Surgery NEVER possible

idlehunters
idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hey Everybody,
I just returned from M.D.Anderson today after going thru port placement and 2 chemo treatments. I guess the most important issue there was a second opinion. They agreed with Onc here.... My liver and lung mets are not now... nor will they ever be operable. I cannot have a surgery that requires me to be opened up because they would have to stop my chemo for I think they said around 6 weeks and then my cancer would overcome me and kill me. I can NEVER stop chemo or I die. I always get these ideas in my head like "what if the chemo shrinks the liver tumor enough to get a margin for surgery(it's near a vessel)and then all the other ones shrink enough to hold me over for a surgery???? It's a risk they won't take I guess. I don't really know about the non-invasive surgeries... do they cut you open for any of those? Another question.... Say they don't ever do anything but give me chemo..... how long can a person stay on chemo? what if it stops working and your cancer progresses... is that then the end because there are no other options? This all gets really frigging depressing at times. Me and the husband went to our "special" place to watch fireworks tonite. As I sat there watching all I could think about was " is this going to be my last time with him on the 4th of July where we have so many memories?" I'm sorry... I don't mean to bum ya'll out..... I try to grin and bear it.... but some days it's so damn hard.

Jennie
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Comments

  • kristasplace
    kristasplace Member Posts: 957 Member
    A lot of hope
    Hi Jennie! Hopefully i can help lift your spirits! There are many people with this cancer on long term, or "life long" chemo. I can tell you from experience that my great uncle lived for twenty-five years on chemo after his colon cancer spread to his lungs. He died an old man. The best thing about going on long term chemo is that it can keep the cancer from getting any worse for a long time. If one doesn't work, they have many others that can, and maybe they'll find one that kills your cancer entirely. It does happen. Hang around here long enough, and you will meet people deemed terminal (inoperable) with spread everywhere who are now free of disease. Keep your attitude as positive as possible, and never think for a moment you're going to die of this disease. If your doctors have told you that, GET ANOTHER DOCTOR ASAP! Doctors are not God, and rarely take the human spirit into account when handing out death sentences. You're in a scary situation, with a long road ahead, but you sound like you're ready to take the beast by the horns and flip it on it's back!

    I wish you the best, and look forward to hearing about your progress!
    Hugs,
    Krista
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    Not Resectable
    Well, never is a long time. So is forever. Wow, such absolutes from doctors are unusual because even they know they're guessing. Geesh....

    I'm not resectable either, ever. I don't buy that and at this point, neither do my rad onc or med onc. I haven't been back to the surgeon yet but I will prove him wrong. But along with systemic chemo there is: external beam radiation, stereotactic radiation (cyberknife, rfa, chemoembolization, php, y90 microsheres of several types, hai pumps....this is what comes to mind right now. Find another opinion. Will it be different? I don't know. I just know that if you want to treat your liver tumors aggressively, find an aggressive team. They are out there.

    Can you make it to Denver in August? On the 22 there is another Liver Symposium with oncologists, radiation oncologists and interventional radiologists from all over the country. At the one in May, I got to speak privately about my specific case as did other survivors there. The doctors mingled, ate meals and visited with us and let us pick their brains.

    Do you remember me talking about my radiation oncologist? He is receiving a very prestigious award this month from ASTRO (American Society for Radiation Oncology) for his work with liver and brain tumors. According to my liver surgeon I shouldn't have enjoyed THIS years fireworks. It is because of these alternative treatments that I'm here. (And a ROCKIN' rad onc) Less than half of all liver mets are resectable. It isn't a prerequisite to life nor is it the only treatment option besides systemic chemo.

    You need to find a team that is willing to try. I'm on a chemo for anal canzer because I've already tried folfox and folfiri. It also is known to have a 'synergy' with the type of radiation I had in February and am about to start again next week. It has been life-saving and life-altering for me. I know there are doctors that will treat your disease as aggressively and proactively as you want. They are out there. I'm sorry you haven't found them yet, but please keep looking!

