Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[clay]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

HUGE Sigh of relief!!!!!!

Just got back from the oncologist and my partner's CA125 was THIRTEEN!!! WOHOO!!! He did a pelvic exam and found no swollen or enlarged tissue or nodes. He feels 99.99999% sure she is cancer free!!! WOHOO!! We were all jumping up and down and hugging and crying.

We are so blessed and I am so thankful to have this support group here.

I didn't sleep well last night in anticipation of today so I'm gonna rest my eyes.

Lots of love, Novela

WhoooHooo, Novela!! THAT is awesome!!!! She made cancer her bitch, also..that is what debby & I say. My oncologist LOVED it and wants it on a shirt for her to wear!!!
Congrats.....I am so thrilled to hear this...we are ALL BRAVE WARRIORS!! Rock it, GF!!...much love and blessings...Clay

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

HUGE Sigh of relief!!!!!!

Just got back from the oncologist and my partner's CA125 was THIRTEEN!!! WOHOO!!! He did a pelvic exam and found no swollen or enlarged tissue or nodes. He feels 99.99999% sure she is cancer free!!! WOHOO!! We were all jumping up and down and hugging and crying.

We are so blessed and I am so thankful to have this support group here.

I didn't sleep well last night in anticipation of today so I'm gonna rest my eyes.

Lots of love, Novela

Wonderful! <High fives all around>

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

HUGE Sigh of relief!!!!!!

Just got back from the oncologist and my partner's CA125 was THIRTEEN!!! WOHOO!!! He did a pelvic exam and found no swollen or enlarged tissue or nodes. He feels 99.99999% sure she is cancer free!!! WOHOO!! We were all jumping up and down and hugging and crying.

We are so blessed and I am so thankful to have this support group here.

I didn't sleep well last night in anticipation of today so I'm gonna rest my eyes.

Lots of love, Novela

EXCELLENT NEWS. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[JustBeingMe]

My uncle's Neuroblastoma brain cancer came back again. He was cancer free for 6 yrs until this last 6 month check up. He had surgery a few days ago, just got home from the hospital Tues. He's eating well, and walking around but his gait is not stable nor is the usage of his left hand and arm. His neurosurgeon was able to save his eyesight, otherwise he would have gone blind and would have NOT done the surgery. He is a very strong man and I love him with all my heart, but he is retired now because of this, otherwise he would still be working as a master carpenter. He's 70 now, and feels like he is worthless and I just try to remind him how much we all love him and that he has a 3 yr old great grand daughter that loves him soo much and that just being around to watch her blossom and grow is a blessing. I don't know what else to say to him. I feel lost when he says to me he feels useless and worthless and says he shouldn't have done the surgery that they should have just put him in the ground already. Breaks my heart to hear him speak like this. Anyone have any suggestions to help me when he is like this? I keep reminding him also that he is the only remaining cancer survivor his doctor has now for the past 6 yrs and how proud of him his doctors are of him. He does everything they tell him to do so he can get well and remain healthy. Thanks for listening to me babble on and on.

[Heavenleahangel]

It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought *for* it or *against* it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it.
The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain.
The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted....

[clay]

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought *for* it or *against* it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it.
The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain.
The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted....

Good luck, Heavenleahangel! Still in your corner...YOU can do it....do it for Jacob..do it for YOU! Let the lioness courage and strength raaawwwrrrrrrr...hugs my friend....Clay
Prayers and healing energy coming at you...mega loads!

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

It's Friday evening and sowly, but surely, the fear and uncertainty of my starting chemo Monday morning is setting in. I have always fought for everything and anything in my life. Whether I fought *for* it or *against* it. Either way, whichever side I was on, I have been a warrior. Now, I am not sure whether I am fighting for it or against it.
The pain in my foot and ankle where the bones are affected is horrendous and there hasn't been anything that has totally eased the pain.
The lioness in me is rallying once more for the fight and will demonstrate my roar Monday morning when I show up at the cancer treatment center of Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY. Thank you all for the prayers and support everyone has shown so far. I will keep you posted....

Sending positivity and energy your way

[mustangjeano]

There will be a large group with you in spirit. Anxiety and fear are certainly to be expected. Try to do some slow deep breathing when you are feeling that way. Some people try to visualize the chemo as an ally in your defeat of the cancer.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Jean

[SweetJane]

Heavenleahangel,
Mustangjeano is right. We all will be with you on Monday. I'll put you on the Unity prayer list.
Sending out positive energy to you for your peace of mind and for healing.

[SugarFemme]

Heavenleahangel, you stare down that insidious cancer and you tell it with all the ferocity you can muster up that you are NOT going to let it beat you. You show it who is boss and that you are not going to allow it into your life.


