Hi from the UK! 32 Year Old Liver and Lung Mets

concernedgal

terriallen said:

Hi! My name is Terri and I
Hi! My name is Terri and I was diagnosed in 2006 with colon cancer... Stage 4 It had mets to my liver and my diaph. Right now I am well and living live to the fullest. I have 4 children, 22,20,19,15 and 1 grandson 2yrs old and another grandbaby on the way. I have faith that your brother will do well I hate that his doctor is such a flat bloon but you guys keep the faith. If you have time with everything going on you can reply back and ask me any questions about my treatment and I will try and answer them to the best of my ability.

Hi Marmite and Terri.
Thanks
Hi Marmite and Terri.

Thanks for the replies. Havent been posting much as things seem to change weekly.

Basic update is a specialist came in to look at his blocked bile ducts and luckily they had opened up slightly which they think the steroids did.

They told him to build up his strength and come back on Monday (last week) for chemo. Hes having cetuximab for 2 hrs on the monday and 46 hr drip of irinotecan and 5FU.

He came home on Thursday and hasnt ate, has become jaundice again and we are worried sick. I have a fear his bile ducts are blocked again and after numerous calls to the Dr to have him checked out he said it may be a side effect of the chemo!?

Doesnt fill me with confidence especially since hes had this problem last time he had his 1st cycle of chemo and it was life threatening. My brother goes in tomorrow for the cetuximab again but we are worried it wont happen because of his jaundice.

Im supposed to be getting married in July and had to cancel because of this disgusting disease x

CherylHutch

dianetavegia said:

Well said, Mary!
I have 2 choices on how I can deal with this beast. I can be determined to live and ENJOY my life the best that I can, and to continue this fight as long as I can, or I can give up and whine about the lot I have been given. I've never been much of a whiner, although I do have my days! Jesus gave His life on the cross for my sins, and I owe Him nothing less in return!
Just my thoughts.

Better said than any preacher on TV this a.m. Without HIM, all we deserve is hell.

Come on... let's get real!
Diane... for heaven's sake.... better said than any preacher on TV??? What kind of an insult is that? A television quack is someone anyone should be listening to??? Without "HIM", all we deserve is hell??

This is NOT a religious forum and unfortunately it gets a bit thick in here with all this babble. NO ONE DESERVES hell... whether you believe in "HIM" or not. For someone to even make such a comment in a non-religious forum does not do religion any justice... it just comes across as a cult.

Sorry if I have offended others. I have always said that whatever gets you through the horrors of cancer or even the day to day stress of just living is a good thing. I have NOTHING against anyone who has a strong faith, no matter what your beliefs may be. If it works for you, then great... but there is no need for the cheerleading to be in every topic on a support forum because, guess what folk... we aren't all on the same team! I have been very respectful of others beliefs and have never once questioned others' faith on this forum and I don't plan to... nor have I gone into every topic and felt I had to spread my beliefs to counteract those of traditional religion.

This forum is meant to share information and support about the one thing we all do have in common... and that is this monster, cancer. If I want to be bombarded with "God is good!" "God has a plan!" "Put your worries in God's hands", then I would go to a religious forum. But I avoid them like the plague. You won't catch me hanging out in a religious forum because I do not have the same beliefs. When I first found this forum a year ago (April 2007) it was a wonderful thing to find such an amazing support group online. I have no idea when all this "Praise be God" came in... if it was a gradual thing or everyone just all got religious at the same time, but it has definitely taken away from what this forum is all about - the actual support that folk have for everyone facing this horrible disease.

So now it's now come down to either you believe in HIM (what's with the capitals on that word??) or you deserve to be in hell?? Well, that's my time to exit... I'm taking a break from the forum. Perhaps down the road when the forum gets back to being a support forum and not a podium for religion, I can come back. I truly believe in giving support to newbies as well as the friends I have made here (not to mention the support I, myself, have received from some on this forum). But I'm not able to spend the time trying anymore to just ignore the religious babble... it's gotten to the point one has to ignore almost every topic

I don't understand how people can leave politics out of this forum but they can't leave religion out of it. The two are one and the same and don't belong in any forum other than a religious or a political forum.

Thanks to everyone (you know who you are) that I have had the honour of sharing conversations with, both here on the forum and in email. I am still available in email but I really need to take a break from a forum that has turned to religion, which I do NOT believe is the answer to cancer or to the world's woes.

