I haven't been contributing lately, the hubby and I are going through rough times.

Ruth n Jersey said:
There isn't enough space to write all that has gone on in our lives since the new year.
I'll condense this the best I can.
Hubby thought he had a hernia, late last year, he was correct but the doctor found there was fluid buildup in his abdomen. Further investigation showed stage 4 cancer which has spread and caused the hernia. It can't be repaired but chemo will slow down the progression of the cancer if he chose to start treatment. In the last months he decided to try chemo. He couldn't continue after 4 treatments. The side effects were terrible.

His bloodwork really isn't that bad and I hope he recovers a bit from those last treatments and we can possibly enjoy ourselves a bit.
He will have a ct scan to see if the chemo helped at all.
Our 50th anniversary was in April and it came and went just like any other day. We were planning a trip but neither of us gave it any thought, just to painful.. Turned out to be one of the worse days of my life.

During all this I developed palpations which I thought was caused by stress. after several tests I found that I have a leaky valve but it is not life threating . I also have hyperthyroidism which most likely is causing the palpations.
I was put on several medications including a blood thinner which needs blood work every week and I must watch my diet on top of the gluten diet I've been on for years.
I always loved to cook but now I hate having to get a meal on the table. The hubby doesn't have much of an apatite and I have to watch my vitamin k intake,

This was very depressing for me, as I was not on any meds prior to this. I'm getting side effects from these drugs that need to be ironed out and finally started on a medication for my thyroid. Hyperthyroidism apposed to hypo is harder to treat and may take a year,

I knew I had the ability to see my hubby through this since I worked in the health field many years ago and saw my mom through her cancer but being sick at the same time has really taken a tole on me.

I'd like to add that our doctors have been wonderful but all of the stress for both of us came from the office staff, hospital employees who don't know what is going on. My situation could have been treated months before but thyroid scans were canceled due to not knowing if they could even be done at our hospital. Trying to get through to the doctors on the phone is a long and drawn out process. I stayed home for two solid weeks so I wouldn't miss a call from my specialist.
Finally my cardiologist took pity on me and called the specialist herself in my behalf. He was on the phone 15 minutes later. I will be eternally grateful to her.
There still are some who will go the extra mile.
This isn't even half of the problems we have encountered over the past few months.
This is a very long post and depressing at best. I thank all who have asked about me and I'm still hoping the hubby and I can enjoy a belated anniversary. I do worry about myself not being up to taking care of him when the time comes.
We just take one day at a time. I do have my kids who are there for support and my son in law who is a doctor who has given me very valuable info.
Click to expand...
Dear @Ruth n Jersey, sorry you and your husband are going through this! I will put both of you in my prayers. Just so you know, my one sister has stage 4 kidney cancer and they removed a kidney; the chemo has helped her (Cabometyx). It's been 2 1/2 years now. Sometimes she lowers the dose or stops it, then goes on again. So far, so good. She's in good spirits. Take one day at a time, and enjoy as much as you can each day. Hopefully, the chemo will help!
https://flic.kr/p/aFo2cz
 

Ruth, I can't say anything that hasn't been said already, but just know that so many here are concerned about you and have you in our thoughts.

My mother suffered from Hyperthyroidism for years and was on a radioactive iodine regimen. She eventually had her Parathyroid Gland removed, which was a quick and easy procedure and seemed to alleviate the issue. But you are probably already aware of the procedure, having been in the medical field. I do hope the doctors can do all possible to make sure your heart continues to work properly.

We miss you on SF, and I do wish all the best for you and your hubby during this very difficult time. ❤️
 
Like others, I can't think of anything others haven't said but, please remember to take care of yourself.
The Cleveland Clinic has a wonderful reputation so maybe you can find a way to see them. I know, that isn't going to be easy at this time but they took good care of my family and are highly rated by others. Nothing is more frustrating than a doctor who can't/won't help you.
 
Ruth, thank you for the update.

Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers.

I hope you have the time and the energy to feel the soil on your hands and the sun on your face.

Fotolia_33299035_Subscription_XL-4093367.jpg
 
Dear Ruth, devastated, you must be, as I am after reading your litany,
of let-down, bad-practice, mismanagement, misdiagnosis and then to
cap it all, too strong meds in the Chemo Therapy, it is enough to send
you crazy.

You have done all that you can and things may on the move, hopefully,
now I want you to try and not worry, I know that is a stupid thing to
suggest, but it is for the best, try and get back to as normal as possible
and see, you will feel happier, plus you won't be inviting an ulcer and
other things that come from worry. 🙏

I send you some healing, enough for both, sit back and relax and Heal.

Mike.
 
Ruth n Jersey said:
There isn't enough space to write all that has gone on in our lives since the new year.
I'll condense this the best I can.
Hubby thought he had a hernia, late last year, he was correct but the doctor found there was fluid buildup in his abdomen. Further investigation showed stage 4 cancer which has spread and caused the hernia. It can't be repaired but chemo will slow down the progression of the cancer if he chose to start treatment. In the last months he decided to try chemo. He couldn't continue after 4 treatments. The side effects were terrible.

His bloodwork really isn't that bad and I hope he recovers a bit from those last treatments and we can possibly enjoy ourselves a bit.
He will have a ct scan to see if the chemo helped at all.
Our 50th anniversary was in April and it came and went just like any other day. We were planning a trip but neither of us gave it any thought, just to painful.. Turned out to be one of the worse days of my life.