    Hugs,

    Kimby
  • dixchi
    dixchi Member Posts: 431
    Support Kimby's Words
    I am totally taken aback by the M.D. Anderson docs; I think
    Kimby has made some very good suggestions...it doesn't hurt
    to get a third opinion and you do need a more positive team
    behind you on this. Not sure I understand why they think
    if you come off chemo treatments, the ca takes over or they
    don't believe tumors will maybe become re-sectable. I have
    said this before but no matter where docs practice, in great
    ca centers or elsewhere, a lot of them do not know how to
    communicate with patients.....great scientific minds but
    poor people skills. My thoughts and positive vibes are
    with you and don't let this take away the moments and days
    you have to enjoy life.....stay positive and keep fighting.

    Huggs,
    Barbara
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Jennie
    I've been on chemo for over 5 years for one. Another thing, my cancer was at first deemed "inoperable", I had tumors right on my Hepatic Artery, the main blood supply to the liver. I found a team at Sloan Kettering that felt the could in fact shrink the tumors (FOLFOX and Avastin) and 6 months later they successfully operated, that will be 5 years in Sept. Then they focused on the lungs and after 3 years of more chemo and 3 operations later, the lungs look clear. I just seem to have some left in the area between the lungs. I agree with Kimby too, there are teams out there who could very well help you.

    Take things one step at a time. No one knows what lies ahead for tomorrow, there are many things besides cancer that can kill us at ANY time. Not a very cheerful thought but it's true. I know what you've heard up to now is not what you have hoped for but there are doctors out there who I believe can help you.
    Thinking of you...
    -phil
  • lmliess
    lmliess Member Posts: 329
    I am surprised...
    about MD Anderson. I got nothing but positive feedback from everyone there.
    Have you tried Cancer Treatment Centers of America? They do the whole package, chemo and herbal and vitamin supplements to treat? Also - have you read Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr? You can get it off of Amazon. She has spots all over her liver and they can not operate and totally changed the way she eats. it is a very good book to have.

    Remember - take this all one day at a time. No one but the Man above knows your time here. Take it step by step and make sure you find doctors who you feel completely comfortable with and believe in their tretment for you
  • eric38
    eric38 Member Posts: 583
    lmliess said:

    I am surprised...
    about MD Anderson. I got nothing but positive feedback from everyone there.
    Have you tried Cancer Treatment Centers of America? They do the whole package, chemo and herbal and vitamin supplements to treat? Also - have you read Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr? You can get it off of Amazon. She has spots all over her liver and they can not operate and totally changed the way she eats. it is a very good book to have.

    Remember - take this all one day at a time. No one but the Man above knows your time here. Take it step by step and make sure you find doctors who you feel completely comfortable with and believe in their tretment for you

    Happy 4th - Many more to come.
    First of all, I can understand how you feel but the odds of this being your last 4th of July or your last anything are pretty slim. You still have a chance and even if you are incurable by medical standards, which would leave you in the same boat with me, you will most probably live for quite a while and somewhere along the way they will probably come up with the newest greatest thing and we all have a chance of astonishing the doctors and being one of those medical miracles. It happens every day. If there is a way for your body to be cancer friendly there has to be a way to make your body so that it is a bad environment for cancer to grow in.

    Eric (:.)
  • krystle singer
    krystle singer Member Posts: 108
    Hope---there is always hope
    Jennie,
    I know there are people with long term "chronic" cancer who do not die in a short time. If you haven't read Kris Carr's books..please do. She has inoperable caancer like yours but has found ways of dealing with it and she's had it since 2003 (I think 2003). Her two books are 'Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" and 'Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor'. I just finished both of the books and she makes a lot of sense as well as being a real spirit lifter.
    I believe you are the Jennie I pray for every day and night. I don't know if that helps, but it sure can't hurt.
    Know that we ask for God to help you daily. My husband and I care and I, the cancer survivor, know a little of what you go through.

    Love, care, and prayers..
    Sandi
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    eric38 said:

    Happy 4th - Many more to come.
    First of all, I can understand how you feel but the odds of this being your last 4th of July or your last anything are pretty slim. You still have a chance and even if you are incurable by medical standards, which would leave you in the same boat with me, you will most probably live for quite a while and somewhere along the way they will probably come up with the newest greatest thing and we all have a chance of astonishing the doctors and being one of those medical miracles. It happens every day. If there is a way for your body to be cancer friendly there has to be a way to make your body so that it is a bad environment for cancer to grow in.

    Eric (:.)

