Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[clay]

YAY! for Dapper!!!

May 29, I will undergo a colonoscopy with a procedure being done for the bleeding as well as an endoscopy and a "stretching" of the esophagus to follow the colonoscopy! So, I am getting a "two for one".
My fiancee' will be here to go with, and being an RN is a HUGE relief for me to have her there.....

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by clay

YAY! for Dapper!!!

May 29, I will undergo a colonoscopy with a procedure being done for the bleeding as well as an endoscopy and a "stretching" of the esophagus to follow the colonoscopy! So, I am getting a "two for one".
My fiancee' will be here to go with, and being an RN is a HUGE relief for me to have her there.....

Clay, my Friend, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for great results from your procedures. I know it will help to have your own personal nurse(wink)--glad she will be there with you. Keep us posted on how you are. Jeano

[deb0670]

Will be keeping You in my thoughts and prayers Clay.

Originally Posted by clay

YAY! for Dapper!!!

May 29, I will undergo a colonoscopy with a procedure being done for the bleeding as well as an endoscopy and a "stretching" of the esophagus to follow the colonoscopy! So, I am getting a "two for one".
My fiancee' will be here to go with, and being an RN is a HUGE relief for me to have her there.....

[deb0670]

Thank You for this Spirit Dancer.
It is exactly what i did when Ethan had Cancer.

Originally Posted by Spirit Dancer

As a caregiver I want to post and to enlighten those who've never dealt with Cancer or any other long term chronic illness.
Your caregiver is the one who, gets every imaginable throwback, the happy days, sad days, angry days,
the I don't want to go on days and the days.
The days with good news, bad news and no news.
If there is a change we are there, we clean and cook,
we bathe and care for our loved ones.
Out of love, we are there.
We allow them to shed tears even when we hide our own,
we laugh, we share and in the most heart breaking cases
we watch them cross over.

We are tired, worn out sleep deprived but we march on.
They depend on us, for we are their Nurses, their Pharmacy, their Cooks, their Transporters and their advocate,
we get things done when they cannot. They trust us and confide in us
and we stay strong for them, giving them encouragement even on the darkest days.
Not every Cancer patient has multiple caregivers,
so when people think that caregiver is short, or curt, flighty, in a hurry.
Give some consideration they might be on day three, with only six hours of sleep, in 72 hours and multitasking to no end just to make sure their loved ones get the care they so richly deserve.

[deb0670]

I have spent the last hour reading this thread, wishing i would have found it sooner. I have not experienced Cancer first hand,. but have been the Caregiver of Ethan when He was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer. It was a huge scare for Him, and for me.. and our daughter.
i had to be the strength and the glue that held us all together.
He had a complete radical Hysterectomy and they caught it soon enough so He did not need Radiation nor Chemo. He is doing good now.

I found out a few months back about my step dad having Bladder Cancer and it has spread to his lymph nodes. He tried doing Chemo twice and his white blood cells diminished too badly both times, so they refuse to do more. He had a router rooter type procedure done where they went thru his urethra up to his prostrate and cleaned him out so he could urinate better.. but .. there is nothing else they can do for him
My mom is having such a hard time with all this. He is the first and only man my mom was ever in love with.
It hurts me to see her deal with this.. and me being all the way in GA and her being in Cali.
i am waiting for the call or the text or FB message to let me know when i(we) have to plan a trip there.

I want to wish all who have/had cancer.... and all of their/us caregivers hope and happiness and love.
my prayers and support are with you.
Sorry for the ramblings..

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Andrew,
After a tough couple of months, and DustyBoy Kitty passing through on May 1st, I realized how time flies
I celebrated 6 years of being cancer free on May 15. Endometrial cancer diagnosis shook my world and it felt like the air was sucked out of the universe. After radical total hysterectomy, and 16 lymph nodes removed, i did well UNTIL...I got a massive infection that almost killed me.

I live every day to the fullest, and love like there is no tomorrow..Thanks for all the love and positive energy.

Tommi

Update.
I am now 9 years cancer free.