Good luck, everyone! I know the majority of us WILL beat this disease, not because of who or what we believe in, but because of technology and the leaps and bounds our doctors and science is finding ... and NO, not one of us deserves to be in a state of hell no matter what the television quacks and all their followers spout off!

Cheryl

PhillieG

CherylHutch said:

Come on... let's get real!
Diane... for heaven's sake.... better said than any preacher on TV??? What kind of an insult is that? A television quack is someone anyone should be listening to??? Without "HIM", all we deserve is hell??

This is NOT a religious forum and unfortunately it gets a bit thick in here with all this babble. NO ONE DESERVES hell... whether you believe in "HIM" or not. For someone to even make such a comment in a non-religious forum does not do religion any justice... it just comes across as a cult.

Sorry if I have offended others. I have always said that whatever gets you through the horrors of cancer or even the day to day stress of just living is a good thing. I have NOTHING against anyone who has a strong faith, no matter what your beliefs may be. If it works for you, then great... but there is no need for the cheerleading to be in every topic on a support forum because, guess what folk... we aren't all on the same team! I have been very respectful of others beliefs and have never once questioned others' faith on this forum and I don't plan to... nor have I gone into every topic and felt I had to spread my beliefs to counteract those of traditional religion.

This forum is meant to share information and support about the one thing we all do have in common... and that is this monster, cancer. If I want to be bombarded with "God is good!" "God has a plan!" "Put your worries in God's hands", then I would go to a religious forum. But I avoid them like the plague. You won't catch me hanging out in a religious forum because I do not have the same beliefs. When I first found this forum a year ago (April 2007) it was a wonderful thing to find such an amazing support group online. I have no idea when all this "Praise be God" came in... if it was a gradual thing or everyone just all got religious at the same time, but it has definitely taken away from what this forum is all about - the actual support that folk have for everyone facing this horrible disease.

So now it's now come down to either you believe in HIM (what's with the capitals on that word??) or you deserve to be in hell?? Well, that's my time to exit... I'm taking a break from the forum. Perhaps down the road when the forum gets back to being a support forum and not a podium for religion, I can come back. I truly believe in giving support to newbies as well as the friends I have made here (not to mention the support I, myself, have received from some on this forum). But I'm not able to spend the time trying anymore to just ignore the religious babble... it's gotten to the point one has to ignore almost every topic

I don't understand how people can leave politics out of this forum but they can't leave religion out of it. The two are one and the same and don't belong in any forum other than a religious or a political forum.

Thanks to everyone (you know who you are) that I have had the honour of sharing conversations with, both here on the forum and in email. I am still available in email but I really need to take a break from a forum that has turned to religion, which I do NOT believe is the answer to cancer or to the world's woes.

Good luck, everyone! I know the majority of us WILL beat this disease, not because of who or what we believe in, but because of technology and the leaps and bounds our doctors and science is finding ... and NO, not one of us deserves to be in a state of hell no matter what the television quacks and all their followers spout off!

Cheryl

Well put Cheryl
I've rewritten this post 5 times, I wish I could REALLY express how much this topic offends me but I can't without pissing off a lot of people which I don't want to do. But let me say this. If there was a God, why do we have cancer when most all of us (I like to believe) are decent people and others, many who are in politics or recently booted out, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and they are just fine? Oh, I know, we are being 'tested'.

I have no problem with whatever anyone wants to believe (in private) but I wish there were a separation of facts and make believe and that almost every single post didn't end with God Bless you or the like. Did someone sneeze???
It's been (un)real.
I hope some of my posts from my experiences have helped some of you.
Best of luck to you all.
-phil

dianetavegia

CherylHutch said:

Come on... let's get real!
Diane... for heaven's sake.... better said than any preacher on TV??? What kind of an insult is that? A television quack is someone anyone should be listening to??? Without "HIM", all we deserve is hell??

This is NOT a religious forum and unfortunately it gets a bit thick in here with all this babble. NO ONE DESERVES hell... whether you believe in "HIM" or not. For someone to even make such a comment in a non-religious forum does not do religion any justice... it just comes across as a cult.

Sorry if I have offended others. I have always said that whatever gets you through the horrors of cancer or even the day to day stress of just living is a good thing. I have NOTHING against anyone who has a strong faith, no matter what your beliefs may be. If it works for you, then great... but there is no need for the cheerleading to be in every topic on a support forum because, guess what folk... we aren't all on the same team! I have been very respectful of others beliefs and have never once questioned others' faith on this forum and I don't plan to... nor have I gone into every topic and felt I had to spread my beliefs to counteract those of traditional religion.

