What do we do if we're diagnosed with Cancer?
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- čas přidán 26. 03. 2024
- I've thought about this before, and here is what I would do if I got diagnosed with Cancer.
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My son was diagnosed with colon cancer @ age 30. It spread to his liver and lungs. He is now 34 and just had chemo # 47. Last pet scan is showing NED. He got cancer from the burn pits in Afghanistan while he was in the Marines. If you saw my son you would never know. Lost lots of his hair. His oncologist said if he was older they would never put him on this regiment of chemotherapy. Goes every three weeks for chemo. He is tough. Please pray for him.
🙏🙏🙏
So sorry he got sick while serving his country! I’ll be praying God bless you both❤️
Many prayers/lite sent for your precious son 💜💜🙏🙏🙏
Lord watch out for this young man and his family, praying for you all
Thank you for your service
I thank him for his service. We need to do better by our veterans, folks.
My Dad had pancreatic cancer. His oncologist said that *if* the chemo worked, he would only get about 3 months more time. That was not enough time for Dad, so he said no. My brother and I agreed 100% to support whatever Dad wanted. He moved in with me, and I had the honor of taking care of him for his last 6 weeks with the help of a wonderful Hospice. He died in peace, his pain and other issues were controlled, and he knew he was loved.
Yep. Pancreatic cancer is a shocker. I’m so glad that your dad had peace.
I had a similar story with my Brother - also pancreatic cancer 10 years ago. I worked with him to honor his wishes and glad I was there to help light his transition. 💛
I have a Brain mass and am only doing Radiation to shrink the mass doing good
Same here. Before my Dad died, he said if he had to do it over again he’d do the operation but not the chemo. He died at home with me, my mom, and sister present. Got to say our last words and watched him take his last breath. Then we all took a shot of his favorite Jameson whisky.
I am sorry for your loss. He made the right choice as quality of life is better than quantity.
Your bigger problem is getting the Doctor to stay in the room long enough to ask your all questions.
That was my thought too. They’d be handing you off to the PA, a group therapy, etc., at the 2nd to 3rd question.
Or even 1 question.
My dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. His dr would stay in the room with us as long as we needed even if it was 2 hours…every single appointment. I had his personal cell phone if I had any urgent questions. Get yourself a good dr there are plenty out there.
That was exactly my thought! They always seem like they can't wait to get you out of the room so they can get the next patient in. During most of my appointments, my Dr spends it typing into the computer and asking me the same repetitive questions.
LOL!
I wouldn’t do anything. My mother had breast cancer. She drained her savings and went to Hawaii until the money ran out. Doctors said she could live 5 years with treatment. She chose no treatment. She had the best year and a half. She did everything she wanted to do. Even went scuba diving! We supported her decisions.
Bless your mom. Exactly how I want it to end, on my terms.
Your Mom was lucky to have a supportive family. Sorry for your loss
My mom got treatment for her cancer and lived for 2 years after diagnosed. She died this past Monday. She did a ton of chemo, radiation, painful injections, pills that would make her incredibly sick, and tons of chemo again; and then she developed a new cancer after all that. It was like a slap in the face from God. The treatment was torture and her last year alive, she just lived in her bed. If I get cancer, I will not get treated and just do what your mom did and live it up until it takes me. Cancer treatment doesn't guarantee you'll get better and from what I saw, it is just torture for you and your loved ones who see you deteriorate.
I so agree!@@jessiepalermo7234
Look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇
The best thing in my opinion if diagnosed with Terminal cancer is go to a beach resort with my closest friends and family. I would *NOT* spend 1 penny on Chemo or other treatment. Everyone I know who had cancer eventually passed after months or years of horrible various treatments reducing the quality of life. My dear sister had a terminal diagnosis and the doctors said she might live 9 months to a year *WITH* their potions and surgery. She told them *NO* and lived nearly 9 more *YEARS*
6 Months ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. I did do the treatment (Chemotherapy and immunotherapy (pembrolizumab)). Now 6 months later, my tumor burden has reduced by 80-90%. My primairy tumor is 80% smaller, and according to my doctor, what remains visible on the ct-scan might be tumor cells, but it could also be scar tissue. All my metastatic lymph nodes have shrunk to being no longer palpable, there's only a tiny amount of tumor mass visible on my adrenal glands (reduced by 80-90% from original size).and my latest scan showed a stable situation. I am happy to have done the treatment. I agree though that if my only option was chemo, it would maybe be a more hopeless situation. Immunotherapy (if it works) can do great things to extend life, and might provide a durable response that lasts for years.
I would also say that the treatment was heavy the first 3 months, but now I am on a maintenance dose, and my side effects are not terrible (and I still have all my hair)
I get your point and it is an option that I would consider. However, everyone is different and knowledge is power.
Facts!
Good, but that’s not the norm or is it?
I would definitely want to check off my bucket list and not fight to live but live life!
I would get the diagnosis, shake the Dr's hand, and go to my cabin on the lake.
I agree ! My life my death ❤
Unless the cancer spreads into your bones and causes excruciating pain as every movement causes another bone to break. What a miserable way to die in a cabin.
@@wxman2003If you aren't being treated, you aren't likely to live long enough for that to happen. You're more likely to experience that when you have long ongoing chemo.
My dad experienced terrible bone pain when his lung cancer spread. He had radiation but not chemo.
Love you, Dad.
Same with my mom. It got into her lower lumbar spine, she couldn’t move. She passed away two weeks ago.😢
I worked in Healthcare for 30 years and dealt with Cancer patients and their families. If I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I would do pallative or hospice care. No treatments would be done. I am a big believer in quality vs. quanity of life.
I agree. I see no benefit to living a possible extra five years if they're spent in abject torture and misery. I've seen it; a lot of the time, those promised 5 years don't materialize and the person dies after a series of painful operations or chemo. It isn't for me.
Me too ❤
However, there ARE cutting edge treatments coming out all the time. I'd want to know what ALL my options were. Not just Chemo or intense radiation. Sometimes your Docs won't give you all the possible options either because they're not available locally, or he doesn't know about them. I know they try their utmost to keep up with current medical literature, but some things fall between the cracks. You don't know what you don't know.Myself, I'm a huge researcher evening paying to read articles in medical journals if it's required. my SIL has a very aggressive usually terminal cancer. His Dr.s have been just taking a "whack a mole" approach if you know what I mean. There are new protocols that are proactive and are seeing positive results. Nobody even mentioned them to him. They've just been "monitoring". BS! He's decided to go to a city 90 miles away that has a much bigger and well respected Cancer center because he no longer trusts the Doctors here. I'm completely supportive of that decision. He's young and has young children and a fiancee and a lot to live for. That being said, If it were me, and none of the options seemed worth the risks vs possible benefits, then I'd start checking off my bucket list. Praying for everyone who's been diagnosed to feel good about the decisions they make. Nothing says you can't change your mind later, you know! 😉❣🙏
Or you could go to the veterinarian and get some Fenbendazole…
Me too no doubt. Who wants their final months of life being slowing poisoned by chemo and radiation when it will only prolong life by a few months. Doctors need to be clear with their terminal patients this fact but they are not they just keep on the chemo with the patient in and out of the hospital until they die, it’s no way to live.
I have kidney cancer and am a bit overwhelmed right now. I saved this video so I can watch it a few more times when I pull myself together. Thank you, Nurse Julie.
Sending you so much love.
Praying for you 🙏🙏🙏
Prayers for you!!🙏🙏🙏
I too had a tumour in my kidney 2019 ( found whilst having a bladder scan for many constant UTI’S) my whole kidney was removed it’s called a radical nephrectomy..it’s now five years and my last consultant appt is coming up. Please don’t worry too much as in my case everything was removed.no chemo, no other treatment,just five years of scans..
Hi Kathleen, in June 2022 I like you had a kidney removed. I had stage 1. I've had 2 checkups so far clean . Same situation I'm guessing they got it all out . Glad I ran into your comment gives me a new hope!
My youngest daughter had stage 4, and she survived as her twin gave his stem cells❤️🙏 she is totally free❤️
That's a beautiful story! May I ask what kind of cancer it was? Some cancer is more aggressive than others.
I am so glad you had the option for using stem cells. Likely, half of the states (commonly red states) will make using stem cells illegal using the same justifications for making IVF illegal; you are using a fertilized egg at an early formation of development.
Wonderful 👏 👏 👏 ❤
I’m in a red state. Getting scarier & scarier.
💚🙏🏼 💚
If I ever get a cancer diagnosis, I don't want treatments! For one thing, I am 73, so why would I bother with chemo and radiation. I would hook up with a great hospice service and just stay at home. My daughters might not completely agree with that, but I think they would come to see my preference would be the best way. I will lay in bed and pet my kitties and do the morphine to stem the pain. My husband had hospice and he passed right here in this house, surrounded by his family. It was a beautiful way for him to go. The angel came for him, and possibly his daddy and mom came to walk him home, too. That's what I want.❤
I agree, I’ve seen many people who took chemo, and I don’t want it, I don’t want to be sick all the time and lose my hair.
