never ending chemo
I have been doing alot of soul searching lately and would like some of your opinions on my situation.
I was dx'd August 09 with stage IV colon cancer with mets to liver. Started on FOLFOX with Avastin in Sept 09. I only had 6 rounds with Oxiliplatin because of severe neuropathy, continued on the rest of combo, minus oxi untill March 2010 when scan showed progression of tumors in liver. I am K-RAS negative so oncologist started me on Iriontecan and Vectibix. I have done well on this combo,CEA down from a high of 9024.4 to 31.1 at last testing. My concern is that both oncologist and the surgeon I saw consider me inoperable. The thought of being on chemo for the rest of my life or until it no longer works is just eating at me more and more. I am grateful and happy that I am doing so well on chemo, but I'll admit I am bored as hell. I always worked outside the home and lost my job in Feb. because the Folfox I was on at the time made it impossible for me to work. Now I feel much better almost normal most days but not one single employer will hire me because I am still in treatment. I have even checked into doing some volunter work but am told as long as I am in active treatment I could become a liability. I know I should be happy and grateful that I feel good, but I guess I'm greedy.I hate being at home and sometimes feel if this is all I have left I don't want it. I know it is terrible to feel that way but I feel useless and want, if not my old life back at least something resembling a life. Sorry for the rant and feeling sorry for myself but some days I just don't want what my life has become. Thanks for listening.
Deb
Comments
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Hi Deb
Yours is a very introspective post and I can relate to some what you are talking about. I get those bouts of being at home when I'm out doing surgeries and recoveries. The walls close in on you for sure and the days can sometimes be very hard to pass.
I've been fortunate in that I've been able to retain my job - I worry that when I return in a few weeks, that they may have had enough of me and will look to unload me at the first opportunity....as you said, I'm a liability and I can go out on leave anytime, depending on what the cancer is doing. That's a funny feeling too....I've got 21 years of my life invested in the place and now feel funny that it could end at any time with their descretion. Even when I go back, I've still got 5 more months of chemo - I'm ususally able to work when doing this, although you miss a day or two on your cycles.
I'm sorry your employer let you go - it's the greatest fear that I have and the one that drives me to get back quickly and pretend that all is well and that I can do the job like I used to. It's a terrifying though, because as you said, "who wants you now?"
One would have to be in some mini-remission, to get a job and pass the probationary period. After that, one could leave work with FMLA and do what's needed and get back, but that's not always easy, as the Cancer dictates alot of our life and we sometimes just cannot change what is going on during that period of time.
We all want to feel "needed and wanted" in this life, and work can sometimes help us fulfill that and keep enough money in the cupboard to keep the lightbulbs turned on and some cornbread on the table.
I'm pleased to see your progress in your battle and it all sounds promising. I understand your fear of the chemo not working, that fear that you just "fired your last bullet" and now what's left and what am I to do? All of this is very understandable.
I suppose all I can say is "ride this horse until it drops." Meaning, stay with the chemo until it proves it is no longer working. I would also consider getting another opinion on the possibility of now or in the future of being able to qualify for a surgery. This will let you know how plausible that sounds hearing it from another medical team. From there, you can get a better feel good of what your onc is telling you now - and if it sounds radically different, then it may be time to "change horses" and go with a new team.
I want to thank you for sharing so deeply your thoughts and concerns. What you are feeling is dead-on and I'm feeling the same as you. I'm now 6 1/2 years into my cancer fight, so I've been around the block a time or two and understand everything that you are saying today.
Stay in touch!
-Craig0 -
Deb -
Re:
"My concern is that both oncologist and the surgeon I saw consider me inoperable. "
So what you do, is locate a different colorectal surgeon that is not in the
same group or organization as your present one, and get another opinion.
You are entitled to other opinions, and all good physicians welcome them.
It gives them a way to learn of new practices and procedures, without
having to go back to school. So..... go get some.
"The thought of being on chemo for the rest of my life or until it no longer works
is just eating at me more and more."
A poster here (Phil) has oncologists that are treating his cancer as a
"chronic disease", and apparently using chemo to chase new happenings
when and if they happen. So far, he's doing great. If I had to, I would
find out who his docs are, and make an appointment.