And here is a prayer from me to you....
May the One who was a source of blessing for our ancestors, bring blessings of healing upon Heavenleah, a healing of body and a healing of spirit. May those in whose care they are entrusted be gifted with wisdom and skill, and those who surround them be gifted with love and trust, openness and support in their care. And may they be healed along with all those who are in need. Blessed are You, Source of healing. Amen.

[Dominique]

credits attached:
Popular herbal supplements may adversely affect chemotherapy treatment

Doctors urge cancer patients to discuss supplements with their doctors before beginning treatment

CHICAGO- Acai berry, cumin, herbal tea, turmeric and long-term use of garlic – all herbal supplements commonly believed to be beneficial to your health – may negatively impact chemotherapy treatment according to a new report presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago this summer. Researchers from Northwestern Memorial hospital say there is growing evidence that these popular supplements may intensify or weaken the effect of chemotherapy drugs and in some cases, may cause a toxic, even lethal reaction.
"With the growth of the Internet, patients have better access to information about alternative products and often turn to dietary and herbal supplements to treat their illness because they think they're natural and safe," said June M. McKoy, MD, geriatrician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and lead investigator on the ASCO presentation. "What people don't realize is that supplements are more than just vitamins and can counteract medical therapies if not taken appropriately".
McKoy, who is also director of geriatric oncology at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, says more research is needed to understand which supplements interact with chemotherapy drugs and the extent of those interactions and encourages patients to openly communicate with their physicians about the use of supplements.
"Patients need to tell their doctors what medications they are taking – including vitamins and supplements – to avoid any possible interaction," said McKoy who is also an assistant professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Herbal supplements, defined as plant or plant parts used for therapeutic purposes, can interact with chemotherapy drugs through different mechanisms. Some herbs can interfere with the metabolism of the drugs, making them less effective while other herbs such as long-term use of garlic may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. While culinary herbs used in small quantities for flavoring are generally safe, consuming large amounts for prolonged periods of time may have a negative effect on the body when going through chemotherapy.
Recent research shows that 50 percent of patients undergoing chemotherapy did not tell their doctor they were taking alternative therapies. "Some believe it's not important, while others are uncomfortable admitting they are pursuing alternative therapies," said McKoy. "The truth is, integrative approaches can be beneficial for cancer patients, but it's important to take these approaches at the right time and under the supervision of your doctor."
McKoy urges patients to stop taking herbal supplements while receiving chemotherapy until more is known about possible interactions, but encourages those who are interested in complementary approaches to have a conversation with their doctor about other approaches that may be beneficial.
"Integrative therapies such as massage, acupuncture and meditation can address important patient needs by alleviating stress, addressing pain and helping patients cope," said Melinda Ring, MD, medical director for the Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group's Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.
No matter the course of treatment, McKoy stresses the importance of physicians and patients being more cognizant of this potential interaction and encourages communication about all herbal supplement intakes. "Patients should bring in labels and bottles to their appointments. This can help the doctor calibrate drug dosage with other supplements in mind in order to prevent toxicities," stated McKoy.
McKoy plans to launch a pilot study this fall to examine how frequently conversations about supplements come up between cancer patients and their doctors.
"By identifying communication barriers, we can take steps to improve doctor patient communication in order to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions," said McKoy.

###

For more information please visit www.nmh.org or call 312-926-0779.

About Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is the parent corporation of Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, an 854-bed academic medical center hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, a 205-bed community hospital located in Lake Forest, Illinois.

[JustJo]

Well....we are up and down over here.

Mom has started chemo again...the "modified" chemo she had high hopes for. Turns out it makes her just as sick...and she will still have to have it every 2 weeks....basically for as long as she can stand it.

Right now she is in the first couple days after the treatment....which means lots of sleeping, lots of depression, lots of anger and tears, lots of throwing up, and lots of conversations that are pretty rough on both of us about is it better to live a long time miserably or a short time feeling relatively normal?

Given the level of abdominal pain she has I think the "relatively normal" part is a moot point.

She has not gone back onto the morphine, but has had to up the number of Lortab she takes each day....and is still using the Fentanol (sp?) patches as well.

We have fixed the dehydration problem, which helps...and she is still eating better and managing to keep the weight up (after a brief issue when she got overly cocky and ate salad and pizza in the same day). Her goal is to hit 130 lbs so she can go off the TPN and get the Pict line out.

Evidently the issue, for her, is that she is literally freckled inside with punctate lesions all over the external tissue of the small intestine, liver and kidneys. These are cancer, but can stay "dormant" (for lack of a better term) indefinitely...perhaps longer with chemo although they can't tell us that for sure....or can become active and develop into tumors at any point.

The only procedure that is possible is called a "belly bath" or "belly wash"....and she is in no way strong enough to survive it. Even with the procedure....chances are it won't eliminate the problem. Her doctors don't recommend that she have it, at this point anyway, because she is more likely to die on the table than have it help her.

