Posted on 02/01/2020 4:26:30 PM PST by midnightcat
As an update, for those of you praying for my mother - we had another trip to Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia this Thursday. My mother’s tumor is inoperable, per MRI. Too dangerous to remove and not something that would come out cleanly anyway. It’s close to the base of the skull, the carotid artery, for example.
This tumor does not respond to traditional chemotherapy, but they are sending out the biopsy for genetic testing to see if there is some kind of weakness that can be exploited with a special drug. There is only a 30% change this tumor has the “right” genetics.
We have a consult next week with a radiation oncologist in hopes that maybe tumor will respond to radiation. Apparently, high grade salivary duct carcinoma is very rare and a nightmare to treat and it almost seems that not much can be done via palliative care either. Or so it seems. We hadn't realized that even palliative care would be a problem! I had hoped we could at least keep her comfortable and functional until hospice was needed....
Her PET scan wasn’t showing major metastasis but there were 2 tiny hotspots under her arms that they thought was weird and needs ultrasound and biopsy for further investigation. Otherwise, her major organs are not yet full of cancer.
At any rate, the best and only real treatment would have been surgery and then radiation which is now not possible. I’m worried if we don’t get some kind of treatment soon, it may soon affect her swallowing, not to mention facial paralysis.
My brother and I do not want her to suffer. Thank you for your prayers.
research cesium chloride with potassium.
and prayers up. :)
I am so sorry your family is going through this. Is she a candidate for gene therapy? I will pray that your mother doesn’t suffer, and remember miracles happen all the time.
I’m praying that an avenue for treatment will be forthcoming and for a good outcome for your mother. Also, prayers for you and the rest of your family.
Prayers for her and you.
Well, they sent the tumor sample out for genetic testing, but it’s not a high chance that it will come back with the specific things they are looking for that would work with gene therapy. It’s only a 30% chance, but having said that, it would be wonderful if it had that.
I had no idea head and neck cancers were such dreadful things. My father had a carcinoid cancer that did eventually take him, but he didn’t have pain with it. Those types of tumors aren’t hard - they don’t strangle blood vessels or nerves like hard tumors do (per his oncologist who explained this). He mainly had extreme fatigue, weakness and passed peacefully on hospice. My mother’s tumor is hard. I’m having nightmares of this thing strangling her. Meanwhile, the rest of her body isn’t full of cancer yet. I only wish she would pass quickly and peacefully if this tumor cannot be controlled somehow.
Prayers for your Mom and for your family.
Continued prayers for your mother, her medical care providers, and those who love her.
William Cowper's poem is one to remember at this time.
1 God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
2 Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sov'reign will.
3 Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
4 Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face.
5 His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding ev'ry hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow'r.
6 Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.
I am so sorry.
If your mother is on Medicare, you would do well to get Hospice in now. All their excellent care is free for Medicare patients.
they know so much about what to do for every challenge. They give great emotional support, too.
In the meantime, I will pray for her, and you and your sister.
Prayers for you Mom and your family, FRiend, in Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
My wife had over 50 brain tumors and three months later nearly all were gone.
There is hope.
My wife did pass away, but it was from years of cancer treatments.
Have Faith!
A friend of mine had stage 4 lung cancer and they were counting the days. It was when gene therapy first came out. He is alive and thriving today. I pray your mother is a candidate for it and if not that she be pain free and that He sends the Holy Spirit to stand with you and give you strength.
Dear Lord God, please bless this Family.
Prayers lifting, FRiend.
Tatt
I’m praying a cure or at least a better treatment may be found for your Mom! God Bless all of you! May God give you strength in the days to come.
Prayers up for both your mother and you and your family.
Prayers offered.
Prayers
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