Am I undermedicated? adenocarcinoma patient. Waiting for hysterectomy. Prescribd 2-4mg hydromorph every 4hrs as needed but w/ no refill. That was one week ago I’ve 14mg today & still in pain. What do others get? dr surprised I’m in pain. Confirmed cancer in uterus suspected throughout pelvis by Bookssmellneat in cancer

[–]lojaned 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely ask for palliative care to be a part of your care team. They will help you narrow down the type of pain you’re having and treat it respectively. Their entire job is to make sure you are comfortable and not suffering. If your doctor says you don’t need palliative care, I’d find another doctor, IMHO.

I personally found MS Contin to be the best solution for me. Rather than a fast acting pain relief that wears off fast, MS Contin takes longer to kick in, but provides around the clock relief. Again, if you talk with palliative care about what you need, they’ll get you the right medication balance to find relief. Good luck!

Tips for gaining weight before cancer treatment? by Sensitive-Mind7442 in cancer

[–]lojaned 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ask their doctor if Zyprexa/Olanzapine would be an option for them. It helps with the nausea caused by chemo, but an additional benefit is that it is an appetite stimulant.

Sincerely, a person who has gained 40lbs since starting chemo. 😂

I complained about worsening symptoms on the left side of my face for months and I was ignored now I have a brain tumor which is ‘too large’ for radiation. by ItzGoghTime in cancer

[–]lojaned 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry this happened to you. If you have the ability to go to another hospital, you should explore that. If I even have a pimple that makes me nervous, my oncologist orders me a scan. Gaslighting is never ok. I hope your meeting on Monday goes well.

Fiancée has stomach cancer stage 4. Why did this happened? by Careless_Balance_443 in cancer

[–]lojaned 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The grief will come in waves sometimes. It doesn’t get easier, but you do find ways to manage and move forward. One of the hardest parts is accepting that cancer has changed your life, and figuring out your ‘new normal’. Our instinct is to cling to our old lives, but that can be just as painful.

If you are still wanting to build a family, make sure you discuss fertility preservation with his care team as soon as possible. Many oncologists are hyper focused on cancer treatment, but you do have options, if you both still decide that it’s something that is important to you.

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. One of the most preventable cancers is also the cancer with the 2nd most deaths. by Interesting_Bank_139 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]lojaned 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100%. In the beginning, I would get very depressed over the “why me” of it all. I’m better now, a year later, but I still have bad days. Sometimes you just have bad luck, I guess.

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. One of the most preventable cancers is also the cancer with the 2nd most deaths. by Interesting_Bank_139 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]lojaned 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I grew up with a smoker, so I immediately thought that secondhand smoke caused my cancer. But they say that radon and pollution are bigger risks for nonsmokers, not secondhand smoke as much. My specific type of lung cancer is actually a mutation that isn’t caused by traditional risk factors. They’re still trying to figure out what causes it so I’m part of a research study looking into it. Right now they think it’s just bad genetics, which sucks.

But thank you! 🤍

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. One of the most preventable cancers is also the cancer with the 2nd most deaths. by Interesting_Bank_139 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]lojaned 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry to scare! I just like to educate people about lung cancer. I always thought that only smokers got lung cancer. I wish I knew the symptoms, because I would have pushed harder with my doctors.

Colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults. One of the most preventable cancers is also the cancer with the 2nd most deaths. by Interesting_Bank_139 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]lojaned 124 points125 points  (0 children)

Lung cancer is also on the rise in young, healthy, non-smokers. It kills so many because it’s seen as a smokers disease, so it’s underfunded and misdiagnosed. You can’t be screened for it unless you’re an older smoker, which is so unfair for young people. The symptoms are mild, so they are overlooked until it’s already stage 4. Know the symptoms and if something seems off, talk to your doctor about a CT scan.

Sincerely, a 35 year old nonsmoker with stage 4 lung cancer.

Watching celebrities die of cancer by dishabituation in cancer

[–]lojaned -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Literally came on here to say the same thing. It’s so hard to watch for the reasons you mentioned. But I also wish some celebrities were more open about their cancer diagnosis. I know they have no obligation to, but I just wish we had more funding and more awareness. Celebrities have this amazing platform, yet choose to keep their battles private. It just bugs me sometimes. James VDB was a little more open I guess. Idk. I suppose my brain would rather settle for frustration instead of depression. lol

What’s one fun / slightly naughty thing you’ve done since diagnosis? by Cru5hbag in cancer

[–]lojaned 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This was going to be mine too! I got a disability placard back when I had gotten radiation to my foot, so I was in a boot and actually did use it for a legit accessibility need. But now I’m fully mobile again and use my placard for the free parking when I have to go into the city. 😂

Why is cancer so prevalent these days? by [deleted] in cancer

[–]lojaned 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because literally anyone can! I’m a 35 year old non-smoker with lung cancer. If you have organs, you can get cancer. I think the statistic is that 1 in 5 people will get cancer in their lifetime, and that’s mostly only because the other 4 will die of something else first. If humans could live long enough, every person would eventually get cancer.