This forum is meant to share information and support about the one thing we all do have in common... and that is this monster, cancer. If I want to be bombarded with "God is good!" "God has a plan!" "Put your worries in God's hands", then I would go to a religious forum. But I avoid them like the plague. You won't catch me hanging out in a religious forum because I do not have the same beliefs. When I first found this forum a year ago (April 2007) it was a wonderful thing to find such an amazing support group online. I have no idea when all this "Praise be God" came in... if it was a gradual thing or everyone just all got religious at the same time, but it has definitely taken away from what this forum is all about - the actual support that folk have for everyone facing this horrible disease.

So now it's now come down to either you believe in HIM (what's with the capitals on that word??) or you deserve to be in hell?? Well, that's my time to exit... I'm taking a break from the forum. Perhaps down the road when the forum gets back to being a support forum and not a podium for religion, I can come back. I truly believe in giving support to newbies as well as the friends I have made here (not to mention the support I, myself, have received from some on this forum). But I'm not able to spend the time trying anymore to just ignore the religious babble... it's gotten to the point one has to ignore almost every topic

I don't understand how people can leave politics out of this forum but they can't leave religion out of it. The two are one and the same and don't belong in any forum other than a religious or a political forum.

Thanks to everyone (you know who you are) that I have had the honour of sharing conversations with, both here on the forum and in email. I am still available in email but I really need to take a break from a forum that has turned to religion, which I do NOT believe is the answer to cancer or to the world's woes.

Good luck, everyone! I know the majority of us WILL beat this disease, not because of who or what we believe in, but because of technology and the leaps and bounds our doctors and science is finding ... and NO, not one of us deserves to be in a state of hell no matter what the television quacks and all their followers spout off!

Cheryl

Sorry I offended
I'm so sorry I have offended you. My beliefs are a major part of who I am, what I am, and I cannot respond differently without being 'fake' or dishonest. I'll try to not respond to your posts or share my thoughts in a way that might offend you or others.

I hope you'll accept my apology and know that I respect your right to not agree with my beliefs.

Diane

concernedgal

concernedgal said:

Hi Marmite and Terri.
Thanks
Hi Marmite and Terri.

Thanks for the replies. Havent been posting much as things seem to change weekly.

Basic update is a specialist came in to look at his blocked bile ducts and luckily they had opened up slightly which they think the steroids did.

They told him to build up his strength and come back on Monday (last week) for chemo. Hes having cetuximab for 2 hrs on the monday and 46 hr drip of irinotecan and 5FU.

He came home on Thursday and hasnt ate, has become jaundice again and we are worried sick. I have a fear his bile ducts are blocked again and after numerous calls to the Dr to have him checked out he said it may be a side effect of the chemo!?

Doesnt fill me with confidence especially since hes had this problem last time he had his 1st cycle of chemo and it was life threatening. My brother goes in tomorrow for the cetuximab again but we are worried it wont happen because of his jaundice.

Im supposed to be getting married in July and had to cancel because of this disgusting disease x

Well my brother has a
Well my brother has a ultrasound in 30 mins to see if it is liver bile ducts that are blocked.

Understandably we are all angry as we demanded a Dr to come out on Friday when he started looking yellow.

My brother is so anxious, he had to have more pain relief. This is the exact same thing that happened 2 weeks ago. Just 1 cycle and told bile ducts blocked and now 1 cycle of new chemo and looks like theyre blocked again.

This disease is torture, constantly worried and having to watch my brother suffer and my parents are distraught

PhillieG

dianetavegia said:

Sorry I offended
I'm so sorry I have offended you. My beliefs are a major part of who I am, what I am, and I cannot respond differently without being 'fake' or dishonest. I'll try to not respond to your posts or share my thoughts in a way that might offend you or others.

I hope you'll accept my apology and know that I respect your right to not agree with my beliefs.