All that said... I didn't do chemical therapy or radiation. I chose another
path to travel. That was four years back as a stage 3c/4, and bleak
prognosis. It's just sheer luck, I'm sure. Yes, very sure, because that's
what they told me: I am just lucky because I didn't do chemo.
(And "they" don't lie, do they.)
I would recommend that you study a bit about the "alternatives", and
decide for yourself if it'd be worth your time to try things...... either along
with "chemo", or without.
In China and other countries, TCM is used along with (or without)
standard western medicine. Using it with chemo can be very beneficial,
if you have doctors that are willing to go that route. It provides the best
of both sciences, and appears to be having miraculous results.
Both my oncologists refused to allow TCM or herbal treatments,
but also offered little if no hope for chemo, so I refused chemo.
If your cancer is in a spot that might kill you in quick order, then
TCM or any other "alternative" may take too long; longer than the
time you have. In that case, you'd have to use whatever's the fastest
to act, to kill the cancer before it kills you. It's not all that often, that
that type of scenario exists. Cancers generally grow slowly, sometimes
too slow to be identified either by practitioner or chemicals......
And sometimes, nothing but your own immune system will
do the job the best.
Decisions, decisions..... they are yours to make, so take your
time and learn as much as you can.
Don't allow the fear and rhetoric scare you into making a choice
that your own instincts and intuition tells you is wrong.
Trust yourself; be your own boss.
You're gonna' do just fine!
John0 -
Hi Deb
I can totally sympathize with your situation. I too am on chemo indefinitely, + am not operable right now as well. I am on folfiri + avastin; that may change after I get my scan results next week. I totally understand what you are saying about wanting to work, get out of the house etc. I am not sure what your work background is, but since you think it would be difficult to get hired right now, can you create your own job? Is there a work skill or hobby that you can promote? My husband + I own our own business so I have been able to work as much as I feel like + more importantly when I feel like it - I can work awhile, take a break, work some more etc. Although we have an office outside, we are set up so I can work from home. I don't know how you feel about this; let me know. Good luck!0 -
tough times
Sounds like you are going through a rough patch, Deb. As Craig said, this is totally normal. I have been in the fight for over 6 years now as well, and definitely wonder how much more I can take at times. I am lucky enough to still be employed, although currently I am not really feeling very employable and am wondering just how long my boss' compassion is going to hold out. This is a rough journey, nobody will refute that fact. Whether you choose to continue with chemo "indefinitely", or want to consider surgical options, I think your first step since you are questioning your current team is to get a second opinion. There are many on this board who have been told by one surgeon (maybe even more than one) that they were inoperable, but their perseverance found a surgeon willing to buck the trend and they found themselves operable and doing fine. You need to take control of your circumstances and find team members who you can trust and feel confident they are doing their best for you. Some surgeons are just more talented then others and are willing to work on the edge to further the possibilities of success for their patients. Don't be willing to settle for the status quo if you aren't feeling comfortable there. You are strong and I know you will do the right thing for you and your loved ones.
mary0 -
chemo forevermsccolon said:tough times
Sounds like you are going through a rough patch, Deb. As Craig said, this is totally normal. I have been in the fight for over 6 years now as well, and definitely wonder how much more I can take at times. I am lucky enough to still be employed, although currently I am not really feeling very employable and am wondering just how long my boss' compassion is going to hold out. This is a rough journey, nobody will refute that fact. Whether you choose to continue with chemo "indefinitely", or want to consider surgical options, I think your first step since you are questioning your current team is to get a second opinion. There are many on this board who have been told by one surgeon (maybe even more than one) that they were inoperable, but their perseverance found a surgeon willing to buck the trend and they found themselves operable and doing fine. You need to take control of your circumstances and find team members who you can trust and feel confident they are doing their best for you. Some surgeons are just more talented then others and are willing to work on the edge to further the possibilities of success for their patients. Don't be willing to settle for the status quo if you aren't feeling comfortable there. You are strong and I know you will do the right thing for you and your loved ones.
mary
Thank you all for responding to my post. I would dearly love to get a second opinion. I did see an oncologist in my home town and he referred me to the place I was already receiving treatment. It is the major teaching hospitial in my state and because of the advanced nature of my cancer he referred me there. So to get a second opinion it would probably require me to travel out of state to another cancer center. Financially not possible as we are currently living day to day trying to keep the lights on and food on the table. We don't qualify for any programs that would help out because my husbands gross income is just high enough to put us over the limit of everything by a few dollars. Just last week I had to cut my food budget yet again to avoid having our electricty turned off. It just keeps getting harder and harder to make ends meet. I shouldn't complain as I am sure there are people in more dire straits than we are but it does limit my options. Sorry once again for the pity party and the woe is me attitude, but I have spent many hours trying to think of ways out of my situation and have come up blank. But, I do want to thank you all for giving me a few minutes of your time.
