Gemzar A Go But Bad News
Teal Hugs, Prayers and Love,
Terry
Isaiah 41:13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Comments
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It's in yours, too.
Terry,
Your doctor was out of line saying such a thing, and I hope you will try to find another - and not necessarily who you're referred to.
When I was told I should get a gynecologic oncologist's opinion when my CA-125 started going up, I did some research and concluded that I wanted to find a doctor at Roswell Park in Buffalo (although I live in PA, it's as close/closer than Cleveland or Pittsburgh). I specifically didn't want to have any of the doctors associated with my treatment refer me to anyone.
I haven't had any qualms about this decision, which broke me away from the doctor who did my surgery. While I appreciate his skill, I didn't feel bound to him, so I chose my own path.
I know of a number of women who have lived longer than 5 years after being dx 3c, and I have confidence that you can, also.
Hang tough,
Sue0 -
Gemzar news
Terry,
God has a plan for us all....and no one knows what that is or can say....not even Doctors!You keep fighting and believing you are going to live a long time. Find a Doctor that is positive and you like....that will go a long way towards your mental and physical health. I had a onc who would not give me straight answers and was some what negative when I was first DX.....so I changed onc....this one is great and gives me hope. My onc/gyn who did my surgery has always been upbeat and thinks he got 99.9%
Prayers and hugs always,
Joan0 -
You might try this.JoanC said:Gemzar news
Terry,
God has a plan for us all....and no one knows what that is or can say....not even Doctors!You keep fighting and believing you are going to live a long time. Find a Doctor that is positive and you like....that will go a long way towards your mental and physical health. I had a onc who would not give me straight answers and was some what negative when I was first DX.....so I changed onc....this one is great and gives me hope. My onc/gyn who did my surgery has always been upbeat and thinks he got 99.9%
Prayers and hugs always,
Joan
Hi Terry: I read your post and was horrified at what your Dr. said. Many women survive many years at your stage. I personally know a woman that has survived 19 years with stage 4 ovarian cancer. When I was first diagnosed in October my wonderful daughter researched and researched and found this center that really impressed her. She even spoke to a woman who reassured her and explained things in great detail. Here is the information if you want it.
The Cancer Center of America ( I believe it is also in Philadelphia)
www.cancercenter.com
Toll free # 1-800-515-1217
Oncology Information Specialist- Susan Cece- E-mail- cece@ctca-hope.com.
I live right outside of Philadelphia and I am also aware of Fox Chase. It has a very good reputation and it is highly recommended. Hopefully you will find a compassionate oncologist that gives you hope. That is all we need to fight this disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if I can be of any futher help please let me know. Carol0 -
Your NewsCarolhodnett said:You might try this.
Hi Terry: I read your post and was horrified at what your Dr. said. Many women survive many years at your stage. I personally know a woman that has survived 19 years with stage 4 ovarian cancer. When I was first diagnosed in October my wonderful daughter researched and researched and found this center that really impressed her. She even spoke to a woman who reassured her and explained things in great detail. Here is the information if you want it.
The Cancer Center of America ( I believe it is also in Philadelphia)
www.cancercenter.com
Toll free # 1-800-515-1217
Oncology Information Specialist- Susan Cece- E-mail- cece@ctca-hope.com.
I live right outside of Philadelphia and I am also aware of Fox Chase. It has a very good reputation and it is highly recommended. Hopefully you will find a compassionate oncologist that gives you hope. That is all we need to fight this disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if I can be of any futher help please let me know. Carol
Terry, do not let what this doctor said take away your fight. Get a second opinion and a third. There are so many ladies here on this board who have been around with ovarian for many, many years. The suggestion for the Cancer Center Of America would be a good place to start. There are so many different treatments around to try. Each day also brings something new. Fox Chase is an exceptional hospital as is Rosewell and UPMC in Pittsburgh. May God direct the right doctor and treatment to come into your life. Hugs, Cindy0 -
HopeCindy54 said:Your News
Terry, do not let what this doctor said take away your fight. Get a second opinion and a third. There are so many ladies here on this board who have been around with ovarian for many, many years. The suggestion for the Cancer Center Of America would be a good place to start. There are so many different treatments around to try. Each day also brings something new. Fox Chase is an exceptional hospital as is Rosewell and UPMC in Pittsburgh. May God direct the right doctor and treatment to come into your life. Hugs, Cindy
Hi Ladies, Thanks for the encouraging words, it gives me hope. If I’m not satisfied with Fox Chase I will definitely keep trying other places. I don't know what I would do without you lovely warriors. My husband and I have been so upset lately, its just so overwhelming to us.We will be married 6 years in July.My prayers go to all our OVCA sisters for a cure.
Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry0 -
Negative is wrong for a drCindy54 said:Your News
Terry, do not let what this doctor said take away your fight. Get a second opinion and a third. There are so many ladies here on this board who have been around with ovarian for many, many years. The suggestion for the Cancer Center Of America would be a good place to start. There are so many different treatments around to try. Each day also brings something new. Fox Chase is an exceptional hospital as is Rosewell and UPMC in Pittsburgh. May God direct the right doctor and treatment to come into your life. Hugs, Cindy
Here we go again. I get angry when drs. think they can give a time frame. My dr shook his head when I told him about that. Your not so weak your in the hospital sick not eating cant lift your head etc etc they have no right. I have been around 7 years of off and on chemo. I probably have had cancer 11 years with precancerous conditions and I am a stage 3. No one but God knows and it makes me angry when a dr gives a time frame. Espeically in years. Gemzar didnt work for me. I am taking etopiside. They change mine so that the body wont start rejecting it. I had carbo 8 months and it started not working so they changed to etopiside after my 2 month break. They dont like giving you taxol and taxitere too much at a time those are strong ones but I have had in my 7 years Taxol, Carbo Platnum, Taxitere, Gemzar, Avastin, CIsplatnum, Topatecan, Doxil, Etopiside pills, Etopiside drip, and to try to keep count down the tamoxfren breast patients use. I have managed to get the count down most of the time. My count is high but i produce a lot of protein (CA) I have small tumors and i still feel pretty good other then fatigue and tiredness. My dr said I Have a while maybe a longggg while. He said tomorrow could also be a cure. I know woman who are still taking chemo and doing well after 13 years. So I hope you get with a positive person who should realize only God knows when and what we will pass on from. My spelling maybe wrong on some of those chemos. Hopefully you will have a positive turn around.
Prayers and Hugs
Sandy0 -
Trust
Terry, just trust in the Lord to lead you in the right direction and put the perfect doctor in your path. I will pray for this. None of my doctors ever put a time limit on me. I don't think that helps with anything.
That is a good verse you posted to hang on to. Find something to be grateful for each day and keep the positive attitude. Teal hugs to you....Saundra0 -
just came from my docgreen50 said:Negative is wrong for a dr
Here we go again. I get angry when drs. think they can give a time frame. My dr shook his head when I told him about that. Your not so weak your in the hospital sick not eating cant lift your head etc etc they have no right. I have been around 7 years of off and on chemo. I probably have had cancer 11 years with precancerous conditions and I am a stage 3. No one but God knows and it makes me angry when a dr gives a time frame. Espeically in years. Gemzar didnt work for me. I am taking etopiside. They change mine so that the body wont start rejecting it. I had carbo 8 months and it started not working so they changed to etopiside after my 2 month break. They dont like giving you taxol and taxitere too much at a time those are strong ones but I have had in my 7 years Taxol, Carbo Platnum, Taxitere, Gemzar, Avastin, CIsplatnum, Topatecan, Doxil, Etopiside pills, Etopiside drip, and to try to keep count down the tamoxfren breast patients use. I have managed to get the count down most of the time. My count is high but i produce a lot of protein (CA) I have small tumors and i still feel pretty good other then fatigue and tiredness. My dr said I Have a while maybe a longggg while. He said tomorrow could also be a cure. I know woman who are still taking chemo and doing well after 13 years. So I hope you get with a positive person who should realize only God knows when and what we will pass on from. My spelling maybe wrong on some of those chemos. Hopefully you will have a positive turn around.
Prayers and Hugs
Sandy
He told me he has an ovarian cancer patient stage 4 like me. who still had cancer left behind after surgery. like me and she is still doing well on and off chemos and it's been 12 years so far. so no dr should be giving time limits we are all different and the cure is just around the corner lots of hugs and god bless. Laura0 -
Hugs ♥ Prayers ♥ H♥pe
Dearest Terry, I am so sorry you have to deal with the extra stress. I am sure many of the women on this board have been diagnosed at Stage 3 or greater. It is unfortunately common to go undiagnosed until we reach this point. My heart just breaks for you during the stessful time of seeking second opinions and new chemos.
My Dr had to ask me the big question, back in Jan 06, to what degree I wanted him to keep me alive, said I was coming to the time I would be in and out of hospital. He actually hated telling me this news and asking the questions, but as my Dr really did need to know. Anyway my point is we still didn't just give up and here I am 3 years later. They are just going by stastics or what they have seen, not wanting to give false hope I think. But they have to realize how often they are wrong too and like to proven wrong. So my friend just show him how wrong he is and outlive him. :-)
I have to say, I came to the reality, a long time ago, I may never be off chemo, but that doesn't mean one gives up hope or living life to fullest. I am at the 6+yr mark and diagnosed Stage 3c, grade3 and like Sandy have friends that were stage 4 and still living.
