Two questions - Sorry it was more than six months ago that I posted my announcement [View all]

[Douglas Carpenter]

Last edited Tue Dec 22, 2015, 11:48 AM - Edit history (1)

that I had been diagnosed with Esophageal and upper Gastric Cancer - now determined to be level 3 to 4.

Since then I completed 28 radiation treatments and five chemos and am taking my sixth one - a 48 hour session - now as I sit here typing.

So far there has been some decrease in the diameter of my tumor - but not its length - It apparently is a real tough one - as one gastroenterologist told me - it is like a long - 11-13 cm tube of tough rubber and metastasize has spread to my lymph nodes and perhaps elsewhere.

My first question for those who would like to answer - How do you feel about making yourself DNR/DNI? - do not resuscitate/do not intubate - in other words - if one stops breathing or their heart stops - let them go - if that is what is happening. Since I am a Respiratory Therapist by trade - I do have some idea - probably a bit more than many on the realities of the situation. So today, I did sign the forms. The doctor did NOT bring it up to me. I brought it up to him and he was supportive of my decision. For me - I just don't want to live if I should reach such a point - only to be revived and then be even sicker than I am now.

My second question which has nothing to do with my first question and is of a totally different nature involves a very strange symptom I have been experiencing lately. I have heard of it before associated with cancer and one friend who has bowel cancer says he has experienced many times also.

Just recently - and it was more than a month after my last chemo and before I started my recent regiment that I am doing right now as I type - I started seeing spots before my eyes and sometime blurry colors off to the far corner of my vision. My primary physician who is a doctor of internal medicine - not an oncologist says that he was not familiar with this symptom being associated with cancer. But like - I do recall hearing that from people with cancer. Am I one of very few?

Anyway thank you for your time. I should have come back sooner to check in. But what can I say? I have been terribly moody since my diagnosis.

thanks,

doug