So....talk about.....CANCER SUPPORT THREAD !!

[verthandi]

HEY!!! Where you been?!!

Still adapting to the new format...hate to think that is just because I am getting older. I read, but have not been coming up with many clever things to say lately. But, I am almost done with college (second time around for me) and working my dream job part time at the oldest surviving wooden fort in the USA. I mostly do historical research, but also tours when needed. Working on an archaeological dig this summer for another fort just north of us and will learn to identify and catalog artifacts. Life is changing and interesting.

I'm thinking about the situation with Icee. Would boarding her nearer the hospital be less stressful for both of you? At least she would be near you more of the time? Or is there a heeler rescue in that area that might dog sit over night?

Love the new tat!

 

[LegginMF12]

To all who are dealing with cancer, Here's praying that you stay strong and positive. Less than a week after losing my Big Guy I found out that my dad's cancer is back. He had stage ii colon cancer removed in Sept, 2010. They have now found a a tumor on his liver that is 1 1/2 inches long by 3/4 inch wide and 2 small tumors in one lung. Did liver biopsy May 3rd. Took them 5 weeks to get the pathology results back! June 28th we meet with the oncologist to find out if it really is the colon cancer that spread ( I am 99.99% sure it is, as colon cancer that metz's always goes to the liver and lungs first) or if it is a different kind of cancer. Then we are going to discuss treatment options and expected outcomes. I want to know if the treatment is going to be going for a cure or just buying time. My dad is 75.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Saw the doctor at UNC today. Not really the answers I wanted, but we'll just have to LIVE with them. Beings this is the 2nd reoccurrence of my cancer and that it's spread from where it was originally to more lymph nodes and other organs, it is considered incurable and eventually terminal. Someone has asked what Stage it is. Basicly anytime a cancer moves into other organs it's considered as Stage 4.

NOW that said, it is treatable! We have several options available to us in addition to a couple of clinical trials we are going to see if we can get into. More chemo and other "targeted" treatments will be first up to try to kill of the current tumors. Problem is, my cancer is a gene that has gone bonkers. It's a gene that everyone has, mine has just mutated. Just because mine has gone nuts doesn't mean that someone else in the family is at any higher risk of developing my type of cancer than any person walking around the mall. It's not hereditary. Even after we kill off the tumors, they are going to keep coming as long as we can't get that mutant gene to stop making more. Surgery isn't really an option at this point.

So we keep fighting. Keep taking whatever treatments we can find. Keep LIVING!! I have too much I still want to do with my life to quit now. The Grim Reaper is going to have to run me over with a bus if he wants me anytime soon!!

Hang tuff!! Only positive thoughts!! It's all part of the big dance we call life.
Love ya'll!!!

 

[3goodeggs]

Giant hug to you and to Lurchee.
Knowing what is going on must be both disparaging and comforting at the same time. The unknown is often scarier than the known.
Seize the days, and sometimes, just blow a few off.
I wish I had a magic wand. *bip* *whap- bop* I'd shame that gene into submission.
Rest up.We are here for you. I check this thread if none of the others.
If you need to rant, rave, rage... or anything,

 

[redhen]

You know that we're here for you, Cindi ..

 

[HeatherLynn]

I think of you all the time and say a prayer. Is there anything we can to help? Odd question I know but maybe there is something we can do to help keep you in fighting spirit.

 

[verthandi]

Cindi,

I say today is a day to dance. Tomorrow the battle starts anew. I believe that there is a person on this earth that can take this type of cancer down....and it is you! Tomorrow the swords will be raised again, but for tonight enjoy the moon and the stars and the sounds of the night. Find comfort in the night, it a place of healing and wonder.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I know I can't get through this without you

Here's the update from todays visit to Dr. P.
We are going to be starting treatment next Tuesday. I'll be taking Pertuzumab in combination with the Herceptin I'm now using. Plus we are adding Gemzar.

Pertuzumab is a new drug that was just approved on June 8th. It is suppose to jumpstart the Herceptin that isn't keeping "mutant gene" under control like it has been. Both of these drugs are referred to as "target" therapies as they go straight after the gene it's self.

Gemzar is a chemo drug whose job is to kill the tumors themselves.There are some side-effects but we'll deal with those as they come up.

Positive note, Both Dr. P and Dr. R-H from Chapel Hill agree that my cancer is slow growing which increases the likelyhood of the drugs working well.

With ya'lls support, we are going to get through this!

 

[3goodeggs]

Any positive news is good news.
Do you have a home?
I am just so furious at WFargo for pulling the rug out from under you at a time like this.
There is a place for compassion even in huge companies, and it is time for them to figure that out.

!!

 

[jjthink]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I know I can't get through this without you

Here's the update from todays visit to Dr. P.
We are going to be starting treatment next Tuesday. I'll be taking Pertuzumab in combination with the Herceptin I'm now using. Plus we are adding Gemzar.

Pertuzumab is a new drug that was just approved on June 8th. It is suppose to jumpstart the Herceptin that isn't keeping "mutant gene" under control like it has been. Both of these drugs are referred to as "target" therapies as they go straight after the gene it's self.

Gemzar is a chemo drug whose job is to kill the tumors themselves.There are some side-effects but we'll deal with those as they come up.

Positive note, Both Dr. P and Dr. R-H from Chapel Hill agree that my cancer is slow growing which increases the likelyhood of the drugs working well.

With ya'lls support, we are going to get through this!

Yes indeedy!!!!
JJ