Originally Posted by
kiffie2413
My mom lives with dh and I, has since my dad passed in 2002. In 2004 she was diagnosed with lung cancer, had most of her right lung removed along with the tumor...then had 2 diff chemos. She sailed thru most of that, but ended up with an abscess in the scar area where lower 2 lobes of lung removed. Now is prone to pneumonia. Since 2003, She and I have had 4 diff hospital stays, 7-9 weeks each time. I say she and I as I stay 24/7 with her. Being in the medical field I know how things can be. I'm able to help her with everything but her IVs and meds. Nurses usually love us because I help her with her showers, change the beds (mine, too..lol), "make" her walk (when you don't feel great and hard to breathe, doing anything isn't too fun, but walking is best way to get that pneumonia out! I go into "therapy" mode for that, then go out in hallway for "daughter" mode to cry because I know she's having a rough time). People say, "Oh you're so sweet." I say, "Nope, I am just a gal, selfish in that I want to keep my mom around as long as I can. Also, when she's well she does the cooking!" We got a miracle, as she is coming up on 10 years cancer free!!
If you ever need to talk, feel free to pm me.
Regards, K
Kiffie....I know how your mom feels, 2 years ago on the 30th of this month I lost my right lung to lung cancer, I know how hard it is not wanting to do anything when you hurt or having a hard time breathing. I am fortunate that I did not have to go through any chemo or radiation as the type I had didn't respond to either one, only removal. I have now been cancer free 2 years, get checked every 6 months.
Mom will be having a cervical fusion, so I am sure she wont want to be doing much moving, the doctor already told her she would be up moving same day or next morning after surgery. She is also having injections in her low back to see if they can calm that area down until the neck area is healed.
Thank you for all your help and willingness to talk.
Cindy