CHEMOSMOKER IS DOING MUCH BETTER THAN ORIGINALLY THOUGHT NOW....OH OH....

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chemosmoker
chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
edited November 2011 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Well after MANY wonderful and caring responses to my thought-to-be horrid condition change with Ascites and the fluid buildup and what I *thought* was the end being so near (maybe had a little to do with Lee's passing and conditions surrounding it), the "NEW" Florida Hospice staff AND doctor (yes the hospice doctors here make house calls and come to YOU on a weekly basis and thoroughly check you out) came out and he does NOT feel that this is a case of sudden or at least not fast liver failure and/or Ascites. The swelling in my ankles has gone down considerably after two nights resting with my feet properly elevated, and so forth, he felt and listened to my belly and echo tested the supposed fluid buildup and so forth, and he does NOT feel that this is the situation we thought it was.

So, I am leaving the original post below as it was, but I felt it very important to update this post with some really good news.
I cannot begin to tell you just how much my spirits have been lifted by this visit and this news today. I feel like I have a new lease on life and possibly a good deal more time here with you all, and with Michelle, and at the beach with more sand in my toes!

That's it for now. Comments welcome. Wasn't sure if I should just start a NEW post abut this change or not. What do you all think?
God bless you ALL, my EC family here, for the love and the family support!
-Eric

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ORIGINAL POST:
Hello to all my EC friends. I have some bad news and just some news to report now.
We are here in Florida of course and the new Hospice nurse just left after a FOUR HOUR visit and intake process (Tennessee's was 1 5 minute process by comparison) and now I am signed up with them. Now, on to the serious news side of things:

I have Ascites in my abdominal cavity and my ankles are swollen to the point that I cannot see them. My bowel movement was white the other night and I panicked. My Oncologist explained that it is okay and she was right, it passed and now they are normal and I am okay for now. It just means the signs that my liver is beginning to fail are present now.

So, for a shorter than normal post for now, I want everyone to know that tomorrow I am going to the beach and I am going to begin to REALLY begin to take time serious and watch ad be mindful of my body and well-being.


I will post more soon, tonight.

I love you all. I am alright, for now. Weeks left, not days or hours so don't panic (worse than me at least) yet.

God bless,
Eric
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Comments

  • MissusB
    MissusB Member Posts: 111
    #2
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    So sorry to hear this, Eric and Michelle.
    But you have us all praying for you both. Enjoy your time in the sun and please keep us posted. Sending love to you and Michelle - Kim
  • rose20
    rose20 Member Posts: 258
    #3
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    Eric...
    Eric, you told me to keep you all posted on my brother and I so thank you for that but hey, you better keep me posted on your condition because I have really been following your postings here since I know you opted out of chemo.
    My heart breaks for you about the ascites in the abdominal cavity. I am so sorry to hear about this.
    Yes, enjoy your time in Florida!!
    Prayers are going up for you and your wife right now!!
    May God bless and keep you!
    rose
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #4
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    rose20 said:

    Eric...
    Eric, you told me to keep you all posted on my brother and I so thank you for that but hey, you better keep me posted on your condition because I have really been following your postings here since I know you opted out of chemo.
    My heart breaks for you about the ascites in the abdominal cavity. I am so sorry to hear about this.
    Yes, enjoy your time in Florida!!
    Prayers are going up for you and your wife right now!!
    May God bless and keep you!
    rose

    It probably doesn't need to
    It probably doesn't need to be said that you and Michelle are in our hearts, minds, thoughts and prayers. Nevertheless I'll say it anyway... you two are in our hearts, minds, thoughts and prayers.
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #5
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    Strength & Prayers to you both!
    Eric & Michelle,

    You are in our every thought and prayer. Enjoy the sunshine, make good use of your time in the sun. Dance in the surf for us land-locked Iowans....

    I wish you wonderful, warm days, happy star filled nights and no pain. Keep Michelle's hand in your yours and all will be okay. She knows how to love you and what you need, Eric. You know that.

    Peace to you both! Love and hugs from miles away,

    Terry
  • NikiMo
    NikiMo Member Posts: 342
    #6
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    Eric enjoy the Florida sunshine
    Eric,

    I am so very sorry to hear of the new complications you are facing. You and Michelle have fought this battle on your terms, and I know she will not let you fail at that task. May you have many walks hand in hand and watch the beautiful sunsets or sunrises, depending on which coast you have settled on daily. We love you both very much and wish peace for you both.