    Thanks Guys
    Thank you.... you guys always make me feel better.... feel HOPE. Kimby.. I would like to attend the symposium in August. Can you PM me some more details? Phil... when I hear your story it really gives me hope.... it makes me think that perhaps I too can get to a better point with my cancer. Phil.... with all the surgeries you had didn't your cancer spread while you were waiting to restart your chemo after the surgery? Did they make you stop chemo after surgery?

    As far as M.D. Anderson goes..... I suppose everyone has their own opinion but mine was not good. I felt like a head of cattle being herded in for blood tests... scans... whatever...there was always soooooo many people that it became very impersonal... you were referred to by number..not name... it was always rush...rush...rush. I think the biggest thing that shocked me there was when it came time to get my port installed they said their 1 doctor that does it was sick and I would have to go to a hospital across the street (St. Lukes) to get it done.. WHAT???? The number 1 rated cancer center in the US only has ONE doctor that can install these ports????? WHAT????? That just blew my mind. So I was forced to go to a hospital I had not checked out for my port because i had to start chemo the day after. I didn't realize they were going to botch the port installation and I would have to use a picc line afterall.... Worst part was my insurance did not cover St. Lukes and in all the confusion I didn't even think about that until after the fact. Oh well, we live and learn.

    I see my onc here tomorrow. I have several questions for him concerning my future treatments with this disease. If I do not like the outcome.... I am heading to Sloan-Kettering.

    Look >>>>>> :) my smile is back thank u

    Jennie
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    There ARE exceptions...
    I had a dear friend who was told the same. 6 months later, the chemo/rads had done so well that they all changed their minds...he had surgery, lost 60% of his liver, and went on a cruise and fishing trip to Alaska later that same year.

    Never, never give up hope...it's amazing what can happen...I was given 6 months to live...almost 5 years ago...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Thining
    Hi, Jennie

    I was watching the NASCAR race last night on TV. I had a funny feeling come over me in the middle of the race. I thought here I am sitting in my living room with the lights out, the candles lit up with a nice glow, watching some good tv, and having something to eat.

    And then, my mind reverted back to me in the hospital, back in the gown, with IV's everywhere, tethered to that awful pole I had to carry around.

    And then I rememembered...this is the now, the present, and I have to enjoy NOW, because I know where I was before...AND...could end up again. I thought if this were the last 4th of July, it as quiet and peaceful and we enjoyed the night in our home.

    Your post hit me today when you posted:
    Me and the husband went to our "special" place to watch fireworks tonite. As I sat there watching all I could think about was " is this going to be my last time with him on the 4th of July where we have so many memories?"

    As I read that, I remembered the story above, and it ties in perfectly with what you were feeling. IF it were the last, then you would have had a nice memory. It won't be the last of course, there will be many more for both of us

    I think the CANCER is now forcing you to realize that "each moment is so precious" and that you have to focus on the goodness of the moment rather than what will be down the road. We can't change the future, but we can enjoy and revel in the present.

    Remeber the verse out of the Bible, "Rejoice, for this is the day that the Lord has given us." I think about that one often and it is comforting.

    Remember, QUALITY over Quanitity is the key. And one in the hand, is worth 2 in the bush.

    Always great talking with you and you know I'm in your corner and am fighting right there with you. Just beginning Year 6 of my Cancer Experience and still here to tell about it and what Life is teaching me.

    All my best
    -Craig
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    Thining
    Hi, Jennie

    I was watching the NASCAR race last night on TV. I had a funny feeling come over me in the middle of the race. I thought here I am sitting in my living room with the lights out, the candles lit up with a nice glow, watching some good tv, and having something to eat.

    And then, my mind reverted back to me in the hospital, back in the gown, with IV's everywhere, tethered to that awful pole I had to carry around.

    And then I rememembered...this is the now, the present, and I have to enjoy NOW, because I know where I was before...AND...could end up again. I thought if this were the last 4th of July, it as quiet and peaceful and we enjoyed the night in our home.

    Your post hit me today when you posted:
    Me and the husband went to our "special" place to watch fireworks tonite. As I sat there watching all I could think about was " is this going to be my last time with him on the 4th of July where we have so many memories?"

    As I read that, I remembered the story above, and it ties in perfectly with what you were feeling. IF it were the last, then you would have had a nice memory. It won't be the last of course, there will be many more for both of us

    I think the CANCER is now forcing you to realize that "each moment is so precious" and that you have to focus on the goodness of the moment rather than what will be down the road. We can't change the future, but we can enjoy and revel in the present.

