Not long for this world

[Caliope]

Not yet, I’ve had difficulty driving due to shortness of breath. I had oxygen tanks, but my disability due to my back pain (due to cracked vertebrae, spinal stenosis, and arthritis) made it very hard to use a cane or Walker and tote a heavy tank. But a friend bought me an Inogen G5 oxygen concentrator, much smaller and lighter weight. It arrived yesterday. I plan on getting out and driving my Outer Banks to the pharmacy tomorrow. They have a drive through window, so I won’t have to go in. Even with pain meds, I can only walk about 15-20 feet before my back starts screaming at me and I have to sit down or fall. I had to switch doctors a few months ago, because he moved to the end of a long corridor in the physician’s building. I could barely make it from the parking lot to his old office, which was just inside the building’s door. So, depending on how much walking is needed to attend a support group, it may or may not be feasible for me to attend. But thanks for asking. It’s not something that I had thought of. I’m still kind of in shock from the diagnosis.

My dad has the Inogen G5. Dad has found it to be a real friend allowing him to contiue to do activities away from the house. His pulmonologist did suggested that he use the shoulder strap, rather than the hand strap, to put less strain on his breathing. The doctor suggested that a backpack would be even better. The Inogen one is over $100, which I think is ridiculous even though he could afford it. So, being the cheap b**ch that I am, I found a picture of one online and using my sewing skills, made him one. The materials cost me about $20.

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[PugDad]

Pigpen how are you feeling ? Enjoy taking your BS out today.

 

[Pigpen]

Pigpen how are you feeling ? Enjoy taking your BS out today.

Up at four w/ back pain. Took pain meds, back to sleep until 7 am. Waiting until pharmacy opens at nine to call and initiate pain med refill due today. For some reason they don’t auto fill narcotic scripts, you have to call and tell them you’re going to be in that day. Last month I called and was told pain meds were unavailable, both there and at other pharmacies in the area. Semi panic, as I only had four left. I’ve been taking them for 3-4 years, so withdrawal was a concern if the shortage was lengthy. Script was filled the next day. Same drug, but differently shaped, different supplier. The regular oxycodone I take is combined with acetaminophen, the new ones weren’t. Different shape, also. Smaller. Round instead of lozenge shaped. So I’m a little concerned about today. Will there be a shortage still? The supply chain for almost anything you can name is a heads or tails thing lately. But in preparation for shortage, I cut back during the month, lengthening the time between doses by an hour, and trying to make up the difference with Advil and aspirin. So I have enough extra for two days, worst comes to worst. Fingers crossed. My doctor said that in the event of an extended shortage, she would phone in a script for withdrawal meds. Fine for the withdrawal, but that wouldn’t do a dang thing for pain. Thanks for the contact and concern.

 

[Pigpen]

My dad has the Inogen G5. Dad has found it to be a real friend allowing him to contiue to do activities away from the house. His pulmonologist did suggested that he use the shoulder strap, rather than the hand strap, to put less strain on his breathing. The doctor suggested that a backpack would be even better. The Inogen one is over $100, which I think is ridiculous even though he could afford it. So, being the cheap b**ch that I am, I found a picture of one online and using my sewing skills, made him one. The materials cost me about $20.

In the event of any further Inogen supply needs, eBay has most anything you could need except for the actual concentrator.

 

[MDwayne]

... revealed squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer. It was also in my lymph nodes. Inoperable. I haven’t seen an oncologist yet, so I don’t yet know how long I have. Chemo and or radiation will probably be suggested. But I’ve heard the horror stories about people that go through these procedures....

So I think I’ll just forego any treatment,...

My friend, don't give up. 15 years ago I was diagnosed with late stage squamous cell throat cancer. I was given a year without treatment. I was also given the option for surgery (fairly brutal BTW) and radiation (also not fun) which should give me about more five years. For reasons, I opted for treatment: and I won't lie, it was brutal and at times horrible. But, now I'm 15 years older and expect a normal life span. Treatment works. But more important, even after only 10/15 years they have made huge progress and the treatments are not what they were even when I had them, let alone 10-20 years ago. If there's anyone you care about and want to see them for as long as you can, take the challenge: it may hurt, sorry, but consider the consequences. To paraphrase, 'If I can do it.... you can too with even better odds and fewer side-effects."

The choice is yours, but modern medicine is not like it was.

 

[Pigpen]

My friend, don't give up. 15 years ago I was diagnosed with late stage squamous cell throat cancer. I was given a year without treatment. I was also given the option for surgery (fairly brutal BTW) and radiation (also not fun) which should give me about more five years. For reasons, I opted for treatment: and I won't lie, it was brutal and at times horrible. But, now I'm 15 years older and expect a normal life span. Treatment works. But more important, even after only 10/15 years they have made huge progress and the treatments are not what they were even when I had them, let alone 10-20 years ago. If there's anyone you care about and want to see them for as long as you can, take the challenge: it may hurt, sorry, but consider the consequences. To paraphrase, 'If I can do it.... you can too with even better odds and fewer side-effects."