I am so glad you come here and share with us all, your rant(as you call it) your faith, your hope, your courage. Yes the lord is in in control and sometimes he calms the storm and other times he calms the child to ride out the storm. As long as we have him in control we will be alright.
Sending Lots and Lots of Hugs n Prayers your way. Love Bonnie
PS I am on full strength Gemzar right now, have been since the first of January.0 -
Dear Terry
My heart goes out to you. This is not what you need, deserve or expected. You are so right to get a second opinion and also the opinions of these dear sisters. (I cling to the positive stories of courage that are here on this board too!) I happen to believe that God determines the length of our life, regardless, but sometimes he will change his mind. Read 2Kings 20 where Hezekiah was on his death bed and God gave him 15 more years!
I pray that you can have strength, peace and be able to filter all the negative and make a positive decision to go forward. You are in good hands.
Warm hugs,
kathleen:)0 -
Totally agree
Terry,
I agree with all these wonderful teal warriors. Know that I am praying for you not to despair but to look up.
You know just as well as I know Who is in charge.
I guess sometimes when we ask our doctors, they feel obligated to tell us what they think because of the statistics (like Bonnie said). Before I even started treatments my doctor told my husband I had 18 months if chemo did not work. I guess when you ask, they tell.
Being at lost for words or shocked is a hard place to be, but you have already said that you are still positive and will not give up and that is half the battle!
Psalm 91:3-4 "Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." DWELL AND REST IN HIM.
Love,
Libby♥0 -
Fox Chase is affiliated with where I go: Geisinger Med. Ctr.
Terry: Fox Chase is affiliated with the cancer center I go to: Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Chase has accomplished wonderful miracles for people I know personally. Are you in PA? What part of the state? You would LOVE my doctor: Dr. Charles White. I'm Stage III-c, and Dr. White is going for a CURE for me, even though UPSC is every bit as aggressive and recurrent as overian cancer and treated the same way. Please look on the map and see if Danville is drive-able for you as another option. You need a new oncologist that will fight the fight with you. (((((Terry))))). In my prayers!0 -
AmenLPack said:Totally agree
Terry,
I agree with all these wonderful teal warriors. Know that I am praying for you not to despair but to look up.
You know just as well as I know Who is in charge.
I guess sometimes when we ask our doctors, they feel obligated to tell us what they think because of the statistics (like Bonnie said). Before I even started treatments my doctor told my husband I had 18 months if chemo did not work. I guess when you ask, they tell.
Being at lost for words or shocked is a hard place to be, but you have already said that you are still positive and will not give up and that is half the battle!
Psalm 91:3-4 "Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." DWELL AND REST IN HIM.
Love,
Libby♥
Well said ladies aaaaaaaaameeeennn!!! My gynocologist/oncologist I asked if I did nothing when would it get to me. He really didnt want to answer but said, well if no chemo you might start having problems in 6 months to a year then it would progress to whenever. So this tells me with chemo and Gods Grace we all may see 90. I get emotional with this chemo more then usual, so if I sound too much sometimes forgive me. But I do appreciate all of you very much.
Well said though ladies.
Prayers and Hugs
Sandy0 -
THE LORD IS THE PHYSICIAN
You should have told him that you have a second opinion and it's The Lord, the physician above all physicians.
Live each day. Just because you are fighting cancer doesn't mean you have less time to live than the guy next door.
Stay positive.
Your doctor sounds like a jerk! My surgeon said I would be on and off chemo the rest of my life- I'm going to prove him wrong!
Keep praying and trusting God.
love,
Barbara s0 -
good luck Terry
I am so sorry you have had to go through this Terry, I am appalled by what I have read of some of the doctor's behaviours. It is hard enough living with cancer, nobody needs any more stress or upset.
I hope you are soon able to find another doctor who will give you hope, and much more compassion.
Take care...luv Carolyn x0 -
Lindalindaprocopio said:Fox Chase is affiliated with where I go: Geisinger Med. Ctr.
Terry: Fox Chase is affiliated with the cancer center I go to: Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Chase has accomplished wonderful miracles for people I know personally. Are you in PA? What part of the state? You would LOVE my doctor: Dr. Charles White. I'm Stage III-c, and Dr. White is going for a CURE for me, even though UPSC is every bit as aggressive and recurrent as overian cancer and treated the same way. Please look on the map and see if Danville is drive-able for you as another option. You need a new oncologist that will fight the fight with you. (((((Terry))))). In my prayers!
