Class of 2011 - ROLLCALL!

TerryV

birdiequeen said:

Husband is Class of 2010
Dx 11/10 @ 49 years old
Surgery (THE) 12/10
NED 12/11
Two "spots" on kidney detected 1/12
First Biopsy inconclusive 2/12
Second Biopsy 3/29/12

He is feeling well and looks great. So hopefully the spots are nothing. Just got back from a vacation where he rode several roller coasters.

Thanks Terry for the roll call!

fingers, toes, legs & eyes crossed for you!
Congratulations on the progress so far. Prayers for continued success in the battle of this beast!

Love the roller coaster rides! Sounds like a wonderful vacation

Hugs to you both,

Terry

Ginny_B

My mom (84) was diagnosed
My mom (84) was diagnosed August 2011 and lost the battle March 22, 2012. My heart broke when her heart stopped.

TerryV

Ginny_B said:

My mom (84) was diagnosed
My mom (84) was diagnosed August 2011 and lost the battle March 22, 2012. My heart broke when her heart stopped.

As did all of ours, Ginny
We are here for you....

Terry

Luvs24

TerryV said:

As did all of ours, Ginny
We are here for you....

Terry

Another Successful Member of Class of 2011
Would you add my Dad, Roy?

Diagnosed T3N1M0 June 2011
Chemo/Radiation Pre Op
Ivor Lewis Robotic 10/07/11
NED Since
No post op Chemo needed
Blockage due to Pyloric Valve not relaxing - Botox - End of Nov or begining of December (I think)

Dad just celebrated his 65th birthday yesterday (28), and had his 3 month check up on the 27 - All is WELL and NED! Wooohooo!

Beth (Luvs24)

My dad (and I) were so grateful for this site throughout his recovery while I was with him in Florida and I am now a "lurker".

TerryV

Luvs24 said:

Another Successful Member of Class of 2011
Would you add my Dad, Roy?

Diagnosed T3N1M0 June 2011
Chemo/Radiation Pre Op
Ivor Lewis Robotic 10/07/11
NED Since
No post op Chemo needed
Blockage due to Pyloric Valve not relaxing - Botox - End of Nov or begining of December (I think)

Dad just celebrated his 65th birthday yesterday (28), and had his 3 month check up on the 27 - All is WELL and NED! Wooohooo!

Beth (Luvs24)

My dad (and I) were so grateful for this site throughout his recovery while I was with him in Florida and I am now a "lurker".

Congratulations!
Beth,

That is WONDERFUL news! I am so very happy for your family.

Your dad has been added to the roll call

Terry

Ericalynn

Class of 2011-Update
Hi Terry,
Quick update on John. He is feeling better everyday, still has an issue with discomfort if he eats too much at one setting. He goes to the gym 6-7 days per week. He saw his primary care physician on Friday and all vitals were good. Blood work was OK, his cholesterol was Great (his was high at one time) , his hemoglobin is still low but up from the last time. He was on Blood Pressure medication for years. His BP is normal with No Meds. He is scheduled for his first CT Scan next week and sees that surgeon on 4-12-12. I have a little scan anxiety but I am trying not to get to worked up over something I cannot control. John's weight is up to 157 ( 9 LBS more than when he was diagnosed) that has to be a good sign. He still is smoking but I cannot even think about that. I know I have not been on the site in a long time but I do read the post as much as possible. I have a new position at work and it has added many more hours to my day. I miss everyone here and everyone was such a great support during a very difficult time. I'm just having a hard time fitting everything into my day. My Mom is not well. It seems like she waited for John to feel better and she fell apart again.
So far so good John is doing great I will update when we get CT results.
Love to you and Nick and all that are here battling this disease!
Erica
Wife of John
Diagnosis-T-3, N-1,M-0-- 5-17-11
Chemo/Radiation-completed --7-11-11
MIE surgery with robotics-- 9-9-11
Dr. K. Meredith, Moffitt Hospital
29 lymph nodes & tumor-cancer free

JimboC

JReed said:

I don't know what class we are
Terry

Is Don in the class of 2011 or 2012? He was diagnosed in Nov 2011 but having surgergy March 22, 2012. I have made up a really nice spreadsheet with lots of info of most everyone on here and I'd be happy to email to anyone who would like it. Just send me a private message here with your email address and I'll forward it to you.

