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Hi Mary,
Hard to believe it's been a year.  Glad to hear from you.  It's been several years since my parents and brother died and the grief has gotten easier to bear but I still think about them all of the time.  I think you are doing a tremendous job of trying to get your life back together.  Glad your son is staying with you. 

Hi Hans,
Glad to see your post.  Hope you are doing well. 

hugs to you both,
Betsy

Hi Lynn,
As a patient, I can understand George's hesitation.  I've been in the hospital many weekends and it is scary when none of your docs are around.  I was sent to the ER at a different hospital on a Friday night.  The ER docs took a look at my records and got spooked so they transferred me to the Clinic.  The beginning of a very long weekend.

Betsy

i've been cancer free since my resection in January 2009.

Hi Pam,
Are you seeing an MD for anti-depression meds?  I see a psychiatrist for my medications.  I started out with my MD but he just couldn't get the combination right.  I know it sucks to think of getting another doctor but you might give it some thought.     

xxoo Betsy

Hi Pam,
I've been on anti-depressants for several years.  I take 75mg zoloft along with 200mg wellbutrin.  It does take a couple of weeks to see a benefit.  I didn't have nausea or drugged up feeling.  I do know what you mean about feeling numb.  That may or may not be the zoloft....could be a symptom of depression.  I would hang in there at the lower dose and see how it goes.  If the symptoms don't lesson, call your doctor.  There are many different anti-depressants to try.  I could not manage without my medicine.  I used to cry all day and felt such despair.  Things are much better for me now.  I can cope better with ups and downs.  Rarely cry anymore

Hope this helps.

xxoo betsy

I can appreciate your Mom's concerns about clothing and being restricted to a different kind of wardrobe.  I've been dealing with drainage bags for about 3 years now.  I have a great collection of skirts with elastic waistbands for the summer.  I use a small binder clip and clip the bag inside the skirt.  I look for skirts everywhere I go and have found some really cute ones.  I also treat myself to pedicures and new cute sandals.  I've had 3 bags sometimes and I found anything with an elastic waistband will hide the bags.  In the winter, I wear black yoga pants, longer sweaters.  I also spend money on make up and coloring my hair,  These are things I used to do without but now it really helps me feel pretty.  I do miss my jeans and shorts but I've gotten used to it. 

Also, I ask my doctor to shorten the tubes so I don't have to deal with those long tubes.  Ask your doctor about that.  I can do it myself now.  Its not hard at all just have to be sure to keep everything clean.

Betsy

I've had external drains for about 3 years now.  I've been given different meds to help with the itching.....cholestyramine helps and I am also taking 75mg Lexapro which has really helped ease the itching.  I haven't had success with any over the counter meds or lotions but an oatmeal bath feels wonderful and helps temporarily with the itching.  I think he will feel better with the drain.  The risk of infection is there but in my case I had to have the drain. 

betsy

I would do it Pam.  My sister has one due to her vision and it is so helpful.  She keeps telling me to get one because sometimes I'm just can't walk too far.  Its very easy to get one. 

Betsy

Marion is so right.  Time goes by so fast. I think the anticipation and fear of the unknown is the worst part.  Your mom will be given pain meds for the biopsy and port.  I was just sore more than anything else from those procedures. 

hugs,
betsy

I've had many tube changes and lots of experience with stents.  My stent drains to an external bag and is not permanently placed.  I get zofran and fentanyl and an antibiotic in my IV for tube changes.  Fentanyl makes me semi-conscious (conscious sedation is what the hospital calls it) and keeps me from getting too anxious.  I've tried to go without fentanyl but really didn't like it.  The noises bothered me.  The worst part of these procedures for me, is having to be awake while the nurses prep me.....seems to take forever.  It takes me 2-3 days to recover.  I'm usually fatigued, headache and a little nauseous.

I have received red blood cells through my IV.  I don't know if that's the same as a transfusion, but I'm assuming it is.  I had no problems.

Best of luck,
betsy