During all this I developed palpations which I thought was caused by stress. after several tests I found that I have a leaky valve but it is not life threating . I also have hyperthyroidism which most likely is causing the palpations.
I was put on several medications including a blood thinner which needs blood work every week and I must watch my diet on top of the gluten diet I've been on for years.
I always loved to cook but now I hate having to get a meal on the table. The hubby doesn't have much of an apatite and I have to watch my vitamin k intake,

This was very depressing for me, as I was not on any meds prior to this. I'm getting side effects from these drugs that need to be ironed out and finally started on a medication for my thyroid. Hyperthyroidism apposed to hypo is harder to treat and may take a year,

I knew I had the ability to see my hubby through this since I worked in the health field many years ago and saw my mom through her cancer but being sick at the same time has really taken a tole on me.

I'd like to add that our doctors have been wonderful but all of the stress for both of us came from the office staff, hospital employees who don't know what is going on. My situation could have been treated months before but thyroid scans were canceled due to not knowing if they could even be done at our hospital. Trying to get through to the doctors on the phone is a long and drawn out process. I stayed home for two solid weeks so I wouldn't miss a call from my specialist.
Finally my cardiologist took pity on me and called the specialist herself in my behalf. He was on the phone 15 minutes later. I will be eternally grateful to her.
There still are some who will go the extra mile.
This isn't even half of the problems we have encountered over the past few months.
This is a very long post and depressing at best. I thank all who have asked about me and I'm still hoping the hubby and I can enjoy a belated anniversary. I do worry about myself not being up to taking care of him when the time comes.
We just take one day at a time. I do have my kids who are there for support and my son in law who is a doctor who has given me very valuable info.
Click to expand...
Oh Ruth, this is heart-breaking. I wish the both of you the strength to endure. Hugs, Em
 
Ruth n Jersey said:
There isn't enough space to write all that has gone on in our lives since the new year.
I'll condense this the best I can.
Hubby thought he had a hernia, late last year, he was correct but the doctor found there was fluid buildup in his abdomen. Further investigation showed stage 4 cancer which has spread and caused the hernia. It can't be repaired but chemo will slow down the progression of the cancer if he chose to start treatment. In the last months he decided to try chemo. He couldn't continue after 4 treatments. The side effects were terrible.

His bloodwork really isn't that bad and I hope he recovers a bit from those last treatments and we can possibly enjoy ourselves a bit.
He will have a ct scan to see if the chemo helped at all.
Our 50th anniversary was in April and it came and went just like any other day. We were planning a trip but neither of us gave it any thought, just to painful.. Turned out to be one of the worse days of my life.

During all this I developed palpations which I thought was caused by stress. after several tests I found that I have a leaky valve but it is not life threating . I also have hyperthyroidism which most likely is causing the palpations.
I was put on several medications including a blood thinner which needs blood work every week and I must watch my diet on top of the gluten diet I've been on for years.
I always loved to cook but now I hate having to get a meal on the table. The hubby doesn't have much of an apatite and I have to watch my vitamin k intake,

This was very depressing for me, as I was not on any meds prior to this. I'm getting side effects from these drugs that need to be ironed out and finally started on a medication for my thyroid. Hyperthyroidism apposed to hypo is harder to treat and may take a year,

I knew I had the ability to see my hubby through this since I worked in the health field many years ago and saw my mom through her cancer but being sick at the same time has really taken a tole on me.

I'd like to add that our doctors have been wonderful but all of the stress for both of us came from the office staff, hospital employees who don't know what is going on. My situation could have been treated months before but thyroid scans were canceled due to not knowing if they could even be done at our hospital. Trying to get through to the doctors on the phone is a long and drawn out process. I stayed home for two solid weeks so I wouldn't miss a call from my specialist.
Finally my cardiologist took pity on me and called the specialist herself in my behalf. He was on the phone 15 minutes later. I will be eternally grateful to her.
There still are some who will go the extra mile.
This isn't even half of the problems we have encountered over the past few months.
This is a very long post and depressing at best. I thank all who have asked about me and I'm still hoping the hubby and I can enjoy a belated anniversary. I do worry about myself not being up to taking care of him when the time comes.
We just take one day at a time. I do have my kids who are there for support and my son in law who is a doctor who has given me very valuable info.
Click to expand...


Very very sorry about the difficulties. In 2003, I had carbon monoxide poisoning (with other chemical poisoning). I was close to death for 4 months.

It seems like, only at the extremes do we find out just how much capacity we really have.


And we really have far more than we think we have.

You have some excellent support. You sound very very intelligent. You will find a way through.

It may not seem that way now, but you will find a way through. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You don't have to conquer the whole journey at once. You don't even have to see where the road leads. All you have to do is just keep putting that one foot in front of the other.

Again, sorry that it is so hard.

take care...
 
Surprised to hear such sad news. I was glad to read that you do have caring medical practitioners. I wish you both the best and hopefully things will turn around for you.

I’m just being curious by asking if yor husband’s cancer has metastasized?
 
Ruth, I have been thinking of you often, and hoping things will settle some and become a little bit easier for you.
I hope you can get settled with the new meds, somehow, and that you and your husband can enjoy a few small pleasures, this season that is nice outdoors.
Take the best care of yourself as you can, for both of your sakes.
📬💌💌
 
I am so sorry for the hardships you and your husband are suffering. I wish there was something more I could say or do but just know there are a lot of people here for you.

Including you both on my daily prayer list from now on.
 
Ruth, I am so sorry to see all you both are going through. My wife and I are in your age group and celebrated our 50th a couple of years ago. This is all too close to home, and I can relate. I know the sun will come up again for you. Taking it one day at a time is best right now.

God Bless both of you
 

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