Confused and Upset

[karen547]

So it turns out my mom wasnt on oral chemo at all. She didnt even know that. She will be starting on an oral chemo pill tuesday. I am just at the point where I am about to scream~ I am just not prepared to see my mom lose her hair, be sick, and cry 24/7! This is such BS. I pray all the time that she gets better and still nothing! I dont understand why she wasnt on oral chemo and just some horomone type pill? Arghhh. This is why I am going crazy because it seems like no matter what if something good comes along something bad always follows. I want desperately to post good news about her I am heartsick over this, and on top of everything else my sister who can at times be a biga$$ know-it-all is coming home for the weekend. She's the type who thinks other peoples problems arent as big as hers, and when she comes home shes always critizizing us. I just think something has got to happen thats good because god knows we are due! I just need a break from it all, ya know?

[RichardMEL]

Karen, I really don't know much about your mother's situation but maybe the medicos wanted to try her on the hormone pill thing in case that would sort out the issue without going to something tougher like the oral chemo drug? It may be frustrating for you and all concerned (and has your mom said if they explained to her why they have tried the drugs they have ??)... I'm sorry you're all going through this pain and stress and my fingers are crossed that things will improve.

I have a friend who has been through 2 courses of radio therapy to clear up some nasty lumps she had.. she just got the news the other day she appears clear so she has 2 weeks to go and then hopefully she's done. I hope the same will be true of your mom.

Hang in there!!

[flip]

The lady who used to sit next to me at dialysis was on oral chemo and didn't really have many problems. She didn't lose her hair and only had minor bouts with nausea. It may not be the same drug that your mom is on, but we can always hope.

[rose1999]

Karen my husband had hormone tablets before his oral chemo (and later intravenous chemo), I think that's the way they do it with some types of cancer (particularly breast and prostate) as they often respond to the hormones.  Oral chemo is not as harsh as intravenous and her hair may not fall out, but what if it does? She's still your Mum, you'll still love her, what's a bit of baldness going to do? Nothing really, but I understand your fear of the unknown, we all worry about the silly things like hair loss because it stops us worrying about the bigger things, it's nature's way of helping us cope. I hope the chemo works for her and I'm sending love and hugs your way.  Oh and just let whatever your sis says go over your head, nod, say yes and think that she will soon go back home 

[circleNthedrain]

Hi karen...i know nothing about oral chemo, just hope things soon improve for you and your Mom.  We love you!!

[twirl]

karen, you mother has you and your love-
my mother took oral chem and did not lose her hair
she thought dialysis was worse than oral chemo
I am thinking about you
if you send me your address, I will send her a funny card
cheryl alias Twirl

[monrein]

I'll send your Mom a card too if you want Karen.

[del]

Hope things start to get better soon. 

[G-Ma]

Hope things get better soon.......by the way we have the same sister...mine informed me before I started D that none of us live in "her world"....well I guess I for one am glad.   

[kitkatz]

About her own world.  Just figure she lives in her own world, but it is okay, they know her there.

[G-Ma]

LOL..yes...we have not talked in mmm 4 months and last Sat she called and I was all excited..said I was sitting down so we could talk and she said oh no, I just called to say hi...I'm just opening my nail polish and need to hang up to do my nails..........ok bye.........alrighty then...

[Sunny]

Your Mom will get through this, and so will you.
It's kind of like you with kidney disease. What choice do you have? You simply learn to deal with it.
I took cytoxin oral chemo for 6 months 7 years ago for GoodPastures Disease. About 1/3 of my hair fell out and I was always able to hide that fact pretty well. I also had nausea but counter-acted this by drinking plenty of water. In fact, each time I took a cytoxin pill, I followed with two 12 oz glasses of water. I also got up at the crack of dawn to take it then went back to sleep for a while so I could sleep through its effects. I'm not saying it was easy, but I am saying it is easier on the body than drip chemo. Now I hear they have even better daily
oral chemo pills for some types of breast cancer. Your Mom is going to be o.k. Survival rates for breast cancer after treatment are very good. She will be going through some rough times, though. I hope the best for you and your family. (Try to ignore that sister of yours).

[paris]

The oral chemo is better tolerated.  My sister-in-law did ok on it.  I've had two friends on it and none lost their hair.  Come here when you are worried or full of fear. We are all worried for you Mom and pray it will get better for her.  PS, I have the sister from hell!  She doesn't talk to any one in the family now.   Try to avoid her so she doesn't upset you too much.