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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Cancer / June 2006Roll Call - June /06
Hello out there, Wikipedia says that "Newsgroups frequently become cliquish". Prove them wrong. :) I've been lurking on several (non-cancer) newsgroups, waiting and watching for the return of people who have health troubles, so if you've posted here before, you can be sure that others are wondering what's up with you (or your loved one). George, Nina, Eric, chris, Jackie (and her sister), Salisha, Sinead, Joe, Jon-boy, SS (how's your husband?), Frank, Billx, Tony (how's the researching going?) Stephen, Tammy & Dash (Jenny) (Fibrolamellar liver cancer), Araik, Laurie's Mom, Lori - how you doing?, Emily's mother and everyone one else. Come on in and update us. If you've never posted (lurking), come on out and introduce yourself. Join the roll call. Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. J Why don't you be the first J,how are things going for you? Has this terrorism plot hit home? Who do you have in your life with cancer? What is your background as a researcher? I think everyone would love to know. Alex Figgertoes here. It's hard to believe it's been 9 months today since Socks (husband) died of NSCLC caused, as best anyone can determine, by second-hand smoke. Still experiencing mini-showers triggered by I don't always know what. His headstone is complete & has been in place for several weeks now. Am almost ready to have his ashes buried there. It feels like Charlie's place & I stop there to see it often, just for a few minutes, trying to get used to the idea of parting with ashes. Almost ready, almost. Spent the early Spring helping get Colorado Clean Indoor Air (Non-Smoking) Law passed. It is dedicated to Socks by it's sponsors & goes into effect 7/1. I will raise a stein in Socks' favorite hangout that day, in his honor. He worked so hard to get that passed last year. Am now fighting off a 24/7 Wal-Mart Superstore that is to be sandwiched between 2 residential neighborhoods & backing to a wildlife park (this is no joke). I keep making changes here. Adding security doors all around so I can keep the house open without concern. Wrecked car & got Prius. Socks would be amazed at all the changes here as am I, in 9 short months. Am involved in some relationships but feel strong need for independence & time alone without expectations. That's the hardest part for me, remaining commitment-free, but it's necessary for now. Figgertoes "> > Am now fighting off a 24/7 Wal-Mart Superstore that is to be sandwiched > between 2 residential neighborhoods & backing to a wildlife park (this is [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Figgertoes Wow, 9 months. You are keeping Socks spirit alive! Alex > It's hard to believe it's been 9 months today since Socks (husband) died of > NSCLC caused, as best anyone can determine, by second-hand smoke. Still [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > alone without expectations. That's the hardest part for me, remaining > commitment-free, but it's necessary for now. I understand. You were rushed off your feet. Take the time to mourn and say goodbye and redefine who you are and what you want. Maybe you will part with the ashes soon or maybe you won't. Do what feels right for you. Hugs J > I understand. You were rushed off your feet. > Take the time to mourn and say goodbye and redefine who you are and [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Hugs > J Thanks, J. You know, it's not that I go into the living room & visit the ashes much, it's just that once they're buried, they're out there permanently & not here. I'm still wearing both of our wedding rings every day & no one seems to mind at all. The rings still feel right & give me comfort in some small way. I'm starting over now with my year of no major decisions as the first 9 months don't really count. Most days are happy or at least have happy moments. And I'm really out there meeting tons of new people. But I'm only interested in dating men I've known for many, many years. No complaints. Hugs, Fig >> I understand. You were rushed off your feet. >> Take the time to mourn and say goodbye and redefine who you are and [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Hugs, > Fig Hi Fig, Little suggestion if it would make you feel more comfortable, why don't you keep some of the ashes rather than burying them all? You could perhaps put some in a nice hand crafted trinket box, then a part of Socks would always be with you. There's simply no right and no wrong, you go with your instincts. Warm Hugs Alayne > Hi Fig, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Alayne Hi, Alayne, That's a great idea & I think I will. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. I don't think I want a big ceremony over buring the ashes. I want to be there, but I think that's enough. The other day, one of Socks' friends & I were discussing & she said, "Socks went out with many bangs." That's funny & describes it well. Fig >> Hi Fig, >> [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > > Fig I think that is a wonderful idea. What about one of those beautiful necklaces that you make. Like the one you gave me. You could put some ashes in there couldn't you? When you wore it he would be close to your heart. :-) hugs Penny me@privacy.net said... > But I'm only > interested in dating men I've known for many, many years. No complaints. What you need is a cuddly teddy bear... ;-) {{{{{Fig}}}}}  SignatureEm Emily <me@privacy.net> wrote in news:MPG.1ef1ec2e15c168e998b597 @news.individual.net: > me@privacy.net said... >> But I'm only [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > {{{{{Fig}}}}} Uh...I'll email you soon. Fig > I'm still wearing both of our wedding rings every day & no one seems to > mind at all. The rings still feel right & give me comfort in some small > way. It will be 9 months for me on the 18th of June. I wear two watches! Mine and Franzi's. I do get peculiar looks. Since mine is digital and his was the old fashioned "hands" I tell people I am learning to tell time the old fashioned way! (Lots of kids today know only digital. And with the advent of velcro, cannot tie shoes!) You may remember Franzi's three sons came from Germany and we all carried Franzi's ashes in a biodegradable dissolveable wreath/urn into the sea here. We live 100 yards from the shore. That was a Saturday. The following Monday kids went back to Germany, daughter back to New England. Sister and brother-in-law stayed and Tuesday we went through all Franzi's clothes and shoes and disposed of them in various ways. I kept the jacket he always wore, and his Loden Bavarian hat that was such a part of him. I know if my sister had not been there to help the stuff would still be here. I am so glad I did that then. I can't see him anymore, but his presence is always with me. I am sure it is that way with you and your beloved. Another Roll Call. I'm so lucky to be one of those that can keep responding to them :-) Just recently completed 5 days of radiation to try to stop my coughing. Been about 7 days now and the coughing is subsiding but not completely gone. Went for a bone scan a week ago and will have those results next Monday. I do find that I'm very tired all the time. Have had home care come by, I think more to just meet and have some visits before I really need them. That was a tough one. I am not ready to give into home care yet. :-) Coming up to 1 year since dx. All in all, I'm doing okay and not to many complaints. Penny http://pensclc.blogspot.com/ > Another Roll Call. I'm so lucky to be one of those that can keep > responding to them :-) [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Penny > http://pensclc.blogspot.com/ Good morning all. I am heading to the Hosp for bloodwork this morning. My