Not long for this world

[Pigpen]

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?

Unfortunately, I was chewing a piece of gum as I talked to the receptionist. They cancelled my appointment and set a new one for next Friday. Their email said no food or drink except water after midnight, but they didn’t tell me that gum with sugar would interfere with the scan. I was kind of ticked off, but I let it slide without voicing my disappointment/frustration.

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[DahliaDarlin']

How frustrating! I wouldn't have thought gum would count either!

My mother had Alzheimer's too. When I went through my Cancer diagnosis and treatment, I didn't tell her either. A wise choice, but a hard one. You never know what will stick in their brains and what won't. News like that could upset them for days... or not penetrate the fog at all.

I am sorry you are in such pain.

 

[MJE]

Unfortunately, I was chewing a piece of gum as I talked to the receptionist. They cancelled my appointment and set a new one for next Friday. Their email said no food or drink except water after midnight, but they didn’t tell me that gum with sugar would interfere with the scan. I was kind of ticked off, but I let it slide without voicing my disappointment/frustration.

Wow, yeah I wouldn’t have thought that would count either. I can sure imagine being ticked off, but let us know how it goes next week.

 

[Pigpen]

Wow, yeah I wouldn’t have thought that would count either. I can sure imagine being ticked off, but let us know how it goes next week.

Results will be available to me one week after scan. I’ll post results after I get them. Thanks to all of my forum family and supporters. I’m still going through wrapping my mind around all of this. I’m still very emotional and prone to bouts of depression, crying, etc. As I’ve said, it’s a hard row to hoe, but y’all help me more than you know with your support. Thanks again to all.

 

[Ponyrider]

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.

Oh I so get this. My husband is battling cancer for the third time. Tongue cancer. Now metastatic. He had surgery 10 years ago. He was cancer free until last summer. Hasn't been able to eat solid foods since his surgery. He also said no radiation or chemo this time. He is on an immunotherapy drug. No horrible side effects. It has shrunk his tumors. He has also battled the no quality of life battle. Marijuana has helped his mental status immensely. His palliative care doctor started him on methadone the other day. (He is also on 2 other opiates) The methadone has also worked wonders for pain. It also has helped with his mental state. Have you seen a palliative care doctor for your pain? Ours has been wonderful. You will be in my thoughts.

 

[Pigpen]

Oh I so get this. My husband is battling cancer for the third time. Tongue cancer. Now metastatic. He had surgery 10 years ago. He was cancer free until last summer. Hasn't been able to eat solid foods since his surgery. He also said no radiation or chemo this time. He is on an immunotherapy drug. No horrible side effects. It has shrunk his tumors. He has also battled the no quality of life battle. Marijuana has helped his mental status immensely. His palliative care doctor started him on methadone the other day. (He is also on 2 other opiates) The methadone has also worked wonders for pain. It also has helped with his mental state. Have you seen a palliative care doctor for your pain? Ours has been wonderful. You will be in my thoughts.

My pain from the cancer is still in the not so bad range. To tell the truth, my messed up lower back gives me more pain from the stenosis and arthritis. So far both are eased with 20mg. Oxycodone 3-4 times a day. I haven’t checked into palliative care yet. Medical marijuana isn’t legal in Tennessee. I bought some a month or so ago from a friend, but it’s been years and years since I smoked either weed or cigarettes, and it was extremely rough on my throat. Major coughing. On the advice of another friend, I tried making marijuana tea, but the results were less than optimal. The same friend got found me some gummies from California, but even after eating the entire small pouch, the effects weren’t anything like I remember from when I used to smoke good weed. Kind of weak. Our Tennessee governor is dead set against any relaxation on marijuana laws, even for medical purposes, and so far the legislators don’t have the numbers or the backbone to override him. I’ve no doubt that sooner or later the people’s wishes for legalization will come to pass, but I doubt that it will be in time to do me any good.

 

[Ponyrider]

My pain from the cancer is still in the not so bad range. To tell the truth, my messed up lower back gives me more pain from the stenosis and arthritis. So far both are eased with 20mg. Oxycodone 3-4 times a day. I haven’t checked into palliative care yet. Medical marijuana isn’t legal in Tennessee. I bought some a month or so ago from a friend, but it’s been years and years since I smoked either weed or cigarettes, and it was extremely rough on my throat. Major coughing. On the advice of another friend, I tried making marijuana tea, but the results were less than optimal. The same friend got found me some gummies from California, but even after eating the entire small pouch, the effects weren’t anything like I remember from when I used to smoke good weed. Kind of weak. Our Tennessee governor is dead set against any relaxation on marijuana laws, even for medical purposes, and so far the legislators don’t have the numbers or the backbone to override him. I’ve no doubt that sooner or later the people’s wishes for legalization will come to pass, but I doubt that it will be in time to do me any good.

My husband also got no relief from oils or tinctures of marijuana. Smoking it has been the only way he gets relief. Of course his doctors are not thrilled with smoking. But you do what you gotta do. His palliative care doctor did once mention a prescription drug that is a legal marijuana. I guess it is marijuana made in a lab. I thought she said it was completely legal. Somehow Virginia was able to legalize marijuana last year. Seeing what it does for my husband, it makes me sad and angry not everyone can have access to it.

 

[Mark S.]

Have you considered vaping? Probably worse healthwise than edibles, but a whole helluva lot better than combustion byproducts.

 

[Pigpen]

Have you considered vaping? Probably worse healthwise than edibles, but a whole helluva lot better than combustion byproducts.

Unfortunately illegal in my state, (Tennessee)

 

[MJE]

Unfortunately illegal in my state, (Tennessee)

Hey just checking in to see how things are going? Were you finally able to have the tests done? Hope all is well!

 

[Pigpen]

Hey just checking in to see how things are going? Were you finally able to have the tests done? Hope all is well!

I got the results. Not eligible for the DNA treatment, ( immunotherapy? ), stage four, inoperable, 6-8 months to live. I was homebound before my cancer diagnosis, can’t walk twenty feet, sleeping in a recliner for the last 2-3 years with a wrecked back. My quality of life was low back then, much depression, so I’m not going for chemo and radiation. Low chance of success, oncologist says. Started hospice last week, my team consists of a nurse, a social worker, and a minister. I began taking methadone for pain Friday night. 1/2 pill before bedtime, plus my regular 10 mg. Oxycodone every four hours. The scary part is that the hospice nurse left a box of morphine doses. The dose goes under the tongue, administered by what looks like a syringe, but is just a syringe-looking eyedropper with markings to control dosage. Mucho pain in the future, I’d guess. As always, prayers appreciated.

 

[cprcubed]

I am praying for you, Jon! If the hospice is good, they will do all they can to make you comfortable. Keep them appraised of how you are feeling, both physically and spiritually. They will help you!

 

[KidWiff]

@Pigpen - my first post on the his forum is to to let you know that I will keep you in my prayers and to wish you the easiest journey possible.

Let those you love know what a difference they have made in your life, Sir. Peace.

 

[MJE]

You absolutely have my prayers Jon.

 

[PugDad]

Pigpen are you still keeping ok? Just wanted to reach out.

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