Another Subject Needs Answers.... When does Chemo Stop??? Ever???
Comments
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OK, think in these terms.....dianetavegia said:Good Grief John
I'm not stuck under any bus AND have a precious friend who got out of his truck to check on a shifting piece of equipment while on I-285 in Atlanta. His body was strewn over 90 feet. His family has to ride past that spot every day for the rest of their careers...
My mother is 78 and healthy. My Dad is 82 and healthy. My grandmother died in her sleep at 92, etc. I've got great, great aunts still alive and doing fine. I think I always figured I'd live FOREVER.
Circle of life, is right. Even the Bible says there's a time to live and a time to die. I'm 59 and hope to see 103. If I do, I want to be a model on the Colondar! In SPANDEX!
If you got hit by the proverbial bus and was pinned under it, still alive, how would you react ? Me, I'd be screaming like a banshee !!! But ya gotta figure that if ya get hit and still alive you have a chance at complete recovery. If not complete recovery then a new normal which allows you to continue to be here with the loved ones longer on earth. I would much rather sip-sip-puff my way around and keep getting the baby kisses from my kids than die instantaneously by a bus. So, chemo for 6 months or chemo for a lifetime, you will learn to deal. Why? Because the human body has the survival instinct that doesn't allow failure whether the individual does or not.Love, Hope and no bus ,Buzzard
OK...
103. Spandex. I'll be 99 then....yeah, I wanna see also...0 -
You and Me... front cover Buzzard!Buzzard said:OK, think in these terms.....
If you got hit by the proverbial bus and was pinned under it, still alive, how would you react ? Me, I'd be screaming like a banshee !!! But ya gotta figure that if ya get hit and still alive you have a chance at complete recovery. If not complete recovery then a new normal which allows you to continue to be here with the loved ones longer on earth. I would much rather sip-sip-puff my way around and keep getting the baby kisses from my kids than die instantaneously by a bus. So, chemo for 6 months or chemo for a lifetime, you will learn to deal. Why? Because the human body has the survival instinct that doesn't allow failure whether the individual does or not.Love, Hope and no bus ,Buzzard
OK...
103. Spandex. I'll be 99 then....yeah, I wanna see also...
I'm serious man. Me and you, showing our scars. Of course, by then they'll be lost in our wrinkles.
You don't happen to have a Buzzard suit, do you?0 -
!!!!!dianetavegia said:You and Me... front cover Buzzard!
I'm serious man. Me and you, showing our scars. Of course, by then they'll be lost in our wrinkles.
You don't happen to have a Buzzard suit, do you?
Diane... you are a hoot! You have had me in tears laughing...thank you...and you ALL. It just never ceases to amaze me how I can walk in this room..... feeling self pity...confusion... just not happy.... and before ya know it everyone puts in their 2 cents worth..... and in different languages.... but all languages we understand...and can even relate to. It opens my eyes to situations in my life that have always been there.... I just need YOU guys to help me see what is in front of my own face.
A BIG example...... I was in an automobile accident when I was 15. I am now 52. I suffered head trauma that caused me to have acquired epilepsy. I have taken anti-epileptic medicine since then....why?????? It was a chronic illness.... there is no cure for epilepsy (in many many cases)..it is only treatable. I have Grand Mal seizures....which are the full blown having fits in the floor and losing controls of bouls... the real nasty worst kind of seizures. BUT, I have been seizure free for 18 years..... thanks to those meds I take. I did not really even think about it being an "treat only, no cure disease" until those same words were used by my Onc and he said I had to face that my Cancer was chronic....like diabetes.... it just didn't hit me ..... until a few days later that I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH EPILEPSY....A CHRONIC ILLNESS!!!!! Geez... opened my eyes. I know now I can LIVE with this cancer. I just want to hit myself upside my head and say "Girl... what have you been thinking?"
Yes, I have been very blessed! No, I never had to have any liver or lung surgery. Inoperable on both counts. God and chemo saved my life thus far..... and BOTH will continue to do so..... and that my DEAR friends is just the way I am LIVING from here on out. One day at a time. Live for today....worry tomorrow about tomorrow...if need be.
