Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 What are chemo angels? Nonnie...check it out at _www.chemoangels.com_ (http://www.chemoangels.com) You can request an angel for the patient or you can become an angel and help someone else. I want to become an angel....when things settle down here some!! I think Glenn would even enjoy it...doing something nice for someone else. Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 What are chemo angels? Re: Re: Soaring CEA Thanks Sheila... Actually I forwarded a couple messages to Glenn yesterday and he actually read them...he said " the people sound so sincere " ....and " some of them are so much worse off than he " ...some very positive things, for a change!! He actually ate last night...and his whole demeanor was different!!! Keep sending info and positive thoughts everyone... I did send his name in to " Chemo Angels " . I won't know if he's accepted for a week or so. I never thought of getting someone locally....will ask Dr. on Jan. l0th...another thing on my list of things to do!!! Thanks to all who have responded...been a great help!!! To me and to Glenn (I think) Hugs, Donelle In a message dated 1/3/2005 11:59:43 PM Eastern Standard Time, msheila7@... writes: Donelle, It is a really scarey place to be...on the " outside " and not being able to get through to them. My adopted mom had colon cancer as well...and I was between 14 and 17 and taking care of her. I remember well trying to get her to eat, and to do things. I had no concept at the time of the pain, tiredness and the discomfort really, and it was hard to see her withdraw. I've done this myself and seen others do it....but usually it can be turned around with the right meds and the time to feel better. Just physically feeling better seems to improve the mindset so much. I think that the others are right - sometimes it is a " man thing " (very true!) but I think in this case it is a combination of depression and physical symptoms. Any chance of getting him an ostomy visitor? or another cancer survivor? this can help - in the home, just as encouragement that someone else has gone thru this...and lived to tell about it. Check out some organizations in your area and see if they can do that if you feel it would help. The truth too is that unfortunately a lot of the " battle " has to come from within him. I think a lot of folks kinda know where they stand even before something like cancer hits them. Or they think they know - and then find the resolve and strength to keep going well beyond what they were capable of. That's me - especially having seen cancer - what? three times in the family. I intend to be here for a long time. There's just way too much to see and do!! Wishing you strength and peace of mind, Sheila Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Colon resection 6/03, open wound for 2 months, chemo for 8 months Mets to Liver found 4/04, inoperable " at the moment " Chemo infiltration to chest 8/04 with severe side effects including severe pain and muscle damage (permanent??), unable to eat, colon shut down, hospitalization w/morphine 8 days Fluid build-up and draining on a regular weekly basis Now on 5FU/Leu/Oxaliplatin/Avastin " cocktails " 46 hr. infusions TRYING TO KICK BUTT with this darn disease!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 It is in a box in the vitamins/nutrients section. I get it at walgreens (about $8 for a box of 36 packets). In fact, not knowing either what exactly it looked like I went to walgreens.com and checked out the picture of it so I could find it better. The name is actually Emer'gen-C. Great mixed with fruit juices! I'm sure other pharmacies will have it - like CVS. Good luck. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 In a message dated 1/4/2005 5:53:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, msheila7@... writes: It is in a box in the vitamins/nutrients section. I get it at walgreens (about $8 for a box of 36 packets). In fact, not knowing either what exactly it looked like I went to walgreens.com and checked out the picture of it so I could find it better. The name is actually Emer'gen-C. Great mixed with fruit juices! I'm sure other pharmacies will have it - like CVS. Good luck. Sheila Sheila....you are a genious...LOL Thanks for responding...I'm just not even thinking right these days!!! I never thought to go online and look for it...duh!!! And I do EVERYTHING online!! I also have a Walgreens right down the block from where I work, so I will go there tomorrow!! Thanks so much!!! Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Colon resection 6/03, open wound for 2 months, chemo for 8 months Mets to Liver found 4/04, inoperable " at the moment " Chemo infiltration to chest 8/04 with severe side effects including severe pain and muscle damage (permanent??), unable to eat, colon shut down, hospitalization w/morphine 8 days Fluid build-up and draining on a regular weekly basis Now on 5FU/Leu/Oxaliplatin/Avastin " cocktails " 46 hr. infusions TRYING TO KICK BUTT with this darn disease!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 Oooops, do you think the Emergen C might be what caused the diarrhea, Jolene?? We don't need any more of that around here!! We can't even begin to figure out what causes his diarrhea (such a nasty word... LOL) Just about chalk it up to chemo and the disease itself. There's no reason or rhyme!!! Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Colon resection 6/03, open wound for 2 months, chemo for 8 months Mets to Liver found 4/04, inoperable " at the moment " Chemo infiltration to chest 8/04 with severe side effects including severe pain and muscle damage (permanent??), unable to eat, colon shut down, hospitalization w/morphine 8 days Fluid build-up and draining on a regular weekly basis Now on 5FU/Leu/Oxaliplatin/Avastin " cocktails " 46 hr. infusions TRYING TO KICK BUTT with this darn disease!!! In a message dated 1/4/2005 6:47:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, jehret@... writes: I got mine at Walmart... About $8 and change. Found them at very end of the Vitamin/Herbs aisle. I took one yesterday thought it sure couldn't hurt. It definitely loosend me up last night and this morning, felt the citrus sting as well. So on top of other meds which may or may not cause diarrhea... I will have to think about takeing it again. Or time when I am constipated as that can happen as well. If it isn't one thing its another. Cheers Jolene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 Could be the supplement but more likely the chemo. Never hurts to ask. BTW Imodium works great for diarrhea you can also try the BRAT diet (no relation to those ugly dolls, LOL) B=Bananas R=Rice A= Applesauce T= Toast (dry) Don't forget lots of water too Narice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 I got mine at Walmart... About $8 and change. Found them at very end of the Vitamin/Herbs aisle. I took one yesterday thought it sure couldn't hurt. It definitely loosend me up last night and this morning, felt the citrus sting as well. So on top of other meds which may or may not cause diarrhea... I will have to think about takeing it again. Or time when I am constipated as that can happen as well. If it isn't one thing its another. Cheers Jolene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 Wow - so different for each of us! When I take it (emergenC) it helps control the output of my ileostomy. Kept me from getting too dehydrated. One thing about it is that it is only supposed to be mixed with about 4 oz - half a normal glass or water or juice. If I add too much fruit juice I get a looser output, so I just watch what I mix or use water. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 no problem! glad to help and good luck to you. sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 I think it is a possiblity, also hadn't had a really good BM that day so this more than likely helped it along. Well you have figure is a good dose of Vitamin C and already taking multi-vitamin.... Impossible to pin point cause once a person is on chemo. The same drug can cause diarrhea AND constipation. Narice suggested the BRAT diet - a good idea. And the Imodium.. Think I have some up in cupboard if it hits before I get back to the doc. Granddaughter has decided I am something (gentle ben?) and I have to wear a flower head band? Really Gentle Ben...Hmmmm. She is of course the Princess... The story unfolds as we go along. Get back to you...Jolene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2005 Report Share Posted January 4, 2005 That is one to put in my list... Yes those dolls are ugly.. A friend bought her daughter one and was shocked when she saw the doll has thong panties.. So what Barbie doesn't usually have any.. LOL.. Jolene Re: Re: Soaring CEA Could be the supplement but more likely the chemo. Never hurts to ask. BTW Imodium works great for diarrhea you can also try the BRAT diet (no relation to those ugly dolls, LOL) B=Bananas R=Rice A= Applesauce T= Toast (dry) Don't forget lots of water too Narice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Donelle, Guilt is part of this, too, it seems. I keep wondering if I had pushed harder for some treatment last Spring if it might have made the difference. When Mom refused surgery for the liver tumor, I was paralyzed by indecision. I didn't know what to do; I eventually got help from this group and pursued RFA and IMRT as possibilities. RFA wasn't possible. All of this took months, which allowed the mets to keep growing. I could have pushed harder, and that will haunt me. It is tough to get all of the meds taken. I think anxiety/depression cloud Mom's thinking. I will keep praying. Sharon > Sharon... > > I have a terrible time getting Glenn to take any of the meds the dr. > prescribes. The pill for pain, one for nausea, one for fluid build- up, all of which > he suffers everyday... he says he's not in " that much pain " ...or " not that > nauseous " , etc. > > I can't get him to drink water, which would help flush the chemo through his > body, as well as help with the fluid build-up, etc. Sometimes I get so > frustrated, I actually get angry with him. Then feel guilty!!! GRRRRRRR.....I > hate this disease!!! Donelle > > > Sheila, > > The doctor prescribed anti-depressant medication months ago, but Mom > would not take it. I wish I could get her to take it but don't know > how. > > I have other family members around, but my sister-in-law is the only > one who really understands. Poor woman; she just lost her brother to > a brain tumor three weeks ago! > > I appreciate your concern and wish good things for you. > > Sharon > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 Sharon...do you know why RFA wasn't possible?? I'm going to ask about that on Monday's visit to Onc. I'm not sure pushing harder would have helped....It seems to take months to do most anything...get scans scheduled, dr. appts., etc etc. This " inactivity " is what has always worried me thinking... " it's still growing inside " while all this waiting is going on!!! The waiting and not knowing...in any case...is the WORST anguish!! How's Mom doing...and how are you doing?? Lots of hugs and prayers, Donelle Caregiver to Glenn Colon resection 6/03, open wound for 2 months, chemo for 8 months Mets to Liver found 4/04, inoperable " at the moment " Chemo infiltration to chest 8/04 with severe side effects including severe pain and muscle damage (permanent??), unable to eat, colon shut down, hospitalization w/morphine 8 days Fluid build-up and draining on a regular weekly basis Now on 5FU/Leu/Oxaliplatin/Avastin " cocktails " 46 hr. infusions TRYING TO KICK BUTT with this darn disease!!! In a message dated 1/5/2005 9:40:50 AM Eastern Standard Time, tarcav23@... writes: Donelle, Guilt is part of this, too, it seems. I keep wondering if I had pushed harder for some treatment last Spring if it might have made the difference. When Mom refused surgery for the liver tumor, I was paralyzed by indecision. I didn't know what to do; I eventually got help from this group and pursued RFA and IMRT as possibilities. RFA wasn't possible. All of this took months, which allowed the mets to keep growing. I could have pushed harder, and that will haunt me. It is tough to get all of the meds taken. I think anxiety/depression cloud Mom's thinking. I will keep praying. Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 I just spent two weeks in the hosital for depression. I am 62 wish I could help you to convince your mom to take the meds. Karima Re: Soaring CEA Sheila, The doctor prescribed anti-depressant medication months ago, but Mom would not take it. I wish I could get her to take it but don't know how. I have other family members around, but my sister-in-law is the only one who really understands. Poor woman; she just lost her brother to a brain tumor three weeks ago! I appreciate your concern and wish good things for you. Sharon > Sharon, > Hope that the doctor is helping with feelings of depression - it can so > affect decisions at this time. Glad that you are here to talk - but hope that you > have some other support there as well. It is important for you to get > support as well - to help stay strong and have a clearer head to help with the > decisions involving your mom. Just know that you and your mom are in a lot of > prayers. > > Sheila > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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