, but you have become ours, as well. I send you lots of hugs and all my prayers for you, your sister and your mom. We are always here for you and you are just a whisper away from God's ear.

[oldmanbob]

Same here, our prayers will be lifted. Ut is one of the finest facilities anywhere, and you will not be disappointed. I had major neck surgery about 3 years ago, and was very pleased. As a warning, I had great insurance, but as many find out, several things are not covered. As I was going thru the pre admittance, I had to sign all kinds of agreements, for the non-covered items, for the surgery cost, that exceeded the allowance, but other than that, no complaints.

[mjb62676]

Originally Posted by luvmyanimals

I thought since I have a spare minute for once I would let everyone know how the first day of chemo went. We got there at 830am wednesday and did not leave until 1230am. First of her port of cath they put in her chest had a major leak. Then when they started chemo slow for her and they upped the drip and she couldn't handle it, she almost had a heart attack. They put her on oxygen and had to go back to very, very slow drip. It took so long they had to move her to a hospital room to finish. I was so tired by the end of the day. She has to go in next wednesday to have the port taken out and just have a pic line put in. She didn't get sick the next day at all felt pretty good but on the second and third and fourth day she was miserable. Her legs ached so bad, she could barely walk and the pain was so intense. She called the nurse but she told her it was part of the chemo drug. Then she started to break out all over her face and chest and back. Another reaction from the last chemo drug. She said she is dreading going back for her next treatment which will be on April 14. I'm just dreading the long day again. She hasn't started losing her hair yet, they said it will probably start falling out by next week. She's so scared about that, I"m actually going to cut her hair tomorrow, very short for her. Things have been rough and I'm so tired most of the time. I do alot of crying alone at night when everyone is asleep. My mom can be a handful at times since she doesn't know or remember alot anymore. My sister get's upset very easily now but I realize she is struggling with more then I can comprend. I thank you all for the prayers and I know that God has seen us through so much and we have only just begun on this long, long journey. Whatever happens we are in his hands. I also wanted to let you know that St Mary's has decided to go ahead and pay my sister's cobra payment for the next 3 months, they said it would be cheaper for them to do that. I'm so impressed with St Mary's they have done so much and have been so kind and helpful to us. Love ya all.

Tell her to hang in there. What's she doing during the day? I remember after my first treatment, I was not in a good way for about 2-3 days, but it actually got a little better for me as time went on. I think the hardest thing for a cancer patient just starting out is the fear of the unknown.

I had a Port as well that I had some issues with, but got them resolved. If you can, find out what drugs, or what regimen she's on.

Gotta stay upbeat and positive, or the disease will have already won!

[luvmyanimals]

Thanks everyone for the kind words......I do appreciate the prayers so much. I am far from a hero, I sometimes get down and wish this was over but I know I must go on with God's will and help, he gives me the strength through each day. My sister cannot do alot but sleep through the day. Her strenght is gone and she is in alot of pain. The tumor he was not able to remove because it was to close to her bladder is growing and pushing on her organs. They are hoping the chemo will start to shrink it, this is my daily prayer. I sometimes just want to get away or have my old sister back where we would go shopping or just have a blast laughing at nothing. Now, she's going through something I would never wish on anyone. I have watched her cry daily from the unknow and yes, it must be horrible for her to wonder if this will work or am I going to make it another year. I brush her hair daily because her head feels like it's itching, but her hair will soon be gone. I rub lotion on her feet because they hurt. I rub her head when she has a headache but I can't take the pain inside her away. God Bless you all, I can't even begin to explain what you all mean to me......Your my angels!

[Suzanne1945]

Originally Posted by luvmyanimals

Thanks everyone for the kind words......I do appreciate the prayers so much. I am far from a hero, I sometimes get down and wish this was over but I know I must go on with God's will and help, he gives me the strength through each day. My sister cannot do alot but sleep through the day. Her strenght is gone and she is in alot of pain. The tumor he was not able to remove because it was to close to her bladder is growing and pushing on her organs. They are hoping the chemo will start to shrink it, this is my daily prayer. I sometimes just want to get away or have my old sister back where we would go shopping or just have a blast laughing at nothing. Now, she's going through something I would never wish on anyone. I have watched her cry daily from the unknow and yes, it must be horrible for her to wonder if this will work or am I going to make it another year. I brush her hair daily because her head feels like it's itching, but her hair will soon be gone. I rub lotion on her feet because they hurt. I rub her head when she has a headache but I can't take the pain inside her away. God Bless you all, I can't even begin to explain what you all mean to me......Your my angels!

