Latest Update on Dad

simplyklb · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 12:42 am Post subject: Latest Update on Dad

Hi All,
I know it has been awhile since I updated on my dad. I am sorry for not updating sooner... just a lot of things to think about. A lot has happened since late July.

First of all, Dad had to stop chemo. His body just could not take the chemo any longer. Sad

The onc told my youngest brother, Dad, and I that he was stopping chemo. Dad was just not having any quality of life. The onc wanted to give him quality vs quantity. I can appreciate that. Our whole focus now is on quality. My dad has gotten out of the house a little bit. He went out last Friday afternoon and was wiped out. He didn't use his walker or wheelchair. That leads me to the next part.

I finally had the OT/PT out. She gave Dad some very basic exercises to work on. We are starting with what I call leg squats at the kitchen sink and marching in place with his walker next to the bed or chair. We are trying this to gradually build up his stamina.

We've had the social worker out two times to talk about things. We talked with her for two hours yesterday. We each got assignments... Me to get more sleep at night (I don't rest at night so I am trying Tylenol PM), my mom rest since this is her chemo week, and my dad has a couple of things (working on better describing his symptoms to us and inviting a guest over). Dad wants to talk to someone who has a similar diagnosis. I got a call today from the RA Cancer Foundation. I need Dad to call them tomorrow. Hopefully he will be up more. The OT/PT suggested that Dad talk to one of the chaplains not necessarily about religion but other things.

We have been working on changing anti-depressant and anti-anxiety meds for Dad. We took Dad off the Prozac and put him on Remeron (anti-depressant/anti-anxiety) and Ativan. We just went from 15 to 30 mg tonight. I hope it works soon. My dad does not sleep at night. I have been working with the palliative care nurse on this issue since the social worker was here yesterday. I can't say enough good things about our palliative care team!

Dad had a CT scan on Thurs., August 7th. There was no change in the lung tumor but a small amount of reduction in the liver tumors.

Kristi
_________________
Dad - Andy, 70, diagnosed with SCLC in May 2008
2/20/38 - 10/15/08 Fly high, Dad!
Mom - Jackie, 67, diagnosed with NSCLC in May 2008

brainman · Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: Latest Update on Dad

Oh Kristi, I am so very sorry about your father's deteriorating condition. I have a hard time even comprehending how hard all of this must be for you.

Please know that you and your father and mother are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1257

((((Kristi))))

Good to hear from you --- I do worry about this unusual burden on your shoulders. I'm sorry to hear that the chemo is off the table now for your Dad. Sounds like you are getting the ducks in a row. Gosh, you've become an old pro at something you never wanted to do in the first place. I think we all could live without the particular knowledge we've gained from lung cancer, but for you it's been double the experience. You're doing a great job!

Glad to hear your Mom is continuing with her treatment too.

I'm concerned about the sleep issue for you. Sleeping problems are some of the fall-out of living under these levels of stress. I'm sorry and hope you are getting some relief. May I suggest Melatonin? You can start low and work your way up to 20 mg's per night to relax you to sleep. I've been dealing with sleep issues for over two years now and almost gave up until I found the right mix that included melatonin.

Hoping that your "family" is being a little more cooperative and that you have another getaway planned! Very Happy

Hugs,
PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

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