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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 4/26/2010 1:47:17 PM
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wfisaac
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Hey MusicGuy....thank you so much for taking the time to encourage those of us going through this. Words of encouragement are definitely a daily necessity.
And I so agree with not understanding how people can get through something like this without the Lord. I was given some books written by cancer survivors who are not followers of Christ and although there are some good tips in there it just feels like something is missing. Christ is the ultimate source of hope.
Thanks again for the encouragement!
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/4/2010 7:43:55 PM
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wfisaac
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Just thought I'd come in and give you an update. I had my 3rd chemo today. I'm half way done! Yay!!
Also, I had a good report. The CA125 (a cancer marker for ovarian cancer) dropped again. It is now down to 35 and that is just wonderful because the normal range is 0-35! Of course ultimately I want the number to be closer to 0 but I am so happy that it is down at least in the normal range.
I also had a very good talk with my doctor. Several days ago I saw a report on the American Cancer Society site that gave the approximate survival rates for my specific cancer and staging. I knew I shouldn't have given it too much hold on my life but I will admit, that was harder to do than I thought. I had to really pray hard that I would not resign myself to that. It stated I only had a 39% chance of survival. It just wasn't a very encouraging number to me. I had told the nurse about it and said it really had been a challenge to rise above that. She told the doctor and so he had a chat with me on it. He told me that I really needed to disregard that number because he didn't feel that was my case. He said he felt things were going very well and he was focusing on the cure. And he felt that cure was very attainable for me. And the man is not someone to sugar coat anything. He's very blunt and if he felt I only had a 39% chance of survival, he would tell me. He acknowledged that ultimately I'm in God's hands but that he felt he had a part in seeing me through this and if I am cured he knows it's not by his doing and it is God's. But, he felt it was looking very good.
So...how is every one else doing?
Becky, how is your aunt doing? Has a game plan been set in motion yet?
Lisa, how is your friend and her little boy doing? He must be getting excited about their trip go Disney getting so close.
Pam, how are you feeling?
If there's anyone who's just been in here checking things out and you've got a story to share, please do. Whether it's a story of victory or may be you're going through a battle now, please feel free to share. I know I have been finding my greatest source of encouragement from interactions with survivors and current warriors or others who have been through the fight with loved ones.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/4/2010 9:17:17 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
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Veronica, how wonderful! And also terrific that you have a doctor who will acknowledge God's sovereignty. I think that's rare.
I'm doing well. Eleven radiation sessions so far. No "topical" problems, but I am tireder (sp?) than normal, which is to be expected. About 20 or so more to go.
quote:
ORIGINAL: wfisaac
If there's anyone who's just been in here checking things out and you've got a story to share, please do. Whether it's a story of victory or may be you're going through a battle now, please feel free to share. I know I have been finding my greatest source of encouragement from interactions with survivors and current warriors or others who have been through the fight with loved ones.
I SO second this! Please do share, we need to all encourage each other.
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><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/5/2010 6:02:38 AM
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mutinywxgirl
Posts: 4412
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I'll be talking with Deegan's mom on Sunday. They get their "details" on Saturday. She said he's bouncing off the walls in excitement! He's been doing okay - typical ups and downs. She seems to be holding up, but I know she's struggling with a few things. Their marriage could use prayer. This has but an incredible strain on some things.
Praise God for your great news Veronica!
Pam - enjoy your rest! 
_____________________________
When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/16/2010 4:37:50 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
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I wanted to post this in the Blood Donor thread, but it's disappeared! Oh, well ...
One of the really lousy things about cancer is it makes you ineligible to donate blood, forever. Man, it's been tough dealing with that. Anyone who's read my Blood Donor thread knows how important that was to me.
I still firmly believe that, because there are so many (of which I am now one) who cannot donate -- those who can, MUST!
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><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/16/2010 4:59:49 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
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I didn't know you couldn't donate ever again. That's a major bummer!
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/19/2010 8:07:12 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
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I'm just checking in to see how everyone is doing.
I have to admit I have had kind of a rough week emotionally. I'm learning that even when you have a positive attitude that there are still going to be some rough points and I've been going through them. But...there is also some good that has happened.
Yesterday I had a little meltdown at work. A customer came in and she said something that I know was meant to encourage me but it didn't. She said she knew someone who had the same kind of cancer as me and she really "beat the odds and lived about 10 years". And then she made another comment that acknowledged that someone with my type of cancer doesn't have a high survival rate. After she left I went back to my desk and just fell apart. I know I'm not a statistic....and I know my oncologist is optimistic that we have a good chance to totally rid me of this....but still....it just hit me hard.