Deb0 -
Dear Deb
First of all, you know you never have to apologize here for sharing your feelings or venting or throwing a pity party...attending those is what we do best because we know any day each of us might want to throw one of our own.
It is remarkable that your CEA has dropped so dramatically. While your docs may have said 'inoperable' before, who knows, with your improvement it still might be able to happen. Since the out of state second opinion is not an option right now, how about a sit down with your current docs to explain your concerns and talk about options for the future.
As for employment, either paid or volunteer, how about checking with the local churches. Most of those folks will just be grateful for the extra hands. And who knows, you might just find that in doing so you can get some help yourself if the time should come that you absolutely need to get that second opinion.
Take care. Hoping that you continue to respond so well to treatment and that you can find some way to fill the employment gap.
Hugs,
Marie0 -
Why did they refuse?John23 said:Deb -
Re:
"My concern is that both oncologist and the surgeon I saw consider me inoperable. "
So what you do, is locate a different colorectal surgeon that is not in the
same group or organization as your present one, and get another opinion.
You are entitled to other opinions, and all good physicians welcome them.
It gives them a way to learn of new practices and procedures, without
having to go back to school. So..... go get some.
"The thought of being on chemo for the rest of my life or until it no longer works
is just eating at me more and more."
A poster here (Phil) has oncologists that are treating his cancer as a
"chronic disease", and apparently using chemo to chase new happenings
when and if they happen. So far, he's doing great. If I had to, I would
find out who his docs are, and make an appointment.
All that said... I didn't do chemical therapy or radiation. I chose another
path to travel. That was four years back as a stage 3c/4, and bleak
prognosis. It's just sheer luck, I'm sure. Yes, very sure, because that's
what they told me: I am just lucky because I didn't do chemo.
(And "they" don't lie, do they.)
I would recommend that you study a bit about the "alternatives", and
decide for yourself if it'd be worth your time to try things...... either along
with "chemo", or without.
In China and other countries, TCM is used along with (or without)
standard western medicine. Using it with chemo can be very beneficial,
if you have doctors that are willing to go that route. It provides the best
of both sciences, and appears to be having miraculous results.
Both my oncologists refused to allow TCM or herbal treatments,
but also offered little if no hope for chemo, so I refused chemo.
If your cancer is in a spot that might kill you in quick order, then
TCM or any other "alternative" may take too long; longer than the
time you have. In that case, you'd have to use whatever's the fastest
to act, to kill the cancer before it kills you. It's not all that often, that
that type of scenario exists. Cancers generally grow slowly, sometimes
too slow to be identified either by practitioner or chemicals......
And sometimes, nothing but your own immune system will
do the job the best.
Decisions, decisions..... they are yours to make, so take your
time and learn as much as you can.
Don't allow the fear and rhetoric scare you into making a choice
that your own instincts and intuition tells you is wrong.
Trust yourself; be your own boss.
You're gonna' do just fine!
John
John,
What reason did they give you for refusing to letnyou do both?
Catherine0 -
Catherine -C Dixon said:Why did they refuse?
John,
What reason did they give you for refusing to letnyou do both?
Catherine
They said that they were afraid that if the herbs took away the
side effects, that they might make the chemo less powerful.
They said they have drugs to take away some of the side effects!
But the drugs have their own side effects. In fact, they are now
being studied as the possible cause of "chemo-brain" - - with the
idea that possibly the side effect removing drugs may be causing
the other chemicals to cross the blood/brain barrier.
I really find all this garbage interesting. Really. It's been a
wonderful learning experience for me.
I hope it is for others, as well.
(I'll stick with my herbal broths; thank you.)
Healthy thoughts, ehh?
John0 -
Hey Deb, thanks for sharing!
