Hodgkins, breast cancer, double heart valve replacement now colorectal cancer

jab4479 · October 2011

When I was 11 I had hodgkins and had radiation to the chest my spleen removed. When I was 13 had a reaccurance and had chemo (mop). Did very good til 38 had breast cancer had breast removed and chemo. Had implants done to feel better. At age 43 needed a double heart valve replacement. I have been trying to get disability. My husband passed October 25, 2010 lost medical insurance November 1, 2010. Was denied disability January 2011. Did get a lawyer. Now September 13, 2011 found out I have colorectal cancer. They say a T3 so I need chemo and radiation for 6 weeks heal 6 weeks the surgery heal six weeks and more chemo. But with the heart deal people do not want to take my case for surgery. I am to get a port a cath in on October 20 my 45th birthday. It all makes me want to give up

fatmomma · October 2011

Don't give up!
Sounds like you been a fighter most of your life and a pretty damn good one. DON'T GIVE UP! I will be praying for you.

thingy45 · October 2011

Never give up. I am sure
Never give up. I am sure that somewhere you will find the strength and the courage to go on.
You know what has to be done. I see it like cleaning a very dirty bathroom, get going, one step at the time and before long.... shining results.
Leaning how to ride a bike, or learning how to swim was not easy either. Living with cancer is something like that. Jump in and peddle as fast as you can. We here are standing at the shore and egging you on step by step.
So get going.
Hugs, Marjan

herdizziness · October 2011

Oh My Dear
You have made it through Hodgkins, Breast Cancer, heart valve replacement, the loss of your husband and now you want to give up?
You my dear are a fighter, and have been a fighter before you were a teenager, you won't give up, you've been through so much already and still came out on top. Compared to what you've been through previously, this isn't a mountain you have to move, it's a mere mole hole. I've got complete faith in you that you will once again conquer that which is before you.
We're here for you, we'll "hold your hand" through this.
Of course with your heart valve replacements you've probably been put on blood thinners and this would be a consideration for other surgeries, but I know that people have had surgeries after your procedure you've had. Of course they have to take antibiotics before and after and other special considerations, but...I think you need to have a heart to heart with your surgeon and see if there are other more experienced surgeons that have dealt with people that have been in your same type of position.
My heart goes out to you.
Winter Marie

ddpekks · October 2011

I know you want to give up....
But, you know you won't give up. You are a fighter and much stronger than many people to get this far.

My DH is 70 and went through the same colo/rectal surgery that you are facing. After his first chemo/rad regime, his pacemaker quit and he was rushed into surgery for a replacement. (There's a whole nother story that goes with that, including stupid dr's that dropped the ball.) The surgeon was hesitant to operate after that, but did his research, took precautions, and plowed ahead. He is in his second chemo regime and stuggling everyday, but he's pushing through it.

You are only 45 and have been through so much, but you have so much more living to do. Take it from an old man (teehee, I'm the only one that can call him that) that life is worth it.

And lean on these good people here to help you through it. I'm a caregiver that reads every posts because they have so much to offer here. Good luck to you and my thoughts and prayers will be going out for you.

((((((hugs))))))
Deb

maglets · October 2011

heavy
oh you poor thing....that is indeed a heavy heavy history of disease and Winter marie is right you have been fighting for a very long time////i can understand your desire to say...enough I give up.

I also doubt very much that you will do that....you have fought too hard and too long.

The colon struggle will be like the others....you can just do it in little bits...one day at a time. Good...you are getting your port...that's a step...

Happy birthday for the 20th...you are so young....so much left for you

and there are lots of old codgers and survivors here to help with this next journey....haha old codgers like me

welcome and please let us heplp

with deep love......maggie

laurettas · October 2011

Hodgkins also
My husband had Hodgkins also but he was 24 at the time. I know what you went through with MOPP. That is a tough chemo for sure. Must have been really rough when you were so young.

I am very sorry that you have had to go through all of this. It is hard when you know what you are facing since you have done it several times before, isn't it? All I can say is that the chemo for colon cancer is much easier than MOPP and they have drugs that control almost all of the nausea.

If you are like us, the anticipation is really depressing but once you get started, it becomes the new normal and you just deal with each issue as it arrives. That makes all of it easier to handle somehow. Hang in there and grab the rope--there are lots of us here taking the same path as you. We just pull each other along!

Annabelle41415 · October 2011

Wow
You have been through so much, but like the others have said, you are a fighter and this is another fight you have to battle, but it can be won. You obviously have gotten through all your other ordeals and this one you will too. Come here often and let out your feelings. We are always here for everybody and can offer much support and you once again embark on another journey in your life. You are too young to give up. We are here for you.

Kim

Hodgkins, breast cancer, double heart valve replacement now colorectal cancer

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