    With big hugs for you both,

    Niki
  • birdiequeen
    birdiequeen Member Posts: 319
    #7
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    dearest Eric,
    Thank you for
    dearest Eric,

    Thank you for up dating us. Take this time to be with your family fully. Find that freedam feeling!

    you will be in our prayers as you have been.

    Take Care,
    Lee Ann
  • sangora
    sangora Member Posts: 213
    #8
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    birdiequeen said:

    dearest Eric,
    Thank you for
    dearest Eric,

    Thank you for up dating us. Take this time to be with your family fully. Find that freedam feeling!

    you will be in our prayers as you have been.

    Take Care,
    Lee Ann

    We can't control the future
    Eric non of us can control the future. I am so sorry to hear of this development. Spent these weeks enjoying the days, your wife and your family. Spend time doing what is important to you while you feel up to it. Never look back. Praying you have a great trip, Sam
  • Cora11
    Cora11 Member Posts: 173
    #9
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    sangora said:

    We can't control the future
    Eric non of us can control the future. I am so sorry to hear of this development. Spent these weeks enjoying the days, your wife and your family. Spend time doing what is important to you while you feel up to it. Never look back. Praying you have a great trip, Sam

    Eric and Michelle
    Enjoy each day, and all that it brings. You have so many people here wishing you joy and beauty and peace.
    Cora
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #10
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #11
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  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #12
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    I was wondering the same
    I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully, the ankle swelling is from the long car trip. Hope you have a wonderful trip. Your postings are so helpful and your straight forward discussion tells the situation like it is. Prayers for you all. BMGky
  • mardigras
    mardigras Member Posts: 215 Member
    #13
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    Hello Eric
    Thank you so much for posting and updating everyone.
    We all care very much for you and hope that it's just the trip that is making your legs swell. I will pray really hard that it is and you will be able to enjoy the sun on your back and the ocean at your feet for much longer than you ever imagined.
    Put your arms around your precious wife and enjoy your precious life because you are here today.
    Tomorrow is a mystery for all of us and our prayers and love are with you.
    Enjoy!!
    Prayers and hugs
    Marci x
  • annalan
    annalan Member Posts: 138
    #14
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    How I wish I had a magic
    How I wish I had a magic wand and could make you well again. But of course that can never be. I can just pray that you and Michelle enjoy your time together making magical memories to last forever.
    Ann (2)
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365
    #15
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    annalan said:

    How I wish I had a magic
    How I wish I had a magic wand and could make you well again. But of course that can never be. I can just pray that you and Michelle enjoy your time together making magical memories to last forever.
    Ann (2)

    Eric
    I am so glad that you are in Florida, enjoying the sunny, sandy beaches. Please enjoy every second of it, and all your time spent with friends and family.

    Lee's swelling got pretty bad towards the end, and a few things that the physiotherapist recommended was to keep the legs elevated, above the heart, as well as to do some simple exercises, moving the feet up and down as often as you are able and, from a sitting position- straighten your legs out as high as you can lift them.

    We don't know what the future will bring, but I hope that you are blessed with QUALITY time, and lots of it.

    On this, the day of Lee's funeral, I can't help but be so sad to read your post, but know that Lee is watching over you, and that I love you and Michelle. Your strength and support for me has been something that I will never forget, and I hope I can return the favour.

    be well, lots of love
    Chantal
  • megmacmd
    megmacmd Member Posts: 85
    #16
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    Daisylin said:

    Eric
    I am so glad that you are in Florida, enjoying the sunny, sandy beaches. Please enjoy every second of it, and all your time spent with friends and family.

    Lee's swelling got pretty bad towards the end, and a few things that the physiotherapist recommended was to keep the legs elevated, above the heart, as well as to do some simple exercises, moving the feet up and down as often as you are able and, from a sitting position- straighten your legs out as high as you can lift them.

    We don't know what the future will bring, but I hope that you are blessed with QUALITY time, and lots of it.