I am 73 y/o now. About 25 yrs ago I had no diagnosis, but decided if I ever got cancer I would not have chemo or radiation. Lo and behold in 2016 I was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in my ankle. Very rare and usually in children or very young adults. I clearly did not fit the profile. The only treatment was surgery to try to remove the tumor. Due to its location the doc said he could only be confident he got it 85%. Well that sounded better than 50% so I chose to be content. He did recommend radiation, but I had rehearsed my plan for so many years without having to put it to the test that I stuck to it. Unfortunately it returned 2 yrs later. Now I embraced the option I ignored 2 yrs earlier; amputation. Thankfully, my husband had already prepared himself to help me see the logic. Often amputation is due to diabetes disease or motorcycle accidents when the patient has no choice and simply wakes up from anesthesia to find a missing limb. I was an elective patient so interviewed a variety of prosthetists, docs, physical therapists, etc to have my “team” in place. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader and is very protective of me. Other friends and family are also critical support. CT scans and ultrasounds are my continuing care. I was NED for 4 years, then it returned into my lung which I understood as a possibility. A lung resection followed. I am now 15 months NED. The key to rehab and recovery is between the ears: positive attitude and strength in the LORD.
That's why it's good to ask specific questions Nurse Julie told us about the type of chemo (more gentle vs. not) or other treatments, and quality of life. With some types of cancer you can live a long time with good quality of life.
Each situation and each person's preferences are different.
I worked with a man in his 30s who survived bad cancer when younger thanks to his treatments.
But other loved ones have benefitted from hospice so much they "graduated," lived another year, went back in, and passed peacefully.
After amputation I chose to make the most of my prosthesis by having the socket covered in glittery fabric. I have pedicures every several weeks to keep my remaining foot healthy. The nail tech paints my “fake foot” nails to match the glittery polish color. Since I don’t like the space showing where the hardware goes into the foot I have a full wardrobe of colored scrunchies to wear as anklets. It is quite fun to get so many comments about my pretty leg and toes. I always say, “if you have to have something that isn’t fun, you might as well make it fun!”
My daughter and stepdaughter both had the same cancer. Daughter didn’t last with chemo because it made her so sick and it wasn’t going to cure her. Stepdaughter fought it with chemo and everything she could do. She lasted 2 years. I don’t want to anything if I get cancer. Just hospice at home with my kitties.
My husband passed away this morning at 9:27 a.m. Thank you so much for the
channel it prepared me for what to expect, and greatly helped me. I appreciate you so much ❤
Sending condolences and prayers. ❤🙏🏻
So so sorry for your loss 🙏 😞
So sorry that you lost your husband today........it's never easy......
My deepest condolences to you 😢
So sorry for your loss.
I lived a good life. No need to enrich hospitals. Keep me comfortable and I can leave at peace.
I agree my life my death ❤
Me too.
Same.
Same🌺
Same here❤
There is a difference between modern medicine saving your life and prolonging your death. This is the main discussion you should have with your doctors.
Seems to me those are the extreme ends of the spectrum. There's so many options between. For one thing, what is "saving your life"? Life is terminal for all of us. It just may be earlier or later for individuals. I'm not trying to be glib, just thinking of realities.I think my main goals would be for comfort/symptom control as long as possible and life extension WITH that comfort and symptom control. Each of us will need to decide when faced with the decision and maybe even change our minds as time and treatment or lack thereof goes along.
Well said!!
It's the difference between dying a peaceful, natural death and being kept alive with ventilators, feeding tubes, dialysis machines and all kinds of drugs when there's no hope for recovery. I don't know about you, but i'd rather die peacefully with just having pain and comfort managed.@@dod2304
Amen! Very well put.
This video really hit home. I lost my beloved wife to pancreatic cancer, stage 2/3. My wife's oncologist told us the treatment plan and immediately put her on it. Nine months later my wife succumbed, but not before she suffered greatly from that two edged sword, chemotherapy -- that kills cancer cells -- but which initially kills far more healthy cells if only because at the start there are far more healthy cells than cancer cells.
I wish that I had been smart enough to have asked the questions posed by Julie but I was not. Instead I was increasingly in panic mode, traveling from one "famous" oncology center to another.
It didn't end well. Looking back, while I "knew" that it wasn't going well, I was desperate.
I'm going to print out the Transcript of this video; it's that important to all of us.
So thank you, Julie. For many of us, cancer has been a heart breaking disease.
Your story touched me deeply. I am sorry to hear about all the suffering for you and your wife. I lost my husband (not to cancer) in 2021 in the pandemic. It was sad because the lock down kept people from visiting and then we were not able to have a proper funeral. He suffered for years with Parkinson's and then Lewy Body Dementia. Even though it is a different set of circumstances, I can relate to your heartbreak. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Out of love you did everything you could do for your wife. You are right to print off the transcript to share with others. Cancer is everywhere these days. I do see more people surviving than in years past. But it also feels as if there are cases reaching high numbers everywhere. I hope you and any other lived ones do not get cancer. My brother has bile duct cancer stage 4. It is a fast spreading cancer. Cruel is a word to describe this disease.
My husband’s first wife had pancreatic cancer. She had a long history of health issues. She received the treatment she was able to receive, lived good, and was only in hospital for the final two weeks. People in the family wanted a stronger treatment. It's unfortunate.
Best advise I got from my father. Son, if you listen to anything I ever said, listen to me now. He worked 33yrs when he could have retired in 30. When he did retire, he found out he was sick. He told me the extra money doesn't mean anything now. He said retire when you can, don't chase the dollar. So I did retire age 57. Going on 9 years now, living a good life. Plan ahead and live a good life. Take care everyone.
My mom thought of retiring early but decided she needed the money so was going to wait till 65, but had heart attack at 64. Your dad was right.
so true,doing the same
Did the same. Live with less and you will have more.
Great advice. My wife retired 6 weeks before being diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic renal cancer.
That is great advice he gave you. Sometimes people forget time isnt promised.
I am 56 and had Esophageal cancer. I went through chemo and radiation, followed by surgery to get rid of it. Now, a year and a half down the road and I found out it has metastasized to my liver and lungs. I said no to chemo this time. I chose quality of life over quantity. I’m not on hospice now but have already selected a hospice provider. I am spending my time recording videos for the grandchildren I will never see and for my adult kids.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. Sending you all the love and best wishes for peace and comfort. 😔💞
Listen to Joe Tippens. He took Fenbendazole. Diagnosed in 2016 and is alive in.2024.
💕
Gee - you are too young to be going through this - good luck my friend
@@chrisj8764 Gee..apparently not! Think before you write
I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Had robotic surgery. I wasn't recovering. I begged the MD for a scan during each follow up visit. He said that it was "highly unlikely" that any cancer remained. I found a tumor in my abdomen a year later. I had weekly chemo to shrink it. It shrank 20%. Recovered from chemo, had surgery, recovered from surgery. The surgery reduced my abdominal capacity. Had radiation that severely affected my intestines. Today, I can't eat normally, my intestines don't function. I have a large surgical patch in my abdomen, with scarring and adhesions. Have tried everything. I think cancer treatment is driven by 2 things, statistical probabilities, and what the insurance wants to cover. Patients don't matter.
I am sorry you have had this experience. I empathize with you.
I'm so sorry for your horrible treatment and the betrayal you faced. Hope you can find the healing and peace you deserve ❤
I would arrange my own funeral home and have a good Priest and then find a good hospice that are good by recommendation. I would never mess with chemo, radiation like my brother did. He could have lived longer and better without it.
I was very very lucky/very very blessed. I was 59 when I was told I had uterine cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy. I was in and out of surgery in less than a day. Home for 6 weeks. Never had chemo or radiation or medication. It's been almost 8 years. I feel great. God bless you all
Very blessed indeed! You were smart enough to catch that cancer early…well done ❤️
I’m 65, had complete hysterectomy. Diagnosed 2A fallopian tube cancer. Spread to ovaries. Been recommended for 6 cycles of chemo. Sure wish I could talk to you. Lymph nodes all clear. Had port put in Friday. I want quality of life.
God bless you
My MIL was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was in early stages of dementia and I didn’t want her to suffer. I got three different opinions….mastectomy/chemo, do nothing, and just remove the mass. We decided on just removing the mass and she lived 10 more years. So thankful we chose that decision!
With the state of humanity and the direction things are going, if I get cancer I’m just going to let it run it’s course. When God calls me home, I’ll be excited to see a lot of loved ones on the other side.
Sadly, this makes sense.
My husband died in August and I had asked the doctors at the beginning of the month if he was ready for hospice. I was told no he was no where close to being near death. He died 3 weeks later and I was his caregiver. It was terrible to be left to deal without support or help. It was so unfair to him.
