HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - devastating news im so sad/worried/anxious everything

StephN · 07-22-2008, 11:30 PM

Dear Sue -
Lots of good advice here and you are listening.

Most hospitals now have translators and social services available for anyone who needs them. Sounds like your family certainly qualifies for this.

To me, you need to first find out what is really going on with your Mom's situation. Remember that our MOTTO here is "Knowledge is Power." No matter how scary it is, the not knowing is usually worse than the truth.

With the true position of your mother known, you can really help her. This way you can use the energy you are spending worrying and in fear for a positive purpose.

Try to get a grip on your emotions so that you can get a clear picture. If the present doctor is not paying much attention to your mom due to language barrier, ask for help in this regard. She is entitled to it.

See if you can't work more closely with your mom. She sound like a die hard fighter and could use the support. If you have to take a short break from college to see your family through this period, it should not set you back much, and you will be forever glad you did that.

All best wishes for strength to carry on.

07-22-2008, 11:30 PM	#16
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Dear Sue - Lots of good advice here and you are listening. Most hospitals now have translators and social services available for anyone who needs them. Sounds like your family certainly qualifies for this. To me, you need to first find out what is really going on with your Mom's situation. Remember that our MOTTO here is "Knowledge is Power." No matter how scary it is, the not knowing is usually worse than the truth. With the true position of your mother known, you can really help her. This way you can use the energy you are spending worrying and in fear for a positive purpose. Try to get a grip on your emotions so that you can get a clear picture. If the present doctor is not paying much attention to your mom due to language barrier, ask for help in this regard. She is entitled to it. See if you can't work more closely with your mom. She sound like a die hard fighter and could use the support. If you have to take a short break from college to see your family through this period, it should not set you back much, and you will be forever glad you did that. All best wishes for strength to carry on. __________________ "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau Live in the moment. MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~ Found suspicious lump 9/2000 Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR - Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds 36 rads - very little burning 3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED! 2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18 All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?) 2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava 2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec. Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011 STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer 7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED 2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED. Same news for 2016 and all of 2017. Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.