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re: OT - Just found out my Mom has pancreatic cancer
Posted on 1/18/17 at 9:58 am to Spaceman Spiff
Posted on 1/18/17 at 9:58 am to Spaceman Spiff
Damn, prayers sent.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 9:59 am to Spaceman Spiff
Very sorry to hear this. Try to relate and think about how you would want to live out your later days. She likely wants to live her remaining life as normally as possible surrounded by love. God Bless.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 9:59 am to gulfportdawg
Thank you all. It really means a lot to me. Before the news came, for the briefest of time all the world was right. It was just us again.
I'm riddled with guilt and fear because for the past year or so I've been dealing with the divorce and kind of alienated mom. I don't know how to make that better.
I'm riddled with guilt and fear because for the past year or so I've been dealing with the divorce and kind of alienated mom. I don't know how to make that better.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 10:21 am to Spaceman Spiff
quote:
I'm riddled with guilt and fear because for the past year or so I've been dealing with the divorce and kind of alienated mom. I don't know how to make that better.
You can't change what you've done; only what you do moving forward. Do right by her for as long as you can.
I never had a great relationship with my mother for a lot of reasons, though I definitely loved her. Before she passed unexpectedly a couple weeks before her 65th birthday, things had been going pretty well and I had just helped her buy and close on her very first home ever. She was excited about having something of her own and was really looking forward to it and being close enough that she'd get to see our kids more regularly. Since my grandparents went into assisted living two years before and subsequently passed away, she had only been able to see our kids (one of whom was only a little over a year old) a couple of times. One Saturday prior to getting her moved in, we met a guy to give a fence quote. When we parted from that driveway, I never imagined it'd be the last time I saw her.
Life isn't always fair. It can be hard. But knowing she was at least happy and excited about things to come for the first time in at least a couple of decades makes it a little easier. Whatever you do, make as much time for her (and your kids) as you can. You won't have any regrets if you do.
This post was edited on 1/18/17 at 10:22 am
Posted on 1/18/17 at 10:25 am to Spaceman Spiff
So sorry to hear that. I advise calling immediately and getting in at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, too. They're down in Newnan. It can take months before she gets in on an appointment, so being proactive is critical.
My MIL was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer back in 2010,and she got an effective 3 1/2 years of extra time with family thanks to a drug called Tarceva that specifically treats non-small cell lung and pancreatic cancer. I highly advise speaking to your mom's oncologist to find out if that's a good fit or if there's an even more effective drug in that class.
Also, see if there's a functional health doctor who can help. Since it's pancreatic, FH doctors can offer supplementary care for endocrine-related Systems, and it can sometimes kick traditional medicine's arse. Both my wife and I had some underlying health issues cleared up from treatment at Functional Health Institute of Atlanta, in Austell. I know that they treat somevcancer patients on an above-and-beyond traditional chemotherapy/radiation basis.
My MIL was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer back in 2010,and she got an effective 3 1/2 years of extra time with family thanks to a drug called Tarceva that specifically treats non-small cell lung and pancreatic cancer. I highly advise speaking to your mom's oncologist to find out if that's a good fit or if there's an even more effective drug in that class.
Also, see if there's a functional health doctor who can help. Since it's pancreatic, FH doctors can offer supplementary care for endocrine-related Systems, and it can sometimes kick traditional medicine's arse. Both my wife and I had some underlying health issues cleared up from treatment at Functional Health Institute of Atlanta, in Austell. I know that they treat somevcancer patients on an above-and-beyond traditional chemotherapy/radiation basis.
This post was edited on 1/18/17 at 1:40 pm
Posted on 1/18/17 at 12:08 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Sorry to hear about that and I feel for you. As I get older I'm becoming painfully aware that my parents are closing in on their last years. Don't feel guilty about past issues - just do the right thing now. We all struggle with work, wives, kids, etc. so your mom understands.
As has been said....MD Anderson seems to be the gold standard. Do what you can to talk her into trying hard to get the best care available.
TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE TIME YOU HAVE.
As has been said....MD Anderson seems to be the gold standard. Do what you can to talk her into trying hard to get the best care available.
TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE TIME YOU HAVE.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 12:26 pm to SquatchDawg
Mayo in Jax should be considered. Sorry to hear. That is a bad one typically.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 1:22 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Prayers to you and your family.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 1:30 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Sorry to hear about this. My mom passed away from the same thing 5 years ago. Unfortunately, Pancreatic cancer is one of the worst because usually when you find out, it's to late to do anything. They gave my mother 6 months and it was almost to the day. All I can say is enjoy her good days as much as you can.
I have heard some people that live 2-3 years after being diagnosed. Let's hope and pray, your mom is one of those people.
I have heard some people that live 2-3 years after being diagnosed. Let's hope and pray, your mom is one of those people.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:14 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Sorry to hear. Seems like every family I know is dealing with cancer of some kind. Prayers for you and your mom.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:20 pm to Spaceman Spiff
I work at Mayo in Jacksonville. You have an email address?
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:32 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Hate to hear it man. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:48 pm to Spaceman Spiff
My wife who's 40 was diagnosed with an aggressive but curable form of Non Hodkin Lymphoma in late November. I'm typing this while she's hooked up to her third in-patient chemo treatment. She is being treated at both Piedmont-Athens and Emory. We have two young kids and it sucks. But honestly, we know she can and will beat this. What you'll find is that your priorities change very quickly. Take some time to grieve, then get to work kicking cancer's arse. Help your mom, but don't pity her.