THANKS (in honor of Eric!)
Judy

Not sure of my class either
I was diagnosed Feb 2011 and had surgery July 2011 but and still fighting recurrance in 2012 so I'm not sure where that puts me either.

TerryV

JimboC said:

Not sure of my class either
I was diagnosed Feb 2011 and had surgery July 2011 but and still fighting recurrance in 2012 so I'm not sure where that puts me either.

I consider you Class of 2011, Jimbo
I'll get you added to the class list, Jimbo!

Hope you are doing well and that you have a pleasant Easter!

{hugs}

Terry

lilrusty

Ginny_B said:

My mom (84) was diagnosed
My mom (84) was diagnosed August 2011 and lost the battle March 22, 2012. My heart broke when her heart stopped.

Husband Class Of 2011
My husband was diagnosed in July 2011 and lost his battle April 1,2012. My world has been shattered by this beast. I hope time heals all wounds, because my heart is broken.

Ginny_B

JimboC said:

Not sure of my class either
I was diagnosed Feb 2011 and had surgery July 2011 but and still fighting recurrance in 2012 so I'm not sure where that puts me either.

You can be in any class,
You can be in any class, Jimbo - you're just so full of class!

Rick0311

I think I qualify
Terry

I think I qualify for the 2011 class, I am six months NED. Next scan im May.

Richard (Rick) Watson
Neoga, Illinois

DX – 0411
EC – T2N2M0
Chemo – Cisplatin, four treatments
5FU, four treatments, five days times 24 hours each time
MIE – 083111
Barnes Hospital, St Louis
Dr Brian Meyer
NED

jthomas2333

Rick0311 said:

I think I qualify
Terry

I think I qualify for the 2011 class, I am six months NED. Next scan im May.

Richard (Rick) Watson
Neoga, Illinois

DX – 0411
EC – T2N2M0
Chemo – Cisplatin, four treatments
5FU, four treatments, five days times 24 hours each time
MIE – 083111
Barnes Hospital, St Louis
Dr Brian Meyer
NED

Late for Graduation

Hey!  Jeff Thomas here.  Sorry I missed our class of 2011 graduation roll call.  I developed a leak after surgery as well as some other brutal complicatiions.  I spent a month at Fox Chase, most of it in intensive care.  My post surgery pathology was bad ( 7 out of 17 positive).  I had 6 months of chemo, and was pretty depressed. 

Fast forward to 2013...I run three miles three times a week.  My weight is a svelte 186 and trending up.  I play alot of golf and have been doing alot of traveling.  i took my son to Russia in April.

I am back at my business full time and I just won an election for school board where I live.  My 21 month scan, which I had on Monday, was clean.  I saw my oldeest son graduate from Cornell.

I apologize for not being there for everyone during their recovery.  I will post more when I have some more time.

NikiMo

jthomas2333 said:

Late for Graduation

Hey!  Jeff Thomas here.  Sorry I missed our class of 2011 graduation roll call.  I developed a leak after surgery as well as some other brutal complicatiions.  I spent a month at Fox Chase, most of it in intensive care.  My post surgery pathology was bad ( 7 out of 17 positive).  I had 6 months of chemo, and was pretty depressed. 

Fast forward to 2013...I run three miles three times a week.  My weight is a svelte 186 and trending up.  I play alot of golf and have been doing alot of traveling.  i took my son to Russia in April.

I am back at my business full time and I just won an election for school board where I live.  My 21 month scan, which I had on Monday, was clean.  I saw my oldeest son graduate from Cornell.

I apologize for not being there for everyone during their recovery.  I will post more when I have some more time.