Right now I am back in the hospital. Not for no cancer related stuff. But for some "normal" stupid thing I did......SEE, I'M STILL NORMAL!!! I tripped and fell and hit my backbone on my desk.... just cause I have lost a good deal of my fat over the past 6 months...hell, I thought I could sit Indian style again....LOL....NOT!! I did end up with a fractured T7 in the upper spine. Found that out this past week. BUT.... I kept having these pains shoot down my butt and right leg and it finally sent me to the ER today. The bone doc that found the upper fracture also said there had to be injury in the lumbar region. They just didn't bother to check it ALL on the first MRI. So tomorrow morning I am scheduled for a second MRI to see what else I messed up on that spine that is causing the sciatica.
I just want you ALL to know that thru every comment I read in this thread.... I was touched and feel so very close to all of you. Patti.... I pray for you all the time too as I do ALL of you. When I have my grandkids on week-ends. Boy 6 and Girl 4..... they have come to learn all your nicknames...... and guess which one they always say.... Grandma, don't forget the BUZZARD!!!.... and just think that is so funny!!! LOL...boy are they right!! Luv ya Buzz!
Wow....and who ever said this Dilauded and Valium combo wasn't great.....geez, I FEEL GOOD!!!!
BUM..BUM..BUM..BUM..BUM...BUM..BUM..LOL...Nite people...luv ya all!!!
Peace....Jen0 -
Ta-Da!idlehunters said:!!!!!
Diane... you are a hoot! You have had me in tears laughing...thank you...and you ALL. It just never ceases to amaze me how I can walk in this room..... feeling self pity...confusion... just not happy.... and before ya know it everyone puts in their 2 cents worth..... and in different languages.... but all languages we understand...and can even relate to. It opens my eyes to situations in my life that have always been there.... I just need YOU guys to help me see what is in front of my own face.
A BIG example...... I was in an automobile accident when I was 15. I am now 52. I suffered head trauma that caused me to have acquired epilepsy. I have taken anti-epileptic medicine since then....why?????? It was a chronic illness.... there is no cure for epilepsy (in many many cases)..it is only treatable. I have Grand Mal seizures....which are the full blown having fits in the floor and losing controls of bouls... the real nasty worst kind of seizures. BUT, I have been seizure free for 18 years..... thanks to those meds I take. I did not really even think about it being an "treat only, no cure disease" until those same words were used by my Onc and he said I had to face that my Cancer was chronic....like diabetes.... it just didn't hit me ..... until a few days later that I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH EPILEPSY....A CHRONIC ILLNESS!!!!! Geez... opened my eyes. I know now I can LIVE with this cancer. I just want to hit myself upside my head and say "Girl... what have you been thinking?"
Yes, I have been very blessed! No, I never had to have any liver or lung surgery. Inoperable on both counts. God and chemo saved my life thus far..... and BOTH will continue to do so..... and that my DEAR friends is just the way I am LIVING from here on out. One day at a time. Live for today....worry tomorrow about tomorrow...if need be.
Right now I am back in the hospital. Not for no cancer related stuff. But for some "normal" stupid thing I did......SEE, I'M STILL NORMAL!!! I tripped and fell and hit my backbone on my desk.... just cause I have lost a good deal of my fat over the past 6 months...hell, I thought I could sit Indian style again....LOL....NOT!! I did end up with a fractured T7 in the upper spine. Found that out this past week. BUT.... I kept having these pains shoot down my butt and right leg and it finally sent me to the ER today. The bone doc that found the upper fracture also said there had to be injury in the lumbar region. They just didn't bother to check it ALL on the first MRI. So tomorrow morning I am scheduled for a second MRI to see what else I messed up on that spine that is causing the sciatica.
I just want you ALL to know that thru every comment I read in this thread.... I was touched and feel so very close to all of you. Patti.... I pray for you all the time too as I do ALL of you. When I have my grandkids on week-ends. Boy 6 and Girl 4..... they have come to learn all your nicknames...... and guess which one they always say.... Grandma, don't forget the BUZZARD!!!.... and just think that is so funny!!! LOL...boy are they right!! Luv ya Buzz!
