I always find that I do better with more information. I worked in cancer epidemiology for a little while, not long enough to give you any useful information myself but long enough to know where to start looking.
For general cancer information and support and decision-making, the American Cancer Society has a great web site, including discussion boards.
For information about the specific type of cancer your mom has, I went to the National Cancer Institute, and found this site.
What I like about these specific sites is that I know they update their information and recommendations according to current research findings.
IANAMD, or a cancer specialist, but if there’s anything I can do, you can reach me via my email - or if that’s a problem say so in this thread. I’ll be following it and thinking of you and your mom.
Hello Ayesha - I’m very sorry to hear about your mother. In addition to the advice offered by everyone else, have you spoken with a social worker at the hospital regarding services available to her (and you) with respect to transportation? They are supposed to be advocates for patients and their families, and shold be able to assist you with arranging free (or nearly free) transportation for her to get back and forth for her treatments.
Ahhhhh home, I still feel like crap but I have done nothing today but rest and that is all I plan to do for a day or two. If I am better I plan to go back to Mom’s Saturday and I WILL be going with Mom for her treatment on Wednesday because all the patients who are getting radiation see the doctor on that day, and I have lots of questions to ask him or her. I am also going to ask if they can start her on ensure or boost because she often does not feel like eating much and I want to try to keep her as healthy and as built up as I can.
We are trying to get on metro-lift, they will pick her up, drop her off and then take her home anytime she wants/needs to go anywhere. She can have a personal care attendant with her (whoever is there that day) and it won’t cost but a dollar.
The only problem is they will not expedite any case, Mom has to go to an interview believe it or not. Plus her doctor had to fill out a form (done) and give us a signature on his letterhead or sign a prescription . I know they have to control fraud but really.
I wish I could say I am not worrying about Mom but that would be a total lie. Leaving her was almost like leaving my kid. I miss her already and it’s only been one day.
Last night I had my long overdue melt down, crying and ranting a bit. It is the first time I have been able to really let loose and get the tears out.
I think the straw that broke the camel’s back and started me off is my sister saying she was taking Mom back to Alabama with her. I know Mom does not want to go there because the last time she lived with my sister she was not treated well at all. But Mom is giving my Aunt power of attorney so my sister can’t just take her off.