I will see a Medical Malpractice Lawyer right away! Some doctors can be so wrong and cruel. Yes It’s very unfair! I will be praying for you!!🙏🏻. Happy Easter 🐇🐰
It is difficult to navigate Medicare. My mother was in Assisted living and the facility and their nursing staff discouraged hospice questions.... Told me she was "salvageable.' I finally after 3 months of gaslighting chose an independent doctor who put her on hospice immediately. She lived less than 2 wks. I was angry for a long time. The stress is a lot dealing with a dying family member and fighting with the system. I am working on letting the anger go. You are not alone in the end of life caregiver struggle.
Sadly a big question we need to ask in America is if this is going to bankrupt my family for the benefit of maybe gaining another year or two of life. it’s sad that cost considerations play such a huge role in life and death.
You're free to go elsewhere, as of now
I ran through my retirement, savings, everything to stay in my home. I am 65 and now, after being "cleared" for two years after Stage 4 cervical.....ended up back at work. And the IRS is taking $5000 in my taxes even after paying $11,000+. Now I was diagnosed with sarcoma from the radiation I got. With a palliative doctor after my oncologist suggested it and believe it surely helps .....already have my end of life plans......
@dsoule4902 that's cold.
@@bordereau1... then you may not be aware of the countries other than US that have tourist medicine.
@@dsoule4902 I think you're replying to someone else.
Lost a cousin to colon cancer. It was hell for him and he decided to opt out of further treatment and they pushed and pushed. He told me the side effects of the treatment were worse than the cancer. He passed peacefully at home.
Why do you think they push and never let up? Anyone with a brain should know the toxic cocktails in those 'treatments' are absolutely devastating to the internal organs. No wonder the poor chap suffered. People just blindly follow those in white coats because they see them as Gods. When will people finally wake up to what is going on. I despair at the ignorance amongst humanity.
My brother had it, did the treatment, he died in 10 months from being diagnosed. I would not waste my time after seeing that.
I lost my dad on Friday at midnight.He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in February last year and he went through so much only to die a horrible death.The heartless and incompetence of the health service ruined his life further.
I have just discovered your channel and it's a shame I hadnt earlier.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I lost my mother in law years ago to pancreatic cancer and it’s not easy prayers to you🙏🏻🙏🏻
I'm very sorry for your loss. I lost my wife to pc 6 yrs ago and you are 100% right. I too wish I'd have found Nurse Julie a lot sooner. PC sucks.
My deepest condolences to you.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I lost my dear dad in Feb this year to liver cirrhosis suddenly, he just collapsed and died the next day so painful 😥😥😥💔💔
Deepest sympathy.🙌
I watch all your videos. You have helped me become far more comfortable with the thought of dying ( 63 and have no serious illnesses). Knowing what we can expect for ourselves and relatives is comforting. I have come to appreciate that our bodies are designed to die. Just wanted to say Thank you ❤️
I'm also 63, and I couldn't agree more.
Me too ❤
Yes, thank you for your education and plain talk.
Same here, fellow seniors 😊how did we get this old!!😅lol
I have to plan for this. My girlfriend of 17 years, is a breast cancer survivor for 15 of those years. Lost 2 sisters and a Dad to cancer. If I get it, I'm getting no treatment like my 2 sisters did... Cancer is a tough way to go, but we got to go sometimes, and thanks to Hospice, It's a dignified and safe way to go.
I agree wholeheartedly!❤️
@_HOSPICE_NURSE_JULIE-
Done.
My amazing 13 year old son had Stage 4 HL. ALL conventional treatments failed unfortunately. The docs sugguested Hospice. I declined! We ended up getting him in a clinical trial and that got him to NED. He had a bone marrow transplant at 15 years and he is still with us 8 years later. 😊 i do thank you for what you do Julie!You have great advice. God Bless you! My niece is also a hospice nurse and follows you too!
If I were to be diagnosed with cancer, I would live whatever time I have left to the fullest and ask for comfort care near the end. No treatment. No surgeries. Period. I’ve lost two brothers in the last 3 years and have no intentions of living like they did. Go through all that sickening treatment and die anyway. No thanks.
It really depends on type and prognosis. Especially like a Stage 1, fairly responsive to therapy type cancer; please consider statistics if you are ever faced with such an enormous decision.😘
@@CopingwithGrattitude I understand your sentiment, but it just isn’t worth it in the end. I prefer quality over quantity. From what I seen my brothers go through (and many other family members) it all ends the same in the end. If the cancer doesn’t kill you, the treatment will.
I don't know. My dad currently has stage 4 lung cancer. And while the chemo was brutal and he is ultimately still dying, the pain has significantly lessened with treatment. When he was diagnosed, the tumor was growing into the nerves in his arm and he was sometimes screaming in pain even with pain meds. I'm fairly certain he'd be dead already without treatment and he's now enjoying spending time sitting in the garden and seeing his grandkids on his good days, while he mostly sleeps on the bad days.
I had Endometrial Cancer, and Radiation Therapy. In hindsight, I'd skip the radiation, Radiation Disease is worse than cancer. My Oncologist is so impressed that I fasted and also tweaked my diet from Vegetarina to Plant-based though I eat fish occasionally. She told me my Cancer recurrence risk is only 3%. She's told me multiple times, that she did not believe it would come back, and I believe her. I feel fine and am now working on riding my electric bike. A neighbour worked at Hospice and said her fellow nurses were so Liberal, that she felt out of place. Wouldn't make me feel comfortable either. I am so grateful to my Oncologist even though I had to have an Interstim implant and other procedures. I have basically weaned myself off the medical profession and have no fear of recurrence. I am very disciplined about my diet, sleep, limiting stress and exercising and find it more productive to work on those things, rather than going to doctor's appointments and/or cancer support groups. Cancer is a thing of the past, in my life!
Don't wait till the end to ask for comfort care. If it's terminal and you aren't treating, ask for palliative care right away and then hospice as soon as you qualify. The worst is when people wait for a crisis to happen and hospice only gets involved for the last few weeks or days. Much better to have them involved asap, so you and your family get to know the team and have a relationship established when things start to go downhill
Excellent video Julie. I'm a retired hospice nurse( 46yrs in nursing) just been diagnosed with oral cancer. Non smoker non drinker. Upcoming extensive surgery. Will have many decisions to make. God's will be done.❤
Amen
No matter what happens, Jesus is with you every step of the way. Give it to him and have the peace that he gives. Speak the name of Jesus over everything, illness, depression, anxiety, doubt, fear. Jesus above all, Amen. 🙏
Life is unfair sometimes. Good luck.
@shawn1869 Thank you Shawn. He's with me every day & every step of this journey.
Are you having a partial glossectomy with a neck dissection? Is it on your tongue or the lining of your gums? Sorry to ask so many questions but my friend has been through it. Praying for you.
Retired oncology clinical nurse specialist here. All I can say is THANK YOU!
I’m a Palliative Care Social Worker embedded in a Cancer Center. Medicare and other insurance should ABSOLUTELY cover Palliative Care at EVERY stage of cancer! Research shows that cancer patients who get PC at the same time as chemo, radiation, etc. not only do better during treatment, they live longer and spend less time in the hospital! It’s the best care for patients AND it saves costs - a win-win!!
Yes! So many people don't understand what Palliative care is and assume it's the same as Hospice. Pain and symptom control is a huge benefit to patients!
I don’t really know what palliative care is. I live in a rural, poor county in the West and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone talk about it. Many things happen that just seem to pass us by or take a long time to be put into place.
I'm closing in on 60. Had a GREAT life. Just keep me comfy.
That is certainly your call. For me, I'm in my 60's and my predicted lifespan is another 25 years. If I can beat cancer without being desperately ill I believe I'll give it a go. Of course, none of us really know until we're in that situation. And there are so many variables..ex how healthy were you before cancer, what stage is it, does that type of cancer have good remission rates or is it one of the super aggressive and almost always terminal types. Lots to consider.
60 isn't old.
Same.
With respect: thinking about “going no treatment” in your 50s seems a little extreme?
I am 60, not so great Life, and now that I have Small-Cell Lung Cancer, I am willing to see this through and allow the Treatment to do what it can. At 60, 70 is just a heartbeat away, and then at 70, 80 is less than a skip! I think I would like to beat the odds, and then I can say I had a Great Life! :) I sure do miss my Bong!
I found your channel back in Sep/Oct of 2023 when my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. I lost my Father on Oct 24th at the age of 75. You helped me process so much information that was being thrown at my family. You gave me hope and a understanding what the process would look like. The right questions to ask and what the process would look like. Most importantly in my opinion, you helped me process the final days. Knowing what to look for and understanding that he wasn't in pain and that his passing was natural. I can't thank you enough. You are truly an Angel in my eyes
❤
As an RN I appreciate the conversation you are having about death and dying. Knowledge is power and power reduces fear. Thank you for the valuable information you are providing.