Wow....and who ever said this Dilauded and Valium combo wasn't great.....geez, I FEEL GOOD!!!!
BUM..BUM..BUM..BUM..BUM...BUM..BUM..LOL...Nite people...luv ya all!!!
Peace....Jen
See, all better now ;-)
It's a matter of how we choose to look at things0 -
Just like a man.... Buzzard
Just like a man.... BuzzardHAD
to tell everyone I'm four years older than him. ;o)
Jenny, Jenny, Jenny! We're gonna wrap you in Bubble Wrap, girl! At least they're giving you something strong for pain. Just hope they can fix you up good as new and soon.
Phil, we need to see your smiling face more often, especially during this time on the board. So much sad stuff going down. Can you play us some happy tunes?
Bible Study, Lunch with friends and then going to get my nails painted some floozy color. Don't anyone get hurt while I'm gone!0 -
Choicesdianetavegia said:Just like a man.... Buzzard
Just like a man.... BuzzardHAD
to tell everyone I'm four years older than him. ;o)
Jenny, Jenny, Jenny! We're gonna wrap you in Bubble Wrap, girl! At least they're giving you something strong for pain. Just hope they can fix you up good as new and soon.
Phil, we need to see your smiling face more often, especially during this time on the board. So much sad stuff going down. Can you play us some happy tunes?
Bible Study, Lunch with friends and then going to get my nails painted some floozy color. Don't anyone get hurt while I'm gone!
I am glad I came to this comment board and realize that there are other people like me out there. I have decided to quit chemo after 2 surgeries and 4 go-rounds of chemo and 2 of radiation. I said enough! I realize I will never be "cured" but I just can't fathom the thought of taking chemo once a week for the rest of my life. So I am walking along-side that proverbial bus and one day it will be my fate to walk in front of it. I am just tired and depressed at this point.
P.S. My family doesn't accept that I am quitting so I didn't tell them right out. I just told them I am finished with chemo and it was successful.
Would love to hear suggestions or stories.0 -
Jennieazsunwmn said:Choices
I am glad I came to this comment board and realize that there are other people like me out there. I have decided to quit chemo after 2 surgeries and 4 go-rounds of chemo and 2 of radiation. I said enough! I realize I will never be "cured" but I just can't fathom the thought of taking chemo once a week for the rest of my life. So I am walking along-side that proverbial bus and one day it will be my fate to walk in front of it. I am just tired and depressed at this point.
P.S. My family doesn't accept that I am quitting so I didn't tell them right out. I just told them I am finished with chemo and it was successful.
Would love to hear suggestions or stories.
Like I said earlier Jennie, Live Life. You don't know what tomorrow will bring so worry about tomorrow when it gets here. Other than your back (ouch) you are doing well and who knows, the doing well might very well last a very long time. If it doesn't then worry about that when it happens. Don't waste today worrying about next week. Tina0 -
Quality of Life azsunwmnazsunwmn said:Choices
I am glad I came to this comment board and realize that there are other people like me out there. I have decided to quit chemo after 2 surgeries and 4 go-rounds of chemo and 2 of radiation. I said enough! I realize I will never be "cured" but I just can't fathom the thought of taking chemo once a week for the rest of my life. So I am walking along-side that proverbial bus and one day it will be my fate to walk in front of it. I am just tired and depressed at this point.
P.S. My family doesn't accept that I am quitting so I didn't tell them right out. I just told them I am finished with chemo and it was successful.
Would love to hear suggestions or stories.
I feel that I may get to a certain point where the quality of my life (or lack thereof) may supersede my fight for life. When I used to go to Gilda's Club, there was a woman who had a few run-ins with cancer. Her most recent was for breast cancer. She had it with the treatments and stopped them much to the dismay of her family. Everyone at Gilda's supported her decision, possibly because unlike her family we knew what chemo was about having been there and done that. It really can be a grind at times. The last I heard, she was still doing well w/o chemo. Go figure...