Another thing I was kind of down about yesterday is I was worrying (I know...bad) about a bill I needed to get paid in a few days and also that I didn't have enough money to get to my next treatment.
BUT....when I got home, there was a card from one of the other offices of the company I work for. They all had been thinking about me and each wrote some very encouraging words. And also in the card was a money order that is just the right amount to cover this one bill I was concerned about and also to cover my travel expense to my treatment on Tuesday.
Just another wonderful reminder from God that He is right here with me through all of this.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/19/2010 9:29:53 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
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Ooh, a God-sighting! How marvelous!
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that person's comments. Sometimes people don't realize they're not at all encouraging.
I know "meltdowns", or "crying sessions", aren't exactly something we strive for, but they can be cleansing. I think it's a way of purging, or at least expressing, negative emotions.
I have some very dear friends who are quite advanced in age, active in ministry, and are both dealing with some very severe problems, arthritis and scoliosis being only two. We've discussed that God actually designed our bodies to wear out. Tough one to accept, but there it is. At some point in life, one has to make peace with that.
But not you, Veronica! Not yet! God didn't create this thing called cancer, man did. And man is dealing with it. More successfully all the time.
Hang in there, love!
_____________________________
><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/19/2010 9:42:17 PM
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blueeyedgirl2
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My aunt is doing well after her lumpectomy, but she will need to start radiation treatments once her incisions have healed. The docs are optimistic and so is she.
Veronica. . . . I'm sorry for your rough week, but if you were strong all the time I'd wonder if you're human! I also love hearing how our wonderful Father provided for you once again. He never ceases to amaze me. . .
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/20/2010 7:26:44 PM
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wfisaac
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Just had to come back and report that the surprise blessings didn't stop at the card I got the other day with the money order in it.
Today I was informed that 17 people in the company I work for have donated vacation hours to me to help cover any more time I'm going to need for doctor's visits. This is so incredibly wonderful! I have been wondering how I was going to manage that because I only had enough vacation days left for just my chemo treatments. I wondered how I would cover the additional doctor visits or if I just have any kind of sick days I need. I have 18 additional vacation days!
And then today, while I was out running office errands a customer came in and told my coworker she was going to put my name in to an organization she volunteers for that helps cancer patients out to give me a gas card to help with my travels for my chemo!
This has definitely been such an intense week! I've been struggling the most emotionally since this all began but also have been so incredibly blessed by all these unexpected blessings. Each time something like this happens I sense God telling me this is a reminder that He has not left me through this.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/21/2010 8:15:29 PM
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mutinywxgirl
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That's wonderful news, Veronica!
My girlfriend's entire family just got back from 5 days in Orlando, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation. They did Disney, Sea World, Universal, Islands of Adventure, and Animal Kingdom, I believe. She said they had a blast! They also hit Downtown Disney (which has good memories for me) and did other shopping. Deegan enjoyed the trip immensely. He's nearing his final treatment, and is progressing nicely. They're trying to get him into 1/2 day of school right now - as he regains some of his strength.
I'll give you an update once she posts one.
_____________________________
When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/21/2010 10:16:18 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
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I'm so glad Deegan got to have this fun experience. I hate how cancer can rob little ones of some joys of being a kid so I love hearing how organizations like this can help these precious little ones have times where they can temporarily forget the hospitals and needles and all that and just enjoy being a kid.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/29/2010 7:14:43 AM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
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Just stopping in to report that my CA125 cancer marker has gone down again! It is now at 25. 0 to 35 is considered normal but I am hoping to keep that number going down.
I'm also happy to report that I am figuring out how to lessen the terrible muscle and joint pain that comes for a few days after chemo. Increasing my water intake, eating bananas or jicama (potassium) and doing stretch exercise are all helping. Still a lot of pain, but it sure is easing it.
How is everyone else doing? I think of each of you that have posted in here.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 5/29/2010 2:40:05 PM
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mutinywxgirl
Posts: 4412
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
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quote:
ORIGINAL: wfisaac
I'm so glad Deegan got to have this fun experience. I hate how cancer can rob little ones of some joys of being a kid so I love hearing how organizations like this can help these precious little ones have times where they can temporarily forget the hospitals and needles and all that and just enjoy being a kid.
Agreed. This was a very special time for the entire family. She said they didn't think about cancer once during the trip...and for 7 days - that's a VERY long time!
I'll have to find the Caring Bridge link she sent out recently.