Diane

I respect your beliefs Diane
I respect your beliefs Diane and it was not an easy post to write. It just gets to be too much for me. It reminds me of when I was diagnosed and in treatment. My in laws said to me "I pray they are wrong" to which I replied "I have cancer, if anything pray I get better". I think there is a lot to having faith and also that there is some positive energy out there but I think if you or others always heard from lots of people something you didn't believe in (I can't think of a good example, or even a bad one) all the time when to many, the whole question of if there even is a God, it might get tiring for you. Maybe not, I don't know. It's a touchy subject just like politics is. I have faith in the competence of my doctors, not something that I do not think exists. I know there are many people like yourself, who have a very strong belief. They are all over the world and have their own Gods they believe in and it hasn't done a lot of good that I can see but if you believe this, then that's great. Whatever works for YOU. I just can't seem to read a post anymore that isn't praising the Lord for something while we are all sick with cancer. It makes absolutely no sense to me.
Oy vey, this can go on forever....
Good health to you Diane
-p

rrob

PhillieG said:

I respect your beliefs Diane
I respect your beliefs Diane and it was not an easy post to write. It just gets to be too much for me. It reminds me of when I was diagnosed and in treatment. My in laws said to me "I pray they are wrong" to which I replied "I have cancer, if anything pray I get better". I think there is a lot to having faith and also that there is some positive energy out there but I think if you or others always heard from lots of people something you didn't believe in (I can't think of a good example, or even a bad one) all the time when to many, the whole question of if there even is a God, it might get tiring for you. Maybe not, I don't know. It's a touchy subject just like politics is. I have faith in the competence of my doctors, not something that I do not think exists. I know there are many people like yourself, who have a very strong belief. They are all over the world and have their own Gods they believe in and it hasn't done a lot of good that I can see but if you believe this, then that's great. Whatever works for YOU. I just can't seem to read a post anymore that isn't praising the Lord for something while we are all sick with cancer. It makes absolutely no sense to me.
Oy vey, this can go on forever....
Good health to you Diane
-p

Belief Systems
Hey Phillie and Cheryl,

I had to sleep on this to see if I can find the right words. I am one of the people who often says "I'm praying for you" in my posts. I understand, probably more than most, that this can bother you if you have an alternative belief, because my younger son (18) has decided he is a nonbeliever. Since he decided this after I was dx'd, I wonder if he shares some of your thoughts on the subject, P. I respect him and his right to choose and it infuriates me when someone tells him he is going to hell-one of his coworkers does this almost daily. I believe that faith, whether it is in God, science, or positive thinking, can make a world of difference in our fight against cancer. I would hate to see you and Cheryl stop posting, because you have a powerful gift for newcomers and other people here. You offer hope, laughter, and experiences that no one else has. As a fellow stage iv, I still laugh when I think about your post with the purple fingers and believe me, some days laughter is such a big gift!

I would also like to offer you a different way of thinking about my posts when I say "I'm thinking of you and praying for you." I understand that you don't believe in my faith and that's okay. If you believe in positive energy, understand that this is my way of sending the most powerful positive energy I have out for you. It means that I truly am hoping for you and that I care so much and want you, me, and every other semi-colon here to beat this disease.

I don't believe God gave me this as a test. I believe that genetic mutation, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, stress, negativity, and just plain bad luck contributed to my getting this--AND I HATE IT! Having to tell my children and watching them cry was one of the worst moments in my life, so I will never forget how awful this monster truly is. I also understand that some people beat this and some don't. Just because someone doesn't beat it doesn't mean that they prayed wrong, didn't pray at all, had too many negative thoughts, etc. It's one of the most frustrating things about this. I don't want anyone to have to go through this. This is one hell that no one deserves.

So bottom line--please don't go away. You help so many people, probably without even knowing it. Our differences can make us strong because we are each unique and bring something special to the table. I would miss you if you truly decide to stop posting, but I hope you will at least keep us up to date on how you are.

Rebecca

PhillieG

rrob said:

Belief Systems
Hey Phillie and Cheryl,

I had to sleep on this to see if I can find the right words. I am one of the people who often says "I'm praying for you" in my posts. I understand, probably more than most, that this can bother you if you have an alternative belief, because my younger son (18) has decided he is a nonbeliever. Since he decided this after I was dx'd, I wonder if he shares some of your thoughts on the subject, P. I respect him and his right to choose and it infuriates me when someone tells him he is going to hell-one of his coworkers does this almost daily. I believe that faith, whether it is in God, science, or positive thinking, can make a world of difference in our fight against cancer. I would hate to see you and Cheryl stop posting, because you have a powerful gift for newcomers and other people here. You offer hope, laughter, and experiences that no one else has. As a fellow stage iv, I still laugh when I think about your post with the purple fingers and believe me, some days laughter is such a big gift!