last chemo is tomorrow morning. I really am glad that is over for now. I am really tired of all the Dr appts. Barely leaves time for fishing and heading south to see my youngest son. According to the Onc, I am doing just fine. Will know better after the Chemo is done and this body is scanned. I have no idea when that will be. Cigarettes are way down. 6 or less a day from two packs. I am no damn quitter! Using Quest 3 with almost no nicotine. Zyban will be tried next. Nothing else has worked. I keep checking to see if my hair is doing anything, it's NOT! BetsyB > Good morning all. I am heading to the Hosp for bloodwork this morning. My > last chemo is tomorrow morning. I really am glad that is over for now. I am [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Zyban will be tried next. Nothing else has worked. > I keep checking to see if my hair is doing anything, it's NOT! Good for you for cutting back, Betsy. Yay ! Last treatment tomorrow. Good luck with the scans. Then it's fishing and family visits. Please let us know if you're leaving so we don't worry if we don't hear from you. Take care, J >> Good morning all. I am heading to the Hosp for bloodwork this morning. My >> last chemo is tomorrow morning. I really am glad that is over for now. I [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Take care, > J I will let you all know. I worry when someone skips a day. I need to get a life. Betsy > Cigarettes are way down. 6 or less a day from two packs. I am no damn > quitter! Using Quest 3 with almost no nicotine. > Zyban will be tried next. Nothing else has worked. From someone who did it: first, there is no magic, most everything advertised is a placebo. Going cold turkey, you'll vibrate and cuss for about three days, then the physical addiction is past the worst and it's nearly all psychological. In fact, it sounds like you're past a lot of the physical stuff already, with the low nicotine system, so you might do better than you think if you cold-turkey. To me the mental part is the worst, 95% of the battle. I'm using Zyban under a different name, Wellbutrin XL, 150 mg twice a day. Even though my doctor smiled when I said to her what I just said to you, she said that this stuff helps keep weight gain down after cessation, and it does. I recommend it. The reason for the name game? The hospitalization wouldn't pay for it, the *exact*same*drug*, under the Zyban name but they liked it just fine under the other name. SignatureBritney Spears' Guide to Semiconductor Physics <http://britneyspears.ac/lasers.htm> >> Cigarettes are way down. 6 or less a day from two packs. I am no damn >> quitter! Using Quest 3 with almost no nicotine. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > wouldn't pay for it, the *exact*same*drug*, under the Zyban name but they > liked it just fine under the other name. I did the Wellbutrin thing at one point too. Wellbutrin was used for depression and they found people taking that smoked lost the urge to smoke so, ta da, Zyban. Here in Canada too, Wellbutrin will be paid for by insurance, Zyban not in most cases. Another reason that I went the Wellbutrin way was Zyban wasn't available in Canada at the time, only in the US. (as you can see this was a few years back.) Penny >>Cigarettes are way down. 6 or less a day from two packs. I am no damn >>quitter! Using Quest 3 with almost no nicotine. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > you think if you cold-turkey. To me the mental part is the worst, 95% of > the battle. From someone else who did it and will be celebrating my fourth anniversary smoke-free in a few days: I made up my own technique. When I had 3 packs left I began to cut down. By the end of the last pack, I was relighting the same cigarette two or three times a day. When the last one was gone, I already had a good deal of the nicotine out of my system. I had tried patches before and all it seemed to me was to substitute how the nicotine got in and didn't break the addiction to the chemical. I realized that smoking was more than a addiction, it was a behavior. I needed to modify my behavior in order to conquer the post-chemical cravings that stemmed from years of behavior. Things like picking up the phone and lighting up. Finishing a household chore and rewarding myself with a smoke. When a habit is also your reward system, it's very difficult to break. I think that's why smokers have so much trouble. I remembered the LaMaze course I took when I had my last child and I realized that it, too, was a program to substitute a behavior by concentration on something else like breathing patterns. I went out and bought a little book on Yoga breathing techniques. They were easy to learn. Everytime I had a craving, I did a few minutes of this relaxation breathing. It worked for me when other things like patches, anti-depressants and hypnosis didn't. Of course, I realize that my little program probably won't work for anyone but me, but perhaps some of you can use my ideas to your benefit. Final words: So I quit and *still* got cancer. Ask me why I'm angry. Hugs and good wishes to all, Janet Signature----------- Janet Wilder The Road Princess http://janetwilder.blogspot.com >>Cigarettes are way down. 6 or less a day from two packs. I am no damn >>quitter! Using Quest 3 with almost no nicotine. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > you think if you cold-turkey. To me the mental part is the worst, 95% of > the battle. From someone else who did it and will be celebrating my fourth anniversary smoke-free in a few days: I made up my own technique. When I had 3 packs left I began to cut down. By the end of the last pack, I was relighting the same cigarette two or three times a day. When the last one was gone, I already had a good deal of the nicotine out of my system. I had tried patches before and all it seemed to me was to substitute how the nicotine got in and didn't break the addiction to the chemical. I realized that smoking was more than a addiction, it was a behavior. I needed to modify my behavior in order to conquer the post-chemical cravings that stemmed from years of behavior. Things like picking up the phone and lighting up. Finishing a household chore and rewarding myself with a smoke. When a habit is also your reward system, it's very difficult to break. I think that's why smokers have so much trouble. I remembered the LaMaze course I took when I had my last child and I realized that it, too, was a program to substitute a behavior by concentration on something else like breathing patterns. I went out and bought a little book on Yoga breathing techniques. They were easy to learn. Everytime I had a craving, I did a few minutes of this relaxation breathing. It worked for me when other things like patches, anti-depressants and hypnosis didn't. Of course, I realize that my little program probably won't work for anyone but me, but perhaps some of you can use my ideas to your benefit. Final words: So I quit and *still* got cancer. Ask me why I'm angry. Hugs and good wishes to all, Janet Signature----------- Janet Wilder The Road Princess http://janetwilder.blogspot.com <snip> > Final words: So I quit and *still* got cancer. Ask me why I'm angry. > > Hugs and good wishes to all, > > Janet Me too Janet..... quite 1 year before I was diagnosed. Sucks hey? I guess you could say "if only" but instead I'm fighting to get more funding for lung cancer and to get cigerettes illegal or only sold in liquor stores. Here you have to be 18 or older to buy anything in a liquor store. Most kids won't start if they haven't by 18. :-) My dream is that my grandchildren will not even have the chance to try a cigerette. Penny http://pensclc.blogspot.com/ > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Me too Janet..... quite 1 year before I was diagnosed. Sucks hey? As they say in New York City: "it