_____________________________
When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/7/2010 4:46:06 PM
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LibererlaFemme
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: PA, USA
Status: offline
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I had my final radiation treatment today. Thursday I see the medical oncologist, and then in a couple weeks will follow up with the surgeon. Aside from the medicine I take every day now, I think I'm good to go. For now, anyway.
_____________________________
><> Pam
From the rising of the sun til the sun goes down, let the name of the Lord be praised!
< < my sweet Toby {1997-2010}
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/7/2010 6:58:23 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
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From: Tip of the Mitt
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Yeah for your final radiation treatment! I bet you were ready to be done with that. I pray you will never have to go through any of that ever again.
I've really hit a rough spot in my journey. I can't wait to be done with it.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/7/2010 9:43:24 PM
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blueeyedgirl2
Posts: 1707
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quote:
I've really hit a rough spot in my journey. I can't wait to be done with it.
Veronica. . . I'm still praying for you! When is your last treatment?
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/8/2010 6:52:52 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
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quote:
ORIGINAL: blueeyedgirl2
quote:
I've really hit a rough spot in my journey. I can't wait to be done with it.
Veronica. . . I'm still praying for you! When is your last treatment?
Thanks for the prayers, Blue.
My last treatment is July 6. I know that doesn't sound too far off. But, from here it seems like a long ways away. The nurse told me about this point in my treatment a lot of people start dealing with being angry because it feels like it will never end and you're getting more drained all the time. I'm not angry. Just really drained both emotionally and physically. They told me these last two will be rough but I know eventually I'll be on the other side.
I called the American Cancer Society today to see if there are any support groups in my area. In the beginning friends and family were over or calling all the time. Now it's kind of old news so a lot of that has dwindled down. I totally understand it but it has been tough since I live alone. I'm finding I need to step out and not sit alone by myself too much because that really adds to the emotional part of it. I did find there is a group that meets on Thursday mornings. My work does not mind me going to that because they totally understand how good for me it might be.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/11/2010 5:19:27 PM
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mutinywxgirl
Posts: 4412
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
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This is the update on Deegan.
Prayer alert!!!
Well, Tuesday (6/9) was his EKG, Echo, and a CT of his abdomen, chest and pelvis. The doctor called me at work with the results. You already know where this is going, don’t you?
I’m asking all you prayer warriors to again lift up this little boy for healing. He has new masses visible in all three areas. He’s been complaining of soreness in his pelvic region lately, but I am unsure for how long. Monday I know he said something and I knew that we would have an answer fast. I just didn’t know how fast. So, I’m/we’re a lot shell shocked at this point. Also, my grandmother is not doing well and we are thinking that her time is nearing. I don’t know how to deal with all this right now, except to weep and pray. It’s a lot to handle. All of your prayers are so appreciated.
Let’s see- the details- Deegan’s oncologist has made some calls trying to locate a surgeon so we can get a piece of these masses and see what it is- is it Wilms or something new/else? She’s also trying to coordinate with the Radiation Oncology department so that they will be able to schedule him right in. We are at this point only speculating, but we’re thinking a possible combination of surgery, radiation and chemo again. She did say that she is very surprised and upset. The last CT showed nothing new other than the three non-changing areas in his lungs.
I will let you all know as I learn more. Thanks again for your support. Big hugs, Joy (mom, and my friend)
_____________________________
When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/11/2010 8:29:15 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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I lift up little Deegan to our Heavenly Father. I pray God will touch his body and bring healing. I pray He guides all the doctor's. I also pray for peace and comfort for his family...especially his mom.
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Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/14/2010 8:12:57 PM
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mutinywxgirl
Posts: 4412
Joined: 4/29/2005
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Status: offline
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Here's the latest......from CaringBridge:
Monday, June 14, 2010 11:00 AM, EDT
We’ve had an event filled weekend and now it’s Monday and we’re back at the hospital. We’re in the cancer treatment center for now, but they will be transferring him upstairs to 11G soon. We are hopeful that they will be able to perform the biopsy as a needle biopsy and spare him the surgery.
The weekend was long, and I’m just glad to have Deegan back in the care of the oncologists. He has been running a fever since at least Thursday, when the school nurse took his temp. because he came out of gym class due to complaints about pain in his pelvis. So, we started keeping track of his temp. and it has been elevated all weekend. He’s been fighting diarrhea since Tuesday of last week also.
His temperature spiked on Saturday, so we were advised to take him to the emergency room so that they could give him an antibiotic and get a blood culture done. Then his temp. climbed again on Sunday, so we called the clinic this morning. I’ve called the weekend line so many times this weekend that the answering service guy remembers me. More shortly.