The choice is yours, but modern medicine is not like it was.

Thanks for this information. I will give it a go.

 

[DahliaDarlin']

PigPen--

Thinking of you today and checking in. I read above about the weight of the oxygen, and the pain of mobility making Dr. visits difficult. I convinced my 92 year old lung cancer survivor FIL to buy one of these.

nitro drive walker -- info on Amazon

The bag in the front is what made me think of this for you. When we bought it, the medical supply person mentioned that it was handy to carry oxygen supply.

It's super sturdy and has a nice wide seat. It folds easily by pulling up on the strap handle in the middle of the seat. The brakes are simple, to set and release. You'll see the wheels are nice and large, so you can take it "off road" so to speak, which my FIL does. He takes it on a level, hard packed, unpaved walking areas at local nature preserves in addition to wherever he thinks it would be helpful to have it, like a museum, or just rolling around his cottage. The handles are adjustable, sliding up to the best position for you.

We purchased it at a medical supply store so the staff could position the handle height and fit him with the correct size (there is a 'tall' version). They made it simple to see how much Medicare would cover. Fortunately, his back problems come and go, unlike yours. Sometimes though he needs to sit in a pinch and this helps.

Hope today is not too hot where you are!

 

[PugDad]

PigPen--

Thinking of you today and checking in. I read above about the weight of the oxygen, and the pain of mobility making Dr. visits difficult. I convinced my 92 year old lung cancer survivor FIL to buy one of these.

nitro drive walker -- info on Amazon

The bag in the front is what made me think of this for you. When we bought it, the medical supply person mentioned that it was handy to carry oxygen supply.

It's super sturdy and has a nice wide seat. It folds easily by pulling up on the strap handle in the middle of the seat. The brakes are simple, to set and release. You'll see the wheels are nice and large, so you can take it "off road" so to speak, which my FIL does. He takes it on a level, hard packed, unpaved walking areas at local nature preserves in addition to wherever he thinks it would be helpful to have it, like a museum, or just rolling around his cottage. The handles are adjustable, sliding up to the best position for you.

We purchased it at a medical supply store so the staff could position the handle height and fit him with the correct size (there is a 'tall' version). They made it simple to see how much Medicare would cover. Fortunately, his back problems come and go, unlike yours. Sometimes though he needs to sit in a pinch and this helps.

Hope today is not too hot where you are!

Thank you for caring.

 

[Pigpen]

I ordered my outer banks in February 22. I received it in August of the same year. Shortly after, I developed severe back pain due to old injuries (cracked vertebrae ) spinal stenosis, and arthritis. (I’m 67 y.o.) So I got out of the house less and less, eventually becoming homebound and having to sleep in a recliner. I was and am taking 140 10 mg. Oxycodone a month, and can still only walk about twenty feet before I have to sit. Due to the drug use, I couldn’t drive my new Bronco Sport. So now, almost a year later, it has less than a thousand miles.

In late June, after a severe bout of coughing, I began to cough up blood. Took an ambulance to the E.R. The diagnosis was pneumonia, and after a round of antibiotics and a couple of cat scans and x-rays, I was discharged. A few days later, I was informed that there was something going on in my right lung. A biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer. It was also in my lymph nodes. Inoperable. I haven’t seen an oncologist yet, so I don’t yet know how long I have. Chemo and or radiation will probably be suggested. But I’ve heard the horror stories about people that go through these procedures. My girlfriend’s father took the treatments, and after a couple of years of misery, died anyway. My brother in law’s sister had the same miserable experience.

So I think I’ll just forego any treatment, and when it gets bad, either go into hospice or check myself out. So my Bronco Sport is the last car I’ll ever own. I regret that I never got to drive it more and appreciate it for the fine vehicle it is. I smoked 1-2 packs a day from the age of sixteen until about four years ago. I quit by using Chantix. I was a hard core smoker. If I quit, anyone can. So this message is a warning, and an encouragement to all of my fellow Bronco Sport owners to quit. If you haven’t started, don’t. Encourage your friends and loved ones to quit. I thought I was invulnerable, and would live to be an old man, like my recently deceased father. I was wrong.