I would also like to offer you a different way of thinking about my posts when I say "I'm thinking of you and praying for you." I understand that you don't believe in my faith and that's okay. If you believe in positive energy, understand that this is my way of sending the most powerful positive energy I have out for you. It means that I truly am hoping for you and that I care so much and want you, me, and every other semi-colon here to beat this disease.

I don't believe God gave me this as a test. I believe that genetic mutation, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, stress, negativity, and just plain bad luck contributed to my getting this--AND I HATE IT! Having to tell my children and watching them cry was one of the worst moments in my life, so I will never forget how awful this monster truly is. I also understand that some people beat this and some don't. Just because someone doesn't beat it doesn't mean that they prayed wrong, didn't pray at all, had too many negative thoughts, etc. It's one of the most frustrating things about this. I don't want anyone to have to go through this. This is one hell that no one deserves.

So bottom line--please don't go away. You help so many people, probably without even knowing it. Our differences can make us strong because we are each unique and bring something special to the table. I would miss you if you truly decide to stop posting, but I hope you will at least keep us up to date on how you are.

Rebecca

Thanks for your post
Rebecca, thank you. You seem to get it and I am not offended by your prayers for me at all.

lisa42

PhillieG said:

Well put Cheryl
I've rewritten this post 5 times, I wish I could REALLY express how much this topic offends me but I can't without pissing off a lot of people which I don't want to do. But let me say this. If there was a God, why do we have cancer when most all of us (I like to believe) are decent people and others, many who are in politics or recently booted out, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and they are just fine? Oh, I know, we are being 'tested'.

I have no problem with whatever anyone wants to believe (in private) but I wish there were a separation of facts and make believe and that almost every single post didn't end with God Bless you or the like. Did someone sneeze???
It's been (un)real.
I hope some of my posts from my experiences have helped some of you.
Best of luck to you all.
-phil

Phil and Cheryl
I edited here, but the posting wouldn't go away- not sure how to do that- read below

lisa42

PhillieG said:

Well put Cheryl
I've rewritten this post 5 times, I wish I could REALLY express how much this topic offends me but I can't without pissing off a lot of people which I don't want to do. But let me say this. If there was a God, why do we have cancer when most all of us (I like to believe) are decent people and others, many who are in politics or recently booted out, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and they are just fine? Oh, I know, we are being 'tested'.

I have no problem with whatever anyone wants to believe (in private) but I wish there were a separation of facts and make believe and that almost every single post didn't end with God Bless you or the like. Did someone sneeze???
It's been (un)real.
I hope some of my posts from my experiences have helped some of you.
Best of luck to you all.
-phil

Phil and Cheryl
not sure what happened- my post went up 4 times!

lisa42

PhillieG said:

Well put Cheryl
I've rewritten this post 5 times, I wish I could REALLY express how much this topic offends me but I can't without pissing off a lot of people which I don't want to do. But let me say this. If there was a God, why do we have cancer when most all of us (I like to believe) are decent people and others, many who are in politics or recently booted out, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and they are just fine? Oh, I know, we are being 'tested'.

I have no problem with whatever anyone wants to believe (in private) but I wish there were a separation of facts and make believe and that almost every single post didn't end with God Bless you or the like. Did someone sneeze???
It's been (un)real.
I hope some of my posts from my experiences have helped some of you.
Best of luck to you all.
-phil

Phil and Cheryl
another mistake- how do I eliminate the mistaken/edited posts?

snommintj

concernedgal said:

Well my brother has a
Well my brother has a ultrasound in 30 mins to see if it is liver bile ducts that are blocked.

Understandably we are all angry as we demanded a Dr to come out on Friday when he started looking yellow.

My brother is so anxious, he had to have more pain relief. This is the exact same thing that happened 2 weeks ago. Just 1 cycle and told bile ducts blocked and now 1 cycle of new chemo and looks like theyre blocked again.

This disease is torture, constantly worried and having to watch my brother suffer and my parents are distraught

Stints?
After my last liver resection I developed a severe liver infection. I have a J-P drain and eventually needed a procedure to put stints in 2 bile ducts. The procedure was relatively easy, general anesthesia and 1-2 hours. The stints keep the bile ducts open all the time allowining the infection to constantly drain. They usually fall out by themselves in 6-8 weeks and are easily passed. Maybe the doctors could do something like that for your brother except on a larger scale, or perhaps a stint in his gall bladder. Check it out

concernedgal

They spoke to him last night
They spoke to him last night and said theyre not even sure if the liver bile ducts are blocked or its the cancer causing the jaundice as one side of the liver is draining.