I’m an RN and I agree wholeheartedly with EVERYTHING That you are saying. 99.9% of patients diagnosed with cancer never get this type of respectful care from their treatment team. Patients who are diagnosed with terminal cancers should never have to die on chemotherapy with a terrible quality of life. I lost both my grandmothers and my mom to cancer and all had truly amazing, pain free, and respectful deaths at home surrounded by family. My dad elected to utilize the NJ MAID- medical aid in dying program when he was end stage multiple organ failure and he again was surrounded by his family members in his home, smiling and laughing at the end. There’s such a thing as a good death.
I'm sure that the majority of pts receive enough information to make an informed decision. It's always best to bring one other person with you who is a good listener, to hear what the Dr. is saying or ask questions that the pt may not think about or don't remember if hearing bad news.
I tell them to make a list of questions that have arised it their oncology nurse has been unable to answer (if they have an assigned oncology nurse).
I was a radiation therapist in Radiation Oncology. This is all excellent advice. The only thing I would add is write down any questions you can think of ahead of time(every time you are to see the doctor). When you get the diagnosis of cancer, you are overwhelmed & it is often hard to take in all the information. Have a family member or friend there for support & to write down info you are given.❤
I tend to agree with you. In my college years I worked as an orderly in a hospice for cancer patients. What I kept hearing from the nurses there was that people generally suffered more from treatment than they did from the cancer itself. Of course this has to be an individual decision but I think it’s best to live life trying to prevent cancer from forming but also to accept gracefully the inevitable and not struggle so hard. I think we should get over this idea of “battling” cancer.
I agree with your comment about the "battling" terminology. The wording reflects this society's view of everything as a conflict to be responded to with aggression.
It really all depends on what age someone develops cancer. Young people should battle. Once you've hit older age it's a different story.
@@sk-wx1cfAgree, it’s always sad to read that someone “lost the battle.”
A lot of the treatments are to stop the swelling and pressure and ease the end of life.
They radiated my dads brain to control the swelling and pain of lung cancer spread through his brain as he was dying.
Wie lange sind Ihre College Days her? Die Medizin macht Fortschritte!
For me quality of life is more important than quantity. I’m lucky to live in a country that permits euthanasia when someone has insufferable illness and pain.
That is my answer. I will do what this nurse says ask the right questions and plan. No chemo for me I’m not losing my quality of life to live an extra few months. I’m not going to let my family see me decline either I don’t want anyone to look after me. My pride won’t let me I have too much dignity so I will make sure I leave this world on my terms.
I would not take my own life, pain management in a hospice is sufficient.
Remember when cancer was rare? It was also probably a lot less profitable back then.
As a person of 62 yrs who has fairly recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at first I felt quite lost and confused on what should I ask, my mind kind of went blank. I am thankful that I have a dr. who is straight forward with treatment options and and my likely time left, he has given me approx. 3-6 months. I admit I am quite scared of death and it's not easy accepting that it is near. The information and learning experience that you share in your video's have been such a huge help and have been quite settling with my fears. Thank you so much for posting the information that you share with all of us.
❤
Have you heard of the Joe Tippens protocol? It cured his lung cancer, I believe it was stage 4. Look it up. Lots of people are using it with good results.
I’m 1986 my dad developed lung cancer and declined treatment. He worked up until 3 days before he died. His quality of life was pretty good up until almost the end.
Research Joe Tippens Protocol...You have nothing to lose trying it...🙏🙏🙏
sorry to hear your prognosis , praying for you !
JULIE -- you are a legit rockstar. stage 4 colon cancer here (diagnosis oct 31 '22).... doing well after chemo, colectomy, liver resection and ablations, but I know there are still battles ahead. thank you so much. 🌞
I had thyroid cancer @50. Surgery and treatment cured me. I was very fortunate that it was caught early. Now, @ 74 and always in fibomyalgia pain, I don't think I would fight. I'm not afraid of death as I have many loved ones waiting for me. I would just want to be kept comfortable. Everyone is different.
So sorry, Fibro is hell. I relieved my symptoms 90% with green coffee enemas, turning organic and no more wine!
@@Laura-lr3sz I have other conditions as well that complicate life. I can't drink since 2000, due to kidney problems. I have diabetes and liver problems. I've never heard of those enemas, but I'm glad they worked for you.
A friend of mine suffered from the same diagnosis. She tried to relieve symptoms with fasting and vegetables.
One component to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia should be a change in diet to predominantly anti-inflammatory, i.e. antioxidant, foods.There is evidence that the so-called “oxidative stress” is particularly high in people with fibromyalgia. To put it simply, the body is in a permanent state of inflammation. An anti-inflammatory diet can therefore help to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by soft tissue rheumatism. A phase with a so-called pegan diet can be helpful: three quarters of the plate is vegetables, and for a change there is also fruit such as low-sugar berries and kiwis. The remaining quarter of the diet consists of fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and good oils - only a little meat. Finished products, products with sugar and wheat should be avoided. Milk and dairy products will also be restricted.
In the long term, a flexitarian diet is recommended for fibromyalgia. This refers to a largely vegetarian diet in which only selected meat is consumed rarely. Such a plant-based diet provides the body with plenty of antioxidants (anti-inflammatory substances).Fasting for cell cleansing in fibromyalgia: Regular fasting days or even therapeutic fasting stimulate the cells' self-cleaning process and can thus reduce pain. Even a three-day short therapeutic fast with just one meal and plenty of tea and broth ("almost nothing days") gets the cell cleansing processes going. A possible alternative to the classic therapeutic fasting regimen according to Buchinger is mucus fasting, which is gentle on the stomach; another variant is juice fasting with vegetable juices. The juices provide the body with a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
If fibromyalgia occurs in connection with obesity, then reducing weight usually improves the clinical picture. Fasting also helps you lose weight - but not so much therapeutic fasting, but rather long-term intermittent fasting. Nutritional tips for fibromyalgia
Anyone suffering from fibromyalgia should primarily eat anti-inflammatory foods. Vegetables and fruits such as berries and kiwis as well as green tea contain many antioxidant substances that scavenge free radicals.
Meat, on the other hand, promotes inflammatory processes because it contains a lot of arachidonic acid. That's why those affected should eat as little meat as possible. Dairy products should also be limited - not consumed, or at least not consumed every day.
Fish, eggs, legumes or lupine products provide sufficient protein.
Sugar, wheat and cow's milk products are not recommended as they promote chronic low-threshold inflammation.
Oils with a high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids such as linseed oil (especially with added DHA) or walnut oil provide valuable fats. These are also found in nuts and seeds.
Luxury foods such as alcohol, coffee and chocolate can cause muscular restlessness and should therefore only be consumed in small quantities.
Magnesium improves muscle function and is helpful in states of stress and exhaustion. It is found in whole grain products, legumes such as peas and lentils, beans, potatoes, nuts and sunflower seeds.
Well, that was a lot of text. Sorry. All the best to you...😊
@@Milalein Thank you so much for the info.
I’m using CBD from Rose LosAngeles & a Power Plate.
my aunt was diagnosed with cancer. She asked what will happen if I do no treatment and if I choose treatment what will that look like. She was told treatment might buy her a year or two but she would be sick most of the time. With no treatment she would have a year or less but with pain management would feel OK for most of the time. She decided on no treatment other than pain meds. We traveled. We had a great time for a year.
My mother in law had breast cancer and had a lumpectomy and radiation. 15 years later it was back in her bones. She has went through chemotherapy and the first round was the roughest. Made her hair fall out and nausea. Fast forward 12 years, she is now 83 and still on chemo at home. She active and you would never know that she has cancer. No one knows what they would do if they were diagnosed with cancer until they are diagnosed with it. She has lived 12 more good years.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 3 years ago at age 73. For my personal reasons, I declined treatment. I recently had a PSA test and it was 8. The other blood factors are still OK. I am living a laid-back life while I still can. I have stopped and smelled the roses during my life, so no regrets there. If the axe ever comes down, then I would prefer Hospice, or else moving to a Medical Aid in Dying state for a self-administered exit. Good luck to all of us fellow travelers on life's Titanic.
Respectfully, I disagree. Had chemo and it was not a bother. You are taking unnecessary risks (unless your doctor has said the cancer is small and watch and wait).
@@chrisj8764I don't know about chemo. I had 2 treatment options: surgery and radiation, both of which I declined. I had a mix of slow and moderate growing cells 3 years ago at diagnosis. The PSA went from 6 to 8 over 3 years. I am aware of the risk. I had no symptoms, only the elevated PSA #, which turned out to be positive.
@@chrisj8764Every decision is ones own to make
@@chrisj8764It's not for you to say what level of risk another man should be willing to take. I'm glad you are going well on chemo but it's not the same for everyone.