Funny, just before reading this I just had a meeting with a guy who is a Pancreatic Cancer survivor- 8 years in remission. He credits Emory for saving his life. I'm not one for doling out false hope, but you'll learn a lot about cancer in the coming months and they are doing some crazy shite these days - much of which is highly effective.
Best of luck, man.
Funny, just before reading this I just had a meeting with a guy who is a Pancreatic Cancer survivor- 8 years in remission. He credits Emory for saving his life. I'm not one for doling out false hope, but you'll learn a lot about cancer in the coming months and they are doing some crazy shite these days - much of which is highly effective.
Best of luck, man.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:54 pm to PortlyDawg
I'm sorry to hear about her cancer. I work in healthcare so I understand what you're going through. MD Anderson definitely the best in the business for oncology. Mayo, UCLA, John Hopkins are all excellent. Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is also a great facility and I have known buddies who've trained there and really learned quite a bit. I will definitely pray for her.
This post was edited on 1/18/17 at 2:55 pm
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:55 pm to SneakyWaff1es
(no message)
This post was edited on 7/23/20 at 10:10 am
Posted on 1/18/17 at 2:56 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Thanks to you all. I can't thank you enough
Posted on 1/18/17 at 3:50 pm to harrydawg
quote:
MD Anderson
Can anyone tell me how this works if you're an out-of-state patient? How do you go about bypassing all in-state options (say you're in Georgia) to get your insurance to pay for MD Anderson? And I assume you have to reside there during treatment (I guess this depends on the type of cancer and treatment options)?
I'm genuinely curious since you see the ads all the time. I feel like insurance companies would make you jump through a lot of hoops to go somewhere like this.
Posted on 1/18/17 at 5:08 pm to S1C EM
quote:
How do you go about bypassing all in-state options (say you're in Georgia) to get your insurance to pay for MD Anderson?
MD is a treatment "network" and they do have a affiliation and locations at Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta.
Obviously would depend on your particular plan in regards to out of state treatment and cost.
Posted on 1/19/17 at 8:57 am to Spaceman Spiff
Prayed for her last night and this morning.
As others have mentioned, MD Anderson is great. I know a couple people that have gone there for treatment and they've recovered very well.
As others have mentioned, MD Anderson is great. I know a couple people that have gone there for treatment and they've recovered very well.
Posted on 1/19/17 at 12:21 pm to Spaceman Spiff
Time is of the essence.
Cancer Center has opened in Newnan which is about 35 south I-85 from Atlanta. Emory is the other option around here I'd consider.
My wife was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma in 2011. She was only 32 at the time. We were told by Emory it would be three weeks before they could see us. Cancer Center wasn't open yet down here. UNACCEPTABLE as like I said time is of the essence and cancer cells had traveled to my wife's lymph nodes. Luckily my Father in Law works at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland Ohio so we made the choice to bug out of Atlanta and go to Cleveland for the treatment since they were literally able to see us 24 hours after Emory said 3 weeks.
Most of you you probably have never heard of the Clinic but it consistently places in the Top 5 for hospitals in the Nation and it placed #2 this year behind Mayo. I'm plugging them because they are world class and I'm convinced they saved my wife.
I know I'm rambling but swing for the fences. Call your insurance companies and see if some of these top hospitals are covered. If so, call the hospitals, and see how quickly you can be seen. Don't be afraid to pull up stakes and go "live" there for a while. We were there from Sept-Nov of 2011. We stayed with family. Some insurance can reimburse travel and lodging expenses though. The Cleveland Clinic has a hotel connected to the hospital just for these types of situations.
Also, get right with your mother. Tell her you are sorry for alienating her and that you love her. Trust me, she loves you too. Got to pull together and be united.
Cancer Center has opened in Newnan which is about 35 south I-85 from Atlanta. Emory is the other option around here I'd consider.
My wife was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma in 2011. She was only 32 at the time. We were told by Emory it would be three weeks before they could see us. Cancer Center wasn't open yet down here. UNACCEPTABLE as like I said time is of the essence and cancer cells had traveled to my wife's lymph nodes. Luckily my Father in Law works at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland Ohio so we made the choice to bug out of Atlanta and go to Cleveland for the treatment since they were literally able to see us 24 hours after Emory said 3 weeks.
Most of you you probably have never heard of the Clinic but it consistently places in the Top 5 for hospitals in the Nation and it placed #2 this year behind Mayo. I'm plugging them because they are world class and I'm convinced they saved my wife.
I know I'm rambling but swing for the fences. Call your insurance companies and see if some of these top hospitals are covered. If so, call the hospitals, and see how quickly you can be seen. Don't be afraid to pull up stakes and go "live" there for a while. We were there from Sept-Nov of 2011. We stayed with family. Some insurance can reimburse travel and lodging expenses though. The Cleveland Clinic has a hotel connected to the hospital just for these types of situations.
Also, get right with your mother. Tell her you are sorry for alienating her and that you love her. Trust me, she loves you too. Got to pull together and be united.
This post was edited on 1/19/17 at 1:29 pm
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