He was told the procedure wont guarantee he can have chemo and theres a high risk of infection if the stent comes through the skin?!

Its either that or just manage the pain so of course my brother wants to go ahead with it. He goes in on Wednesday and knows himself it wont work but wants to at least try.

Cant believe this is happening again. We are all distraught that its so agressive and hes not had a chance to fight. Ive read a lot of forums and never heard of someone only having a chance with 1 cycle of chemo then the liver gives up. Cancer is never easy but we have never had any glimmer of hope since he was diagnosed late January. Im quite depressed

lisa42

PhillieG said:

Well put Cheryl
I've rewritten this post 5 times, I wish I could REALLY express how much this topic offends me but I can't without pissing off a lot of people which I don't want to do. But let me say this. If there was a God, why do we have cancer when most all of us (I like to believe) are decent people and others, many who are in politics or recently booted out, are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and they are just fine? Oh, I know, we are being 'tested'.

I have no problem with whatever anyone wants to believe (in private) but I wish there were a separation of facts and make believe and that almost every single post didn't end with God Bless you or the like. Did someone sneeze???
It's been (un)real.
I hope some of my posts from my experiences have helped some of you.
Best of luck to you all.
-phil

Phil and Cheryl (and concernedgal)
First of all- to "concernedgal"- sorry your thread has been "hijacked" with this particular discussion and my response to it- but I felt compelled to answer a couple of postings that were inserted in here- please no offense & I do hope that you are okay.

To Phil and Cheryl-
As Diane and Rebecca have both commented, so would I also like to. I am certain that I have also been one who you have been offended by in that I have definitely made quite a few references to "Him" (yes, with a capital letter), and about what I believe God has done for me. I have probably sounded "preachy" in several of my posts, but I was definitely sharing from my heart and soul. As Diane said, I feel like I can identify with her statement of it's who she is and anything less would be acting fake or inauthentic (not her actual words, but my interpretation of them). I so much feel the same way, and I do know that while some may have been offended, several have expressed to me their appreciation of my thoughts and/or comments.
Certainly, I never meant to offend anyone. Cheryl- I would SO miss your posts here- you are so responsive to people's questions and needs and have such a positive outlook and are quite humorous- you've given me quite a few chuckles! I am sorry if I am part of the reason that you're choosing to "take a break" from the site. Phil- I also have enjoyed so many of your postings- the same to you as I just said to Cheryl.

Yes, I have noticed that more recently, in addition to my own comments, that faith in God has definitely become more of a topic here on the board lately. Personally, I was rejoicing about it I felt a kind of comraderie between myself and several others who have expressed similar beliefs. You're right, however, that this is a public forum and not a religious site, so I am sorry for whoever I have offended- that was never my intention. My intention was to share how I have personally coped with life and my cancer diagnosis and all the difficult times I've had with it. I DO believe that there are many positive ways of dealing with illness- certainly eating healthy, learning about/using certain supplements to help fight cancer and build up our immune systems, etc. is very important. There have certainly been many studies that have shown individuals who have a positive outlook and have a belief system in something (not neccesarily the same as mine) DO better and have a better prognosis. I am definitely aware of that.

With all that being said, I must say that, although I will certainly tone it down a bit and will direct it just towards others whom I know feel/believe similarly or those who express an interest or ask about beliefs... I strongly believe that others and myself should NOT have to completely refrain from making any reference to God. As some may believe that dealing with cancer and beliefs in God are as separate like church and state... I cannot completely separate them. Certainly, not all of my postings include discussions about God, because certainly many people are just asking specific questions re. treatments, chemo side effects, diagnosis, surgeries, scans, etc., and so I answer or address those accordingly.

