Too long!!

SueRelays
SueRelays Member Posts: 485

Hi...for those of you who remember me!

I was on Facebook the othe day and saw a picture of Joanne Smith Duke pop up and i was getting on the comments to say how nice it was to see her face!  I had no idea of her passing last year.  One of her friends was nice enough to email me the details .  I was so sooo sorry to hear.  Joanne started this site at the time I was diagnosed with anal cancer.  What a wonderful gift she has left all of us!   I don't need to tell you all how wonderful this site is, as you are all experiencing the suport, comfort, and comraderie found here.  I had left the site, after moving on to other primary cancers.  My anal cancer had spread to my liver, but was successfully removed going on 3 years ago.  2 years ago I ended up with breast cancer, and have since recovered successfully from that.  So I have popped around on different cacner discussion boards, and then eventually didn't visit at all, with work, life, etc.  It was nice to see some familiar faces when I popped in today.  I saw that someone had asked about me, so thought I would update.  Feeling great, strong and forever hopefull that this journey is behind...haha...forgot we all used that term on this site...me!!

 

Wish you all well and am so glad that Joanne left us with this amazing gift!!!

 

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Hi Sue!

    My jaw dropped when I saw you had posted on here!  It's great to see you back here, even if it's just for an update.  I know you've been through the wringer, but as per your FB photos, you are looking mighty fine and I'm so glad you are doing well! 

    It was very sad when we lost Joanne.  She was the trailblazer for this support group and fought hard to get it established.  We all owe her a great deal of thanks.  If it has helped just one person, it is priceless.  However, I know it has helped many! 

    Now as far you go, Missy, stay healthy and happy and come back here once in awhile.  I miss you! 

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    Sue

    Hi Sue,

    So glad to see your post, I tried to find out about you on the breast cancer discussion board, but saw you hadn't updated for a while.  You have been through a lot and I'm so happy you are fine now.  I think that proves that if the cancer is caught early it is highly curable.  I also had lung cancer which was caught eary and removed on 9-23-10 and so far so good.  6-30-9 I completed tx for the anal cancer and so far so good with that.  I feel very fortunate.

    I am so glad Joanne started this discussion board for all of us, it has helped so many people.

    Keep us posted and I wish you continued good health.

    Lori

     

     

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Hi Sue

    "Too Long" got me retro-thinking back to the 70's....

    Wolf Brand Chili used to run an ad that asked...."How long has it been since you had a big steamin' bowl of Wolf Brand chili?"

    And the announcer would say...."Well, that's 'Too Long'", LOL!

    I'm glad you are doing so well...you've certainly made the sacrificies and paid the freight to get you to where you are.  Keep up the good work.

    I don't post here often...but check in periodically and look for some blasts from the past:)

  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485
    Sundanceh said:

    Hi Sue

    "Too Long" got me retro-thinking back to the 70's....

    Wolf Brand Chili used to run an ad that asked...."How long has it been since you had a big steamin' bowl of Wolf Brand chili?"

    And the announcer would say...."Well, that's 'Too Long'", LOL!

    I'm glad you are doing so well...you've certainly made the sacrificies and paid the freight to get you to where you are.  Keep up the good work.

    I don't post here often...but check in periodically and look for some blasts from the past:)

    So great to see you 3 long

    So great to see you 3 long timers!!!  Such dedication!  I am sure so many have benefited from your constant support and knowledge.

    Lori, sorry to hear about the lung.  This crazy cancer dciding to land wherever it feels like it!  I agree, early detection is so important.  The lung cancer is such a scary one, becasue normally there are no signs until it is so far along!   Great news to hear they caught yours early and you are doing well!

    And Mr Sundance :).....did you get that book out??    Always enjoy your words....so creative!

    Martha the relentless runner!!  Keep on keepin on my friend.  Sure hope our paths cross some day!!

     

     

     

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    SueRelays said:

    So great to see you 3 long

    So great to see you 3 long timers!!!  Such dedication!  I am sure so many have benefited from your constant support and knowledge.

    Lori, sorry to hear about the lung.  This crazy cancer dciding to land wherever it feels like it!  I agree, early detection is so important.  The lung cancer is such a scary one, becasue normally there are no signs until it is so far along!   Great news to hear they caught yours early and you are doing well!

    And Mr Sundance :).....did you get that book out??    Always enjoy your words....so creative!

    Martha the relentless runner!!  Keep on keepin on my friend.  Sure hope our paths cross some day!!

     

     

     

    Sue

    If I have anything to say about it, our paths WILL cross!  Take care, my friend!

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    SueRelays said:

    So great to see you 3 long

    So great to see you 3 long timers!!!  Such dedication!  I am sure so many have benefited from your constant support and knowledge.

    Lori, sorry to hear about the lung.  This crazy cancer dciding to land wherever it feels like it!  I agree, early detection is so important.  The lung cancer is such a scary one, becasue normally there are no signs until it is so far along!   Great news to hear they caught yours early and you are doing well!