I saw the oncologist 8-01-23. He has scheduled a PET scan on 8-04-23 to see if cancer has spread to other organs. He said without treatment that I have 3-6 months. If the cancer has spread, it would be classified as stage 4. At any rate, due to my other disabilities (diabetes, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, and new and old fractures in lower back) I have decided to not take chemo and radiation. Best case scenario the cancer is cured, I still can’t walk more than 10-12 feet, would still be homebound. Can’t cook or clean my home, quality of life would still be low. I’ve stopped taking all heart meds, a major heart attack would be an easy out. I have Do Not Resuscitate orders in place, I’ve accepted my fate. I was re-baptized last Sunday, and made my peace with G-d. I’m ready to go. Looking forward to seeing my Dad again in heaven. And a couple of beloved dogs are waiting for me at the rainbow bridge. I have no children, only a sister, a brother, and four friends to mark my passing. My mother is 87 and in the throes of Alzheimer’s. I haven’t seen her in two years, and my sister and I have decided that she needn’t be told.

 

[PugDad]

I saw the oncologist 8-01-23. He has scheduled a PET scan on 8-04-23 to see if cancer has spread to other organs. He said without treatment that I have 3-6 months. If the cancer has spread, it would be classified as stage 4. At any rate, due to my other disabilities (diabetes, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, and new and old fractures in lower back) I have decided to not take chemo and radiation. Best case scenario the cancer is cured, I still can’t walk more than 10-12 feet, would still be homebound. Can’t cook or clean my home, quality of life would still be low. I’ve stopped taking all heart meds, a major heart attack would be an easy out. I have Do Not Resuscitate orders in place, I’ve accepted my fate. I was re-baptized last Sunday, and made my peace with G-d. I’m ready to go. Looking forward to seeing my Dad again in heaven. And a couple of beloved dogs are waiting for me at the rainbow bridge. I have no children, only a sister, a brother, and four friends to mark my passing. My mother is 87 and in the throes of Alzheimer’s. I haven’t seen her in two years, and my sister and I have decided that she needn’t be told.

Pigpen , May peace with you as you wait for your eternal happiness. Godspeed.
I don’t know you of course, but sometimes knowing is just feeling.

 

[Mark S.]

I saw the oncologist 8-01-23. He has scheduled a PET scan on 8-04-23 to see if cancer has spread to other organs. He said without treatment that I have 3-6 months. If the cancer has spread, it would be classified as stage 4. At any rate, due to my other disabilities (diabetes, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, and new and old fractures in lower back) I have decided to not take chemo and radiation. Best case scenario the cancer is cured, I still can’t walk more than 10-12 feet, would still be homebound. Can’t cook or clean my home, quality of life would still be low. I’ve stopped taking all heart meds, a major heart attack would be an easy out. I have Do Not Resuscitate orders in place, I’ve accepted my fate. I was re-baptized last Sunday, and made my peace with G-d. I’m ready to go. Looking forward to seeing my Dad again in heaven. And a couple of beloved dogs are waiting for me at the rainbow bridge. I have no children, only a sister, a brother, and four friends to mark my passing. My mother is 87 and in the throes of Alzheimer’s. I haven’t seen her in two years, and my sister and I have decided that she needn’t be told.

Grace and strength to you brother. BTW, since you've so candidly bared your soul here on the forum I think I can say with a fair amount of certainty that you have more than four friends.

 

[Barry S.]

Grace and strength to you brother. BTW, since you've so candidly bared your soul here on the forum I think I can say with a fair amount of certainty that you have more than four friends.

Amen.

 

[Bucko]

Grace and strength to you brother. BTW, since you've so candidly bared your soul here on the forum I think I can say with a fair amount of certainty that you have more than four friends.

That is a given.

 

[strckerie]

@Pigpen

When that time comes for you to walk across that Bridge, to Live again and free from the constraints of this world, may Eternal Peace be granted to your soul, and Perpetual Light shine upon you

 

[MJE]

I saw the oncologist 8-01-23. He has scheduled a PET scan on 8-04-23 to see if cancer has spread to other organs. He said without treatment that I have 3-6 months. If the cancer has spread, it would be classified as stage 4. At any rate, due to my other disabilities (diabetes, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, and new and old fractures in lower back) I have decided to not take chemo and radiation. Best case scenario the cancer is cured, I still can’t walk more than 10-12 feet, would still be homebound. Can’t cook or clean my home, quality of life would still be low. I’ve stopped taking all heart meds, a major heart attack would be an easy out. I have Do Not Resuscitate orders in place, I’ve accepted my fate. I was re-baptized last Sunday, and made my peace with G-d. I’m ready to go. Looking forward to seeing my Dad again in heaven. And a couple of beloved dogs are waiting for me at the rainbow bridge. I have no children, only a sister, a brother, and four friends to mark my passing. My mother is 87 and in the throes of Alzheimer’s. I haven’t seen her in two years, and my sister and I have decided that she needn’t be told.

Agreed, in addition to 4 friends, you have a whole forum of great people here with you as well. How did the PET scan go today?

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