    Remeber the verse out of the Bible, "Rejoice, for this is the day that the Lord has given us." I think about that one often and it is comforting.

    Remember, QUALITY over Quanitity is the key. And one in the hand, is worth 2 in the bush.

    Always great talking with you and you know I'm in your corner and am fighting right there with you. Just beginning Year 6 of my Cancer Experience and still here to tell about it and what Life is teaching me.

    All my best
    -Craig

    True
    Thank you Craig... u are so right
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member

    True
    Thank you Craig... u are so right

    Jennie, look into cyberknife or stereotactical radiation
    Hi Jennie,

    I'm glad you went to your "special place" to watch fireworks, but I don't believe it's going to be your last 4th of July- not by any means! I know you've been encouraged by other people's experiences here- Phil is certainly an example of someone who's experienced several surgeries. Sorry you had such a bad experience at MD Anderson. I've heard so many other good things. I bet that a big problem with that place and some other large cancer centers is just that- they're too large and then things tend to get impersonal or they think of you "as a number" like you mentioned. I hope and pray that it's not that way at all places- I really don't think it is.

    Anyhow, have you talked with anyone about nonsurgical procedures? RFA is one, although it's somewhat invasive. The major cancer centers should be able to advise you about the newest in radiation techniques. Some to discuss and consider could include: cyberknife or other types of stereotactical radiation. I'd google cyberknife if I were you & read about it. I've discovered that the cancer centers that don't do it act like they haven't heard of it. I'm not sure why this is, but I know that the better insurances will cover it if you're referred there by your oncologist. It wouldn't hurt to call one of the cyberknife centers near you and have a consultation. The one here in San Diego answered many of my questions over the telephone, but would have a needed to see all my scans, etc. to really tell me what they thought, of course. I had considered it before I had my liver resection. If I couldn't have had my liver resection, cyberknife is what I would have done. It can be supposedly done in several locations. Check it out- it certainly can't hurt. It's a type of radiation that happens in just 3-5 sessions. They insert a fiducial (a small gold bead) into the tumor. The radiation beam targets the fiducial even when you breathe or move slightly. I believe the stereotactical radiation is very similar, but minus the fiducial. I believe you have to hold your breath several times for it so you don't move during the procedure. That one thing is why I was considering cyberknife over the stereotactical radiation.
    Anyhow, I just thought I'd offer another suggestion to look into.

    Seek out 3rd, even 4th opinions! I know it can be very draining to do so, but it just may make a huge difference in your treatment and your outcome!

    God bless,
    Lisa
  • Paula G.
    Paula G. Member Posts: 596
    Your Post
    Jennie,
    Please listen to these people. My husband and you are in the same boat(so to speak) right now and you just got to keep up the hope and keep fighting. You may be telling me this in a month or so but right now we are focusing on the Chemo and seeing what it will do. We are going to get a second opinion. I hope we can get in to the Huntsman Cancer Int. Here. I have heard it can be hard but I won't give up. You need to get a third if you have to.
    I am just trying to stay positive and keep John positive.We do have our moments and usually it is not at the same time.
    Wait and see what the chemo will do. Try to keep positive and you WILL have many more 4th of July's. Some days are damn hard. Just last Thursday I had a pity party for a couple of hours....THINKING WHY CAN'T WE CATCH A BREAK!!!
    Then I looked at my husband and son and just said that we have NOW and NOW counts.
    I think of you everyday along with many other's on this site. Keep fighting.
    Love Paula G.
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    Paula G. said:

    Your Post
    Jennie,
    Please listen to these people. My husband and you are in the same boat(so to speak) right now and you just got to keep up the hope and keep fighting. You may be telling me this in a month or so but right now we are focusing on the Chemo and seeing what it will do. We are going to get a second opinion. I hope we can get in to the Huntsman Cancer Int. Here. I have heard it can be hard but I won't give up. You need to get a third if you have to.
    I am just trying to stay positive and keep John positive.We do have our moments and usually it is not at the same time.
    Wait and see what the chemo will do. Try to keep positive and you WILL have many more 4th of July's. Some days are damn hard. Just last Thursday I had a pity party for a couple of hours....THINKING WHY CAN'T WE CATCH A BREAK!!!
    Then I looked at my husband and son and just said that we have NOW and NOW counts.
    I think of you everyday along with many other's on this site. Keep fighting.
    Love Paula G.

