I just can't believe this is happening----

AngieD
AngieD Member Posts: 493
in Esophageal Cancer #1
This has not been a good news week for us.

My husband, Larry, Stage IV EC, after 7 rounds of chemo, minimal side effects, and improving scans had a PET and CT on Tuesday. Today we got the results. If our oncologist had only ordered a CT scan, the results would have been considered good and all stable. However, the PET showed increased activity in some of the lymph nodes and one suspicious bone place. So, it's good we have that information sooner rather than later. She said since he is doing and feeling well and has tolerated the chemo so well, there are several choices. One is for a Clincal Trial with Taxol and a 50% chance of getting an Antibody drug with it. He wants to do this if he qualifies and filled out the forms.

Our son and his wife in WA, who have 3 girls (12, 9, and 2) are expecting twins. They had another cardiac sonogram done on Tuesday, also, and it looks like one of the twins definitely has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) which will require at least 3 surgeries or a heart transplant.

I had a mammogram 2 weeks ago and was called back for a sonogram and then for a biopsy. Results today: invasive ductal carcinoma. Now, I'm on the whirlwind track of phone calls and appointments for additional testing like the EC staging. I just cannot seem to process this last piece of news. All my mind comes up with when I think about it is, "I just can't believe this is happening." The only semi-rational thought I've managed (not fear, not worry, not exhaustive research as in the other 2 cases) is "If I have to have chemo that makes me lose my hair, I better cancel the appointment I have to get my hair highlighted the middle of the month and save that money." And Larry and I did have a giggles attack waiting for my oncologist appointment this afternoon, when we said if we both lost our hair (which he hasn't yet), we should get matching dreadlocks wigs.

Don't know if any of you are dealing with both partners having health crises(hope you're not) but any suggestions would be welcomed.

Hoping for better news for all of us and all of you in 2012!

Angie
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Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • sangora
    sangora Member Posts: 213
    #3
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    We Have A Saying
    In the South we have a saying," The good Lord never gives us more to bare than we can carry." In your case I imagine the load is getting pretty heavy. I am so sorry to hear all this. I hope your situation turns out to be less a problem than now thought. That does happen. All I can say is just take a deep breath, deal with this stuff one step at the time and know that you have a lot of support from all of us. We can't take this away, but we are here for you. Sam
  • GerryS
    GerryS Member Posts: 227 Member
    #4
    You have my thoughts and prayers............
    This is not the way we wanted to end this year. We will pray for improvement so 2012 is a better health year for your family.

    Gerry
  • MissusB
    MissusB Member Posts: 111
    #5
    GerryS said:

    You have my thoughts and prayers............
    This is not the way we wanted to end this year. We will pray for improvement so 2012 is a better health year for your family.

    Gerry

    One day at a time, Angie...
    I am praying for your family. Love to you all - Kim
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #6
    MissusB said:

    One day at a time, Angie...
    I am praying for your family. Love to you all - Kim

    just heartbreaking
    Dear Angie,
    Just so sorry to hear all of this and you still have your sense of humor. It is way too much to process all at once. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and hope that this all turns out for the good. Hugs from afar. take care,
    Donna70
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #7
    Wow
    What incredible news. From the sound of your message you have an upbeat attitude. This is very important! And, you haven't lost your sense of humor! Amazing what can been seen in the fetus! God bless you all.
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #8
    What an overwhelming way to
    What an overwhelming way to start the new year. Praying for you and your family.
    Sandra
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #10
    What a bright spirit!!
    May God continue to give you strength and comfort. I just don't know what to say. Prayers for you, your husband, and your entire family. When you face such overwhelming news, it is numbing. I hope your spirits remain strong as you deal with the everyday strains of getting through this time. BMGky
  • casp42
    casp42 Member Posts: 79
    #11
    BMGky said:

    What a bright spirit!!
    May God continue to give you strength and comfort. I just don't know what to say. Prayers for you, your husband, and your entire family. When you face such overwhelming news, it is numbing. I hope your spirits remain strong as you deal with the everyday strains of getting through this time. BMGky

    Prayers
    Prayers to you and your family.

    Carolyn
  • bingbing2009
    bingbing2009 Member Posts: 177
    #12
    When it rains...
    Angie,
    I am so sorry to read this news. How totally overwhelmed you must be feeling. However, despite it all, you still maintain your sense of humor. What a wonderful inspiration you are to all.
    You will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this new journey. My best to you.

    Melinda
  • JaneO
    JaneO Member Posts: 40
    #13
    Angie,
    So sorry to hear your
    Angie,

    So sorry to hear your news. It must seem so surreal. Getting all this news all at once. Definately take it one day at a time. Sending strength and prayers to get you and your family through your struggles. Try to maintain that sense of humor!
    Jane
  • JReed
    JReed Member Posts: 428
    #14
    Good Lord!
    Dear Angie:

    I cannot believe your news. Our prayers and thoughts to all of you. When the burden is so heavy - give it to God - He will be with you.