Hey Deb, thanks for sharing! I too am on chemo or drugs for life it seems. I am dx stage 4 with mets to the lungs. I did complete 6 months of oxi and have the nueropathy to prove it! Unfortunately, I still have the lungs mets too! I was tested and have K-RAS mutation so drugs are limited. In Feb. of this year my 2nd line treatment was stopped (irronotecan and avasin) that I had been on for l year. My many specs of tumors on my lungs were multiplying and one other tumor showing growth, plus the drugs were starting to affect my bowels. My doc here sent me to UCSF as there were no other drugs he could give me. It took a bit to get in to UCSF but I started a drug trial with them in the GI dept. in June. I was on it until this past month, when my last scan showed more growth. I just got back from SF today where I have been since Monday. I started a new trial drug on Wed. It is a leap, but it is what I have got available. The team there is very encouraging, no promises, but a good attitude. I figure, I will fight this as long as I am allowed to and maybe I will beat it or at least help those behind me! I am fortunate in the fact that I feel very good, except the nueropathy, and I am still working. I work for a private christian school and I am blessed to work for a boss that is generous with time I need off. Working with the children I have in my class is a real boost for me. Why don't you check with your local school district to see if they accept volunteers in the classroom. I know that you may have to be fingerprinted and such, but being with children can be so encouraging. You might be able to pick and choose your days or hours. A lot of teachers would even love to have someone work from home to do book orders and checking papers. Don't give up! There are days when I get so scared too, as I realize that what I am doing to fight this cancer is just a slight glimmer of a chance, but then I remember that it will only take one drug to be mine! You mentioned in your bio that you are at a teaching hospital. Have you talked to them about trials? ClinicalTrials.com has lots. it can be encouraging! Best to you. Let me know if you have questions, I would love to talk with you. Jean0 -
Just wondering if you were eligible for FMLA, leave, accomdationchicoturner said:Hey Deb, thanks for sharing!
Hey Deb, thanks for sharing! I too am on chemo or drugs for life it seems. I am dx stage 4 with mets to the lungs. I did complete 6 months of oxi and have the nueropathy to prove it! Unfortunately, I still have the lungs mets too! I was tested and have K-RAS mutation so drugs are limited. In Feb. of this year my 2nd line treatment was stopped (irronotecan and avasin) that I had been on for l year. My many specs of tumors on my lungs were multiplying and one other tumor showing growth, plus the drugs were starting to affect my bowels. My doc here sent me to UCSF as there were no other drugs he could give me. It took a bit to get in to UCSF but I started a drug trial with them in the GI dept. in June. I was on it until this past month, when my last scan showed more growth. I just got back from SF today where I have been since Monday. I started a new trial drug on Wed. It is a leap, but it is what I have got available. The team there is very encouraging, no promises, but a good attitude. I figure, I will fight this as long as I am allowed to and maybe I will beat it or at least help those behind me! I am fortunate in the fact that I feel very good, except the nueropathy, and I am still working. I work for a private christian school and I am blessed to work for a boss that is generous with time I need off. Working with the children I have in my class is a real boost for me. Why don't you check with your local school district to see if they accept volunteers in the classroom. I know that you may have to be fingerprinted and such, but being with children can be so encouraging. You might be able to pick and choose your days or hours. A lot of teachers would even love to have someone work from home to do book orders and checking papers. Don't give up! There are days when I get so scared too, as I realize that what I am doing to fight this cancer is just a slight glimmer of a chance, but then I remember that it will only take one drug to be mine! You mentioned in your bio that you are at a teaching hospital. Have you talked to them about trials? ClinicalTrials.com has lots. it can be encouraging! Best to you. Let me know if you have questions, I would love to talk with you. Jean
Were you eligible for FMLA? How long were you with the company? Did you as for an accommodation, a leave of absence? Why do you tell your employers that you are in treatment? You don't have to tell then unless you can do the bonafide duties of the job. They can't otherwise discriminate against you.
Hang in there.0 -
Hi Deb
Hi Deb,
You have been through a lot and I think you are awesome that you want to get out there and volunteer or work. You're right, those connections with people really give meaning to our days. I am a teacher like Jean and I agree with her. There are teachers out there who would love some help. Also, kids are awesome to be around. So many smiles and so much joy to share.
I'm thinking about you and sending prayers.
