My friend with cancer / myLot

Newton, North Carolina

December 4, 2015 10:39pm CST

I got to town, did not even stop at my mom's house, went straight to the hospital. She was on a ventilator and a feeding tube. That was yesterday, and she was very anxious. We both cried when I got there. I spent all day with her today until 5:30. They removed the breathing and feeding tube and she did great all day. She gained 5 lbs (in an earlier post I mentioned that she dropped to 99 lbs) and she was so hungry. She hasn't had an appetite for weeks. But the tumor is on her trachea, too, that is why they can't remove the lung. I wish my friend had not waited so long to see a doctor. Never, never ignore the symptoms of cancer, my friends. A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge (esp if you cough up blood, please don't ignore it) Thickening or lump Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing Obvious change in a wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness Extreme weight loss Please, please, please never ignore them. Get checked out right away. If you put it off, there could be a horrible outcome

9 people like this

8 responses

Mike

@Mike197602 (15487)

• United Kingdom

5 Dec 15

Good advice. What happens in the US if you don't have, or can't afford, insurance? I've heard a lot about this Obama care but have no clue how it actually works. Is it similar to our NHS in the UK? I know in the US cancer care is more advanced than here, in some cases, but is it just the affluent who can get that care or can anyone? Hope your friend does well.

2 people like this

Patti G

@Pattitude (1287)

• Newton, North Carolina

6 Dec 15

There are many that cannot afford it. But the deadline is approaching for everyone to be insured. The thing I like about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is that it covers naturopathic medicine if there is licensure in the state the person lives in. There are only17 states and 2 US territories that have licensure. But there were only 16 last year. I lived in Germany for a year, I loved their health care coverage, and don't understand why America cannot do the same? If someone goes to the hospital and they don't have insurance, the hospital will help the patient apply for Medicaid for that episode. Luckily, my friend has really good insurance.

celticeagle

@celticeagle (159832)

• Boise, Idaho

6 Dec 15

I have several of those. I also see a doctor annually for my check up. I do need to get in for my colonoscopy. I hate it but need to get it done.

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celticeagle

@celticeagle (159832)

• Boise, Idaho

6 Dec 15

@Pattitude I think a person starts at 60 and then every five years after that. But, that is if you have reason to. Like for me I have cancer on both sides of my family.

Patti G

@Pattitude (1287)

• Newton, North Carolina

6 Dec 15

I have never had a colonoscopy. I am 56 and I know I should have had one by now.

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Patti G

@Pattitude (1287)

• Newton, North Carolina

7 Dec 15

@celticeagle My father had cancer twice and my mom had gastric cancer, and has been in remission for a few years. She is 88.

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Pat Z Anthony

@PatZAnthony (14752)

• Charlotte, North Carolina

13 Dec 15

Hope your friend is soon on the road to recovery. Several we know are using natural things to treat their illnesses. Seems these help some.

1 person likes this

Patti G

@Pattitude (1287)

• Newton, North Carolina

13 Dec 15

She is doing much better, and has been moved to the rehab floor.

GreatMartin

@GreatMartin (23675)

• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

6 Dec 15

Hope all improves for your friend--cancer is an ugly disease!!

1 person likes this

Patti G

@Pattitude (1287)

• Newton, North Carolina

6 Dec 15

She had a wonderful day. Breathing is still good. The tumor has moved up to the trachea so she has to have a tracheotomy in a couple of weeks. They are being aggressive with radiation to try to shrink the tumors. Feeling hopeful, but I am also being realistic. The cancer has also moved to the other lung. It feels like an alien invader is taking over the body of my friend.