Too Much Pain: cancer is so horrible

Greetings, Friends,

I just got back from Texas where I was helping out Linda and her family. She is in a tremendous amount of pain; she's unable to tolerate any of the pain killers they have tried on her. All she can take is Tylenol.

Her incision is 14" long; part of her foot has been removed, they removed 15 lymph nodes and found 3 to be microscopically cancerous. Evidently, when neurons grow and/or reconnect, there is pain like electricity going through your body. She is very brave and tightly closes her eyes, makes fists with her hands, and bears the horrible pain with tears running down her cheeks. It's extremely difficult to watch a loved one suffer in so much pain.

She still has another surgery for the graft, and then she is going to endure interferon, which is like having a very, very bad flu... We are trying to help her keep her spirits up but her health has never been good although she has always done all the right things to try to stay healthy. She might not survive the interferon but she said either way is okay because then she will be out of pain.

I told her about you guys and she said to make sure and thank everyone for all their good thoughts and prayers directed to her.


edit: I've added some positive things later in this thread.

I bet your support means the world to her! Lots of vibes headed her way!

p.s. I got to meet Linda's four rescued kitties while I was at her house; they were feral but are now semi-wild outside cats, but they let me pet them before feeding times. Linda is highly allergic to cats but that didn't stop her from adopting a total of seven feral cats over the last couple of years.. She had to trap the four she has outside to get their shots and have them neutered & spayed. They are very healthy, happy kitties.

All the very best for her and her family, and for you, who are having to watch her suffer. It is horrible, and she sounds very brave.

How terrible

My thoughts are with her and you

Thinking of you and your sister often, Cat. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Many for a good outcome.



Nice sidenote about the kitties.

Thanks, guys, I'm trying to think of some positives here...

A little background: I am known in my family as Super-Snoot. I smell things others can't or it takes them 10+ minutes before they smell it. I also have zero tolerance for bodily fluids that aren't supposed to come out... I get light-headed despite my efforts not to, I gag easily, sometimes I pass out.

BUT, I was able to change Linda's lymph drains 2-3 times a day, no problem. I didn't smell a thing although I'm told it has a smell (it ain't clear liquid, either, I won't go into details). Linda reeked of meds and chemicals, according to herself and her family. Me, I smelled nothing.

I could smell food, though, (and our house was closed up when I got back home and it smelled like cat ) so I have to think there was some higher work going on here, since I didn't have any sinus problems. Why was my sense of smell so selective? I've lost about 15 lbs. since the beginning of September (from stress & my father dying), so it was important that I smell food, but I couldn't smell the stuff that would have prevented me from helping Linda. Pretty wild, huh?

It's amazing what we can endure when we have to. You know Linda needs you and nothing is going to get in the way of that. It sounds as if you 2 have an amazing bond.
I've thought of Linda (and you) often and wondered how she was. She sounds like an incredibly strong woman; I'm sure that with her family's love and support she's going to make it thru this.
Wish I could give you a hug .
Many, many healing heading to Linda.

Still praying for Linda, and for you.


And yes, it does indeed sound like maybe you had some help from a higher power there.

PLEASE have her ask about using a TENS unit to help relieve that nerve pain! She should be able to have a home health nurse or even a nurse from the medical equipment company come out and set it up.

Hang in there!

Cally

Don't know what to say other than I'll keep you in my thoughts and send calming vibes.

Oh, honey. I'm so sorry for your sister and your whole family... and yet so happy for you, that you were able to be such a big help and comfort to Linda in spite of everything. You rose to a very difficult occasion.

I dearly, dearly hope that all of this brings complete healing for Linda.

I just want to say that you and Linda sound like pretty amazing people to me, cancer is a dreadful disease but to be able to help and nurse someone with cancer is so brave, I have done it myself and it is worse when it is a loved one. I wish you both love and support.You are two brave women.xxxx

I am sorry your sister is in so much pain. It is wonderful you are able to take care of your sister. I am sure it means a lot to her to have had you there. You and your sister are in my prayers. many healing

....

to you Kat.... and your Sis my friend....

..........