sucks big time!" >I guess > you could say "if only" but instead I'm fighting to get more funding for [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Penny > http://pensclc.blogspot.com/ I share your dream and admire your ideals. If I had the energy to start a fight right now, it would be that no American should go without access to the best health care just because they can't afford it. The way our government sinfully wastes money, surely they could find a few billion to set up a fund for qualified Americans to get some assistance when faced with death from a catastrophic disease. Janet, who was naive and is not ashamed. Signature----------- Janet Wilder The Road Princess http://janetwilder.blogspot.com <snip> > Janet, who was naive and is not ashamed. Funny, a friend and I were just talking about being naive and about how hard it is to get the message across that funds are needed. She gave a speach and said she watched the people and most were "sleeping" through it, even the ones wearing the "pink" ribbon and the "yellow" bracelets just got up and left when it was done. It was like it goes in one ear and out the other. People just don't want to hear it anymore I guess. Or until it touches you personally...... I think I could be one of those way back, I'm sad to say. Penny > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > personally...... I think I could be one of those way back, I'm sad to say. > Penny It's amazing how many people are not aware that Americans are being denied health care. I think most, like I was, just don't want to hear about it. It's too terrible to believe that it's happening in America. None of us want to think that the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave has people who go untreated because they are either not poor enough or not wealthy enough. Signature----------- Janet Wilder The Road Princess http://janetwilder.blogspot.com >> <snip> >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > has people who go untreated because they are either not poor enough or > not wealthy enough. Hi Janet, I don't know if you remember, I wrote about my having had tongue cancer about 11 years ago and how important it was to always have follow-up exams. What I didn't write was that I had a new episode of cancer on my neck in December or 2004. The surgeon suspects that the "locus" of both cancers is deep in my tongue Anyway, I did have radical neck surgery followed by concurrent chemo and radiation. The radiation was every weekday for 6 weeks and the chemo was once a week for the same six weeks. Prior to the surgery, I had both a feeding tube and a porta-cath put in. Both procedures were relatively painless. The radiation oncologist also referred me to a dentist with whom he had worked before. The dentist pulled 2 teeth that he thought were problematic and might cause problems later from the radiation. He also made "trays" for my teeth to be used for the double duty of fluoride treatment each night and more importantly, during radiation to help protect your teeth from the radiation. I can't stress enough how important it is to use those trays as often as you can. If my experience is any measure, it's very important. My lower front teeth are decaying fairly quickly as a result of my salivary glands in front being destroyed. I won't go into any more detail but to say I wish someone had emphasized how important it was to use those trays with the fluoride every single day. There's no getting around the fact that radiation is hard on a person, but it's certainly worth it...I'm still here and doing fine, dental problems not withstanding. Good luck. Write if you want more information on my experience as it sounds quite similar to what you will be doing. David Azose > There's no getting around the fact that radiation is hard on a person, > but it's certainly worth it...I'm still here and doing fine, dental > problems not withstanding. Good luck. Write if you want more information > on my experience as it sounds quite similar to what you will be doing. Thank you for the helpful information, David. I learned about the trays and flouride rinses from others, too. One of the things I will be doing at Anderson is consulting with an oncological dentist for a dental program. Good wishes for your continued health, Janet Signature----------- Janet Wilder The Road Princess http://janetwilder.blogspot.com >>> <snip> >>> [quoted text clipped - 48 lines] > > David Azose <<<Hugs David>>> It's good to see you posting in here. Please continue to take care of yourself and I hope that we see many more posts from you in the years to come. Pam S. Janet Wilder schreef: > Final words: So I quit and *still* got cancer. Ask me why I'm angry. > > Hugs and good wishes to all, > > Janet It makes me less angry that my cancer (bladdercancer) was probably caused by my smoking I think. You have a cause for your cancer, Penn has, I have, lots of people haven't. Anne > I'm using Zyban under a different name, Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR. Why do they put the 'R' so close to the 'L'? SignatureBritney Spears' Guide to Semiconductor Physics <http://britneyspears.ac/lasers.htm> > Good morning all. I am heading to the Hosp for bloodwork this morning. My > last chemo is tomorrow morning. I really am glad that is over for now. I am [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Zyban will be tried next. Nothing else has worked. > I keep checking to see if my hair is doing anything, it's NOT! Betsyb, hope that you got great news from your drs. They do let you have some peace after a while, it just doesn't seem like it. I quit smoking ten years ago in September as a present to myself. One day I woke up, looked at the full ashtray on my night stand and thought, why in h*ll am I doing this to myself? I knew that I'd wimp out without help, so I used the nicotine patches to help out, and whenever I wanted a cigarette, I'd eat a sunflower seed. I'd have to unshell them first, which helped slow me down on eating them, and I also took up walking. It really helped me get away from the cigarettes and get my breath back. The day that I walked to the top of a steep hill without losing my breath was a celebration day for me. I bought myself a cup of coffee. Pam S. Pen schreef: > Coming up to 1 year since dx. All in all, I'm doing okay and not to many > complaints. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Same here. No complaints and the original tumor that was a threat to my being able to walk is gone, the metastasis are not gone and invited little friends but they are to small to be bothered with for now. I say we're in for a beautiful summer Pen. No use thinking any further. Anne "starfleet" <starfleet1960@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:44876a2e$0$726> Same here. > No complaints and the original tumor that was a threat to my being able to > walk is gone, the metastasis are not gone and invited little friends but [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Anne I agree. An absolutely wonderful summer it will be. :-) Penny > Another Roll Call. I'm so lucky to be one of those that can keep responding > to them :-) [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > think more to just meet and have some visits before I really need them. That > was a tough one. I am not ready to give into home care yet. :-) Good luck with the bone scan, Penny. It's good to read that the RT has helped some. I see you're knitting. A friend of mine decided to knit an afghan for her employer's daughter's wedding. She called me to tell me it was finished. Only one problem, well two actually. She made an error in the pattern.. She knit the length for her height - 4'8" and they're both almost 6' hee hee. I told her if one of them wanted to bundle up in it on the couch their legs and feet would be sticking out. So off she went