been away past 10 months....

dash4

Hello all,
I am not sure if anyone is still posting that I know..I do not recognize any names so far, but I have missed my discussions on this board and hope someone is still reading that may remember me and that I can make new friends.

My husband, John is still fighting his battle. He is amazing....he was first diagnosed October 2004 with Stage IV colon cancer. He started with 5FU, leucovorin, irinotecan, and avastin for one month, then a brief rest and colon resection,liver resection and ablation and then 6 more months of chemo. We thought he was cancer free, but his pain returned in 2 weeks and by 10/05 found his reoccurence in his chest and abdomen...so he started erbitux and irinotecan weekly and that has been our story ever since. We are the "pro" with fighting the rash and other "challenges" along the way. Recently the chemo is starting not to work and John's biliruben is climbing higher and higher and cannot figure out "why". We are now trying 5FU again with oxaliplatin this time and hoping it will help to shrink his tumors and control his pain.

My mother had a stroke in 9/08 - about the same time they shut down this site to make all their changes. I tried to get back on and could not navigate it and between work, husband, mom and family I was so overwhelmed that I have not had the time to try again till now. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it is true.

So, I just wanted to say "Hi" and hope to visit again more often this time. I still don't know how to find my email or anything else yet, but I will eventually figure that out too.

All of you -survivors and caregivers have been in my prayers all along.
Thanks for listening, Dash

kmygil

Hi Dash!
Wow. You are dealing with a lot! I don't blame you one bit for not having the energy to tackle the changes in the website. I'm not sure if I remember you or not, but welcome back! There are a few "old-timers" still posting, and they are so much help to everyone. You, being the caretaker, are an angel!!! You have had a tough road, but it sounds like you are handling it with energy and good attitude. We will look for more of your posts. Meanwhile, you, your husband, your mom and the rest of your family are in my prayers.

Hugs,
Kirsten

Shayenne

kmygil said:

Hi Dash!
Wow. You are dealing with a lot! I don't blame you one bit for not having the energy to tackle the changes in the website. I'm not sure if I remember you or not, but welcome back! There are a few "old-timers" still posting, and they are so much help to everyone. You, being the caretaker, are an angel!!! You have had a tough road, but it sounds like you are handling it with energy and good attitude. We will look for more of your posts. Meanwhile, you, your husband, your mom and the rest of your family are in my prayers.

Hugs,
Kirsten

Hi Kirsten!
I am pretty new to the boards, I joined in January 2009, and it's this board has been a lifesaver for me, with alot of inspirational stories, but it's cool to meet members! I'm Donna, and was diagnosed with Stage 4 CC with a tumor in my liver, but please post away; it be nice getting to know each other.

tootsie1

Hi
I'm glad you've come back to the board. It sounds like you need some support. I'm sorry you and your husband are going through so much.

*hugs*
Gail

Fight for my love

Hi dash4,it's always good to
Hi dash4,it's always good to see old member's post since plenty of us are still new to this board.Thank you very much for your post.

lisa42

hello
Hello Dash,

I started posting about a year ago, although I was diagnosed with my stage IV rectal cancer in Aug. of 2007. Although I'm sorry that your husband has had to continue on with treatment all these years, it does give me encouragement to hear of others who have done so and are still at it. I will be one of those who also will have to continue on some kind of treatment for the rest of my life (unless a miracle takes place!)

I get weary of it and so does my family but, of course, there is no other option so we do the best we can! You sure do have a lot on your plate with work and the issues with your husband and your mom. You're a trooper!

This site has been great for me- I can ask questions and get instant answers and support. People here understand like my husband couldn't. Although my husband and I talk very openly and honestly about everything, there are times when I just don't want to burden him alone with my concerns. Of course, when I have questions about treatments, this is the place with all the experienced people (both patients and caregivers!)
So with that all said, welcome back!

Blessings,
Lisa

dash4

Thank you..
Thank you all for your kind responses....it feels good to be back. I am glad I finally took the plunge to figure out the new website!
Dash