Luv, as another poster stated, hang in there. Over time time the effects of the treatment may not be as debilitating as the first one. We feel your pain, your sister's pain and your mother's suffering. God's speed and prayer for all of you.

[mjb62676]

Originally Posted by luvmyanimals

Thanks everyone for the kind words......I do appreciate the prayers so much. I am far from a hero, I sometimes get down and wish this was over but I know I must go on with God's will and help, he gives me the strength through each day. My sister cannot do alot but sleep through the day. Her strenght is gone and she is in alot of pain. The tumor he was not able to remove because it was to close to her bladder is growing and pushing on her organs. They are hoping the chemo will start to shrink it, this is my daily prayer. I sometimes just want to get away or have my old sister back where we would go shopping or just have a blast laughing at nothing. Now, she's going through something I would never wish on anyone. I have watched her cry daily from the unknow and yes, it must be horrible for her to wonder if this will work or am I going to make it another year. I brush her hair daily because her head feels like it's itching, but her hair will soon be gone. I rub lotion on her feet because they hurt. I rub her head when she has a headache but I can't take the pain inside her away. God Bless you all, I can't even begin to explain what you all mean to me......Your my angels!

Of course you should consult with her docs first, but if she's at all capable, a little "exercise" (whether that be walking a bit, or even just going through her own activities of daily life) could help enormously. I have some very interesting stats that show what full time bed rest can and will do to the human body.

See if you can get her out to see friends, or get people to come visit her. Any of these little things can help a lot, whether it be emotional or physical therapy.

Is she into books?

[gemkeeper]

Luv, my thoughts and prayers continue for you, your mother and your dear sister. I lived this experience last year around this time and I know how much it hurt me to not to be able to much to help my dear dad. Just being there is a blessing for you both.

Mjb really has a great point. Doing the slightest bit of physical activity, even while lying in bed is so beneficial for the body and spirits. Reading or renting movies will be another distraction and a way for her - and you - to focus on something else.

I pray that the chemo will soon start to shrink the tumor. Even with the side effects, and they may be different with each round, knowing that the tumor is responding can produce so much hope and renewed vigor.

Please keep us posted and know that you are in so many hearts and prayers every day.

[luvmyanimals]

Hey everyone.....Sorry it's been so long. Things have been so hetic around here. My sister is still going through the chemo her strenght is almost gone. She has such a struggle even walking. She was approved today for SSI...yea and then in August she will start receiving social security disability. This will be a great blessing for us. The tumor has not shrunk yet but we are still praying for the best. She is scared still that her time is limited here on earth. She has made me promise no funeral just a graveside service. My mom goes to the doctor on tuesday down in chatt. to a cancer specialist. I want to see what he can do for her if anything. I feel her ovarian cancer has already spread, I see tumors coming up on her sides. I just don't want her to suffer. My son is having a very, very hard time understanding everything going on. I've had to put him into theraphy and they suggested grief counseling, which I am going to do. He's at his uncle's this week who lives right outside Sparta. I just found out today that my brother has a hole in his heart. I am not dealing with any of this very well. I seem to cry alot and just the littlest thing sends me to crying half a day. I don't know what's wrong with me. My sister said I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and I told her I was fine and she said no your not. She told me I was trying to take care of her and mom and then I have a little boy who needs me. She said your being pulled in too many directions at once. I'm also scared, I was told I need a pap smear and to have a ultrasound once a year and blood work since I'm prone to cancer too.
I hope everyone is doing great and having a great spring, soon to be summer. My little one will soon have a birthday, he will be 7 years old. I don't know where the time has gone. God Bless you all and keep us in your prayers.