Right now....it's one day at a time....a little better now that she can eat and drink....but still very, very rough.

[clay]

hugs to Jo & mom...keeping you both in thoughts and prayers!
HEAVENLEAH: I am walking with you, my dear sweet friend!!! Much love & prayers...with you & with Jacob! Keep in touch with me....sending you healing energies and white light of peace....my friend! love you & Jacob!!!
To everyone...big hugs...and hoping everyone has an awesome week!! I heart you all! Clay

[Heavenleahangel]

It's a little over 12 hours and I go to the treamtent center for my first round. I have talked myself out of taking the cbemo atleast 4-5 times. I think I can get past the bone issues without it. As I was cooking for my Dad's bday dinner today, I accidently put my weight on my right foot and I heard a "pop" really loud and a burst of pain that lit me up like I was on fire! My ankle popped and I am pretty sure I broke the ankle. I will keep everyone posted on my progress tomorrow. Please keep the prayers coming...my faith is a little low right now....

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

It's a little over 12 hours and I go to the treamtent center for my first round. I have talked myself out of taking the cbemo atleast 4-5 times. I think I can get past the bone issues without it. As I was cooking for my Dad's bday dinner today, I accidently put my weight on my right foot and I heard a "pop" really loud and a burst of pain that lit me up like I was on fire! My ankle popped and I am pretty sure I broke the ankle. I will keep everyone posted on my progress tomorrow. Please keep the prayers coming...my faith is a little low right now....

OMG Heavenleah, I was thinking about you just a little while ago and sending healing energy for a smooth and uneventful chemo appt. tomorrow. I wonder if they will postpone the chemo if you have a broken ankle. Do you have someone going with you? Yes, please keep us updated. Sending prayers to you now and tomorrow.
Jean

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by JustJo

Well....we are up and down over here.

Mom has started chemo again...the "modified" chemo she had high hopes for. Turns out it makes her just as sick...and she will still have to have it every 2 weeks....basically for as long as she can stand it.

Right now she is in the first couple days after the treatment....which means lots of sleeping, lots of depression, lots of anger and tears, lots of throwing up, and lots of conversations that are pretty rough on both of us about is it better to live a long time miserably or a short time feeling relatively normal?

Given the level of abdominal pain she has I think the "relatively normal" part is a moot point.

She has not gone back onto the morphine, but has had to up the number of Lortab she takes each day....and is still using the Fentanol (sp?) patches as well.

We have fixed the dehydration problem, which helps...and she is still eating better and managing to keep the weight up (after a brief issue when she got overly cocky and ate salad and pizza in the same day). Her goal is to hit 130 lbs so she can go off the TPN and get the Pict line out.

Evidently the issue, for her, is that she is literally freckled inside with punctate lesions all over the external tissue of the small intestine, liver and kidneys. These are cancer, but can stay "dormant" (for lack of a better term) indefinitely...perhaps longer with chemo although they can't tell us that for sure....or can become active and develop into tumors at any point.

The only procedure that is possible is called a "belly bath" or "belly wash"....and she is in no way strong enough to survive it. Even with the procedure....chances are it won't eliminate the problem. Her doctors don't recommend that she have it, at this point anyway, because she is more likely to die on the table than have it help her.

Right now....it's one day at a time....a little better now that she can eat and drink....but still very, very rough.

Jo, I can only imagine how terribly hard this time is for your Mom and you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[SweetJane]

Heaveanleahangel,
I put your name on the Unity prayer list. It's prayed over locally for 30 days and then to Silent Unity for another 30.

I will keep you in my prayers myself.

[SweetJane]

JustJo,

I'm keeping you in prayer, too.

[Heavenleahangel]

I'm in the middle of my first round and so far, its not too bad. I'm waiting for the "bad" part, lol. I'm here alone (the one who *promised* me yesterday to be here for me today bailed out on me and I found out they weren't being truthful with me), but hey, I'm a fighter and will get over it. I can tough this out alone. I have others I can call/text and I know they will be here for me and all the support from my BFP peeps! Thank you so much!!!

[clay]

Originally Posted by Heavenleahangel

I'm in the middle of my first round and so far, its not too bad. I'm waiting for the "bad" part, lol. I'm here alone (the one who *promised* me yesterday to be here for me today bailed out on me and I found out they weren't being truthful with me), but hey, I'm a fighter and will get over it. I can tough this out alone. I have others I can call/text and I know they will be here for me and all the support from my BFP peeps! Thank you so much!!!

Heavenleahangel...I am so sorry about the one who bailed...and YES you do have others to lean on!!! Stay strong, stay strong & focused!!! What did they say about that ankle...is it broken??? Sending you big hugs and mega tons of white light and energy..from one who fought hard and won...as can you!!! Stay in touch..k...Clay