    And Mr Sundance :).....did you get that book out??    Always enjoy your words....so creative!

    Martha the relentless runner!!  Keep on keepin on my friend.  Sure hope our paths cross some day!!

     

     

     

    Sue Part Deux:)

    Hey gal

    No, I haven't gotten the book published...things are changing and I might end up self-publishing, as I don't think it would end up going mainstream.

    However, Coping magazine did accept my manuscript for the Big Billy story....they will publish that story somewhere between September 2013 - January 2014.  They took a chance on me and re-edited my story so that it could fit in their magazine...took out a couple of my brushstrokes:)

    I'll let you know when I hear of the publish date...I believe it will be available online to see. 

    It was really exciting news for about 2 days.....and then I got word about my 4th recurrence...and it doesn't look good upfront.  So, that news stole the thunder from my publishing story, which I worked so hard far and was fortunate to finally be accepted.

    Rectal cancer is a tough cancer as you know....still #2 on the board....I had hopes that I would walk away...I'm in such pain right now, it's hard to type and if this was my last communique with you, I just wanted you to know, because you have always been so nice and supportive to me. 

    I've stopped in here with the hopes that I'd run across you....I know you've been board happening...and it was nice to see your post. 

    Congrats on the all clear...and keep it that way....doctor's orders:)

    Love/Craig

  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    Sue Part Deux:)

    Hey gal

    No, I haven't gotten the book published...things are changing and I might end up self-publishing, as I don't think it would end up going mainstream.

    However, Coping magazine did accept my manuscript for the Big Billy story....they will publish that story somewhere between September 2013 - January 2014.  They took a chance on me and re-edited my story so that it could fit in their magazine...took out a couple of my brushstrokes:)

    I'll let you know when I hear of the publish date...I believe it will be available online to see. 

    It was really exciting news for about 2 days.....and then I got word about my 4th recurrence...and it doesn't look good upfront.  So, that news stole the thunder from my publishing story, which I worked so hard far and was fortunate to finally be accepted.

    Rectal cancer is a tough cancer as you know....still #2 on the board....I had hopes that I would walk away...I'm in such pain right now, it's hard to type and if this was my last communique with you, I just wanted you to know, because you have always been so nice and supportive to me. 

    I've stopped in here with the hopes that I'd run across you....I know you've been board happening...and it was nice to see your post. 

    Congrats on the all clear...and keep it that way....doctor's orders:)

    Love/Craig

    sundance, hugs to you

    i am sooooo sorry that your are going thru this again and that you are in pain......praying you can beat it again......  many hugs to you.....sephie

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    Sue Part Deux:)

    Hey gal

    No, I haven't gotten the book published...things are changing and I might end up self-publishing, as I don't think it would end up going mainstream.

    However, Coping magazine did accept my manuscript for the Big Billy story....they will publish that story somewhere between September 2013 - January 2014.  They took a chance on me and re-edited my story so that it could fit in their magazine...took out a couple of my brushstrokes:)

    I'll let you know when I hear of the publish date...I believe it will be available online to see. 

    It was really exciting news for about 2 days.....and then I got word about my 4th recurrence...and it doesn't look good upfront.  So, that news stole the thunder from my publishing story, which I worked so hard far and was fortunate to finally be accepted.

    Rectal cancer is a tough cancer as you know....still #2 on the board....I had hopes that I would walk away...I'm in such pain right now, it's hard to type and if this was my last communique with you, I just wanted you to know, because you have always been so nice and supportive to me. 

    I've stopped in here with the hopes that I'd run across you....I know you've been board happening...and it was nice to see your post. 

    Congrats on the all clear...and keep it that way....doctor's orders:)

    Love/Craig

    Craig

    Your recent news of recurrence just makes me want to scream!  I am so sorry.  I hate cancer so damn much.  This is really unfair, but as we are all too aware, cancer doesn't play fair.  I hope you and your doctors have a plan and that your Superman strength and determination will make cancer take a hike once again.  I send you my best wishes and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    mp327 said:

    Craig

    Your recent news of recurrence just makes me want to scream!  I am so sorry.  I hate cancer so damn much.  This is really unfair, but as we are all too aware, cancer doesn't play fair.  I hope you and your doctors have a plan and that your Superman strength and determination will make cancer take a hike once again.  I send you my best wishes and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Thank You, Sephie & Martha:)

    This will be my 4th time...the early reports were liver again, lung again (3) and spine mets:(

    It seems that with multiple recurrences, it tends to strike harder and in multiple locations...this was a shocker...especially in the bone. 

    I had to do an MRI to determine definitively if the suspected mets were in the lumbar channel of my spine...if it were, then it limited my choices as they were only going to do chemo with so much activity in several organs.  Absence of cancer there would give me a better chance with SBRT or something along those lines etc.

