A Turn for the Worse.....

[DadsCharger00]

So things had been going pretty well with my Dad and his chemo treatments for his cancer.  Minus the feeling like ass all the time becuase chemo sucks, his lab work, and tumor markers were fantastic. However recently he has started to develop "wounds" on his side, his hips, and his legs that are uncontrollable. Developing very quickly, blistering, and then rupturing causing open wounds that wont heal, and cause tremendous amounts of pain. Best part.....nobody knows what they are, what's causing them, or how to treat em. He was going to make the drive to the Hospital where I work, and see the oncologist that I work with, but becuase of pain level, and absolute exhaustion the fear is he can't make the 8 hour drive. So looks like hes off to Omaha NE to the University to see them. Looks like some travel will be in the books for me soon. Say a little prayer if ya have time guys, sounds cheezy I know, but at this point every little thought counts.

[resq302]

Could the chemo be causing the issue with the blistering and the skin problems?  I know radiation can cause those types of burns on the skin.

[Dino]

Yes chemo can cause blisters, as can many other types of drugs.  Get him to a place with some better paid staff.  If a doc or nurse does not know how to at least treat them then he's in the wrong place.

[DadsCharger00]

That was our first thought as well. I work in Nuclear Medicine with many oncologists, and that is of course where our first thoughts were. However it appears that they are not at this point being caused by the chemo. We hope they aren't. They aren't many treatments available for pancreatic cancer, and if it's the chemo, and hes forced to stop, then we all know what comes next. They are thinking they are PART of the cancer. Or new cancer. Becuase his chemo actually seems to take away some of the pain caused by them. Time will tell I guess.

[Dino]

That was our first thought as well. I work in Nuclear Medicine with many oncologists, and that is of course where our first thoughts were. However it appears that they are not at this point being caused by the chemo. We hope they aren't. They aren't many treatments available for pancreatic cancer, and if it's the chemo, and hes forced to stop, then we all know what comes next. They are thinking they are PART of the cancer. Or new cancer. Becuase his chemo actually seems to take away some of the pain caused by them. Time will tell I guess.

Don't worry, they won't stop chemo, they will most likely do an adjustment and look for a reaction.  It's common to have reactions like this and oncologists are real good at tweaking treatment.  Also be aware that the initial blistering comes as a shock as you go from smooth skin to breakdown in no time.  When the chemo can be tweaked and the initial shock is over, the body goes into repair mode.  It always looks bad when the blistering starts but it doesn't mean they can't make it better.  Open wounds are slow to heal so it's important to learn how to dress a wound. 

[chargerboy69]

Mike,

Prayers sent to you and your family.  Keep us posted.

Tim

[Cooter]

Sayin' one for your pop now Bro. May he recover soon.

[DadsCharger00]

So he's on Gemzar, which is the number one drug for pancreatic cancer when it's tollerable. But when it isn't tolerable, you don't adjust it. You stop it. It's one of those things where it works, or it doesn't. We are hoping (which sounds bad) that it's another form of cancer. Becuase then they could ADD another chemo drug and combat it that way. Just a lot to handle at this point. The good news is Dino my mom has been a nurse for 30 years so she can take good care of the wounds while at home. So that's a plus. It's just a scramble right now to find out what's going on. Had they been able to make this trip sooner I think it would have been for the better.

[Dino]

So he's on Gemzar, which is the number one drug for pancreatic cancer when it's tollerable. But when it isn't tolerable, you don't adjust it. You stop it. It's one of those things where it works, or it doesn't. We are hoping (which sounds bad) that it's another form of cancer. Becuase then they could ADD another chemo drug and combat it that way. Just a lot to handle at this point. The good news is Dino my mom has been a nurse for 30 years so she can take good care of the wounds while at home. So that's a plus. It's just a scramble right now to find out what's going on. Had they been able to make this trip sooner I think it would have been for the better.

I'm familiar with Gemzar and you can alter the dosage or the treatment frequency.  That may be all he needs.  There are also similar drugs, same class of drugs, that may be just as effective without the complications.  I'm glad to hear your mom's a nurse so at least she can effectively fight infections.

Tell your dad he'll be fine, he's obviously in good hands at home.

[DadsCharger00]

Thanks Dino. I'll keep ya all in the loop

[71ChallengeHer]

Prayers sent    

[Dave Kanofsky]

Prayers for healing, safe travels, and peace for all of your family.

"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."'
(Numbers, 6:24-26)

[DadsCharger00]

Thanks all for the responses. Don't mean to be a downer on FRIDAY! Just gotta keep moving forward! ONE DAY AT A TIME! 

[69rtse4spd]

Many prayers sent your way.

[Old Tired Rebel]

Prayers to you and your family.

[68X426]

Don't mean to be a downer on FRIDAY!

Many of us have been "down" that road before. I know... a pun is the lowest type of humor.   

My Dad too had a bad time with chemo, but it certainly helped. My thoughts and support go out to you and Dad.

[JB400]

Best of wishes to you and your family   I hope all turns out and around for the better.

[Fred]

I wish you and your family all the very best. Remain positive.

[TruckDriver]

Best wishes for your dad sent 

[mrsskip68]

Prayers sent for your daddy!  Hes in good hands it sounds like, with your mom!