Originally Posted By RoadTrip I know I haven't posted here in a while. It has been a tough time. My Rosie likely has only a few months to live. She had been having problems for quite awhile with vomiting whenever she ate. We thought for a while it was reaction to chemo, but knew after a time it had to be more than that. Rose had an appointment with her primary care physician about 2 weeks ago and was told to go to the local Emergency Room immediately. She was checked in at Skaggs Hospital. They initially just kept her on IV fluids hoping the situation would resolve itself, as it seemed to 6 weeks before when she was hospitalized in St. Paul. After two days there was no improvement and the surgeon wanted to operate. He thought it was likely an adhesion from her first surgery that was causing the blockage and that it would be fairly easily corrected. Instead he found that cancer had spread throughout her abdomen and was constricting her intestines in so many places that it would be impossible to remove the blockage. He took about a 6" section of small intestine that he hoped might help her problem, but said it would only help if it was the FIRST blockage in line and he had no way of knowing that. He said to try and remove all blockage would result in so many cuts to her intestine that she would be in huge danger of infection that would kill her more quickly than the cancer. After two days of recovery they had her transported via ambulance to a hospital in Springfield about 35 miles away. They wanted her to be under the care of her oncologist. At this point they just want to treat her symptoms of nausea and pain. When they have that under control they can send her home. When she has recuperated sufficiently they will discuss future options. The oncologist told us today that additional chemotherapy would not likely resolve her intestinal obstruction, and it would not likely cure her cancer. He said it could prolong her life and make things somewhat more comfortable for her. She is being fed totally via IV with a substance called TPN, which could sustain her indefinitely. I have been taught how to administer that when she comes home via IV into a central port. She has a tube that drains her stomach so that she can have a liquid diet. It does her no good nutritionally since it cannot pass into her intestine, but allows her the satisfaction of eating something. They have been experimenting with treatments for pain and nausea that would be sustainable at home. They have not had much luck so today they "kicked it up a notch". They installed a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) which will allow them to send Rose home with a morphine pump. It will allow her to control her meds as necessary with time limitations that will prevent her from overdosing. They also started her on Marinol, which is pharmaceutical marijuana (THC) to try and control her nausea. These are all things that could be administered in our home. Once she has been able to get by successfully with them for a day or two she will be allowed to come home. Both our puppy and I will be thrilled to have her home again. Rosie worries about all the work it will mean for me, but there is no work in my life that I would rather do. I am so grateful that I am retired and can devote full-time to making my Rosie's remaining time comfortable. Cancer sucks. But what can you do? We will figure out a way to get through this together. I pray for a miracle, and pray for the strength to get through this in the absence of a miracle. I know that one way or another we will get through this in a way that we can manage. I watched my little brother die from pancreatic cancer a few years ago. I know it won't be easy. But I also know from that experience that it will be possible to keep Rosie out of pain. That means more than you can imagine.
Originally Posted By Mr X Oh, man. I'm so sorry. I'll still hope for the best for ya! Take care and be good to yourself as much as you can.
Originally Posted By imadisneygal Oh Road Trip, I know there are no words I could say that could properly express what a wonderful husband and caregiver you are. Please know that I will be with you in spirit on this newest part of your journey with Rosie. My best friend's husband cared for her during her fight against brain cancer and even though it was difficult she was so lucky to have him with her every step of the way. Thinking of you and Rosie and hoping that she finds the right balance of medications to keep her comfortable.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Rosie, you and your family are in my prayers. I've experienced bringing loved ones home in this situation and caring for them in this manner. Your brother has prepared you for this, you are a devoted and loving husband, Rosie is in good hands. Take care of yourself - eat and rest when you can as difficult as it is.
Originally Posted By ecdc I read that first paragraph and gasped. I'm so terribly sorry to hear this. Like X, I still hope for the best. As terrible as a time as this is, it sounds like Rosie is fortunate to have such a great husband and family. My absolute best to the both of you.
Originally Posted By mawnck Wow, RoadTrip, I am so sorry. Rosie's lucky to have you there. I'm praying for the best possible things for both of you.
Originally Posted By DVC_Pongo I'm so sorry to hear of the bad news. Please know that you and Rose are in my thoughts. I assume he may already know, but I'll shoot a facebook message to Tim. Please please keep us posted.
Originally Posted By iamsally We are so sorry to hear this devastating news RT. There just are no words that really come to mind. You will both be in our thoughts and prayers as you face this new challenge. Hugs to you both. Ruthie and Rod
Originally Posted By TomSawyer Aw, man I'm sorry to hear this. Make sure you take care of yourself, too. Be willing to accept help from others and find a good friend or even a support group so you don't go through this alone. And LP is here for support or a few laughs when ever you need it
Originally Posted By mele Oh no, RT, I am so very sorry. I was hoping you weren't posting on LP because you were having so much fun in your new town. Your family will be in my prayers.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I am so, so sorry to hear this, Roadtrip. You, Rosie and your family are in my prayers. You've got my email if i can be of any help in any way.
Originally Posted By RockyMtnMinnie RT I am so sad to hear this. She is so very lucky to have your love and care right now. Be sure to take care of yourself. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 Really sorry to hear about this. I watched my fiance's mom pass away from cancer about 4 years ago. Her struggle was for two years and it went from her bladder, to her stomach, uterus, and colon, and then finally to her bones and she passed away after many long hospital stays and surgeries in the comfort of her home (they had hospice care) in March 2005. I do not envy either of you what you are going through. It's one of the toughest things in the world. His dad got through it by relying on friends and family. He cried with them and talked to them and accepted all the help he could get. I think it made it a lot easier. He's still healing but it's been tough. I'm so sorry you both have to go through this. I'm wishing for a miracle and you're both in my thoughts...
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter I am so terribly sorry. . . there aren't any words. Rosie and you and your entire family will be in my prayers. I was just thinking about you early this morning and hoping that the reason you hadn't been posting much lately was simply because you'd been busy with happy things. My sister died seventeen months ago from cancer. She, too, had the abdominal obstructions, and so much of what you've detailed here is familiar. My heart breaks for both you and your wife. Please use your LP friends as a sounding board whenever you feel the urge. And know that many, many prayers are going out on your behalf.
Originally Posted By FilmNoir Cancer does suck bigtime doesn't it. Makes me mad that cancer even exists. Jer, you know we love you guys and are praying prayers of comfort.....I'm so glad you have such a great sounding medical community where you are. As someone else said, remember to take care of YOU as well. Your job is not easy...... My love to you both!!
Originally Posted By disney pete oh trippy man im so very sorry,that started my day with tears, ive been thinking about you guys hoping life is treating you well in your new retirement,im hoping for a miracle here for rosie as she deserves to spend quality time with a loving family,theres nothing i can say or do all the way over here but feel free to come here and vent or chew the fat i will give you my e-mail address if you want to chat there,just know that all your LP friends are here for rosie and yourself.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss RT, I don't know you beyond what you write on this board, but I'm on the verge of tears. I don't have any words beyond my best wishes and prayers for you, Rosie, and the rest of your family.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I am so sorry that all this has happened. Please , please know that you have a caring circle of support here. Jamie and I are both heartsick for you, Rosie and your family. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Originally Posted By DlandJB RT, Dug just told me about this. I'm so very sorry to hear that you and Rosie are facing this. She is very blessed to have your love and care in her life. We will be praying for you both and you know how much all your LP friends care too. Pixie - I don't know that I knew about your sister. I'm very sorry.