I'm approaching my 6th year anniversary of my Dx next month. I have had more than a few bouts of wanting "it" to stop but I've yet to want to let the cards fall where they may. One thing that I know keeps me going is that I have 2 young boys to help raise. This is my decision and I would imagine that if I said "that's it, I quit" that it would not be met with applause.
It's a tough call that one has to make but I would respect the choice that anyone makes concerning it. If a family member of mine was in my shoes, I would like to think I would support them but then again, I would hope that they gave it a good shot. I have a friend at work who's brother-in-law was Dx with a type of throat cancer. His prognosis, while not rosy, wasn't terminal either. This guy chose early on that he did not wish to fight it and he didn't. He died last month.
I'm not going to sit here and bore you how many rounds I've had because we all have our own thresholds. I hope you evaluate your circumstances before you make your final decision.
-phil0 -
Exclusive Club We're In, Isn't It!PhillieG said:Quality of Life azsunwmn
I feel that I may get to a certain point where the quality of my life (or lack thereof) may supersede my fight for life. When I used to go to Gilda's Club, there was a woman who had a few run-ins with cancer. Her most recent was for breast cancer. She had it with the treatments and stopped them much to the dismay of her family. Everyone at Gilda's supported her decision, possibly because unlike her family we knew what chemo was about having been there and done that. It really can be a grind at times. The last I heard, she was still doing well w/o chemo. Go figure...
I'm approaching my 6th year anniversary of my Dx next month. I have had more than a few bouts of wanting "it" to stop but I've yet to want to let the cards fall where they may. One thing that I know keeps me going is that I have 2 young boys to help raise. This is my decision and I would imagine that if I said "that's it, I quit" that it would not be met with applause.
It's a tough call that one has to make but I would respect the choice that anyone makes concerning it. If a family member of mine was in my shoes, I would like to think I would support them but then again, I would hope that they gave it a good shot. I have a friend at work who's brother-in-law was Dx with a type of throat cancer. His prognosis, while not rosy, wasn't terminal either. This guy chose early on that he did not wish to fight it and he didn't. He died last month.
I'm not going to sit here and bore you how many rounds I've had because we all have our own thresholds. I hope you evaluate your circumstances before you make your final decision.
-phil
Wish I wasn't a member but I can see there are many wise people that have this terrible disease. I have been on such a roller coaster trying to decide whether I want to take chemo forever or not. Even my husband wants me to end the ups and downs of this decision. This May 23, it will be the 8th anniversary of my diagnosis of Stage IV. I have lasted a lot longer than anyone expected me to. My liver's been resected, I had a tumor in my lungs that blocked 95% of my airway and pneumonia from the radiation in my lungs and four rounds of chemo. At this point, I just feel tired of fighting. Does anyone fault me for feeling like I am giving up?0 -
screaming "uncle"?azsunwmn said:Exclusive Club We're In, Isn't It!
Wish I wasn't a member but I can see there are many wise people that have this terrible disease. I have been on such a roller coaster trying to decide whether I want to take chemo forever or not. Even my husband wants me to end the ups and downs of this decision. This May 23, it will be the 8th anniversary of my diagnosis of Stage IV. I have lasted a lot longer than anyone expected me to. My liver's been resected, I had a tumor in my lungs that blocked 95% of my airway and pneumonia from the radiation in my lungs and four rounds of chemo. At this point, I just feel tired of fighting. Does anyone fault me for feeling like I am giving up?
azsunwmn -
There's a difference between "giving up", and doing something else.
If you're having doubts, then perhaps it's time to read some of the
posts dealing with alternatives. Chemo isn't the only solution, and
there's a growing number that seem to support that.
I have always believed that one's body and instincts deserve to
be heard more loudly than outside forces.
Doing what -you- feel is best, is most likely what -is- best for you.
I gave up with western medicine years ago. I have developed a major
amount of trust to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and would encourage
anyone to look into the thousands of years science for themselves.
