Not a whole lot of news to report. Mom is continuing her radiation treatment and is taking the Nexavar that was prescribed. Radiation has been tolerable although she’s only had 4 sessions so far. Nexavar is the new wonder drug for kidney and liver cancer and quickly proved itself as an effective treatment during clinical trials. Unfortunately, it has the same side effects as most other chemotherapy agents – nausea and diarrhea. Mom is seriously contemplating giving up the Nexavar because it sucks to spend every day feeling crappy when the benefits don’t seem to be worth all the discomfort.
As much as I hate to see her discontinue the medication, I can’t really say that I blame her. Selfishly, I want her to do everything imaginable to live as long as possible, yet, if it were me, I would not want to spend the rest of my life nauseous and feeling sick. I guess we’re both kind of wussies that way…
The one positive thing in this whole experience has been the people who are surfacing to support my mom and our family. Flowers, gifts, and cards are coming in unexpectedly. It’s been heart-warming to be on the receiving end of so many kind, caring, and loving gestures – especially at a time when we really need them. We are blessed to know many good and kind people.
I am finding it very difficult to hold back words about how I feel about hypocrites right now. Luckily, those people are few and far between.
I’ll just say that I hope they stay far between.
Betty, I hope that the radiation therapy is keeping you pain free. I’m really glad to hear that you know some of your caregivers.
By: Lisa Lew on March 25, 2008
at 8:58 am
One thing about serious illnesses – it brings out both the best and the worst in people. Betty, Karmen, Beth, Mike – Actions speak so much louder than words. I don’t know what ugliness has exposed itself, but I hope you will ignore anyone whose actions or communications are judgemental, non-committal, ill-intended, and/or smell of dysfunctional dynamics.
Have you ever been around people who make you feel drained instead of energized/comforted? Stay away from those with negative energy.
Life is too precious to waste on those types of interactions. This time in your life needs to be about staying positive and healthy.
By: Lisa Lew on March 25, 2008
at 9:23 am
Hear hear!
By: mudskippers on March 25, 2008
at 9:34 am
My dad who is 83 going to be 84 this month has liver cancer — the nexavar has slowed down the cyst growth in his liver and lungs and lymph appear much clearer after 2 months of treatment. His hands are cracking and peeling but he still works everyday — says if I quit what would I do. He has no other side effects.
By: Mary on August 4, 2008
at 7:30 pm