I got diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, had a mastectomy, lymph node clearance,chemo and radiation. The last 4 rounds of chemo were horrendous, and I got septic poisoning very lucky to be alive, then in April last year I found out it had
metastasised to my lymph nodes, I went on a hormone blocker needle and that shrunk the ones in my groin by 70% the ones on the side of my face practically disappeared. Then my neck got really swollen and I went on a chemo and tablet round.
My oncologist who is fantastic said this has a good shrinkage rate. He wasn’t kidding I had it on the Thursday and by Saturday my neck was normal. Then in December last year I got sick, sweating profusely not eating my oncologist put me on some antibiotics it didn’t help I had my regular blood test and he rang me at 9pm to tell me my kidney shut down and not to wait till the next day I needed treatment asap. So off to hospital I went and ended up there for a month fighting a infection and they not really knowing what was up with me, I nearly died twice I had a scan my spleen was swollen 6 times it’s normal size and my liver was swollen too, plus my lymph nodes were all over the shot, my oncologist couldn’t believe it as my last scan only a few months ago showed nothing but improvement.
I got transferred to another hospital who specialises in cancer treatment and I was diagnosed with Lymphoma a nasty one at that, so I’m basically fighting 2 cancers at the same time. 😐 when I told my oncologist the first thing he said to me was your strong 💪 and I am. I’ve just had my 3rd round of chemo which is 3 weekly and it’s a walk in the park compared to the chemo I had with breast cancer, I just get a bit more tired. There is no cure for me but I did ask the question how long do I have when I found out it metastasized to my lymph nodes, he said worst case scenario 1-2 years the best case years and years depending upon how I respond to medication. I respond well, my Haematologist said yesterday feeling how much everything has shrunk I’m sure when you have a scan this will reflect that. So the goal now is to get me into complete remission, the good news is the Lymphoma got caught early it showed up 3/4 months ago and I started treatment straight away once I got diagnosed properly. I’ve had a positive mind set all the way through and don’t believe I will die from this as I’ve nearly died 4 times all up and I don’t believe the Gods saved me only to die from this. My oncologist gave me the best advice of just living and enjoying my life, and that’s what I’m doing. Don’t automatically think your life is over with a cancer diagnosis there is a lot of amazing strides being made in cancer treatments I’ve already said I’m open to any trials and I think I’ll be going on some immunotherapy when I’m done with chemo. I absolutely refuse to let this beat me, ask the questions Julie recommended I’m in Australia so things are different here but having your concerns addressed is vital. For anyone going through cancer I wish you well 💗💪
🙏 ✝️ ❤
Thank you for sharing your experience, Two Rocks.
You're so strong❤ May God continue to heal you. God bless🙏
God bless you
Thank you for your well wishes ❤🙏 and prayers 💗
I have Smoldering Multiple Myeloma. Keeping track for now, willing to undergo stem cell transplant once. My family already knows my desire for quality over quantity and that they shouldn't beg me to undergo treatment I don't want just to stick around for them. I have no fear of death, only pain.
Sadly my best friend since we were 14 was doing pretty well with her MM until the chemo they gave her just prior to the stem cell transplant killed her in 4 days, she was freezing and not feeling well And asked to talk later Wednesday night and was dead by Friday morning ( 7:00am when the transplant was scheduled to start. It was completely unexpected and shocking, she had been so happy heading into the hospital. I wish she hadn’t tried for the transplant 😢 Her poor mother had to watch as they tried to get her back, she was pulling out lines and completely septic from the “medicine” oh how I wish she was back the morning we met up before her admission was a great day, she said ohhh don’t cry I’ll be out by Thanksgiving!!! Nope.
Good luck. ❤️
I completely share your views on this. I so hope for you that you get the best possible care that respects your wishes.
Best of luck to your for a miracle from God...
Hi, I am uncertain what Smoldering MM means, but I have had something similar. Two Solitary Plasmacytomas , lost my right femur, tumour in left hip. I had the CyborD chemo protocol for 4 months to ascertain if I would respond to Stem Cell Transplant. I did. Underwent ASCT March ‘23. Not going to lie…it was tough, made especially tough by developing an atypical pneumonia post transplant. 6 weeks in hospital, then home…It took 2 months of being home before things really felt great. Then….WOW. Felt like a million bucks. It has been 14 months since the transplant and I continue to feel amazing. They take enuf stem cells for 2 transplants and it was explained to me that if I make it 4 years after the transplant without another tumour, then they would agree to do a second one. If not, then I would not have had the best response to the treatment. I live in Canada, so this entire 4 year ordeal did not cost me , directly, one penny. The costs are in with my federal and provincial taxes, which I am MORE THAN HAPPY TO PAY. I don’t know if I could live with the strain of the fear of being bankrupt by healthcare if I lived in the US. I am 68 years old. Go toward the light…get a functioning social healthcare program! It works, yes, it’s slower than paying for high quality insurance programs, but with 350 million plus people paying thru taxes, imagine how powerful it would be.
Fantastic information. I am 77 with prostate cancer (untreated by choice) and CKD ((GFR of 20), and after five years this short video validated my reasoning better than my doctors during that time. Thank you very much. I am looking forward to getting your audiobook.
As a chemo RN, I recommend bringing someone to this appointment with you. Most newly diagnosed pts are overwhelmed once the diagnosis is made & they may not be able to absorb all of the information provided at this time. A 2nd set of ears is an asset. Ask about a 2nd opinion too.
My wife was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 and watching your video help immensely. We live in Guatemala and here the oncologist and radiologist have problem been straightforward. Therefore my wife do not know the gravity of her cancer. It is hard for me at time when she talked about diet, exercise and wonder why she is not getting any better, it is hard for me, to tell her to not worry about any of these things and to just enjoy the life she got left. Thank you so very my favorite nurse for these videos that help many of us you are wonderful. I hope that I can meet you day with my wife in a hospice but because we are living in Guatemala I doubt that will ever happen. One way or the other I think you from the bottom of my hearth for all the help that you are bringing me.
🙏
I'm so glad u have her wonderful support, even from another country. 💓
GOD BLESS YOU for taking care of your wife!!! Hugs to you💜💜💜
This past June I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I guess you could say the whole world fell out from under me when they said stage 4. I have a nodule in each lung. However, I was given the option of immunotherapy. The nodule in my right lung was 35 mm but now it's gone. The left lung is smaller but slowly shrinking. I'm living a better quality of life under this treatment. It's safe to say that if it was 20 or 25 years ago, I would not be living a very good quality of life because I'd be going through chemo. I just hope I end up one of those success stories and go on living the rest of my life.
But here's the sad part of some forms of cancer. "Without treatment, you die. With treatment, you take longer to die.
Small cell lung , surgery, chemo , radiation.. now metastasized to 3 brain masses.. radiation again..I feel fine.. even my PCP has said I’m the healthy looking cancer patient he’s ever seen but I know this can turn instantly… problem is getting the grown children to face the reality that the future is extremely short and unpredictable… that is what weighs on my heart ❤️
@@willow2333 "Small cell" is never a good thing. I'm sorry to hear that. But telling children the reality is never easy. They can be at an age where they can grasp the scope of the matter and have an understanding, but if they're just toddlers, it can crush one heart. At such a young age, the only thing you can do is to be truthful. If it's sugar coated or obfuscated, that just leaves them open to fill in the blanks on their own and they may have false expectations. The hard part in any case like that is finding the balance between soft and hard when walking young children into that reality.
Blessings.
When i was diagnosed with AMl they gave me 20% chance of beating it. Thank God it will be 26 yrs. in Sept. It wasnt an easy fight but i kept a positive attitude which i think goes along way. Thank you for the great video.
Julie, can you discuss the importance of having advance directives in place to ensure that a persons care wishes are carried out. Not only DNR/DNI but also power of attorney for health care and selecting the person most likely to follow your wishes. I see so much conflict in the hospital between family members about this. It’s usually the ones who have the least contact with the patient who object the most about their care choices.
Hi Julie. I am a retired RN of 35 years. I took care of my precious Mama for 2 months before she went to her heavenly home. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and went home from the hospital on hospice with 3 months to live. Being able to take care of her was the greatest blessing of my life! I am so glad I found your channel. If I am diagnosed with cancer or any terminal illness, I will share your channel with my 2 sons right away in the hope that watching your channel will help them find peace and understanding in my death. I will definitely choose hospice! My Mama's hospice nurse was Judy and she was fantastic. Mama was adamant that she did not want to take morphine because of what she had seen in her sister and her companion. I did not want her to suffer. Judy helped her to agree to take medication for pain and she was not given morphine. She died very peacefully thank God! She didn't have terminal agitation and she didn't have the death rattle either. I am thankful I didn't hear the death rattle with her. God bless all hospice nurses everywhere!!!
I was not comfortable with my best friends doctor. She was at stage 4 lung cancer and it appeared to have traveled to her brain. They kept trying to push treatment, but could not get her pain under control. She was diagnosed and passed in 20 days. I just wanted someone to be more realistic. Saying, first lets see if we can get this pain manageable then we can discuss whether treatment is right for you.