It's not "black magic", or "snake oil", it's a real, very viable alternative
to the pharmaceutical industry's hold on the suffering.
There are many other methods also, and you can find many mentioned
here on this forum.
Best of health, regardless of your path!0 -
I hope you don't give up.azsunwmn said:Exclusive Club We're In, Isn't It!
Wish I wasn't a member but I can see there are many wise people that have this terrible disease. I have been on such a roller coaster trying to decide whether I want to take chemo forever or not. Even my husband wants me to end the ups and downs of this decision. This May 23, it will be the 8th anniversary of my diagnosis of Stage IV. I have lasted a lot longer than anyone expected me to. My liver's been resected, I had a tumor in my lungs that blocked 95% of my airway and pneumonia from the radiation in my lungs and four rounds of chemo. At this point, I just feel tired of fighting. Does anyone fault me for feeling like I am giving up?
I hope you don't give up. The fact that you are 8 years out from your diagnosis shows you are a fighter + an inspiration to the rest of us who are newer to the fight. Take good care!0 -
Do Not Use the Term "Give Up"AnneCan said:I hope you don't give up.
I hope you don't give up. The fact that you are 8 years out from your diagnosis shows you are a fighter + an inspiration to the rest of us who are newer to the fight. Take good care!
You are a "newbie" to this discussion. Anyone who has fought cancer for 8 years and has done as much as I have to live as long as I have, resents those words "don't give up", even though your intentions were good. You have alot to learn about cancer survivorship.0 -
I am truly sorry. I tookazsunwmn said:Do Not Use the Term "Give Up"
You are a "newbie" to this discussion. Anyone who has fought cancer for 8 years and has done as much as I have to live as long as I have, resents those words "don't give up", even though your intentions were good. You have alot to learn about cancer survivorship.
I am truly sorry. I thought I took those words from your post + never meant them to be hurtful to you at all. Please accept my apologies; I only wanted to encourage you & I am very sorry I obviously didn't.0 -
Oh Jennie
I just read your post. Damn it! I hope you can at least have a break but a break may not be good either. Know that I am thinking of you and I hope you will continue to have great results.
John is on Xeloda and avastin and is feeling pretty good. We don't know how much it is working. His CEA was down last month from 11.3 to 10.1 but,I am not sure we can even go by that. He will have a scan in a month or so.
Keep your chin up. If you need to talk you have my phone number. Just call.Love Paula0 -
Giving Upazsunwmn said:Do Not Use the Term "Give Up"
You are a "newbie" to this discussion. Anyone who has fought cancer for 8 years and has done as much as I have to live as long as I have, resents those words "don't give up", even though your intentions were good. You have alot to learn about cancer survivorship.
Azsunwmn - you have only posted 11 times in 7 years. If it is your desire to discontinue treatment, then that is your decision to make.
Many of us are fairly new to this cancer and we truly need all the encouragement we can get. I have found comfort (more than I could ever express) from all the people on this wonderful board. Please don't put people down because they tell you "don't give up", these are words of encouragement and for the most part are warmly received by a whole group of people. Anne, you go ahead and encourage George and I any time you like, as a semi-colon family, support from others, not feeling alone, is extremely comforting and gives us the courage and strength to keep going in very trying circumstances. Tina0 -
stage IV
Hi jennie,
I too am stage IV, i have not asked yet what to expect after my last surgery, which i hope will be in march for my liver, if they were to tell me i would not ever be without this cancer, i am pretty sure at this point in my treatment i would not beable to handle it. I don't even think i would go to the trouble of the surgery since i tell myself know i will be fine once they remove it,
So for me and you and anyone else i have to believe we will beat this cancer.
Live, laugh, Love
Penny0 -
Thanks Paula! and EverybodyPaula G. said:Oh Jennie
I just read your post. Damn it! I hope you can at least have a break but a break may not be good either. Know that I am thinking of you and I hope you will continue to have great results.
John is on Xeloda and avastin and is feeling pretty good. We don't know how much it is working. His CEA was down last month from 11.3 to 10.1 but,I am not sure we can even go by that. He will have a scan in a month or so.