I have learned and lived and loved alot. I highly recommend it. THAT annual appointment at 7AM with my Oncologist is looming, I can't sleep, so..this is a healthy place to hang out.

Think I'll go make some hot chocolate and cinnamon toast.

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Update.
I am now 9 years cancer free.

I have learned and lived and loved alot. I highly recommend it. THAT annual appointment at 7AM with my Oncologist is looming, I can't sleep, so..this is a healthy place to hang out.

Think I'll go make some hot chocolate and cinnamon toast.

Thinking of you Bud and hoping all is well. Jeano

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by mustangjeano

Thinking of you Bud and hoping all is well. Jeano

Thanks Jeano,

I made my follow-up appointment for May 14, 2014, my 10 year Anniversary

All went well, always glad to see them under these circumstances. Exams, tests and "results will be in the mail". I took several days off work for R & R Now, back to living life to it's fullest. Where is that bull named Fumanchu

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Thanks Jeano,

I made my follow-up appointment for May 14, 2014, my 10 year Anniversary

All went well, always glad to see them under these circumstances. Exams, tests and "results will be in the mail". I took several days off work for R & R Now, back to living life to it's fullest. Where is that bull named Fumanchu

Yay! About time you came back to report in, Tommi! Damn, just make us all wait (a day)!

Congrats!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Yay! About time you came back to report in, Tommi! Damn, just make us all wait (a day)!

Congrats!

Hey you...Thanks for the concern, and ...the smile at your post.

[Novelafemme]

A beautiful friend passed away last night from ovarian cancer. She fought so incredibly hard all the way and willed herself to stay alive to see her oldest daughter graduate from college and her youngest son from high school...both on the same day.

The world is a little less bright today but the angels have another sister to dance with. I love you T and I miss you already.

[Tommi]

So sorry to hear about your friend Novelafemme.
I honor that fight and the respect she earns as she journey's through this life to another.

[deb0670]

*hugss* my condolences

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

A beautiful friend passed away last night from ovarian cancer. She fought so incredibly hard all the way and willed herself to stay alive to see her oldest daughter graduate from college and her youngest son from high school...both on the same day.

The world is a little less bright today but the angels have another sister to dance with. I love you T and I miss you already.

[deb_U_taunt]

struggling a bit today.

Its been 18 months since the last chemo. I am coming into the 2-3 yr time frame that mets most likely happen at. A friend at work was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months before me and she had a seizure at work last Monday and she has brain mets and was told 6 months. My staging and grade was higher than her's. SOOO I go this Friday for blood work (which was off last time a couple months ago and there was activity mid cervical on an xray) and I have been having some concerns, like headaches, energy, night sweats, small lump on neck. I hope its just canceritis and I am only scaring myself. I want this fear to go away. I don't like having fear over something I have NO control over. I think I need a hot bath and meditation.

[wahya]

I will be breast cancer free (depends on who you go by the oncologist/the surgeon who removed the tumor/ the radiologist) But I go by the date I received the news Dec 7 2010. My next scan will be in two weeks. I start getting a little anxiety by the last week before the scan. My health has been great. I have turned my life around inside & out. I believe in the power of positive thinking. My caregiver was my ex gf who did the best she could for me. I was a terrible VERY terrible patient for her. I won my battle with cancer but lost her. It was a terrible time in my life before during & after. We didn't have a shot in hell. I used to blame the end of our relationship on the cancer but even though I do believe it played a part in it. I was the reason for it ending. I was angry bitter and selfish. I only hope she is now happy and knows I did appreciate her helping me through one of the toughest times in my life and know she will always carry a piece of my heart with her. All caregivers are truly angels in disguise.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by deb_U_taunt

struggling a bit today.

Its been 18 months since the last chemo. I am coming into the 2-3 yr time frame that mets most likely happen at. A friend at work was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months before me and she had a seizure at work last Monday and she has brain mets and was told 6 months. My staging and grade was higher than her's. SOOO I go this Friday for blood work (which was off last time a couple months ago and there was activity mid cervical on an xray) and I have been having some concerns, like headaches, energy, night sweats, small lump on neck. I hope its just canceritis and I am only scaring myself. I want this fear to go away. I don't like having fear over something I have NO control over. I think I need a hot bath and meditation.