When it comes to life and death and purpose in life, however, I cannot separate what I believe and who I am from how I deal with and discuss these topics. Certainly, I don't expect everyone to agree with me or believe exactly like I do- everyone is free to believe as they wish. So, if I tell someone I am praying for them and they tell me that don't believe in prayer as I do, then I certainly won't continue to say that to that particular person. If they say they appreciate it (as many have), then I will certainly continue to say so (and really DO so) to and for that person. Yes- as many people say "God bless you" when someone sneezes, or some people in life say "I'll pray for you" and they forget about it or really didn't even mean that literally (some people say "I'll pray for you" when they actually mean "I'll be thinking of you". I realize and understand that) But when I say "I will pray for you- I literally really DO mean it and DO pray for that person. I'm not trying to pump myself up by saying that- I'd just like to clarify that I know it is a mannerism for some people (I'm not referring to anyone on this board re. as to having this as a mannerism- I'm just referring to people in general in society, that some have this saying as more of a mannerism- I believe people who have posted this here have been quite sincere), but it isn't that way when it's coming from me. If people don't want me really praying for them, then I won't respond that way to them anymore.

I guess enough said- but I try to be as open and transparent about who I am as possible. If I can share my journey through cancer and that happens to be a very spiritual journey in my case, then that is what I want to do in the hopes that it will help some other people to also get through it all by experiencing what I have experienced. If you don't want that, then- please- just ignore it, instead of taking offense to it.

When I sign my post "Blessings" or "God bless"- I'm not trying to be uppity or seem religious- I TRULY MEAN IT!

So, here goes-

Blessings,
Lisa

angelsbaby

CherylHutch said:

CEA Markers
CEA markers are literally just one tool that Oncologists can use, but nothing is ever based on just one diagnostic tool. The reason being.. it is not always an accurate measurement. For some people, it is a very good indication that there is active cancer brewing somewhere in the body... with others, it doesn't mean a thing and is not a good indicator at all. To boot, CEA CAN fluctuate... if you have an infection, or even something as minute as a cold or flu could make your readings fluctuate. So, unfortunately, CEA will give all of us reason for stress if it rises or fluctuates and yet, it might not mean a thing!

Also... everyone's normal reading can vary. Some people have CEA levels in the hundreds or even thousands (although these usually do indicate there is cancer in their system) and of course, are ecstatic if their CEA drops below 100. If I had a reading of two digits, I would be one very sick patient My average is around 1.5 ... others average is below 1.0. They "say" anything below 5.0 is considered average... but one has to wonder, "who's average"??

Soooo, don't get too jittery over the one test. If it is elevated, then your onc will probably suggest doing it again in another month. If it's elevated again, then they will probably start taking some scans. The good thing is, IF they do find something, then it probably is at the very beginning stages and they can nip it in the bud with some treatment

Keep us posted, Marm!

Hugggggs,

Cheryl

Cea
Cheryl you are right about the cea test angels was always low 3.0 never higher then 4 but all along all those tumors were growing and the test never showed that.

P.S Don't go cheryl

angelsbaby

concernedgal said:

They spoke to him last night
They spoke to him last night and said theyre not even sure if the liver bile ducts are blocked or its the cancer causing the jaundice as one side of the liver is draining.

He was told the procedure wont guarantee he can have chemo and theres a high risk of infection if the stent comes through the skin?!

Its either that or just manage the pain so of course my brother wants to go ahead with it. He goes in on Wednesday and knows himself it wont work but wants to at least try.

Cant believe this is happening again. We are all distraught that its so agressive and hes not had a chance to fight. Ive read a lot of forums and never heard of someone only having a chance with 1 cycle of chemo then the liver gives up. Cancer is never easy but we have never had any glimmer of hope since he was diagnosed late January. Im quite depressed

Sorry
I am sorry But your brother is trying that is good. Right now there is no hope for my husband but his pain and vomiting is under control and he is still with me. All i had was hope at the beginning and threw out this whole cancer thing. Then you hear the words I am sorry theres nothing more we can do.Then Hope goes to despeare and hope come back . I hope he dosen't suffer ect ect Just my thoughts but your brother sounds like a fighter, now take care of yourself, one can get easyly depressed because of cancer


michelle

tootsie1

PhillieG said:

I respect your beliefs Diane
I respect your beliefs Diane and it was not an easy post to write. It just gets to be too much for me. It reminds me of when I was diagnosed and in treatment. My in laws said to me "I pray they are wrong" to which I replied "I have cancer, if anything pray I get better". I think there is a lot to having faith and also that there is some positive energy out there but I think if you or others always heard from lots of people something you didn't believe in (I can't think of a good example, or even a bad one) all the time when to many, the whole question of if there even is a God, it might get tiring for you. Maybe not, I don't know. It's a touchy subject just like politics is. I have faith in the competence of my doctors, not something that I do not think exists. I know there are many people like yourself, who have a very strong belief. They are all over the world and have their own Gods they believe in and it hasn't done a lot of good that I can see but if you believe this, then that's great. Whatever works for YOU. I just can't seem to read a post anymore that isn't praising the Lord for something while we are all sick with cancer. It makes absolutely no sense to me.
Oy vey, this can go on forever....
Good health to you Diane
-p

You're not going, too?
Phil,

I do hope this doesn't mean that you're planning to leave the board, too. You're such a positive example of someone who's fighting a tough disease and maintaining a life at the same time.

