Howdy - Not Been Myself Lately - Sundance Update

Sundanceh
Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well, I can see that there is concern and folks have been asking about me. Thought I would take a minute out to put out a status to ease everyone's mind...

Bottom line: Treatment has been a rough go this time 'round. From the open surgery, the 30 rad Tx's the 6-week chemo, 46-hour pumps, and the Big Folfori Margaritas, it's safe to say, that I've taken my share of the poisons that are so readily available, LOL:)

My gut reaction is that the radiation treatments really "intensified" the chemo treatments alright...over the holidays, I was so ill, that I was falling asleep sitting straight up in a chair, but out. Then, after I do the Neulasta shot, I don't know what happens (well, I do know what it's doing, but can't see the changes)...and for whatever reason, that takes the cycle to a new level and I go down really hard for the next 120-hours, which is 5 straight days of torture. I've found this Folfiri is just as mean as Folfox, but in different ways.

There are also alot of "fires" that I'm trying to put out - lots of paperwork to insurance company, my job, oncologists info etc.etc. I've got my hands so full trying to stay afloat on 60% benefit, just been trying to get back to work and get reinstated to full time pay - it's challenging as all of you are aware of.

Kerry thinks he's got a "scary old lady"...well he ain't met mine yet when the payroll ain't up to snuff - he'd run to the woods with her fast on his heels.

But mostly, it's health right now that has kept me on the sideline - it's been hard to concentrate on even reading posts, much less being able to respond to them. So, I always feels it's best when I can't contribute, to stay off the board.

That nodule I told you about a few months ago, looks to be a bad 'roid, and has begun bleeding and causing extreme discomfort and pain over the holidays. My counts still seem to be ok, but began having a good nosebleed and then the lower half has acted up.

Looks lik I may be in for a day surgery to address this situation...always something.

Take the best care and when all of my "blazes" have been put out, things will get right in my universe. We're still in the middle of chemo treatments...8 more to go.

Winter, glad you are home and doing ok. Got a good story for you when I feel up to it.

Paula, I'm sorry on JR's passing....welcome all the new folks...and finally hello to all of my friends. Thank you for all of your concern and well wishes....you all know I'll be ok...one day - somehow - someway.

-Craig
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Comments

  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    Craig!
    Oh, Craig, it's so good to read an update post from you! You've sure had me worried.
    I'm sorry for all that's kicking you down and keeping you down. And you still managed to play "Santa Craig" for so many over the holidays. I think of you often and pray for you when I'm thinking of you. Now that I know some more specifics, those prayers are going to get a whole lot more specific too!
    I'm hanging in there, myself- still doing the chemo 2 weeks in a row, then 1 week off. It's been hitting me harder the past couple of months than it used to. I think just from a build up of too much chemo. You sure know how that is. Yeah, adding the radiation to your chemo hit you with a double whammy.
    Well, anytime you feel up to it, need to vent about how you feel, about insurance crap, or whatever, just shoot me a PM & I'd be happy to "talk" with ya!

    Hugs to you,
    Lisa :)
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Craig
    Hi Craig,

    I am sorry you are going through so much. You are a trooper, + it sounds like you are juggling a lot of paperwork along with the physical wear + tear of chemo + radiation. I have been thinking about you a lot, + really appreciate you coming on here + letting us know how it is going.
  • christinecarl
    christinecarl Member Posts: 543 Member
    It is such a huge relief to
    It is such a huge relief to here from you, thank you for the update. I will keep praying for you.
  • Kerry S
    Kerry S Member Posts: 606 Member
    Keep fighting my friend

    Keep the attitude up. I would match my in house pit bull with anyone’s.