Pushing the treatment is all money for big pharma and the doctors would have their pay bumped up with a little bonus for however many they could persuade to take the 'treatment'. Think about it 😉
@@louiseanderson1505 yeah, they don't care about side effects or pain. It's all about the $$$.
@@louiseanderson1505That's complete bunkum. Where's your evidence for this? Even in countries with socialised medical systems, doctors offer treatment for cancer, and their pay is the same whether the patient decides to take it or not. In fact, a patient who does not take chemo, for example, will cost the government less, especially as they are likely to die more quickly.
@@WhyisthereAir...What nonsense.
Oh my gosh, Julie, this video couldn't have come at a better time. I'm at step one. I just got a positive result from a cologard test, I'm 65 years old. My family doctor says colonoscopy is the next step.
I'm a retired nurse, when I heard "positive," everything I ever knew went out the door. Now I'm just feeling fear of the unknown.
I'm going to watch this several times and write down those important questions to ask. Right now, nothing is certain. I'm going to be positive.
Thank you again for this video and everything you do. ❤️
Dear friend; Please, please, don’t be afraid, it’s an overwhelming but pray to God for your illness and have a complete faith , because miracles happen! Don’t ever forget this advice I am giving you, you see these results! If again you’re a believer and happen to be a Christian read Psalm 91. And let me know what happens afterwards. I am also a cancer patient and I almost done with my six treatments of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. I haven’t being afraid, after three chemo treatments done my cancer is already in remission. I don’t know what will be next, because unfortunately cancers must of the time return. However I will not lose my faith, because it’s in God’s hands! I will be praying for you 🙏🏻
@justiceforall5043 Thank you for sharing with me. I am a believer, and I believe in the power of prayer. The initial fear has passed. I will follow my doctor's advice and proceed with the colonoscopy. Wherever I wind up will be ok. I'm trusting that God has a plan.
You have the best outlook. God does have a plan, and He will give you the strength that you need to deal with whatever the outcome may be.
In 2020, I also had a positive cologard test and then a colonoscopy. My cologard screening turned out to be a false positive, and I pray that yours will too.
I had previously gone through treatment for breast cancer in 2016/2017 and after my scare with possible colon cancer, I found out two months later that my breast cancer had returned. All is well for now.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I surrender everything to you.
@@lindanelson8400 Cologuard can be wrong so I hope your colonoscopy came back clean or something manageable. Praying for you...
Great questions to ask. Me personally, i wouldn't have treatment to extend my life for a year or two as i think you would be spending loads of that time at hospital appointments or laying in bed suffering and missing that time spending it with family making memories
Unfortunately, whether you decide to have treatment or not, you still end up spending lots of time at hospital appointments! 😬🙄😂
Your comment about pancreatic cancer gave me chills. My mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011. I thought for sure it was my last holiday with her. Thirteen years later, she is still here! She's a walking miracle who beat stage 3 pan can thanks to her amazing medical team. But it's always been in the back of my mind that i need to have a plan for if/when I am also diagnosed with cancer, as it seems likely to be in my genes. Thanks for this video!
I’m so glad you still have your mom! I miss mine so!
That’s amazing for pancreatic cancer ❤
This gives me so much hope. Thank you!
That’s wonderful news. My sister in law died of Pancreatic cancer after about 16 months. It was already stage 4 when she was diagnosed. Chemo made her so sick she was hospitalized on multiple occasions. It’s so good to hear that your mom is a survivor.
PRAISE THE LORD!! 🙏🙏🙌
I started watching you because I wanted to understand more about the process of dying for a dementia patient (my Daddy died in 2021 with dementia, from heart failure, at age 86). My prayer for him was always that he would not suffer physically or mentally….and i am confident my prayers were answered. But you helped reassure me of how peaceful his passing was for him! Now I will always follow you, because short of myself or someone I know dying suddenly, you will be such a valuable resource in the future. Thank you for all you do!
Some cancer patients (like my deceased husband) need the hope of pursing every treatment possible to live 1 more day. He was in denial that he was dying & nothing was working. The oncologist finally told him nothing is working & from my experience you have apx. 6 months to live. He was under the care of hospice for a couple days short of 6 months. Even with a cancer diagnosis it was challenging to get pain meds at the time. Hospice solved that problem although after stopping treatment he rarely needed it.
I have 2 rare cancers, actually. My Oncologists are very up front about my options. But the best thing I did is that I found cancer support groups for my cancers. I even have a mentor for my bile duct cancer and he calls me once per week. It’s very helpful in learning exactly what it’s like and what options are out there. My support groups are actually on Facebook.
I have a 50% chance of cure for the more deadly of the two cancers. You can’t get much more uncertainty than that. But my support group friends really understand and get me through.
I am so happy you have that support.💕
My brother age 69 was diagnosed in Oct 2023. A few weeks ago he said he wanted to stop all chemo. He was suffering so. He has bile duct cancer with a tumor so large it covers his liver. The chemo showed the tumor did not grow, but it also did not shrink despite the chemo. He is preparing to die. Getting everything in order. It is breaking my heart. I'm glad he has had some time to say good bye to some of his friends. I don't want him to suffer but I also do not want him to die. I wish someone could tell us with this end stage liver disease, plus how weak the 7 chemo treatments made him, does he have 2 weeks? A month? Nobody has a crystal ball, but it would bring some comfort to us to have an idea of how long one can live at this stage. I pray your cancers respond well to the treatment plans you decide on and benefit from your positive attitude. From what I see, bile duct cancer is a tough one to handle. None of us saw any of this coming. He had gone in several times feeling poorly, was losing weight, etc. They kept saying they couldn't find anything. Then a few weeks later it is so big that we know that didn't happen overnight. Everything I read for bile duct cancer says time is crucial. Usually by the time it is diagnosed it is nearly too late. All I can think is that they dropped the ball. From what we see and know, he doesn't have long to live. I hope your experience is the opposite. God bless you. I believe in hope and healing. ❤
Wow. I’ve thought about this as I lost two friends to cancer in my 40s and 50s. The first had a very rare and terminal cancer. She was very direct with it, to the point of visiting a funeral home and planning her final disposition. She had chemo monthly to suppress the worst of it, while aware that she’d never have a celebratory final session and cure.
The second had a recurrence of breast cancer which went widely metastatic. She refused to talk about it and acted like she wasn’t sick, to the extent of doing risky things like attending a convention during chemo, when her immune system was suppressed. She had no end of life plan. She had family and friends believing that her situation was reversible, leaving them shocked and unprepared as the end came. Each handled cancer in her own way, but the first one was, in my opinion, the bravest.
I was left thinking about what I’d do, and I came to many of the scenarios you described. I’d be asking the same questions about quality of life, treatment vs. no treatment, etc. I hope it never happens, of course. But your video really spoke to me. Thank you.
It's sad when someone is in denial about their prognosis.
Also know that the doctors don’t have the answers ALL the time. You can ask all you want, but in the end, YOU are the only one who has to be proactive when it comes to treatment and outcome. People think that once they have radiation or chemo, that it will be all over and done with. When in fact, there is more behind the scenes than what the doctors tell you. Also, I would do your own research as well - new procedures and treatments are out there than what some doctors are willing to try. At a time when home dialysis was new - many doctors would not put their patients on it because it wasn’t the social norm - I had a hard time with my nephrologist in getting approval for it because clinical dialysis was all that was out there for years. I am so glad I did home dialysis because I was still able to work full-time and do my dialysis in my own home environment. Again, be proactive and do your research. Don’t just leave it up to the doctors unless you can absolutely trust your oncologist fully.
No doctor knows exactly what's going to happen. I had stage 4 colon cancer 16 years ago. The recovery rate was small but I think if my doctor told me I would die from it I might have given up hope. I bolstered myself and did the treatment with determination to get well. I did.
It was the treatment and your genetics, and the exact type of cancer that made the difference, not your willpower.
I think it's important to ask about Clinical trials that I could qualify for, in addition to the standard chemo/radiation.
Oh boy!
I was diagnosed with AML in October of 2023. I have the worst mutation possible -5,-7. My AML had already spread to my spine and pelvis. Lifespan is 100-275 days. I’m 65 and was on long term opioid therapy for chronic pain. I opted straight to hospice. My oncologist was mad I wouldn’t do treatment which meant 6 months in the hospital sick as a dog. My pcp felt I would die from the chemo right out of the gate. I’m at peace with my decision.
So sorry to hear of ur diagnosis. I'm 58 and I would do exactly same. I'm glad u share ur choice because u can empower others. It's not morbid, it's just realistic. And honestly that doc just wanted to use u as guinea pig for their treatments. So glad ur PCP was honest w u. Praying for wonderful quality of life as you courageously prepare to make a peaceful transition 🙏
Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you the very best, enjoy the time and brush negative thoughts aside. 🙏💕🥂
Enjoy every moment until the final one. ❤
Julie, you must get this comment A LOT but from one RN to another, you do us proud!