Aloha,
Kathleen0 -
Financialdamama24 said:chemo forever
Thank you all for responding to my post. I would dearly love to get a second opinion. I did see an oncologist in my home town and he referred me to the place I was already receiving treatment. It is the major teaching hospitial in my state and because of the advanced nature of my cancer he referred me there. So to get a second opinion it would probably require me to travel out of state to another cancer center. Financially not possible as we are currently living day to day trying to keep the lights on and food on the table. We don't qualify for any programs that would help out because my husbands gross income is just high enough to put us over the limit of everything by a few dollars. Just last week I had to cut my food budget yet again to avoid having our electricty turned off. It just keeps getting harder and harder to make ends meet. I shouldn't complain as I am sure there are people in more dire straits than we are but it does limit my options. Sorry once again for the pity party and the woe is me attitude, but I have spent many hours trying to think of ways out of my situation and have come up blank. But, I do want to thank you all for giving me a few minutes of your time.
Deb
Sorry about your troubles. Have you applied for Social Security Disability? I know that many people at my Oncology Center have been getting Disability. Some people said they were approved very quickly...others said it took quite a while. Social Security Disability does not depend on your husbands income.
As to Volunteering.....have you looked into any public schools??
Hope you are feeling good and enjoying a wonderful weekend
Take care.....Barb0 -
Deb
I can totally relate to your feelings about not having work to go to. I am a workaholic by nature and now not having that to take my mind off of things can sometimes be torture. I understand not being able to get a job because of treatment as the clinic I will be going to infuses on Mondays with disconnect on Wednesday and the doctor visits on Thursdays. That eats up at least 2 whole weeks out of each month. Hard to explain to a potential new employer why you can't work every other week without saying "chemo". UGH
I am glad that you are doing well with your current chemo mix. Is it possible that this chemo can shrink your tumors enough that they might be operable or treatable with another method? I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best. If you need to rant, rave or throw a pity party, don't forget to invite me. I'm always up for a good party.
☺0 -
Next time I talk or see aJohn23 said:Catherine -
They said that they were afraid that if the herbs took away the
side effects, that they might make the chemo less powerful.
They said they have drugs to take away some of the side effects!
But the drugs have their own side effects. In fact, they are now
being studied as the possible cause of "chemo-brain" - - with the
idea that possibly the side effect removing drugs may be causing
the other chemicals to cross the blood/brain barrier.
I really find all this garbage interesting. Really. It's been a
wonderful learning experience for me.
I hope it is for others, as well.
(I'll stick with my herbal broths; thank you.)
Healthy thoughts, ehh?
John
Next time I talk or see a patient with an advanced diagnoses of lung, melanoma, liver, breast, brain, lymphoma, pancreatic, anal, throat, kidney, leukemia, bone, or ovarian cancer including 100 other types, I’ll tell them in order to survive and be cured, you need herbal broths & other herbs. I’m sure they will forego all western medical treatments, cancel the appt's with their doctors, and write a scathing article on the barbaric, ruthless, and impotent cancer practices that the top doctors and staff at MD Anderson, UCLA, Mayo, Memorial Sloan Kettering, John Hopkins, and Dana Farber medical centers use daily. Ill also tell them that its one massive, calculated conspiracy that our medical professionals in the cancer field such as doctors & scientists vow to perpetuate the Great Deception onto an unsuspecting public.0 -
Hi Deb,Lori-S said:Deb
I can totally relate to your feelings about not having work to go to. I am a workaholic by nature and now not having that to take my mind off of things can sometimes be torture. I understand not being able to get a job because of treatment as the clinic I will be going to infuses on Mondays with disconnect on Wednesday and the doctor visits on Thursdays. That eats up at least 2 whole weeks out of each month. Hard to explain to a potential new employer why you can't work every other week without saying "chemo". UGH
I am glad that you are doing well with your current chemo mix. Is it possible that this chemo can shrink your tumors enough that they might be operable or treatable with another method? I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best. If you need to rant, rave or throw a pity party, don't forget to invite me. I'm always up for a good party.
☺
I can totally relate
Hi Deb,
I can totally relate to the feelings you are having. I was DX in March 09. Stage 4 cc mets to liver and lungs. I have been told chemo forever also. I have been for 2nd opinions to Sloan, Fox Chase of U of Penn. I did Folfox first. Then xeloda and avastin. Just started Xeliri, lost my hair this week, and having side effects. Not a great week. I have been in a good spot mentally 90% of the time.