Keep your chin up. If you need to talk you have my phone number. Just call.Love Paula
Your words mean more than you will ever know. I will know all results today. I did find out that if it is a fracture in my pelvis that NO surgery will be done. It is a sit on your butt and heal type of thing...........soooooooooooo, guess what I'm routing for????? Who ever would have thought you would wish you broke your butt?????? LOL........... go figure!
Jennie0 -
I Can't BelieveWinneyPooh said:stage IV
Hi jennie,
I too am stage IV, i have not asked yet what to expect after my last surgery, which i hope will be in march for my liver, if they were to tell me i would not ever be without this cancer, i am pretty sure at this point in my treatment i would not beable to handle it. I don't even think i would go to the trouble of the surgery since i tell myself know i will be fine once they remove it,
So for me and you and anyone else i have to believe we will beat this cancer.
Live, laugh, Love
Penny
That azsunwmn can be so rude to another cancer survivor (Anne), for kind words she was trying to say. For someone who doesn't come to encourage or help others on this board, but to jump on someone just infuriated me, and I don't get mad easy. Of course people are going to try and talk you into not stopping treatments, and some will tell you to continue, it's solely up to you, what kind of answers did you expect to get?? you want to be talked out of discontinuing, or you want to be talked into it?? there's two sides to that, Anne gave you a comment I would have said, I'd keep going with whatever it takes, because I have a loving hubby and 4 beautiful kids, that I have to keep going no matter what for, so if you want to come here after god knows how long it's been since you posted last, and jump on someone for a nice answer, then you picked the wrong board to jump on.0 -
DonnaShayenne said:I Can't Believe
That azsunwmn can be so rude to another cancer survivor (Anne), for kind words she was trying to say. For someone who doesn't come to encourage or help others on this board, but to jump on someone just infuriated me, and I don't get mad easy. Of course people are going to try and talk you into not stopping treatments, and some will tell you to continue, it's solely up to you, what kind of answers did you expect to get?? you want to be talked out of discontinuing, or you want to be talked into it?? there's two sides to that, Anne gave you a comment I would have said, I'd keep going with whatever it takes, because I have a loving hubby and 4 beautiful kids, that I have to keep going no matter what for, so if you want to come here after god knows how long it's been since you posted last, and jump on someone for a nice answer, then you picked the wrong board to jump on.
You go girl, I was trying to be nice in my reply and hold back a little. I am so happy you "let it rip". I also sent Ann a PM thanking her for her continuing encouragement she gives all of us. She owes no one an apology. Just think what Mike49 would give to have 8 years with that young family of his instead of being on hospice care. Even on hospice care, his loving wife came on to say thank you for thinking of them and to encourage everyone to keep up the fight, their story does not have to be our story. What a loving family that must be. Oh well, it takes all kinds I guess. Tina0 -
The Italian StallionShayenne said:I Can't Believe
That azsunwmn can be so rude to another cancer survivor (Anne), for kind words she was trying to say. For someone who doesn't come to encourage or help others on this board, but to jump on someone just infuriated me, and I don't get mad easy. Of course people are going to try and talk you into not stopping treatments, and some will tell you to continue, it's solely up to you, what kind of answers did you expect to get?? you want to be talked out of discontinuing, or you want to be talked into it?? there's two sides to that, Anne gave you a comment I would have said, I'd keep going with whatever it takes, because I have a loving hubby and 4 beautiful kids, that I have to keep going no matter what for, so if you want to come here after god knows how long it's been since you posted last, and jump on someone for a nice answer, then you picked the wrong board to jump on.
Well it took a little over 7-months but I've seen my Chicky now get her "Italian" blood a boilin'
I sure don't want to be on her bad side, that's for sure, LOL
Italian women are known for their passion - in love and war. If I'm going into a battle, then I want Chicky right beside me watching over me
Anne - we all know what you meant and we love you!
Tina - you were very diplomatic and kept your cool!
I'm outta' here...don't hurt me
-Craig0
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