to hurry up to take it apart and redo the pattern correctly and make it longer. <g> She's a fast knitter. She got it done in 4 days ! Best wishes with the sweaters. I'm sure they'll love them. :) J > Just recently completed 5 days of radiation to try to stop my coughing. Been > about 7 days now and the coughing is subsiding but not completely gone. > > Went for a bone scan a week ago and will have those results next Monday. > > I do find that I'm very tired all the time. hello Penny, I'll be looking for your update from the oncologist's today. Hoping (s)he has answers for you about the lump and help for your nausea. Hugs J > Hello out there, > Wikipedia says that "Newsgroups frequently become cliquish". Prove them [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. > J Hello, Belle here, Dad has metastatic mesentary tumor. It has been a rough few months. Dad has been in hosp. with staphl. infection for several weeks. They've about got it knocked down, finally. It has set him back quite a bit as no chemo was given while they were sorting out this latest problem. He responds very well to chemo when he gets it so we just hope he can get back on his regimen once he gets home and reinstate some of the quality of life he had up until early this year. Have become more concerned about his primary care giver, my mother, who is pretty stubborn and convinced she is the only one who can take care of him. It's an awful lot for her with all family several hundred miles away. I look forward to reading updates from the rest of you. Although I rarely post, I read frequently and feel as if I've gotten to "know" you all and your respective situations. Thanks, Belle. > Hello, Belle here, Dad has metastatic mesentary tumor. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > stubborn and convinced she is the only one who can take care of him. It's an > awful lot for her with all family several hundred miles away. I'm sorry to hear about your father's infection, Belle. Hopefully, it'll be remedied soon and he'll be home where your mother can continue her role as his carer and get back on his treatment plan as soon as possible. Hang in there, hopefully things will be looking up soon for all. Hugs J Hi, Stuff has been up and down lately. Dad's latest chemo seems to have stopped working, his protein markers are on their way back up. It was only supposed to be a break from the harsher cysplatin (spelling?) but worked so well, for awhile, they decided to keep him on it longer. He sees his Dr next week, we'll see what they say. He and Mom are getting depressed. The routine of chemo and trying to get food in is getting to both of them. I encourage them both to get out and have fun on the days that Dad feels good. Mom is terrified with fear over losing Dad. I don't know what to do to help. They could be doing this so different, it's like they are waiting for a cure or death. They are missing out on living the days that are there. I have been talking to Mom about getting in touch with hospice for counselling. I honestly think that they have no idea what they want or how to have fun. All in all though, things are going well. Dad was supposed to be gone by now and instead he is still strong and the cancer has not grown back a great deal from the terrific amount that was killed. Nina > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > Nina Nina, If there is anything I can do from a distance, please let me know. I would help in anyway that I could. hugs Penny > "NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > If there is anything I can do from a distance, please let me know. I would > help in anyway that I could. From a distance? Setting limits on visitors now? Hugs J >> "NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in message >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Hugs > J hehehehe........ you are right! Are u going to come visit me? <grin> hugs back at ya! Penny >An absolutely wonderful summer it will be. Agreed! Ken's last blood work and MRI were clear. He's still on chemo for the foreseeable future even though there is NO cancer present. We can look toward the future-hopefully next month we will be closing on a house purchase! > Stuff has been up and down lately. Dad's latest chemo seems to have > stopped working, his protein markers are on their way back up. It was [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > I honestly think that they have no idea what they want or how to have > fun. Hello Nina, Thanks for answering the rollcall. Gosh, we slipped. We should have sent your Mom and Dad down with Penny to San Fran with Fig. Counselling sounds like a fine idea, but they also (like you said) soiund like they need some fun in their lives. Is he too unwell to enjoy the West Coast or has he seen it all? A cruise up or down the coast? A trip to visit Penny's (fair city).??? Rail sounds wonderful but the rates are higher this time of the year http://www.train-canada.net/via_railprices4.htm I was thinking that if Penny was up to it, they could have some fun in her city and maybe talking with her and her DH might help them somewhat come to terms... Even you could go to watch over them. There must be some nice hotels there. I think he needs a break from being a patient and some time away... No time like the present, before he starts to feel worse. They both also might benefit from a mild anti depressant. Some help with appetite. Then he could come back after rethinking and discuss plans with oncologist and/or hospice. Hugs J >> Stuff has been up and down lately. Dad's latest chemo seems to have >> stopped working, his protein markers are on their way back up. It was [quoted text clipped - 40 lines] > Hugs > J What a wonderful Idea!! I would love to have them (and u) come for a visit. We would be able to take them to the mountains and see Jasper and icefields. That would be awesome! I sure like J's ideas. :-) Penny Thank you both! Dad is supposed to be going on a fishing trip at the end of the month, I don't know how motivated he is to go. He and Mom own 3 acres of oceanfront on Vancouver Island, only 40 minutes from Victoria right beside a provincial park. That place has been Dad's dream, we can't even get him to go there. We offer to help out with the work involved with travel and all that but he just isn't interested. We know something is wrong when we cannot get him to his favorite place on earth! I so much appreciate the offers! At this point I think that we need to get him to the Island first before trying something new. I need to have a talk with him about all this. He'll listen to me because of my own illness and what I have been through. I know where he is at. I also know that wasting the time you do have left means that you may as well die when you get the diagnosis. I think he will bounce back. Dad is very resiliant. Everyone is allowed the dark days. We just have to make sure that he doesn't stay there! Nina Maria here. I've just completed my last cycle of chemo a couple of weeks ago. Just waiting for my surgery to reverse my ileostomy. How time flies, I joined this group as soon as I was diagnosed. And I'm now at the homestretch of my treatment. Background: Diagnosis: Colorectal cancer Stage III - continous chemo with daily radiation: October - November 2005 - Surgery - January 2006 - 4 cycles of chemo: February - May 2006 Although I've been silent lately; this group helped me deal with so many concerns I had with my treatment. Maria > Thank you both! Dad is supposed to be going on a fishing trip at the > end of the month, I don't know how motivated he is to go. He and Mom [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Nina > Maria here. I've just completed my last cycle of chemo a couple of > weeks ago. Just waiting for my surgery to reverse my ileostomy. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Although I've been silent lately; this group helped me deal with so > many concerns I had with my treatment. Ah Maria, Always good to hear from you. Has a surgery date been set yet? Last you wrote end of June or early July. Please let us know closer to the time. You can be sure we'll all be pulling for successful surgery and speedy recovery and on to summer things. :) Hugs J Thanks, J. YOu are the pillar that holds this group together. I have no surgery date yet (for my ileostomy reversal) but will be sure to post once the date is confirmed. I am nervous of the surgery but at the same time looking forward to getting it done so I can finally return to a more "normal" life. It's funny. Now that I am done with my treatments, I am actually very scared of the cancer coming back. IN the last months, my mind was focused on the treatment, now my head is starting to think, what if the cancer comes back and my days now form part of my few remaining days? I dread thinking of this but it creeps on the mind every now and again. For now, I should be enjoying the fact that I am cancer-free. If only I could have this ileostomy taken down now, then I can begin to truly do whatever my heart wishes. Thanks again for the email. They always brighten my day. Maria > > Maria here. I've just completed my last cycle of chemo a couple of > > weeks ago. Just waiting for my surgery to reverse my ileostomy. [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > Hugs > J > Thanks, J. YOu are the pillar that holds this group together. > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Maria Hi Maria, I know how you feel. I completed treatments Sept 30th, except for some palliative radiation recently. I keep thinking now all I can do is wait for the cancer to take over. Can be very frustrating and I consciously work on keeping those thoughts away, though not always successfully. I've written about in my blog if you think it might help to read but just know that you are not alone in feeling the way you do. I'm here with you. :-) Hugs Penny http://pensclc.blogspot.com/ Pen schreef: > Hi Maria, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Hi Pen, For me in a way the in between time seemed harder. I had my last summer last year ( I thought), living life to the fullest, trip here and there, old friends over etc. etc. Now what?? I felt fine but I knew the cancer was not gone and I couldn't continue "normal" life, get back to work, make long term plans, but I couldn't get the "Carpe Diem" back I had last year back either. Maybe it's wrong the thread to post this, since Maria is cancerfree and afraid it might come back and you and I are in the palliative stage. Anne Hi Pen and Anne. I will read your blog. Thanks for your comforting words. No worries, Anne, I always find comfort in knowing I am not alone in my feelings. It's a classic case I guess of misery loving company :-). Please know I don't mean that in a derogatory sense. I actually just want to say, cancer can be very isolating, even with support from friends and family. And to know that there are others out there going through the physical discomforts, the pain and the complex emotions that come with cancer, makes me feel more "normal" and not alone. Maria > Pen schreef: > > [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > Anne > Hi Pen, > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Anne I find that I am making "long Term" plans in spans of 2 months, not much more. That is my future and it helps to have those plans, no matter how small. I decided I needed to knit my granddaughters matching sweaters for the fall and it would take 2 months to do so, so that takes me to August. Now we are going to move Sept 1st so I need to be able to get things all settled in the new home so I guess that takes me a little beyond 2 months. That one scares me a little as, for me, that's a long way away. I guess I'm feeling exactoy the same you are. What now? Last year was a wirl wind of travel, outings, in between treatments. I've found people aren't "around" as much either. Life has gotten back to normal for most. Ours is what I call a "new normal". :-) Thanks Anne, it really does help to know another feels the same way! Hugs Penny > Thanks, J. YOu are the pillar that holds this group together. > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Thanks again for the email. They always brighten my day. Thank you, Maria. When I saw your post, I thought of "Facing Forward: After Treatment" on the NCI website. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/life-after-treatment It's common for people to feel some degree of uncertainty. Page 6 says that the first year is the worst. I can't guarantee there'll be no recurrance, but I feel a huge degree of positivity about your situation since you had neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemo. Try to think positive, Maria. It won't guarantee a cure, but it'll sure help your quality of life. I'm sending postive vibes for your upcoming surgery and hoping that after that you'll be so busy getting back into life as a survivor, that I'll be here "whining" that we don't hear enough from you. :) Hugs, Maria J Thanks, J. You not only give emotional support but practical support as well. YOur link is very helpful. And yes, I am enjoying the break from my chemotherapy (I'm done with all the cycles, just waiting for my surgery). I do have a surgery date now, I am scheduled to have my ileostomy reversed on July 4th. I hope that everything goes well, I will keep you guys updated. Maria > Thank you, Maria. > When I saw your post, I thought of "Facing Forward: After Treatment" on the [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Hugs, Maria > J > Thanks, J. You not only give emotional support but practical support > as well. YOur link is very helpful. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > I hope that everything goes well, I will keep you guys updated. Hi Maria, So we have a date for "liftoff". Thanks for letting us know. Please give a shout out, just before. I've got so many dates in my head now, I don't know which belongs to whom <g> I'll be watching for your update. Best wishes are being sent your way. J > Thank you both! Dad is supposed to be going on a fishing trip at the > end of the month, I don't know how motivated he is to go. He and Mom [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Nina The Offer is open should your parents want to take it. We will have an extra bed even. :-) So keep it in mind Nina! Thanks for thinking of it J! :-) Penny What a wonderful Idea!! I would love to have them (and u) come for a visit. > We would be able to take them to the mountains and see Jasper and icefields. > That would be awesome! > > I sure like J's ideas. :-) I've been to Jasper and Icefields twice. They are, indeed, awesome. The very first time I visisted the Canadian Rockies, I cried continuously. I was so moved by the beauty around me. Janet Signature----------- Janet Wilder The Road Princess http://janetwilder.blogspot.com "NinaW" <radiography@canada.com> wrote in news:1149707812.662073.143940 @h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com: > He and Mom are getting depressed. The routine of chemo and trying to > get food in is getting to both of them. I encourage them both to get [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I honestly think that they have no idea what they want or how to have > fun. Hi, Nina, I know about the feeling of waiting for a cure (not really) or death. But one thing for sure for us was if we made no plans, we had no plans. So we made plans -lots of them. If Socks didn't feel up to the actiity, we could always cancel or reschedule, but that almost never happened. Please encourage your parents to visit friends & have friends over for casual gatherings. Those build memories & help get the mind off of