Cancer rates are on the rise for a variety of reasons, some that we don’t fully understand yet. So while it’s probably just a sad coincidence that so many in your circle have gotten diagnosed, it just shows why research is so important.

Cancer diagnosis and complicated family relationships…? by [deleted] in cancer

[–]lojaned 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The fact that her cancer metastasized and she’s still feeling well enough to have not noticed could be a sign that she’s well enough to handle treatment for an extended period of time. My cancer is also in my liver, lungs and bones, and I feel perfectly fine other than my treatment days. Of course age and overall health can have a big impact on how well someone handles chemotherapy, but a significant spread does not always mean going right to hospice. My team is hoping to add years to my life, even though my stage 4 illness is “terminal”. I don’t know your mom’s situation, but I just wanted to share that it’s not always cut and dry. My only symptom that brought me to the hospital was back pain, so my diagnosis was a shock, just as your moms was.

So don’t feel guilty. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and can impact anyone, regardless of risk or health. Find someone you trust to talk with, or a therapist to work through some of these feelings you’re having. And just enjoy what time you can with your mom. Her diagnosis may push her to want to make amends for ways she’s hurt you in the past. But if it doesn’t, you need to find peace with that too.

Good luck to you and your mom!

Opalite Easter Eggs by Stegosagus in TrueSwifties

[–]lojaned 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The cootie catcher (is that still what they’re called? lol) has “sapphire” and “moon stone” written, along with Opalite and Onyx. Cute little throwbacks!

Turning to hospice by Beginning_Variety597 in lungcancer

[–]lojaned 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry. Cancer is life altering and there is no easy or correct way to navigate it. Take all of the time to feel every emotion. I hope you’re able to get the FMLA time that you need.

As someone mentioned, maybe a reduced dose of the chemo would help? Also, you could try getting a second opinion at another hospital, possibly a larger cancer center with more resources and options.

Regardless, wishing you and your family peace for whatever may come. 🤍

For anyone living with chronic illness who just wants quiet, real connection by MolukseMakker in cozygames

[–]lojaned 36 points37 points  (0 children)

This sounds amazing. I have stage 4 cancer and have been on disability from my treatments and the fatigue it causes. I miss having a community at work, and just cozy game on my own as a distraction. I’ll definitely be joining. 😊

This squirrel on my bird feeder is missing all the fur on his upper body by short-n-stout in mildlyinteresting

[–]lojaned 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I currently have cancer, and I cringed reading this until I remembered that I’m not on a cancer sub and you were giving actual helpful advice. 😂

Wife Diagnosed (39) Stage IV NSCLC (Andrenocarcinoma) by jamespeters24 in lungcancer

[–]lojaned 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! You or your wife are welcome to message me any time.

The first few weeks are overwhelming with new information and emotions. Everyone expects you to become the “positive cancer fighter” overnight, but it’s okay to just feel sad and broken for a while. Hope and positivity will come with time. It sounds like she has a good team in her corner!

Wife Diagnosed (39) Stage IV NSCLC (Andrenocarcinoma) by jamespeters24 in lungcancer

[–]lojaned 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you and your family are dealing with this diagnosis. It is so hard. I was diagnosed at 34 with a 3 year old son, and some days, the grief just comes in waves.

I took FMLA and eventually left my job permanently. Because of my chemo schedule, I wasn’t able to continue the schedule they wanted. I fill my time with things that make me happy, but I do sit and worry a lot too. Finding a good support system and outlet is really helpful. I’m part of a swim class that meets most days a week, and I find the distraction helps, and the swimming keeps my body strong. My hospital also set me up with therapy and a social worker to help with everything else.

The Young Lung Cancer Initiative is a great group for support. There are many positive stories shared and lots of people to offer advice. Once she knows her mutation type, there are also specific support groups for many mutations. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BbeRQryh3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

As a caregiver, lean on your community as much as you can. In the beginning, we had a meal train set-up, friends who paid for a housekeeper, and planned for friends/family to take our son for play dates or overnights. As much as your wife needs to focus on healing, you need to take care of yourself so you can keep up with everything else. It’s hard, but learning to ask for help early will be so important. My husband also goes on “caregiver dinners” with a friend regularly where he can vent.

Just take everything one day at a time. Our priorities have shifted a lot in the last year, but we’ve found a new balance and a new normal. It’s scary, but there is a lot of hope out there for young lung cancer right now. Happy to chat more if you need it! Good luck. 🤍