    Kerry
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    Hey Craig! It's so nice to

    Hey Craig! It's so nice to see your posts on the board again, but so sorry to hear that you're really taking a beating this time around. You've been in our thoughts and prayers, I just wish there was more that we could do to help. Get plenty of rest, and keep fighting my friend. BIG HUGS!! Luv, Cynthia
  • chicoturner
    chicoturner Member Posts: 282
    Hi Craig, sorry to hear
    Hi Craig, sorry to hear things are so hard right now. I was so happy to see your post though and really hope you will be feeling better so. I am inbetween treatments right now and will meet with clinical trial docs next week. But I feel better right now then in a very long time! Drug free! Oh well, I will enjoy it while I can! I actually am a bit fearful without some kind of meds!!! You are in my prayers. You don't know what you mean to the people on this site. Rest and check in when you can. Jean
  • Lori-S
    Lori-S Member Posts: 1,277 Member
    Luff Ya Craig
    Hang in there and why not just try pissing on all those fires? ;)
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Kerry S said:

    Keep fighting my friend

    Keep the attitude up. I would match my in house pit bull with anyone’s.

    Kerry

    Kerry - Texas Cage Match?
    We'll have ourselves a "good old-fashioned Texas Cage Match".....and the winner and loser still has to keep us, LOL:)

    -Craig
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    On Your Side
    Hey buddy I'm always on your side and routing for you. You have been through so much and thank you for taking the time, even when you don't feel well and wish you were in bed, to keep us in touch with what is going on with you. Sounds like you have your plate full and you are dealing with a lot of issues now. Hoping that all gets solved with insurance and work problems because that is really not something that you need to deal with right now. Just want to let you know that you are being though of and prayed for that you have a speedy recovery.

    Hugs! Kim
  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    Well
    Well it sounds like you have a lot to deal with at one time.I hope everything gets better,including you.get some rest,and I'll keep praying for you.
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    Craig:
    Take care of yourself. I sure hope each day finds you inching towards feeling much better. - Tina
  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    Hang in there
    Hang in there Craig. We all love you!
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Good to hear from you
    Yes Craig you were missed something awful.

    Even though you are still in treatment, I hope that each new day will bring you an extra boost of strenght.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties
  • Nana2
    Nana2 Member Posts: 255
    Yep, it's just not normal
    Yep, it's just not normal here without seeing you posting Craig. So sorry for all you're going through and I can sure understand your need to rest. Just know you're loved and being lifted up in prayer. You know we're pulling for you!
    (hugs)
    April
  • C Dixon
    C Dixon Member Posts: 201
    Hang In There
    You will make it. My story is similar with how I am handling treatment, so I understand. But we will make it. I am going to post my update after going to Duke. Radiation makes everything harder, even if it isn't that bad when you are having it. I do know you had a hard time with it as it went on but it's effects last longer than the treatment and then to start full force chemo is just tough. Eat right, rest, walk when you can (I need to take that advice) and do what you can with the other. No stress.

    Praying for you,

    Catherine
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Looking Forward
    I'm looking forward to the story. You rest, do what you need to do, we'll talk later.
    Thinking of you.
    Winter Marie
  • soccermom13
    soccermom13 Member Posts: 224
    You are missed!
    I haven't been on in a while and was hoping to see a post from you. Please know that you are in our prayers and you have a special place in our hearts! And, everytime I play the CD I think of you!
    Hugs
    Shanna
  • mommyof2kds
    mommyof2kds Member Posts: 519

    You are missed!
    I haven't been on in a while and was hoping to see a post from you. Please know that you are in our prayers and you have a special place in our hearts! And, everytime I play the CD I think of you!
    Hugs
    Shanna

    God Bless Craig... rest is
    God Bless Craig... rest is what you need right now. think of you always. Hang in there...
  • pf78248
    pf78248 Member Posts: 209
    So good to hear from you
    Craig,

    I hate hearing about how tough your treatment has been and all you've gone through,but it was really great to read your post! You truly are loved here and we all miss you when you are absent. But you need to recover and save your strength for your treatments. I think of you often and pray for better days ahead for you.

    Hugs and Healing,
    Priscilla
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    In my bestest concerned mom voice!!!!
    We have been so worried! Don't you ever do that again, young man!!! (ROFL...just kidding!)

    Thank you for the update, my dear friend! We did get some news on you recently, so I just kept you at the top of my prayer list...

    I don't have many words, other than I know your strong heart will kick the beast again! I am sending strong, scary (to the beast), healing hugs to you, my dearest cowboy!! Rest well.

    Hugs, Kathi