illness.. Socks' Aunt Ruth kept card games going here almost around the clock & we kept lots of snacks & drinks around for visitors. Happy hour went on & on some days. Socks enjoyed those games even when he had to be awakened for his turn occasionally. And it took conversational pressure off for those who wanted to see Socks but didn't know what to say. People filtered in here night & day. Little trips, big trips, all trips were good & broke the monotony of the 4 walls. Could they maybe be depressed & need some meds for that? Fig > Stuff has been up and down lately. Dad's latest chemo seems to have > stopped working, his protein markers are on their way back up. It was [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > by now and instead he is still strong and the cancer has not grown back > a great deal from the terrific amount that was killed. Nina, Just because there's less showing on scans, may not necessarily reflect his "cancer burden". Mike was explaining proteins and the liver when John's wife was dying, a while back. Seems to me that increased proteins would turn the appetite off and, for some reason, I think cause depression. Maybe he's worse than any of us realize. (I hope not). Maybe he won't go to the island because he doesn't feel well enough or he realizes that it may be his "last" time there (ie coming to terms). Yes, let's see what his doctor says next week. I think their visiting with Penny and Michael would be a wonderful thing, but who am I to organize his social life... On the other hand, the way you describe him sounds like maybe a mild antidepressant and a bit of a nudge to enjoy life, just might do the trick. Such a roller coaster for us, not being there, not knowing what's going on in his body or mind. Hopefully there's much more good time to come.:) J > Just because there's less showing on scans, may not necessarily reflect > his [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Maybe he won't go to the island because he doesn't feel well enough or he > realizes that it may be his "last" time there (ie coming to terms). Most end stage cancer patients have a LOW albumin not high albumin rate. A low albumin can shut off one's appetite and make them tired. I think you maybe referring to the cancer markers which do not cause symptoms. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_serum_albumin Hi, Thank you everyone! I will let them know about the offer to go to the Rockies. When I see both of my parents next I will talk to them about getting out and living. It is time. I agree that antidepressants would be something to look into. BTW, has anyone here used Sativex for pain management? Nina > Hello out there, > Wikipedia says that "Newsgroups frequently become cliquish". Prove them [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. > J All finished with the Onc Doc. So far so good. I have an appt in 6 weeks and then a scan in July. Nothing happening till then. Just one appt with the Radiation Onc and the Gyn for that dreaded yearly junk. Thankyou all for the goot vibes. They are sppreciated. Betsy >Hello out there, >Wikipedia says that "Newsgroups frequently become cliquish". Prove them [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. >J Joe here ... alive and well and living on full disability in our new retirement home. As posted earlier, the Erbitux has done some shrinking of my tumors and my onc says it gives me a "reprieve" of about 6 months - his best guess. I'll take it !!!!!!! I'm growing a beard to hide the rash on my face and I wear a hat to cover the mess on my scalp. So things are relatively well. On a sad note, our dog, Buddy had to be put down today. What a great dog he was ... saved my butt once when I got lost up on Nye Mt. in the Adirondacks. Also foiled a burglary. He too had cancer. Somehow I had this romantic notion that on the day I go into eternity he would howl in the background and give up the ghost too. Yeah, right. My wife said to me at the vet's, "I'm having a bad time handling Buddy's death. How in the world will I handle yours?" somebody@spamless.net said... > Somehow I had > this romantic notion that on the day I go into eternity he would howl > in the background and give up the ghost too. Yeah, right. My wife said > to me at the vet's, "I'm having a bad time handling Buddy's death. How > in the world will I handle yours?" Just be thankful she didn't have you put down at the same time... As for how she'll handle your own demise, I don't know. But she will. I don't know how any of us handle bereavement; I don't know how I 'handled' it myself - but we find the strength from somewhere, and to prove it we're all still here. Give her some {{{{{hugs}}}}} and introduce her to us sometime so we can be here for her as and when she wants or needs us. The door's always open and the kettle's always on. SignatureEm >somebody@spamless.net said... >> Somehow I had [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >introduce her to us sometime so we can be here for her as and when she >wants or needs us. The door's always open and the kettle's always on. She's already much aware of my chattings here and I've given her the request to keep you all posted should my condition worsten. And I have no doubt that she will find the strength. We are both surrounded by 8 other brothers and sisters living within 10 miles of us. We're a tight-knit family and all of us have a deep faith that the Creator is in charge, not cancer. BTW my Friday treatment yesterday showed a decrease in CEA level from previous blood tests. More good news ... for now anyway... I AM a realist. --Joe > BTW my Friday treatment yesterday showed a decrease in CEA level from > previous blood tests. More good news ... for now anyway... I AM a > realist. > > --Joe You hang there Joe.....glad to hear things are going well in your new home. Alex > Joe here ... alive and well and living on full disability in our new > retirement home. As posted earlier, the Erbitux has done some > shrinking of my tumors and my onc says it gives me a "reprieve" of > about 6 months - his best guess. I'll take it !!!!!!! Wonderful, Joe and more I hope. (me in denial I suppose) > I'm growing a beard to hide the rash on my face and I wear a hat to > cover the mess on my scalp. So things are relatively well. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > to me at the vet's, "I'm having a bad time handling Buddy's death. How > in the world will I handle yours?" I'm sorry for your loss, Joe. Some people view pets as disposable objects, but they can be so much more and so many memories are all wrapped up in one fur-buddy. Make that two with your new beard. It's always a sad day (for me), talking about the future for those we know there's no cure. But we're here for that as well, anytime you or she want to talk about it. J >>If you've never posted (lurking), come on out and introduce yourself. Join >>the roll call. >>Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. >>J I've never posted here before but read everything that is written. I had colon cancer in 1993 and was one of the extremely lucky ones that found mine early enough that surgery was the only thing necessary (Dukes A). I say lucky - it was partial luck and partial sound advice of my doctor. He believes that everyone over 50 should have a sigmoidoscopy so at that procedure, he found two small polyps that he said required removing via colonoscopy. The colonoscopy removed those two small polyps but what was LUCKY was that it also found a big bad malignant one up in the bend under the liver. This, of course, necessitated surgery to remove. It had not penetrated the wall of the colon and none of the tested lymph nodes had any malignant cells so they decided I did not need to have chemotherapy. I had not had any symptoms so I feel that I really WAS very lucky to have those two small polyps in the