Hi Linda I live in the Scranton Wilkes Barre area. I think I'm about 2 1/2 hours away from Fox Chase. I really wanted to go to Sloan Kettering but my Onc said they do not communicate well. But if I'm not satisfied with Fox my next plan will be Sloan. I'm so grateful to have all you lovely women here to help me and give me hope.
Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry0 -
Chemogreen50 said:Amen
Well said ladies aaaaaaaaameeeennn!!! My gynocologist/oncologist I asked if I did nothing when would it get to me. He really didnt want to answer but said, well if no chemo you might start having problems in 6 months to a year then it would progress to whenever. So this tells me with chemo and Gods Grace we all may see 90. I get emotional with this chemo more then usual, so if I sound too much sometimes forgive me. But I do appreciate all of you very much.
Well said though ladies.
Prayers and Hugs
Sandy
Hi Sandy, I can understand why you get so emotional . I don't blame you. You have been on a lot of chemo. What stage are you? Did you ever had a break or been in remission? I tried looking back at previous posts but didn't find any information. I’m 57 and I would give anything to see 90.I love the women on this board. They are all so knowledgeable and their out poring care and love is amazing. I know God will see us all through these stressful times. I pray for everyone of us OVCA warriors.
Hugs, Prayers and Love, Terry0 -
Terry I had some breakssoftD said:good luck Terry
I am so sorry you have had to go through this Terry, I am appalled by what I have read of some of the doctor's behaviours. It is hard enough living with cancer, nobody needs any more stress or upset.
I hope you are soon able to find another doctor who will give you hope, and much more compassion.
Take care...luv Carolyn x
I am 51 and I had a break after first time of 17 months and 12 months after second time then it was 4 months not I only take 2 month breaks. But after almost 7 years I feel "lucky" that my tumors are only in my lymphnodes and they are small. I agree God will always be there for us. There are reasons for everything we just dont know why. Someday we will. Maybe to make us stronger Christians. But what ever the reason we will prevail.
Prayers and Hugs to all
Sandy0 -
Hi Terry,
I'm sorry for your news....but fighting is all we have. I will pray that you can find a way through this next hurdle. Getting a second opinion is a very wise thing to do. I read somewhere that giving cancer patients a time frame was counter productive to their well being. I guess none of us know until we hear it. My husband is a hospice nurse and even he is surprised on a regular basis as to how long some folks are able to maintain a wonderful, fulfilling life. My wish is for any one of us to be blessed with time.
BIG TEAL HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!! Jules xoxoxo0 -
Prove Them Wrong....BonnieR said:Hugs ♥ Prayers ♥ H♥pe
Dearest Terry, I am so sorry you have to deal with the extra stress. I am sure many of the women on this board have been diagnosed at Stage 3 or greater. It is unfortunately common to go undiagnosed until we reach this point. My heart just breaks for you during the stessful time of seeking second opinions and new chemos.
My Dr had to ask me the big question, back in Jan 06, to what degree I wanted him to keep me alive, said I was coming to the time I would be in and out of hospital. He actually hated telling me this news and asking the questions, but as my Dr really did need to know. Anyway my point is we still didn't just give up and here I am 3 years later. They are just going by stastics or what they have seen, not wanting to give false hope I think. But they have to realize how often they are wrong too and like to proven wrong. So my friend just show him how wrong he is and outlive him. :-)
I have to say, I came to the reality, a long time ago, I may never be off chemo, but that doesn't mean one gives up hope or living life to fullest. I am at the 6+yr mark and diagnosed Stage 3c, grade3 and like Sandy have friends that were stage 4 and still living.
I am so glad you come here and share with us all, your rant(as you call it) your faith, your hope, your courage. Yes the lord is in in control and sometimes he calms the storm and other times he calms the child to ride out the storm. As long as we have him in control we will be alright.
Sending Lots and Lots of Hugs n Prayers your way. Love Bonnie
PS I am on full strength Gemzar right now, have been since the first of January.
Bonnie, I was just reading your post and somehow you captured the spirit of what I am seeing and believing on a daily basis. WE ARE HERE to prove folks wrong, and the more we all talk and teach, the more we can help. I am seeing more of my colleagues take notice and ask questions and even the people I look after.....You are so right, STATISTICS are most often all that are being quoted to us.....Not one of us here is a statistic...we are living, breathing productive people. AND....we matter. I feel very blessed with my situation and at times angry that I got cancer...(there was no history in my family) BUT it is was it is and fighting it and the things that surround it, keep us going. My friend 'upstairs' has certainly had a good eye on me and I think he's even listened to a few of my friends and family and helped out....:-) I am only at the 5 month mark, so 5 yrs seems a hell of a long way off, but I try not to think about it.
Anyway, enough of 'moi'. Love to all of you....And Bonnie, I hope you are not too tired with the full strength Gemzar.0
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