    THANKS
    I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! I DO .... I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT YOU. THANK YOU ALL AND I THANK GOD FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member

    Thanks Guys
    Thank you.... you guys always make me feel better.... feel HOPE. Kimby.. I would like to attend the symposium in August. Can you PM me some more details? Phil... when I hear your story it really gives me hope.... it makes me think that perhaps I too can get to a better point with my cancer. Phil.... with all the surgeries you had didn't your cancer spread while you were waiting to restart your chemo after the surgery? Did they make you stop chemo after surgery?

    As far as M.D. Anderson goes..... I suppose everyone has their own opinion but mine was not good. I felt like a head of cattle being herded in for blood tests... scans... whatever...there was always soooooo many people that it became very impersonal... you were referred to by number..not name... it was always rush...rush...rush. I think the biggest thing that shocked me there was when it came time to get my port installed they said their 1 doctor that does it was sick and I would have to go to a hospital across the street (St. Lukes) to get it done.. WHAT???? The number 1 rated cancer center in the US only has ONE doctor that can install these ports????? WHAT????? That just blew my mind. So I was forced to go to a hospital I had not checked out for my port because i had to start chemo the day after. I didn't realize they were going to botch the port installation and I would have to use a picc line afterall.... Worst part was my insurance did not cover St. Lukes and in all the confusion I didn't even think about that until after the fact. Oh well, we live and learn.

    I see my onc here tomorrow. I have several questions for him concerning my future treatments with this disease. If I do not like the outcome.... I am heading to Sloan-Kettering.

    Look >>>>>> :) my smile is back thank u

    Jennie

    To answer your questions Jennie
    My first opinion doctor wanted to do surgery right away and maybe give me some time. Not a hopeful prognosis. My current team felt that the colon area was not spreading that fast and that the chemo would slow or stop it's growth. The main issue was in the liver. That we had to act on. I did have to take 6 weeks of before surgery so I think the cancer did grow during that time but they felt they had enough of a good margin to work with. Also, they started the chemo 3-4 weeks after my operation. During that time my lung mets did grow but they responded to the chemo each time. And yes, they did the stop the chemo before and after the operation. It's standard procedure.

    Good luck with the doctors visit, just remember Jennie, they really can't predict the future, all they can do is give you their best opinion based on past cases. Don't expect definitive answers. Keep us posted.
    hugs
    -phil
  • kersha
    kersha Member Posts: 63
    hope
    Hi I just read your post. My husband was told by his first surgeon that his liver mets were inoperable. I did not stop there. We went for a second and third opinion. The second said right lobe removal because there were spots on each segment of that lobe and ablation on the left lobe. The third which was at MD anderson was total removal. We went with that one. This was done in January of 09 and my husband has been 3 months of chemo. He was diagnosed June of 08. They saw us 2 weeks after we called them. At Sloan they told us finish chemo and then call and it would take 5 weeks before getting an appointment. At cancer care treatment of america they have a new treatment where by they infuse the liver with 10 times the amount to chemo and it totally kills the cancer cells. I know someone whose family member had this done and she said it worked. Maybe you can call them and set up an appoint for a consult. Good luck. Do not give up.
  • kidlife
    kidlife Member Posts: 8
    Flight/Hotel Reservations???
    Hey Jennie :)

    I just read your post, you were set on coming to NYC to be seen at Sloan Kettering. Have you made reservations, yet??