Oh, gosh, Deb. I'm so sorry. I would be worried too. But, YES, it IS just canceritis! Keep your head up and keep the faith!

(I know, easier said than done). :-(

[wahya]

Originally Posted by deb_U_taunt

struggling a bit today.

Its been 18 months since the last chemo. I am coming into the 2-3 yr time frame that mets most likely happen at. A friend at work was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months before me and she had a seizure at work last Monday and she has brain mets and was told 6 months. My staging and grade was higher than her's. SOOO I go this Friday for blood work (which was off last time a couple months ago and there was activity mid cervical on an xray) and I have been having some concerns, like headaches, energy, night sweats, small lump on neck. I hope its just canceritis and I am only scaring myself. I want this fear to go away. I don't like having fear over something I have NO control over. I think I need a hot bath and meditation.

yes think positive! I know how you feel. and find support. I had but one person who supported me. it was not enough. I finally joined a support group and I am glad I did. FINALLY people that know what it was like physically & emotionally. Even after the battle. People don't realize there are no fireworks going off inside of you just because the battle is over. inside it has just begun. If you need to talk I am here.

[mustangjeano]

Originally Posted by wahya

I will be breast cancer free (depends on who you go by the oncologist/the surgeon who removed the tumor/ the radiologist) But I go by the date I received the news Dec 7 2010. My next scan will be in two weeks. I start getting a little anxiety by the last week before the scan. My health has been great. I have turned my life around inside & out. I believe in the power of positive thinking. My caregiver was my ex gf who did the best she could for me. I was a terrible VERY terrible patient for her. I won my battle with cancer but lost her. It was a terrible time in my life before during & after. We didn't have a shot in hell. I used to blame the end of our relationship on the cancer but even though I do believe it played a part in it. I was the reason for it ending. I was angry bitter and selfish. I only hope she is now happy and knows I did appreciate her helping me through one of the toughest times in my life and know she will always carry a piece of my heart with her. All caregivers are truly angels in disguise.

Wow! It sounds like you are describing my cancer experience. We have a lot in common. I applaud your honesty about your part in the process. I agree about positive thinking. Sounds like you have done a loit of good internal work---congratulations on continuing good health. Jeano

[clay]

I had my two procedures on the 29th. Things went well with both. My lovely fiancee' was with me for the week....she really took excellent care of me, too! I am truly blessed!

Awaiting results of two biopsies taken...Am remaining positive!

Thank you to each one of you here...who offer your kind words, warm hugs, and support. This means the world to me. I miss all of you, think of you often....

Warm hugs and much love to you all....

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Tommi

Thanks Jeano,

I made my follow-up appointment for May 14, 2014, my 10 year Anniversary

All went well, always glad to see them under these circumstances. Exams, tests and "results will be in the mail". I took several days off work for R & R Now, back to living life to it's fullest. Where is that bull named Fumanchu

The dreaded phone call came on Friday.

"We need you to come back for a follow-up as the Pap results showed some atypical cells. Doc wants to do a Colposcopy"

A what?? I can come in tomorrow, I mean Monday"

"The first appointment we have available is on the 19th at 7:00AM, and in case he needs to do a biopsy it will be done at that time." ...
What is a colposcopy anyway? ......as I am Googling it...Endometrial cancer, follow-ups for atypical cells, a magnifying light, acetic acid...oy vey*

as the Nurse is saying ....These things are just routine, and negative 9 times out of 10, just a little burning, and uncomfortable cramps possibly for a day or two and..... as my mind wandered off to the beach.

Who the hell can call this routine after 9 years of negative pap smears /post total radical hysterectomy with 16 lymph nodes donated to science***I thought it was "my prostate" surgery in the first place.

I hate waiting. So, to wile away the team, so I gessoed a huge canvas...
Hmmm. either a peaceful landscape or a rolling stormy seascape 3 X 4 feet