    On this, the day of Lee's funeral, I can't help but be so sad to read your post, but know that Lee is watching over you, and that I love you and Michelle. Your strength and support for me has been something that I will never forget, and I hope I can return the favour.

    be well, lots of love
    Chantal

    Lees Funeral
    My heart soul and prayers are with you on this day May the peace of God or whatever higher power there is be with you. You were the most awesome caretaker and may you find a peace within you to get through thisIm sure more than enough tears have been shed hopefuly some smiles among them given what a great laugher Lee was Wish there were something to make it better but my husband used to say dieing is a part of living and I try to remember that.Hold your family closeand do take care of yourself As I said before a grief coucelor and group really helped me through.Still think of AJ everyday and usualy smile at his antics soo many As they say better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.This is a terrible disease and so tricky he was so young (and good looking) hard tomake any sense out of it.You are welcome to call any hour Im usually up at home or the hospital757-641-2951 hope to work as long as possible with the babies the bring so much into this like.I have chosen to stop chemo and let what comes come tough decision but makes sense quality is what counts not living in a hospital bed you did all there was to do and did it with grace and dignity may that help you through,Widow to Widow is a great book best to you and yours and thank you for sharing your experiece with those of us left struggling take care Meg McIntyre
  • jojoshort
    jojoshort Member Posts: 230 Member
    #17
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    Eric and Michelle
    Hearts are with you, find the sun and the joy in each day. None of us has a guarantee on life and love, and it's a gift to have both as you do. Your spirit is amazing. Live Life/Love Life.
    Jo-Ann
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #18
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    jojoshort said:

    Eric and Michelle
    Hearts are with you, find the sun and the joy in each day. None of us has a guarantee on life and love, and it's a gift to have both as you do. Your spirit is amazing. Live Life/Love Life.
    Jo-Ann

    love you Eric and Michelle
    My hubby asks why do I go on this board everyday and then get upset when I tell him what is happening and today I cried when I read your post Eric. I am happy you are in Florida and hope you and Michelle have great moments in the sun and salty air. But I am beyond sad at all we have seen on this board and I have loved all your posts and your wise advice to all. Well I told my hubby, because I love these people they are family to me and it breaks my heart to see so many have to struggle so. For those of us lucky enough to survive for what ever time we have, we owe it to all of you who have had much worse struggles than us to pay back whenever and wherever we can and not to take one moment of time our maker has given us for granted. Eric, I hope we will get more posts but for now just enjoy the sun, water and sand. many hugs,
    Donna70
  • ritawaite13
    ritawaite13 Member Posts: 236
    #19
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    Nothing to add
    The people who have posted before me have said it all and eloquently at that!
    Hugs to you both!
    Love Rita
  • fredswilma
    fredswilma Member Posts: 185
    #20
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    Eric & Michelle
    Thinking of you both, enjoy your time at the beach, the beach is my place of refuge, there is nothing better than the feel of sand between your toes and the cool of the sea, we live on the West coast (NZ) and its really rough and furious nothing better.
    I'm sorry that symptoms are becoming more problematic, EC is a right sh....t, it hurts to watch good people having to live with so much physical pain and discomfort and the knowledge that there is damn all we can do about it.
    As you both know everyday is a gift, enjoy each other and your family, enjoy the feel of the sun on your back, you will both be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Ann
  • megmacmd
    megmacmd Member Posts: 85
    #21
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    Keep a Going
    My dad always said to keep a going and I live by that enjoy life to the fulest no matter how long or short.I admire you in your decsion not to do chemo I too as a stage 4a/b who really knows opted out They gave me 6months to a year in March am still working and able to eat after I stopped chemo that left me sick no appetite numb toes Im soo glad you can enjoy the beach I live at Va beach Va and the beach is my solitude. You have an amzing caregiver and that is the best life can give hopiced my mom dad and sister through cancer pain control is the key Lost my wingman bestfriend soulmate 3 years ago to a sudden brain aneursym you never know Fortunately I have 3 great children to get me through and yours will get your loving wife through. Iworry about my youngest who lost his dad grandmother and grandfather in his junior year of high school He is a third year at UVA his sisters are older and established in thier lives hopefully they will get him through my final dyas Hope your children are all OK what a great legacy to leave they will make it through with your awesome wife I hope she takes care of herself and has lots of support.I wish you great comfort in your final journey may it be swift and pain free and may your family be protected and loved good luck Meg mcIntyre my prayers are with you and your family

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