sigmoid section which necessitated the colonoscopy. It has been 13 years with no further problems and I have felt quite safe, until recently. I have been having discomfort/slight pain/pressure in the right upper abdomen - sort of under the ribs and in what would be the liver area, I guess. Called to make an appointment with my doctor but he is gone until July - will see him then. Is it possible/likely that there could be a metastasis after 13 years? This newsgroup is so very valuable. Even though I have never posted before, I have learned a lot from the patients and the professionals that post here. Thank you very much. Sherry > It has been 13 years with no further problems and I have felt quite safe, > until recently. I have been having discomfort/slight pain/pressure in the [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Sherry It is great to hear from long term survivors, not everyone who gets cancer dies. The chance of mets goes down every year you survive, but best to have it checked out. Alex > It has been 13 years with no further problems and I have felt quite safe, > until recently. I have been having discomfort/slight pain/pressure in the > right upper abdomen - sort of under the ribs and in what would be the liver > area, I guess. Called to make an appointment with my doctor but he is gone > until July - will see him then. Is it possible/likely that there could be a > metastasis after 13 years? Thanks for your post, Sherry and welcome :) It's good to hear of more cancer survivors (out there). I think it's reasonable for you to want to get the symptom checked out. Probably something benign but worth checking. Don't forget the gallbladder's in that area. I've got the (long, thin, pale) scar to prove it. Please let us know how you make out. Best wishes, J Hello J, hello everybody. My last test, while I still didn't get the report from the ordering ENT who scared me, came "clean" (a word that Steph hates :) So, summer is here, and thanks, thanks God, me too and overall in more recovering direction. If I see the surrealism my previous doctors played with me, - not notifying me about CAT SCAN result for 1,5 month, trying to surgically remove my neck's tumor, delaying to start the treatment et.c.; If I see that practically I was at 3th or 4th stage of the illness, if I remember my terrible situation in hospital in December 2005, besides the side effects and unpredictability of the future and despite G-Tube still my main "mouth", I can say that miracle happened. Mirracle happened; Thanks God, thanks government, thanks Mass General - a wonderful hospital and wonderful doctors and nurses, thanks my parents, relatives and friends. Thanks people who would simply pray for me. Thanks this newsgroup people. I guess the miracle of survival happened. Now I am more look like a soldier who comes from the war alive, in wounds, war ends or close to end and found himself broke in another war - life's struggle - to many problems : work, solitude, debts, standing on feet. But that's already OT. Best lack to this ng people, Araik Margarian http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > Hello out there, > Wikipedia says that "Newsgroups frequently become cliquish". Prove them [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. > J > Hello J, hello everybody. > My last test, while I still didn't get the report from the ordering ENT who [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > this newsgroup people. > I guess the miracle of survival happened. It's wonderful to read your treatment success, Araik. And Thanks God for your insurance. > Now I am more look like a soldier who comes from the war alive, in wounds, > war ends or close to end and found himself broke in another war - life's > struggle - to many problems : work, solitude, debts, standing on feet. But > that's already OT. I get it. Reminds me of "Give me your poor, your tired, hungry masses yearning to breathe free! " Thanks for your post, Araik and I'm glad to read you're in recovery mode. J >> Hello J, hello everybody. >> My last test, while I still didn't get the report from the [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > It's wonderful to read your treatment success, Araik. Thanks, you see, I told it already, every time I say something positive, next day feel bad. Today all day I felt very weak, didn't even got out from appartment even it was very sunny day. Felt secretions and pain and coughs in and around throat and neck area. Actually, if don't use or use less painkillers, feel pain. > And Thanks God for your insurance. For insurance, First of all thanks to America and government for it's health system though so much criticized: Actually I realized that the health care is there when you seriously need it unrelated to your income: When I lost my job 2 years ago, I kept my HMO-BLUE, though it cost to expensive, without recognizing how badly I would need it later. But from late of this February, my insurance eligibility expired, and, as you say, thanks God, Medicaid came to the help. But I am sure I would get the same care even if I wouldn't have insurance from the start. >> Now I am more look like a soldier who comes from the war >> alive, in wounds, war ends or close to end and found himself [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > I get it. Reminds me of "Give me your poor, your tired, hungry > masses yearning to breathe free! " Oh, no, no more revolutions :) I would like child support agency leave me alone; the monstrous surrealistic designs against me disappear, I'll get some recovering and gradually stand to my feet. > Thanks for your post, Araik and I'm glad to read you're in > recovery mode. Overall, yes, in recovery mood. Or mode? I would never say "mode". And I have some dreams to become a writer? :) > J SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > J <analyse@invalid> typed: > > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Felt secretions and pain and coughs in and around throat and neck area. > Actually, if don't use or use less painkillers, feel pain. Some people feel that barometric pressure (changes) affect pain levels. The news just said that's it's falling, but sometimes I miss the news. I've been meaning to diary such, but keep forgetting. > > And Thanks God for your insurance. > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > would get the same care even if I wouldn't have insurance > from the start. That's good. It's awful to be sick and not have access to health care.> > >> Now I am more look like a soldier who comes from the war > >> alive, in wounds, war ends or close to end and found himself [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Oh, no, no more revolutions :) Revolutions? I thought that was written on the Statue of Liberty (welcoming immigrants who arrived by ship), but maybe I'm wrong. > I would like child support agency > leave me alone; the monstrous surrealistic designs against me disappear, > I'll get some recovering and gradually stand to my feet. I _think_ I understand. Court awards an amount (instead of a % of income), regardless of the parent's ability to pay. The latter may change due to health and/or work circumstances, but the former remains, unless a person fights to get it changed and that takes money. > > Thanks for your post, Araik and I'm glad to read you're in > > recovery mode. > > Overall, yes, in recovery mood. Or mode? > I would never say "mode". > And I have some dreams to become a writer? :) Maybe you will make a decent living that way, some day, Araik. Don't give up your dreams. J >> > I get it. Reminds me of "Give me your poor, your tired, hungry >> > masses yearning to breathe free! " [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > (welcoming immigrants > who arrived by ship), but maybe I'm wrong. I think I am wrong. When I read the excerpt, I guessed it's from the "International", that we had learned in school in Russian and in Armenian. Now I notice that it's not belligerent, so you should be right. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > I _think_ I understand. Court awards an amount (instead of a % of income), > regardless [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > changed and > that takes money. The paragraph you wrote is called "concise". And the details are simply another surrealistic kafkaesque. I didn't want to look for advice for that on Usenet. But now I think I have too - in Ch. Sup. group; That's why first time I dont write my real name and email, thinking that the family court could retaliate more. SignatureRegards, Araik Margarian http://journals.aol.com/aramargar1/MyAmericanDream/ > The paragraph you wrote is called "concise". I think some was missing... > And the details are simply another surrealistic kafkaesque. > > I didn't want to look for advice for that on Usenet. > But now I think I have too - in Ch. Sup. group; > That's why first time I dont write my real name and email, > thinking that the family court could retaliate more. I suppose one never knows who's reading. Hope you get some help there. Good luck. J > If you've never posted (lurking), come on out and introduce yourself. Join > the roll call. > Newer posters as well. Join the roll call. > J There have been no real changes here in North Carolina with Rob's Malignant Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma. We're waiting for either a change in status, or hearing date from the VA. We celebrated our 22nd anniversary on the 13th. When Rob was first operated on, the surgeon and oncologist said that Rob had maybe 3-6 months, after the biopsy results came back, they changed it to 2 to 15 tears average, We consider each anniversary as another victory against the monster that lives in the center of our living room. You know what I mean, don't see the elephant in your living room and it won't be noticed by anyone. Pam S. >> If you've never posted (lurking), come on out and introduce yourself. >> Join [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Pam S. My husband I have are working on our marriage, which is why I now know how my father in law is. For a while I didn't know. The news is very, very bad. He's dying now. He weighs less than 100 lbs. His cancer is all over his body. You can see lumps all over him. It's so horrible to watch him suffer like this. They have increased his morphine. He is always sitting up talking. Each time though, I notice him weaker. All I know is that I wouldn't want to live like that, and he's told me he doesn't want to live like this. He can't do nothing but sit up. He can't lay down due to the cancer being in his bones and it's very painful for him to lay back. The hospice nurse said it might be 2 weeks. My husband Mike is always crying in front of his father. I try not to, and I just have regular conversations with him that have nothing to do with cancer. I don't know if that's the right thing to do or not. I just want to give him a sense or some kind of normal while I am around him. I am around him alot now, cherishing the time that is left. I want to see him all the time, to remember everything. But I don't want him to suffer. I am torn. This has tore my heart out. Sharon P.S. Penny if you read this, I am still smoke free because of you dear one. > My husband I have are working on our marriage, which is why I now know how > my father in law is. For a while I didn't know. The news is very, very [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > that is left. I want to see him all the time, to remember everything. But > I don't want him to suffer. I am torn. This has tore my heart out. Each of us has our own way of coping, Sharon. Thanks for the update. I wondered what had happened to your father-in-law. Painful memories dim with time, because now I can't remember if mom had more pain sitting up or lying down. I do remember she couldn't find the "right" position, no matter where or how she sat or laid down. You'll all be in my thoughts over these next difficult weeks. May his passing be painfree. ( ( ( Sharon and Mike ) ) ) J >>> If you've never posted (lurking), come on out and introduce yourself. >>> Join [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > P.S. Penny if you read this, I am still smoke free because of you dear > one. Some good news amongst the sad. Thanks Sharon. I'm so glad you are not smoking. My heart is with you during this time and I hope your father-in-law is not in too much pain. (((Sharon))) Penny > My husband I have are working on our marriage, which is why I now know how > my father in law is. For a while I didn't know. The news is very, very [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > P.S. Penny if you read this, I am still smoke free because of you dear one. <<<Hugs Sharon and family>>> It seems like it never rains but it pours, doesn't it? I will be thinking about you and sending healing hopes and wishes for you and yours. I'll ask the cats to purr for your well being as well. Pam S. who's cats have powerful purrs jmmorgan80@anywhereusa.net said... > P.S. Penny if you read this, I am still smoke free because of you dear one. Good for you Sharon - you can and indeed should be very proud of yourself. > P.S. Penny if you read this, I am still smoke free because of you dear > one. BTW Sharon, has nothing to do with me, it's your own will power and determination!! :-) Hugs Penny > There have been no real changes here in North Carolina with Rob's > Malignant Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma. We're waiting for either a [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > lives in the center of our living room. You know what I mean, don't see > the elephant in your living room and it won't be noticed by anyone. Good to hear from you, Pam and belated Happy Anniversary. I hope the VA comes through for you soon. Thanks for answering the Roll Call J Bonnie's cancer is now terminal. The doctor says 3-6 months. She is now in the hospital with DVT, a pulmonary embolism, pneumonia and gastric bleeding. She is also retaining fluids. If they treat one thing, they make another worse. She is in no pain, but things will not get any better. We are planning for her to come home on Friday, and I will be taking care of her with the help of hospice. My work has been great and they are allowing me to telecommute for the duration. We are disappointed that it has come to this, but 3+ years with gallbladder cancer is quite an accomplishment. Jeff > Bonnie's cancer is now terminal. The doctor says 3-6 months. She is > now in the hospital with DVT, a pulmonary embolism, pneumonia and [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > duration. We are disappointed that it has come to this, but 3+ years > with gallbladder cancer is quite an accomplishment. Quite; so sorry to read the news, Jeff and Bonnie. It's heart breaking; things seemed so positive just last April. Please know we'll be thinking of you both. Take care of you as well, Jeff and reach out anytime. We'll be here for you. J > Quite; so sorry to read the news, Jeff and Bonnie. > It's heart breaking; things seemed so positive just last April. > Please know we'll be thinking of you both. > Take care of you as well, Jeff and reach out anytime. > We'll be here for you. > J Thanks, J. We gave it quite a run. Jeff > > Please know we'll be thinking of you both. > > Take care of you as well, Jeff and reach out anytime. > > Thanks, J. We gave it quite a run. Indeed, Jeff. As you posted, early on, you made decisions based on the facts on the ground, each step of the way. I'm sure hospice will be helpful, but if you need a place that's away from the situation, there's an ear here, caring. J |
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