There are a lot of people on this board who have been doing long term chemo and are doing really well on it. They are still living full lives. My favorite physicians assitant tells me that there are new things coming out all the time,and you never know what is going to work and when.
I have been able to work since DX. I am a 7th grade Math teacher in a public school. I had to take off when on Folfox for infusion and disconnect. While on Xeloda and Avastin I took off almost no time. Work has really helped me. I love my job and it is really rewarding. It also helps my life feel normal. I don't have time to think about myself when I have 25 thirteen year olds in front of me ! If I was not able to do this job, I think that I would try to at least do volunteer work.
Good Luck and thanks for checking in . Brenda0 -
Chemo and more chemo. Enough to make you want to puke!
Hi Deb, I am the Phil John referred to. I go to Sloan Kettering in NYC. I've been fortunate to have a very good Onc and team. At first I was not operable due to liver mets being on my hepatic artery but I went on Avastin for 5 months and that shrunk them so I became operable. That was over 6 years ago. In February it will be 7 years since DX. I'm still dealing with small spots in my lungs that we've been able to remove via RFA (radio frequency ablation) which is a very simple procedure where they stick a needle into the tumor and heat it up which in turn dissolves it. I don't even have to stay in the hospital overnight. Yes, the chemo sucks. I tend to go on it for a while then off for a while. It gets old but then after feeling crappy for a bunch of days I feel OK for a week and a bit so that's not a bad deal. I totally understand the pity party stuff. I go there once in a while. Sometimes I'll have my pity party at a bar and hoist a few. Those can be fun!
I've had well over 230 rounds of treatment so I know the grind and it is a grind.
I can't speak for how well TCM or juicing works but there is more to medicine than just pharmaceutical drugs. If something is not working then I agree, it's a good idea to seek out something else. But if something is touted as too good to be true, it probably is so use your head.
On another note, you should be able to get SSDI (social security disability insurance). They do tend to fast track it too. See, cancer's not ALL bad!
-phil0 -
chemo foreverPhillieG said:Chemo and more chemo. Enough to make you want to puke!
Hi Deb, I am the Phil John referred to. I go to Sloan Kettering in NYC. I've been fortunate to have a very good Onc and team. At first I was not operable due to liver mets being on my hepatic artery but I went on Avastin for 5 months and that shrunk them so I became operable. That was over 6 years ago. In February it will be 7 years since DX. I'm still dealing with small spots in my lungs that we've been able to remove via RFA (radio frequency ablation) which is a very simple procedure where they stick a needle into the tumor and heat it up which in turn dissolves it. I don't even have to stay in the hospital overnight. Yes, the chemo sucks. I tend to go on it for a while then off for a while. It gets old but then after feeling crappy for a bunch of days I feel OK for a week and a bit so that's not a bad deal. I totally understand the pity party stuff. I go there once in a while. Sometimes I'll have my pity party at a bar and hoist a few. Those can be fun!
I've had well over 230 rounds of treatment so I know the grind and it is a grind.
I can't speak for how well TCM or juicing works but there is more to medicine than just pharmaceutical drugs. If something is not working then I agree, it's a good idea to seek out something else. But if something is touted as too good to be true, it probably is so use your head.
On another note, you should be able to get SSDI (social security disability insurance). They do tend to fast track it too. See, cancer's not ALL bad!
-phil
Thank you one and all for your thoughts, concerns and suggestions.
I do currently receive SSDI and it helps greatly. It does replace a little over half of what my take home pay was when I worked. Thing is I worked every bit of overtime at my job so tended to bring home considerably more. I'm just a working stiff mostly factory or like my last job at a major distribution center. Jobs in these places are usually physical and reguire a lot of stamina because of the repetitiveness of the job. Also reguires you to be on your feet and moving most of the time.
As to FMLA I was on FMLA untill Feb. of this year. I could have gone on to what is called intermitent FMLA and I did try to go back to work but the FOLFOX was causing so much neuropathy and extreme fatigue I couldn't even focus or hold my head up some days. The neuropathy got so bad at one point I could no longer walk with out help. Fell down more than a few times trying to do things myself. So since I was unable to perform my job I was terminated.Believe me when I tell you I do not miss the FOLFOX at all. Being on Iriontecan and Vectibix has been a walk in the park by comparison.