    I lived in NYC for 20 yrs, (went to college and had stayed). 5 yrs. ago I moved to Fl. to live by the beach with my kids and take it easy. On May 6, 2009 I was dx with stage IV with liver and little lung involvement. The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl is where I was dx. They simply said I was inoperable due to locations and more than one organ involvement. Well, I am a single mom with 2 1/2 year old twin boys and a 4 1/2 yr. old daughter. You can imagine the rest... I called my old doctor in NYC and got an appt. at SLOAN KETTERING!!! They simply contradicted the Mayo Clinic. They said if I were to go to 100 cancer centers, they would all agree about my liver being inoperable. However, they had a PLAN!! Within an afternoon the surgeon called the liver doc. and then picked out an onc. and put me on an agressive regimen of chemo. I will have my 3rd round on Thursday. On the 30th. they will inject a gel-like substance into have of my liver to kill that side as the blood supply redirected to the other half starts to regrow while I am going through chemo. in 4 months the liver and colon will be operated on at the same time. I am focused on that plan and will hang in there through the chemo. for my babies. They spirit with which my incredible TEAM of docs. approaches me and my health is just wonderful. Without belaboring the point....HURRY UP AND GET HERE AND SEE THIS GROUP OF MAGICAL DOCTORS. If there is any way I can help with phone calls, refs. or helping with a place for you to stay, DON'T hesitate to ask. I will be glad to help out!! FOLLOW UP!!! THESE GUYS ARE AS GOOD AS THEY GET IN THE FIELD!! IF YOU CAN'T GET AN APPT. RIGHT AWAY, LET ME KNOW. I'LL SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP.

    Naira
  • amcp
    amcp Member Posts: 251 Member
    Go for another opinion
    I am so sorry to hear that MD Anderson was not helpful to you. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE...you know my husbands story. He also stopped chemo in Dec but they still was able to do surgery on his lung and liver. His CEA jumped to over 16,000 and at the last ck up last week his CEA is now 39.6 and nothing showed up on the CT scan. I know you can not go to Vandy but please at least try Sloan Kettering....you need a team that is proactive ...aggressive..keep your faith, hope and determination. Keep searching...there is always hope. I ask our friends on our website to remember you in prayer. Take it a day at a time but keep searching for postive doctors that will try. Keeping you in thought and prayers.
    Anna
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    kidlife said:

    Flight/Hotel Reservations???
    Hey Jennie :)

    I just read your post, you were set on coming to NYC to be seen at Sloan Kettering. Have you made reservations, yet??

    I lived in NYC for 20 yrs, (went to college and had stayed). 5 yrs. ago I moved to Fl. to live by the beach with my kids and take it easy. On May 6, 2009 I was dx with stage IV with liver and little lung involvement. The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl is where I was dx. They simply said I was inoperable due to locations and more than one organ involvement. Well, I am a single mom with 2 1/2 year old twin boys and a 4 1/2 yr. old daughter. You can imagine the rest... I called my old doctor in NYC and got an appt. at SLOAN KETTERING!!! They simply contradicted the Mayo Clinic. They said if I were to go to 100 cancer centers, they would all agree about my liver being inoperable. However, they had a PLAN!! Within an afternoon the surgeon called the liver doc. and then picked out an onc. and put me on an agressive regimen of chemo. I will have my 3rd round on Thursday. On the 30th. they will inject a gel-like substance into have of my liver to kill that side as the blood supply redirected to the other half starts to regrow while I am going through chemo. in 4 months the liver and colon will be operated on at the same time. I am focused on that plan and will hang in there through the chemo. for my babies. They spirit with which my incredible TEAM of docs. approaches me and my health is just wonderful. Without belaboring the point....HURRY UP AND GET HERE AND SEE THIS GROUP OF MAGICAL DOCTORS. If there is any way I can help with phone calls, refs. or helping with a place for you to stay, DON'T hesitate to ask. I will be glad to help out!! FOLLOW UP!!! THESE GUYS ARE AS GOOD AS THEY GET IN THE FIELD!! IF YOU CAN'T GET AN APPT. RIGHT AWAY, LET ME KNOW. I'LL SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP.

    Naira

    I will know in about 3
    I will know in about 3 weeks. Thank you for you generous offers. I may take you up on them. I will keep you posted

    Jennie
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    amcp said:

    Go for another opinion
    I am so sorry to hear that MD Anderson was not helpful to you. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE...you know my husbands story. He also stopped chemo in Dec but they still was able to do surgery on his lung and liver. His CEA jumped to over 16,000 and at the last ck up last week his CEA is now 39.6 and nothing showed up on the CT scan. I know you can not go to Vandy but please at least try Sloan Kettering....you need a team that is proactive ...aggressive..keep your faith, hope and determination. Keep searching...there is always hope. I ask our friends on our website to remember you in prayer. Take it a day at a time but keep searching for postive doctors that will try. Keeping you in thought and prayers.
    Anna

    Will Do
    Hey Anna... so happy about Frank...... i will know more about me in 3 weeks.... will make a more definate decision then. Thanks for your words

    Jennie