I tried to talk Brian into getting a second opinion but he won't. He is quite aware of the situation although I did get a chance to talk to the doctor on my own last week. The told me that the cancer is through both bowels but also is peritoneal.
I have a question about something that I am not even sure I can discuss on this site. Brian's parents are both about 80 years old. They have a neighbour who has cancer who does have a perscription for pot. I have alot of mixed feelings about this. Brian seems to feel that this would be okay, he tells me that because it is much less addictive then moriphine that there is nothing wrong with it. I don't want to see him in pain but on the other hand, from what I read, the only thing it seems to help is with nausea (which he doesn't seem to have) I also have a 14 year old that I would have no idea how to explain this to. Once other problem is I do notice when he smokes it he becomes hungry and eats everything in site then pays for it for 3 days. (I mean in bed sick)
I need some input on this.
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jaydees
01-29-2006, 10:24 PM
It would not hurt to ask for a prescription.
It does make one feel good.
As for what to tell 14 year old... Lord I wish I could help you on that but there are so many variables. Obviously he knows that his father is very sick and as long as it is made clear that that is the reason for the marijuana and it is not a recreation, that's probably all you can say.
bossan
01-30-2006, 02:17 AM
46 year old stage iv rectal cancer guy here. I have responded well to treatment etc. then recently I have had harsh reactions to chemo so I started to smoke as well. After a few tries (I really didn't like it when using recreationally) I have had great results and all side effects were reduced or gone.
Its a social taboo, its illegal and whatever (not in my state) but if it helps who cares...tell your youngster the truth. He could just as easily raid the medicine cabinet for perscription meds if he wants them. Why should herb be different? My kids are grown,when they heard about me smoking my oldest said he would smoke with me if I wanted and my youngest said go for it, but he never smoked and has no interest.
I am a musician so of course my co workers came out with their "green" gifts when I was diagnosed. I was given butter and brownies, you might want to consider that too. It takes longer to take effect but the hunger isn't so intense, good luck!
bossan
01-30-2006, 02:19 AM
One more thing, I would rather my kid smoke pot than do any other drug, including alcohol.
maria_z
01-30-2006, 02:52 AM
My DH (stage iv mets), tried (pot, dope, weed whatever you want to call it), for the first time about 3 months ago to help with his back pain although he is a non smoker. He was always dead set against using recreational drugs (although he never had a problem with drinking alcohol go figure?) anyway, he said it helped him. Unfortunately, the mets to his lungs meant he started coughing a lot so and the pot made his throat hurt so he stopped using it. I'm not sure if you can get it on prescription in Oz but it's not criminalized over here (South Australia) so it's quite readily available and only incurs a fine.
I don't really know how you would explain it to your 14 year old, other than to explain that their father uses it to help with his pain. I'm sure most 14 year olds are aware of dope and most probably know how to get a hold of some if they want to.
I hope you find a way of explaining it to your child.
maria_z :wave:
Michelle M
01-31-2006, 08:57 AM
Hi Jelz. It's good to hear from you! I think it's definitely worth a try. It's not hard to explain to a 14 year old. Mine understands - in California it's legal with a prescription and we have a friend who uses it regularly and needs to. You should hear my daughter try and explain medicinal marijuana to the DARE cops at her school. Doesn't go over well! That's fine by me -- I'd rather she used her head.
I think it will confer much more benefit than just appetite. Like lessening of anxiety, easing of muscle spasms, etc.
It's available in prescription pill form under the brand name "Marinol," though I've heard that's not as good as the real thing. :-)
There are smoking devices that cool and/or vaporize the smoke so as to make it a much more tolerable experience for anyone not used to smoking.
I recommend you try some too -- just to make sure it's ok for Brian, of course. :-)
Lots of hugs,
Michelle
CancerDad
02-04-2006, 11:40 PM
Re: Will better news ever come?/question about smoking
I tried to talk Brian into getting a second opinion but he won't. He is quite aware of the situation although I did get a chance to talk to the doctor on my own last week. The told me that the cancer is through both bowels but also is peritoneal.
I have a question about something that I am not even sure I can discuss on this site. Brian's parents are both about 80 years old. They have a neighbour who has cancer who does have a perscription for pot. I have alot of mixed feelings about this. Brian seems to feel that this would be okay, he tells me that because it is much less addictive then moriphine that there is nothing wrong with it. I don't want to see him in pain but on the other hand, from what I read, the only thing it seems to help is with nausea (which he doesn't seem to have) I also have a 14 year old that I would have no idea how to explain this to. Once other problem is I do notice when he smokes it he becomes hungry and eats everything in site then pays for it for 3 days. (I mean in bed sick)
I need some input on this.
Jelz:
I personally think that it's our own hangups from society that make us feel guilty or bad for even having such a helpful drug. Chronic pain people feel the same way regarding narcotic prescriptions. I would encourage him to use whatever truly eases his pain, nausea, etc. I have tried Marinol, and I can tell you it REALLY helped me. As for your 14 year old, explain that yes, some people do abuse marijuana, just like some people abuse pain killers on the street. But he has a prescription (or can easily get one), and his doctor is aware of and recommends the best drugs to help Dad just like any of his other drugs that he takes. And I agree with the other poster, if it makes it easier for him to get started using the pot, tell him you will do it with him. Get him a pipe with water at the bottom, that way he is not inhaling the potentially harmful smoke... and getting a straight shot of marijuana. Obviously don't discuss this part with your 14 year old!