Yes it is hard to tell a employer why you can't work certain days without giving an explination. I am fortunate that the center I go to does infusions Monday thru Friday and till 2pm on Saturdays. My oncologist only sees patients Monday thru Thursday. I see her once every month on wednesdays.Since I have a nearly hours drive to get there I do onc appts and chemo on same days. The weeks I don't see onc I just go have labs and chemo always on wednesday as that has been my schedule since starting chemo. So that requires me to miss every other wednesday if I was working. Also the fact that I have lost my hair just screams cancer to most people.
I have often thought of looking for training for different type job but have no clue what else I would want to do. Jobs are so hard to come by these days that even with further training I could be passed over for a more healthy candidate.
I have rambled on enough about my problems but wanted you all to know that I do appreciate all of the things you have mentioned and it gives me more to think about.
You all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the great weather. At least I hope the weather is great where you all are, it has been fantastic here. Much love to all.
Deb0 -
This comment has been removed by the ModeratorPhillieG said:Chemo and more chemo. Enough to make you want to puke!
Hi Deb, I am the Phil John referred to. I go to Sloan Kettering in NYC. I've been fortunate to have a very good Onc and team. At first I was not operable due to liver mets being on my hepatic artery but I went on Avastin for 5 months and that shrunk them so I became operable. That was over 6 years ago. In February it will be 7 years since DX. I'm still dealing with small spots in my lungs that we've been able to remove via RFA (radio frequency ablation) which is a very simple procedure where they stick a needle into the tumor and heat it up which in turn dissolves it. I don't even have to stay in the hospital overnight. Yes, the chemo sucks. I tend to go on it for a while then off for a while. It gets old but then after feeling crappy for a bunch of days I feel OK for a week and a bit so that's not a bad deal. I totally understand the pity party stuff. I go there once in a while. Sometimes I'll have my pity party at a bar and hoist a few. Those can be fun!
I've had well over 230 rounds of treatment so I know the grind and it is a grind.
I can't speak for how well TCM or juicing works but there is more to medicine than just pharmaceutical drugs. If something is not working then I agree, it's a good idea to seek out something else. But if something is touted as too good to be true, it probably is so use your head.
On another note, you should be able to get SSDI (social security disability insurance). They do tend to fast track it too. See, cancer's not ALL bad!
-phil0 -
HOS...HeartofSoul said:Next time I talk or see a
Next time I talk or see a patient with an advanced diagnoses of lung, melanoma, liver, breast, brain, lymphoma, pancreatic, anal, throat, kidney, leukemia, bone, or ovarian cancer including 100 other types, I’ll tell them in order to survive and be cured, you need herbal broths & other herbs. I’m sure they will forego all western medical treatments, cancel the appt's with their doctors, and write a scathing article on the barbaric, ruthless, and impotent cancer practices that the top doctors and staff at MD Anderson, UCLA, Mayo, Memorial Sloan Kettering, John Hopkins, and Dana Farber medical centers use daily. Ill also tell them that its one massive, calculated conspiracy that our medical professionals in the cancer field such as doctors & scientists vow to perpetuate the Great Deception onto an unsuspecting public.
If you see patients that have been on every form of chemo imaginable,
and it unfortunately just isn't working for them.... are you still going to
encourage them to continue down that path that's been failing them?
You're not the one that's losing the battle.....
I don't "judge" anyone - but those that put their prejudiced beliefs
ahead of a true desire to help, just don't weigh too heavily on
my personal scale of honor and integrity.
Do yourself a major favor, and learn something about a science
that's thousands of years old, has helped billions upon billions of
people for that entire time, and continues to be practiced today
in the best of hospitals around the world.
Treating western medicine as if it's some sort of religion not to
be questioned, is foolish at the least; there -are- other alternatives.
Best of health.....
John0 -
I'll for the Guinness record for pints of Guinness!unknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
I'm sure people have done more than me. I do attribute the treatments to keeping me from getting colds. Germs do not stand a chance in my body, I rarely get sick and I've never had even low blood counts so I always am able to get treatments.
Kathy, I hope you (or anyone else) does not have to do as many treatments. I hope your cancer is long gone before that.0
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