As always, great video providing vital information.
Thank you.
I saw a comment about 20 minutes down the page asking for a list of the questions. You can click on show transcript & copy then paste to a document and edit what you want to save.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer 2 years ago. I am now on my 4th line and am now doing chemo every week. I know that my cancer is terminal and the 5 year survival rate isn’t good.
I’ve pushed and pushed and pushed my oncologist about my length of life when he mentioned chemo, which the NP told me was going to be closer to the end because they wanted to do the less toxic treatments first.
So now I’m on my third month of taxol. It’s ok. It gets harder the more I do have it. I have a port and no hair (and probably will never have hair again). I’m fatigued so my family is striking while the iron is hot and we are going to Europe next month with our 12 year old and 9 year old.
I talk to a therapist weekly and see the palliative care doctor whenever I want. I’m on permanent disability and spend my days doing the best I can.
Having cancer has really taught me to slow down and live in the moment. I worked full time before and didn’t see my kids. Now I’m home with them every afternoon. I’m rekindling my faith and vibing with my nephew, who comes over everyday to take care of my grandpa who is 92 with Alzheimer’s and lives with my husband the kids and me. Next weekend we are going to the opera and my husband got me a puppy.
Life is good. I’m happy and satisfied. It’s ok that I don’t live a long life. My only regret is leaving behind my family and loved ones. So every day is treasured.
Dear friend; God is great and merciful 🙏🏻. People who were giving little time to live, are still here, stay on prayer and be positive, and don’t lose faith. Put your life in God’s hands and know that He make miracles!! I will be praying for you🙏🏻. Happy Easter 🐣
Oh boy, taxol sucks! But I'm glad you're going okay. It really is a good time to relax and enjoy life as best as possible. Wishing you all the best, from a fellow stage IV breast cancer sufferer. xxx
@@justiceforall5043If you believe in God, and prepare spiritually, you will wonder why you wanted to live at all.
I have stage 4 incurable ovarian cancer. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago at 67. I’m not young, but I’m not too old either. I still had a lot more of living to do. Before I was diagnosed, I always thought I would decide to not have any treatment. But since being diagnosed, I decided to give treatments a try. I have had a few different treatments. They usually work for a while then stop working or the side effects become too much, so I take a break and then resume with some other combination of treatments. I know these treatments won’t cure me, but even though my quality of life has been greatly impacted, I still have some good enough days to be with my family and friends, putter in my garden and be out in nature; yes those are mixed with many hospitalizations and many sick days in bed. But for now, I am thankful for the kinda good days I have to spend with my five children and five grandchildren. Some day, I may be too sick to continue on any treatment and that will be the day I go on hospice and get lots of morphine. A doctor can’t predict our individual survival rates because everyone is different. I was supposed to be dead about 6 months ago and came close to death a few times, but I resurfaced to live another day. 😊 So I have no firm decisions, I just go day by day, doing the best to stay healthy in body and mind, though not always easy and when it’s time to say enough, I will know it. 🌿 Btw, I have been with City of Hope since the beginning. They do give hope and are also very realistic. They have been nothing but super compassionate, patient and professional. They give me the facts, answer my myriad of questions and then graciously support whatever I decide. They are amazing.
Have you looked into alternative treatments? Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), fenbendazole, Ivermectin, carrot juice, vitamin C infusions, etc. There are so many things you can do besides chemo. I wish you well.
@@aeanderson8491 Yes, I have.
Hi what were the first symptoms, if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks
🙏🦉🕊️
@@SeaTurtle515 thank you
I hope you're having a good day
You're helping a lot of people 🕊️
Bless you 🦋🙏
What doctor do you see there? I also have treatment at COH.
I am 59 and had robotic surgery for a complete hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. They believe they got it all and PET scan showed no metastases. My oncologist recommended chemo and radiation because I had 2 types of cancer and one is more aggressive, should it come back. I declined, based on the length of time for treatment and the condition I would be in during treatment, as well as the financial impact being off work that long would have on me as a single person with no disability insurance. I respect my oncologist and whole team of caregivers, but I’m willing to take the responsibility as well as consequences for my autonomy. Quality is always more important than quantity. As a nurse in a skilled nursing facility, I see examples of that every day. Your video was so informative. Thank you so much. 😊
It's a shame that you have to take your finances into consideration. I'm very lucky that I'm in Australia and the cost of treatment isn't a factor. I wish you well. xxx
This is one of the most needed presentations ever. Wife died of cancer a year and a half ago. How I wish we had these questions to ask when we started the treatment process.
Radiation would take the rest of my 5% remaining vision - so it’s a hard NO from me. I’m about quality over quantity. I’ve lived a full life, travelled & marvelled at the world, so I’m good to die when the time comes 👍👌🥰🙏 Thank you for this honest video.
Very good information. One thing I noticed with my Aunt who had breast cancer was that the surgery, chemo, and radiation worked at first and gave her about 10 years of symptom free life, but then it came back. It had spread to her bones. She started having neck and shoulder pains, and they did a PET scan and her skeleton lit up like a Christmas tree unfortunately. When the cancer came back, none of the chemo or radiation worked very well the second time around. It provided some short term symptom relief but then she went downhill very quickly after that and it was a miserable time for her after that until the end.
A friend suffered similarly. Her BC had been “cured” for many years but one day she slipped and fell getting out of the bathtub and couldn’t get up. She had X-rays at the hospital and the cancer had come back into her spine and spread to her brain. Very rough. 🫂
Oh Lord! This is my mom's story. She was first diagnosed with BC stage 3 back in 1998. Went through mastectomy, lymph nodes removal, chemo and was on letrozole for 10+ years and was declared disease-free. Her health picked up well and we put it all behind us. She would still go for annual checkups and did so until 2020. Then her onco said she needn't do it every year but instead do it once every 3 years. Cut to 2023 March - she had to get a CT scan done for some other condition and that was when our world came crashing down. The bloody cancer had stealthily metastasized to her pelvic bones, spine, forearms, shoulder. Got a PET scan and the extent of spread was reconfirmed. She was 73 and up until then she was active, did all her work, did yoga regularly etc. But she was anaemic and had lost a lot of weight. The doctor and us decided against any harsh treatment and gave her oral medication . Took that for a month but even that didn't suit her. Nausea, no bowel control and perrenially tired. August onwards her sodium levels dropped twice, got severe UTI, her creatinine levels increased - basically things just went downhill. We could see her deteriorating rapidly. She was also put on monthly denosumab injection to prevent bone loss. Took 2 of them and went in for her 3rd one. A chest x ray was done to see the cause of her shortness of breath and it revealed pleural effusion and the doctor said it's a critical stage. Drained out the fluid, did pleurodesis. But she passed away on March 8th 😢😢... For 25 years post her first diagnosis she lived a normal life. And then for the horror to come back after 25 years was devastating. Her last 8 months were horrible. She was reduced to a skeleton.
When a person is facing cancer and having to make decisions, they could very well be unable to absorb all information. Asking questions until you fully understand and having a loved one with you is a help. Once a path of treatment (or no treatment) is decided the respect for that decision is so important. If someone decides to NOT have treatment the family might try to convince them otherwise. This is understandable but the patient needs you to accept and respect your wishes. The last thing they need at this time is to fight you on this. Thank you nurse Julie for the list of very important questions to ask your oncologists. ❤
I totally agree.
Nurse Julie, I am so glad you mentioned Pancreatic Cancer. My grandma died from PC. She was healthy as can be. No early symptoms so we could get in front of it. Once she started feeling poorly, she went in right away. When the doctor told us she had pancreatic cancer and she had hopefully 5 to 6 months this was us Nurse Julie 😮😮😮😮😮😮. Doctor said by the time you start feeling bad with symptoms, it’s too severe to turn things around. It’s a sneaky cancer. I love your videos. Thank you so much for bringing the education to us. You’re so kind and caring. ❤
My grandfather passed away 2 days ago from stage 4 pancreatic cancer he was diagnosed March 1st and only made it to April 15th. He was supposed to get chemo but was never health enough so he went down fast. I watched a lot your videos and was able to identify all of his end of life symptoms and it made it easier to witness.
Had cancer twice Colon and Oesophagus... got them early but still major surgery . The latter for me is the problem and both adenocarcinomas but I'm still vertical and no sign of any return. My wife died of cancer BRCA 2
Your advice is perfect.. thanks
My dad had pancreatic cancer and I was thankful his doctor didn’t recommend chemo. He only lasted about a month and his life was have been more miserable if he had had chemo.
As a radiation therapist , I would also add, your medical oncologist is the one that answers his specialty questions but your radiation oncologist should also be consulted about those specific symptoms and what to expect.
Some treatments have brutal side effects and others are just transient “usually” but there is always the possibility you may have a different experience.