Monday, June 14, 2010 2:38 PM, EDT
We’re upstairs in the inpatient wing now. He’s being admitted for dehydration, and we shall see where the day goes. We met with Deegan’s oncologist and have a better idea on what the next steps are. He needs a kidney function test to see how his kidney is doing. The biopsy will tell us what we’re fighting this time, and they will re-test for the loss of heterozygosity and favorable vs. unfavorable histology. These problems scare me. Whatever this is, it’s not being defeated by the radiation and chemo we treated him with, which were pretty aggressive because it had already metastasized.
So far, he’s only taking Tylenol for his pain and that’s also helping reduce his fever. He’s more comfortable just lying still and watching cartoons.
On top of Deegan’s struggles since Tuesday, we received word that Grandma Z had passed away quietly and peacefully in her sleep Saturday morning. So, we’re going to be traveling to NJ on Friday (barring complications with Deegan, obviously) to attend her funeral. The family viewing is at 4 pm Friday, but with Anthony having a Regents exam that morning, I don’t know if we will make it to that viewing. I honestly have not been able to process or deal with this loss at all yet. I’m just so focused on Deegan and the helplessness we feel knowing that these tumors are growing at a fantastic rate inside of him- so we’re praying for peace, as fussing about it isn’t going to do anything. God’s peace is the only thing getting us through this right now. I felt so much better Friday and Saturday, knowing that you all are praying and lifting us ALL up through this. Thank you very much for your concern and support of us and Deegan.
The benefit on Saturday went very well, and came together very nicely. Thank you VERY much, Mark and Margaret! And all the donors of the auction baskets. Which- we received one through the generosity of Bev and Sarge. Can I just say that was a little Divine intervention? It was chock full of games and snacks and single-serving drink stuff- perfect for the hospital, if only we had known this morning that he was going to be admitted, we’d have packed some. He will probably be back in here for surgical recovery anyway when they get the tumors reduced.
Some medical detail-type stuff from the CT report so forgive the medical-ese, posted for the benefit of all you medical staff- we have quite the compliment of nurses within our family and our friends!
Abdomen- 1. New, large (6.5 x 5 x 8.5 cm, AP x TR x CC) heterogeneously enhancing mass that is likely within the left retroperitoneal space. This mass is in close approximation with the descending colon and invasion of the colonic wall cannot be excluded. This mass likely represents metastatic disease.
2. Small to moderate amount of fluid within the abdomen that measures greater than simple fluid. This fluid may be hemorrhagic, infectious or malignant.
3. 7-mm lesion within the interpolar region of the right kidney- too small to characterize.
Pelvis- 4. New, large (multilobated, 10.2 x 5.8 cm) heterogeneously enhancing mass with likely areas of necrosis located within the rectovesicular region. Part of this mass may be left iliac lymphadenopathy. This mass causes anterior displacement of the bladder and posterior displacement of the rectum, both of whose walls it abuts and therefore invasion into the bladder and/or rectum cannot be excluded. This pelvic mass is likely related to metastatic disease.
Thorax (chest) 5. New non-calcified nodule at apex of right upper lobe, measures 3 mm; in addition there is a new 1.2 cm mass in the left upper lobe. The borders of this mass are irregular. Mass may be due to metastatic disease. More later, as I can. Hugs, Joy
_____________________________
When blood and water hit the ground.
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down.
We were free and made alive.
The day true love died. The day true love died.
Lisa is happy THE ROWDIES ARE BACK!
14 (go Tony!)
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/14/2010 9:12:49 PM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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Thanks for the update, Lisa.
I will continue to lift Deegan and his family up before the Lord.
_____________________________
Veronica
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RE: Cancer Support Thread - 6/16/2010 10:56:22 AM
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wfisaac
Posts: 299
Joined: 3/18/2007
From: Tip of the Mitt
Status: offline
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Well, I had my second to the last "planned" chemo yesterday. My doc did give me a heads up that there is a chance I will have to either do another routine of them or do a maintenance or second line treatment. Which that would mean once a month for a year! It wouldn't be a combination of the drugs I'm doing now. It would most likely just be one of them so the side effects wouldn't be as extreme. He just wanted to prepare me so that I didn't go to my next one all excited about it being my last and then finding out I'm probably in for more. He said he knew that would really crush me. I guess I kind of knew all along that this would be a possibility. From all the research I've been doing I know it's normal for those in the later stages like me to have to do this. I guess there just was a part of me hoping to beat the norm.
I was also a little disappointed because my CA-125 didn't drop as much as I wanted. It dropped to 22 from 25. I know that's still in the safe range but I really wanted to see that number get as close to 0 as possible.
_____________________________
Veronica
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