*Hugs*
Gail

Unknown

CherylHutch said:

Come on... let's get real!
Diane... for heaven's sake.... better said than any preacher on TV??? What kind of an insult is that? A television quack is someone anyone should be listening to??? Without "HIM", all we deserve is hell??

This is NOT a religious forum and unfortunately it gets a bit thick in here with all this babble. NO ONE DESERVES hell... whether you believe in "HIM" or not. For someone to even make such a comment in a non-religious forum does not do religion any justice... it just comes across as a cult.

Sorry if I have offended others. I have always said that whatever gets you through the horrors of cancer or even the day to day stress of just living is a good thing. I have NOTHING against anyone who has a strong faith, no matter what your beliefs may be. If it works for you, then great... but there is no need for the cheerleading to be in every topic on a support forum because, guess what folk... we aren't all on the same team! I have been very respectful of others beliefs and have never once questioned others' faith on this forum and I don't plan to... nor have I gone into every topic and felt I had to spread my beliefs to counteract those of traditional religion.

This forum is meant to share information and support about the one thing we all do have in common... and that is this monster, cancer. If I want to be bombarded with "God is good!" "God has a plan!" "Put your worries in God's hands", then I would go to a religious forum. But I avoid them like the plague. You won't catch me hanging out in a religious forum because I do not have the same beliefs. When I first found this forum a year ago (April 2007) it was a wonderful thing to find such an amazing support group online. I have no idea when all this "Praise be God" came in... if it was a gradual thing or everyone just all got religious at the same time, but it has definitely taken away from what this forum is all about - the actual support that folk have for everyone facing this horrible disease.

So now it's now come down to either you believe in HIM (what's with the capitals on that word??) or you deserve to be in hell?? Well, that's my time to exit... I'm taking a break from the forum. Perhaps down the road when the forum gets back to being a support forum and not a podium for religion, I can come back. I truly believe in giving support to newbies as well as the friends I have made here (not to mention the support I, myself, have received from some on this forum). But I'm not able to spend the time trying anymore to just ignore the religious babble... it's gotten to the point one has to ignore almost every topic

I don't understand how people can leave politics out of this forum but they can't leave religion out of it. The two are one and the same and don't belong in any forum other than a religious or a political forum.

Thanks to everyone (you know who you are) that I have had the honour of sharing conversations with, both here on the forum and in email. I am still available in email but I really need to take a break from a forum that has turned to religion, which I do NOT believe is the answer to cancer or to the world's woes.

Good luck, everyone! I know the majority of us WILL beat this disease, not because of who or what we believe in, but because of technology and the leaps and bounds our doctors and science is finding ... and NO, not one of us deserves to be in a state of hell no matter what the television quacks and all their followers spout off!

Cheryl

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

PhillieG

tootsie1 said:

You're not going, too?
Phil,

I do hope this doesn't mean that you're planning to leave the board, too. You're such a positive example of someone who's fighting a tough disease and maintaining a life at the same time.

*Hugs*
Gail

You're stuck with me.
I do not plan on leaving. I wish that things did not get waaaay out of hand like they did. It appears that the post that started all of this wasn't even read by the majority of people who had plenty to say on the subject. A knee jerk reaction to certain trigger words I suppose. Many words were put into my mouth by others. I used some "magic mouthwash" to get rid of them. Blah, still leaves a bad taste though. I'm here to help people, I could care less what they believe and I feel one can believe whatever they want. Always have felt that way, always will. I think many of us are on short fuses with dealing with cancer. I certainly get that way at times. I had to step back for a little while but as you probably have seen I have continued to try to help others by my experiences. I hope we all beat this disease or at least live a quality life while we live with cancer.
Thank you for your kind words Gail, all the best to you and yours.
-phil