I will also add my mom had a rare cancer and the 2 year survival was about 5%. She loved 11 years before passing from something else. I’ve treated patients with very advanced cancers that were given a very short time frame as far as it being terminal and some are well past the 10 year mark. I wish everyone the very best in your decisions and can’t advocate hard enough for hospice and palliative care.
As a soon to be 7 year TNBC survivor this is so on point. Fortunately, I had a wonderful care team who provided this information even when I didn’t know what I needed to ask. They communicated with me and with each other so everyone was always in the loop. This is an excellent guide for anyone facing these monumental decisions. A bilateral mastectomy, chemo and reconstructive surgery and I’m still here to tell the tale. Thank you, Julie for another great video! 💕
Same here! But I stayed flat. So far so good!
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal cancer, it's all good to say "I'd not treat and live my life " because they didn't want a reduced quality of life. But speaking as the spouse of a Glioblastoma patient, he wants to do anything to extend his life to be with his family as long as he can be. You never know how a person will tolerate treatments, and for some it's hell, for others it gives more time with your loved ones. My husband would probably have been dead in less than 6 months if he had not had any treatments. As it is, he is on the decline over a year later, but he would have done it again the way he has. It's going to be rough either way.
Yes,sending hugs to you😢my best friend SherieMac died of that! She did 3 surgeries & chemo, gave it all for 3 yrs!! I hate glio!!!
I love that you are covering this topic. As a radiation therapy for over 17 years. I see patients end up on hospice way too late. To frequently the Drs don’t tell them when thing are not working. Or the patients don’t understand what palliative treatment is. All they hear is that it’s going to kill the cancer. But when you’re only doing 10-15 treatments it’s usually for pain management. Love what you’re doing
As a healthcare worker (ICU nurse) GREAT ANSWERS!! Makes me 🤔!! Because personally if I hear cancer I’m done! Cashing in the 401K, maxing out the CC’s and celebrating life with my family!! I never want to be a burden on my family and I don’t want to burden them financially for years to come trying to pay off my medical bills with the modest estate I’d be leaving behind!😢😢
Excellent questions. Thank you for posting. I wish doctors would recommend hospice more often. When my aunt realized she wasn’t going to make it (after battling cancer for over a year) she chose hospice. Her doctors office still continued to call her to try to set up appointments for treatments that were making her very sick, and certainly wouldn’t save her life. It was cruel to try to string her along.
CYA so they aren't sued. My mom had breast cancer but they could not determine if it had spread as further testing was not possible as she had a blockage of one kidney so testing solution could not flow through body. Surgeon kept offering double mastectomy which made no sense to her, my dad of adult children, but surgeon had to give all options to CYA. She also had alzheimers and at 84 she and my dad said no more medical anything and decided to eat what they enjoyed and simply continue on in life. She had hard pain here and there daily, but not chronic, and in a strange twist, forgot she had cancer. She lived an additional year and all in all had a peaceful death. Age and health conditions must be considered.
@anavigil7603 wow I love her story, with you as her courageous family and that she forgot she had cancer! Touches my heart that she had a good year 💓
I am an RN of 22 years and 54 years old. Between seeing patients and multitudes of friends and family go through cancer symptoms, the illness caused from treatments, the anxiety at each follow up in hoping that they get a clean bill of health, the anguish when it seems to eventually return in the same or a different form. Rinse repeat. It is there mentally and/or physically the remainder of life. I believe I would take the palliative care route and make the best of the rest of my time. I would not want to live in anxiety or put my husband through more worry than necessary.
I have soft tissue cancer and had chemo and radiation 5days a week for 6 weeks. My wonderful oncologist told me the biggest enemy is stressing and worrying so I learnt how to meditate and to shut out negativity and angry bitter people, I am now 2 years down the track and every morning the first words are "I am grateful for all things in my life". Anyone going through this please stay strong and don't let anything or anyone drag you down. ❤
Don’t panic, take time to understand your type of Cancer. I have been diagnosed with thyroid, prostate, bladder and kidney cancers over the past 25 years.
As a former nurse, 69 years old now, who dealt with surgical cancer patients, I TOTALLY agree and if mine was not curable, I might not wish to have chemo at all. I am not a one size fits all type of nurse and I would want my Oncologist to be of the same mindset. Yep ask them what they would do in your situation and I feel that if they (including their staff) do not have a good chemistry with me, it would be a NO go.
Absolutely nothing. With the way life has gone for me personally, and the way my family disintegrated to dust over the years, I'd go off and die somewhere without telling anyone. I don't want to ever be found either. Some things are just best that way to right the ship. That's the plan and sticking to it.
Does anyone think the Covid vaccines have anything to do with the increased cancer risk? So scary it seems I’m hearing so much cancer. Just wondering if anyone else felt the same? Nurse Julie you are a blessing helping us all learn and understand the dying process. I found you a few months before my mom passed in December and you really helped me so much. I thank you and God bless you.
The Covid shut down led to decreased cancer screenings so then folks were diagnosed with more advanced disease
No, it’s not the vaccines who cause cancer, it’s the Covid itself, because it’s a virus, once a viruses enter your body, it calls for another viruses! Unfortunately!! And cancer is a virus!
No thinking KNOWING it’s true. Its a proven fact. Turbo cancers
Absolutely the Covid vaccine has a lot to do with this major increase of cancer diagnosis. I study this at least 7 hours per day. I a few years if will come out. I sure Will not be alive because I also have cancer 😢.
1000% YES
Julie- could you print that list out? The moment many patients hear the word cancer, they stop hearing anything else. Having a list of good questions would get them the info they need to make good decisions. Agreed about palliative care. Someone focusing on your symptoms/side effects would be so helpful!
I was a hospice chaplain for many years. I had already decided to ask EXACTLY the questions you are raising here. BTW, I worked in the clinical laboratory and surgical pathology for 20 years BEFORE training to be a chaplain. I have some medical knowledge and it means a lot!
Just pre ordered your book. If I found out I didn’t have a lot of time left, I would travel the world until I couldn’t anymore.
What book?
@@djcoolrule the hospice nurse on this channel has written a book....it's in the background of her video, if u need the title I can't remember it
I wish I would have known all this in 2011 when my mom was diagnosed. It would have been so helpful. I feel strongly that her doctor was not forthcoming with her but also she didn’t ask all these questions. RIP my beautiful mother. I love your content Julie, thank you for all you do. ❤
Your presentation describes very well what each of us needs to ask if we ourselves or our loved ones receives a cancer diagnosis.
In 2018, both my wife and I were diagnosed with cancer. She had a single cancerous polyp inherited rectum discovered during her routine 5-year colonoscopy. Her primary doctor told her that she was the "poster child" for early detection. Lots of surveillance followed.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a high (but not abnormal) PSA reading. I was informed of the two possible route: surgery or radiation. At first I liked the idea of surgery - quick and simple "cut it out" and be done with it. Radiation would take several months. The radiation doctor reminded me that as a diabetic, I would heal more slowly - yes, the surgery would cut off the urethra that the prostate surrounds. Catheters would be needed, very possibly for life!
In both of our situations, we both asked many questions. We did not panic. Our doctors gave us straight forward information for our straight forward questions.
Thank you so much! I am going for tests for ovarian cancer next week. This is exactly what I needed to help me get past the “oh my god, oh my god” brain block. Sigh.
😘I'm going through this too. Kind of rough isn't it? But this does help. Sending you good wishes for a good outcome.
@@moniquegrabrijan2898 Thanks. Sending hope to you, too.
I live with a chronic illness that causes me pain regularly. I am aware of my body all day every day. I do not want to add “side effects” misery from any treatment. Keep me as pain free as humanly possible, using the right combination of medication.
Dear friend, I will be praying for you!🙏🏻. Have faith and be strong knowing that God loves you very much 🙏🏻. Happy Easter 🐇🐣
Julie, so very happy you continue to educate and inform people so they are armed with facts not just fears. I worked in a hospital for 24 years and never assumed patients knew what we do. If you can speak calmly and use layman’s terms I think people would not be so scared.God Bless you for what you do! Too many people fall thru the cracks, used to break my heart. Keep up the good work🥰
I currently have metastatic breast cancer which has gone to my bones. I’ve had chemo and I’m glad I did even though it didn’t cure me. Chemo was rough but it shrunk the tumors enough to take the pain away and give me better quality of life. Before chemo I couldn’t even get out of bed I was in so much pain 😢
Ah, God bless you. I'm glad chemo helped a little.
@@evangelesong6319 thank you so much 💕
I believe PSMA scans + Proton Radiation are available for cancer which has spread to the bones & lymph glands.
Dear friend; have enough faith and pray that God make miracles if you trust Him and give your life to Him! I will be praying for you🙏🏻. Please read Psalm 91, it’s the most powerful Psalm in the Bible. Stay positive and knowing that God will be answering your prayers!! Have a happy Easter Day!