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Seniors + Chemo = even trickier What is this ?

 
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Author
wannaknow
Senior User


Joined: 19 Oct 2007
Posts: 118
PostPosted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 3:00 pm    Post subject: Seniors + Chemo = even trickier Reply with quote
Background - 82 yr F........80 % resection/spleen removal + Chemo & radiation for insurance. Fast forward 9 mos later 3 new growths in intestine & stomach......1st round of Chemo (Gemzar & Xeloda).....small reduction on one growth......Started 2nd round 2 weeks ago.

Complications have triggered several 911 hospital events.

Blood levels under attack has been a constant challenge. Side effects (mouth, feet, skin, etc) & patient reaction has been challenging. Just had the 2nd transfusion in 60 days.

One that is getting my attention = Brain function. Certainly some seniors may already show signs of lower cognitive skills however I've read a few articles that show Chemo definitely has an effect (make sense given damaging nature of this drugl) on the brain of patients of all ages.

Caregiver Fears: An additional worry is the ability of a senior to bounce back mentally(brain cells) from the treatment.
The lingering issue is when to stop the destructive treatment that takes such a toll and just live with gusto for as long as you can. The longer it takes to make that shift the less chance there will be the opportunity to do it. But hard when the patient is following the conventional route fueled by fear that stopping treatment = an ugly death.

Just thinking online.
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