I'm needing some support

pl101 · Regular Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 10

My mom diagnosed with gastric cancer 1 year ago. They operated and removed part of her stomach but the cancer spread. She is now on her 4th session of chemo which is very strong and is taking a toll on her. For the last month she has experienced severe headaches and the doctors finally admitted her into the hospital last night. Today the Neurologist says there may be old? fluid in the brain area and my have to operate to drain it. They also did a spinal test and found cancer cells there. What does this mean? It has spread? My family was told this chemo will not make the cancer go away but hopefully will slow it down. To me this only means a certain time is left for my mom. I am very sad and feel helpless. The biggest burden I feel is for how my mom may be feeling and her mindset during this time. I don't want her to suffer.

brainman · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:47 pm Post subject: Re: I'm needing some support

Hi pl101, I am very sorry about your mother's cancer. Yes, it does sound like it has spread to her spinal fluid and probably to her brain. When they drain the fluid from her brain, they will check if for cancer cells. I am not sure about treatment options for her at this point.

You and your mother are in my thought and prayers.
_________________
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Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
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dstoeck · Regular Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Alabama

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's condition. I know that you want the best care for her.

Please listen to your doctors and other medical specialists at this time. Please ask all of the questions that you have. Do not feel that your questions are stupid or not worthy of their attention. Get as much information as you can and have it explained to you so that you have a full understanding of her condition.

You will provide your mom with the best care just by being there and helping her.

Mummytolew · Regular Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 10

Hi Pl101

you say "The biggest burden I feel is for how my mom may be feeling and her mindset during this time."

Take it from someone who has now lost two parents in 3 years, ask her how she is feeling. If you are told that the prognosis is not good then ask her how shes coping, if shes scared if theres anything she wants to talk about.

When my dad was diagnosed the cancer was mentioned once, when the doctors told him he had it, after that it wasnt mentioned and dad went on talking about when he would get better, and even in the final days we didnt mention that he was dying. at mums request mostly.

But my biggest regret from that time was not talking about death with him. to this day i wonder if he knew the end was so near, and if he did how did he feel about that. Was it easier for me to avoid this topic? i dont know but i wish i hadnt.

I hope your mum is ok, my advice is stay open and dont avoid any topics
xxx

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