    Well, the MRI came back with no cancer in the spine:)

    Radiation done in 2004 has created numerous disc bulges that have begun to surface much harder, now 9-years out of treatment...on top of that, it was concluded that I've got congenital spinal stenosis, and the spine canal has narrowed. And I developed AVN - Avascular Necrosis in both hips as a result from the rads too. 

    I've been in quite a deal of pain for the last 7-months...and quite a bit more the past few weeks with tumors in my liver and lung all pressing on something making it hard to breathe....can't stand, sit, or even lay down without alot of pain.

    Finally, had to move to Tramadol just to sleep....I work full-time so I have to wait till I get home in the evenings. 

    I've got a long way to go with the cancer fight and then trying to get my back fixed too...

    But, at least there is no cancer in the spine....I read the early report....I'm fairly adept at translating reports:)

    I'm sure the doc will confirm...and then I meet with three more doctors next week....and then hopefully the plan will finally unfold....as we know, the waiting and testing can be agonizing and fill you full of angst....it's been a hurried 3 weeks.

    I didn't have the heart to break it to you, Martha....I've come to know you guys some as many were on the rectal board prior to the introduction of this board....and I had wanted to share some good news about the upcoming story that was going to be published.

    That was a Friday...by Monday, the world had turned back over ....I just thought I'd stick with the good story of BB and let my cancer story pass by and not rain on my own parade:)

    When I saw Sue, I figured I might not get to talk to her for awhile and perhaps should say something...you always wonder if you should, you know?

    I will let you guys all know when the story does get into print...we didn't get to hug much on my side of the world, before I let all the air out of the room.....we were sky high on Friday and by Monday...myself and the group were stunned.

    Anyway, thanks for all of your support...and I hope Sue doesn't mind if I borrowed her post, LOL!

    Love you, Sue!  Stay well - "Dr." Sundance's orders:)

    Take care, ladies!

    -Craig

     

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    Thank You, Sephie & Martha:)

    This will be my 4th time...the early reports were liver again, lung again (3) and spine mets:(

    It seems that with multiple recurrences, it tends to strike harder and in multiple locations...this was a shocker...especially in the bone. 

    I had to do an MRI to determine definitively if the suspected mets were in the lumbar channel of my spine...if it were, then it limited my choices as they were only going to do chemo with so much activity in several organs.  Absence of cancer there would give me a better chance with SBRT or something along those lines etc.

    Well, the MRI came back with no cancer in the spine:)

    Radiation done in 2004 has created numerous disc bulges that have begun to surface much harder, now 9-years out of treatment...on top of that, it was concluded that I've got congenital spinal stenosis, and the spine canal has narrowed. And I developed AVN - Avascular Necrosis in both hips as a result from the rads too. 

    I've been in quite a deal of pain for the last 7-months...and quite a bit more the past few weeks with tumors in my liver and lung all pressing on something making it hard to breathe....can't stand, sit, or even lay down without alot of pain.

    Finally, had to move to Tramadol just to sleep....I work full-time so I have to wait till I get home in the evenings. 

    I've got a long way to go with the cancer fight and then trying to get my back fixed too...

    But, at least there is no cancer in the spine....I read the early report....I'm fairly adept at translating reports:)

    I'm sure the doc will confirm...and then I meet with three more doctors next week....and then hopefully the plan will finally unfold....as we know, the waiting and testing can be agonizing and fill you full of angst....it's been a hurried 3 weeks.

    I didn't have the heart to break it to you, Martha....I've come to know you guys some as many were on the rectal board prior to the introduction of this board....and I had wanted to share some good news about the upcoming story that was going to be published.

    That was a Friday...by Monday, the world had turned back over ....I just thought I'd stick with the good story of BB and let my cancer story pass by and not rain on my own parade:)

    When I saw Sue, I figured I might not get to talk to her for awhile and perhaps should say something...you always wonder if you should, you know?

    I will let you guys all know when the story does get into print...we didn't get to hug much on my side of the world, before I let all the air out of the room.....we were sky high on Friday and by Monday...myself and the group were stunned.

    Anyway, thanks for all of your support...and I hope Sue doesn't mind if I borrowed her post, LOL!

    Love you, Sue!  Stay well - "Dr." Sundance's orders:)

    Take care, ladies!

    -Craig

     

    Craig

    I am very touched that you did not want to bring ME down with YOUR unfortunate news, but we are all about sharing here--the good, the bad and the ugly.  I am so sorry that you are having to put the gloves back on and get in that ring again.  But as you pointed out, there is a silver lining, that being no cancer in your spine.  We learn to be thankful for every bit of good news in this journey, don't we?  Your determination and strength (and your great team of doctors) is going to get you through this.  If you want me to, I will gladly come to where you are and do a thorough sweep for any Kryptonite.  I only require lots of donuts and ice cream.  :)

    Any updates we can get from you will be most appreciated, but we will understand if you don't visit us as often with all you will be dealing with.  That will not stop us from keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.  Take care my friend and know that I wish you all the very best.

     

    Martha