    Love,
    Judy & Don
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #15
    I am so sorry
    Angie,

    I am so very sorry to hear your latest news. I am sure you are beginning to wonder how much one person can manage? At least you and Larry have maintained a sense of humor in light of all that has happened. You can be sure you both will be in my daily prayers.


    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
  • Daisylin
    Daisylin Member Posts: 365
    #16
    paul61 said:

    I am so sorry
    Angie,

    I am so very sorry to hear your latest news. I am sure you are beginning to wonder how much one person can manage? At least you and Larry have maintained a sense of humor in light of all that has happened. You can be sure you both will be in my daily prayers.


    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams
    McCormick, South Carolina

    DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
    12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
    2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Two year survivor

    Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

    oh boy.....
    Angie, I am so very sorry to hear of all the news you have been dealt lately. Please don't forget to take care of yourself, and let others take care of you too. You are so courageous and fabulous. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through right now, and I pray that you find the strength to move forward every day, and face all your challenges head on, with determination and bravery. I've often heard that the Lord does not give you more than you can handle, but it hardly seems fair for one family to have to face so much. I have no words to say how sad I am for you.

    I am so glad to hear that you are trying to maintain a sense of humour through it all. I would love to see pictures of you and Larry with your matching hair-do!

    Be well,
    Chantal
  • megmacmd
    megmacmd Member Posts: 85
    #17
    Health Crisis
    Glad to see you have a sense of humor Thats what it takes. I lost my dad mom and sister to cancer within 4 years and then my husband of 30 years (childhood sweethearts) died in the midst of a sudden brain aneursym then I got diagnosed with stage 3b/4 ec My kids are still reeling as well as myself.But we still laugh alot. As a pediatrician the hypoplastic left heart of the twin really hit me. The good news is they actually can treat it now not so when I first started practice.I actually met a 5 year old the other day who had a transplant and is doing well. Miracles happen. So sorry to hear about the breast cancer diagnosis but it definately beats EC my mom lived until 85 after her diagnosis at 60 Breast cancer has soo much research and good outcomes behind it. best of luck in the New year Meg Mac
  • Nutren2.0
    Nutren2.0 Member Posts: 3
    #18
    :(
    So sorry you are going thru all this Angie. I hope the best for you and here for you if you you need to chat.

    ~td
  • AngieD
    AngieD Member Posts: 493
    #19
    Nutren2.0 said:

    :(
    So sorry you are going thru all this Angie. I hope the best for you and here for you if you you need to chat.

    ~td

    Thank you all SO much for
    Thank you all SO much for your suggestions, good wishes, and prayers!! Your cyber caring really feels so good and comforting.

    Yes, Meg, you make good points. I suspect I'm going to find a lot more resources for breast cancer than there are for EC. And, there are amazing options for Eliana. Our son and DIL have been in touch with other parents whose babies were born with HPLHS. Some have followed the Norwood 3 surgeries path and others have had transplants. The success rate is amazing. Babies are so resilient.

    We're very grateful for caring doctors, relatives and friends and advances in medicine that weren't available very long ago. And, of course, we're all hoping for some more advances SOON for the treatment of EC.

    Angie
  • nickgunboat
    nickgunboat Member Posts: 35
    #20
    Hi Angie
    I'm sorry to hear about this triple whammy in your lives. I can relate. As I was finishing my treatment, if there ever is a finish, my wife was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. We of course ran through all the emotions, well mostly just anger. This disease is a relentless monster. She has since gone through radiation and surgery and is doing fine. I think you guys are on the right track as far as a sense of humor is concerned. We laughed at the idea that we now have a family oncologist! Crazy and unfair, but you have to laugh at it every now and then. Best of luck to you both and to your new grandchild.

    Kirk
    T3N2M0
    DX 03.09
    six wks chemo and rad
    esophagectomy 07.09
    Dr. Tom DeMeester/ USC
  • jss2011
    jss2011 Member Posts: 132
    #21
    nickgunboat said:

    Hi Angie
    I'm sorry to hear about this triple whammy in your lives. I can relate. As I was finishing my treatment, if there ever is a finish, my wife was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. We of course ran through all the emotions, well mostly just anger. This disease is a relentless monster. She has since gone through radiation and surgery and is doing fine. I think you guys are on the right track as far as a sense of humor is concerned. We laughed at the idea that we now have a family oncologist! Crazy and unfair, but you have to laugh at it every now and then. Best of luck to you both and to your new grandchild.

    Kirk
    T3N2M0
    DX 03.09
    six wks chemo and rad
    esophagectomy 07.09
    Dr. Tom DeMeester/ USC

    Angie
    I am so sorry you are going through all this, dealing with one health crisis is surely enough. Attitude plays a big role so try and keep the sense of humor. Your family will be in my prayers.

    Julie

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