Chemo delayed.....

[Trish]

Today we attended our scheduled appointment with the oncologist in Ballarat to commence our Chemo program for the next 6 months. Oncologist was not happy with Nigel's progress after Radiation/Chemo as he is still very weak and very breathless. Doctor sent him for a doppell scan on calf and CT on chest. Diagnosed with blood clots on right leg lower and upper. Both lungs also show a blood clot on each. Now he is in hospital for two days, we now have to learn to give him injections to assist with dissolving the clots. Has anyone else experienced blood clots? Nigel is in a very bad space even before attending this appointment and then to be admitted to hospital has really thrown him. Xmas was good but then went on to tell me and our daughter that this would have been his last and that 2013 will be his last on earth. What do others do in this type of scenario - as he has had two surgeries and we have gone from 18 mths expected life to 8 mths as advised by the surgeon. His last operation they only resected 85% of the tumour. He is usually a fighter as I am and has been very strong until xmas. I so hate this evil beast as this is not the husband I know........

[exhausted]

Hi Trish We are on the same roller coaster as you. My husband also had blood clots in his calves and had to have clexane injections for more than a year, They are very easy to do, you will do it without trouble I am sure. Hugs Terese.

[Trish]

Hi Terese, Your response gives me courage. A year is a long time to dissolve the clots. I did not envisage that. Something new to learn. Cheers Trish

[Minx]

It really is a very evil beast we are dealing with. How is it all going? Pete hasn't had to deal with clots, is there anythng that can't be thrown into the path of someone dealing with GBM? Cheers and hugs Min

[Trish]

Hi Min, Nigel still in hospital until Monday. Nigel is not responding to the Clexane injections. His saturation levels very low. Will be on oxygen when at home. Very much a changed man. The hospital has arranged for hospice to start coming to our home which Nigel does not want. I think we do as he won't do what I want at times regarding his health. It is a good thing. He is in denial and he is a very angry man - not the man I know. Our daughter is struggling with it all at the moment. so trying to be strong for both of them. Booked a trip to Tassie for our anniversary and to see his family. Not sure if we will be able to go. Though I said I will go on my own. How is Peter, things looking up I trust and that you had a lovely Xmas? Off to the hospital...... Cheers Trish

[Deni_55]

My partner told me last Christmas was his last (2011) and sadly he was right. My reply at the time was "No, second last" which had a sound of realism to it and seemed to be acceptable to him. In Sept this year, he told me he wanted to see another Christmas, but it was getting very hard and if he did get to Christmas he couldn't guarantee anything else. I tried to remain realistically positive. He always called himself a realistic optimist. I tried to be encouraging by saying "well, let's just get to this Christmas and see how it goes after that." One day at a time. I made it clear that I would have him in any shape and that I also knew that was unfair. I had promised him after diagnosis that I would not ask him to linger or fight if he had enough. That had to be his decision. I kept my promise. Kevin also became quite antagonistic. it is understandable given the nature of the beast. Good Luck

[Trish]

Deni, thank you for sharing your feelings. I said the same to Nigel that there will be one more xmas to share as a family. Time will tell. Take care. Trish