HEY!!

JEFF!!

Been so long since we heard from you, I was pretty worried.  Better late than never I don't check in too often, but when I do I awlays think of the class of 2011.  I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well.  Sadly we have lost classmates, I keep them and thier families in my thoughts.  A few others haven't been heard from in awhile and I really hope that they are ok as well.  That is awesome that you went to Russia with your son, AND you got to see your son graduate.  It is milestones like that which I am sure make the brutal receovery worth it.

 

My Jeff is doing well also, he had his 18 month scan in early April and was clear, they moved him to 6 month scans now.  This past weekend we had a BIG party for his 50th B-Day at our house.  He was surrounded by family and old friends, he had a great time.  He like you has throw himself into excercise.  He doesn't do cardio too often as he is having a little more trouble gaining weight.  He can bench over 100 pounds now and is feeling pretty good most of the time.  We also just celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversay, I feel really blessed to have these moments with him!

Again SOOO happy to hear from you and that you are doing well.

Niki

BobHaze

NikiMo said:

HEY!!

JEFF!!

Been so long since we heard from you, I was pretty worried.  Better late than never I don't check in too often, but when I do I awlays think of the class of 2011.  I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well.  Sadly we have lost classmates, I keep them and thier families in my thoughts.  A few others haven't been heard from in awhile and I really hope that they are ok as well.  That is awesome that you went to Russia with your son, AND you got to see your son graduate.  It is milestones like that which I am sure make the brutal receovery worth it.

 

My Jeff is doing well also, he had his 18 month scan in early April and was clear, they moved him to 6 month scans now.  This past weekend we had a BIG party for his 50th B-Day at our house.  He was surrounded by family and old friends, he had a great time.  He like you has throw himself into excercise.  He doesn't do cardio too often as he is having a little more trouble gaining weight.  He can bench over 100 pounds now and is feeling pretty good most of the time.  We also just celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversay, I feel really blessed to have these moments with him!

Again SOOO happy to hear from you and that you are doing well.

Niki

Terry, Niki, Jeff and Jeff:

I feel like we’re having a reunion!  Sadly, not everyone is still here to attend, but with the Beast we have to be grateful for what we have.  I had my 18 month scan in April and am still NED and feeling great, and in fact the week after my scan I flew to Singapore and Russia for a 2 week business trip.  My weight is 35 lbs less than when I was diagnosed, but steady as long as I keep after it.  I can’t seem to get into a regular gym routine, but I ride my bike 20-30 miles every morning and try to do a 50-60 miler on the weekend.  That burns a lot of calories so eating and maintaining my weight is more of a challenge during the summer, but it’s doable.  I know how blessed I am, and if diet and occasional – er – intestinal issues are the worst thing, I can deal with that.

I sometimes wonder why I still follow this board and the FB group, because it can be so sad and depressing.  But then there are posts like Terry’s today and it’s uplifting to touch base with you all, as we’ve been through so much together.  I grieve for Nick, Lee, Eric, Jimbo and Don…and so many others, but I’m so happy that you all and I are still here to remember them.

FEC,

Bob

T1aN0M0

Dx   8/3/11

MIE 9/23/11

 

TerryV

Glad you're doing well, Jeff!

Jeff,

I was so worried about you.  No news for such a long time usually doesn't mean good things.  I am so glad in your case that's wrong.  I knew things had gone wrong for you in surgery and that there was an extended ICU stay.  How wonderful to hear that you've done great things with your time since surgery.  Russia would be amazing!

 

@Bob - not sure what you're thinking of.  It wasn't my post that you saw.  I've had nothing good to post in many months.    Delighted that you are doing well!

 

@NikkiMo - my dear friend!  So happy that things are good for you and Jeff.  Glad that he's found exercise.  That's got to be a key to keeping this beast at bay.  It's a joy to know that the 3 of you are all beating fEC.

with hugs and love to you all!

Terry

PROUD wife to Nick, age 49
lost battle to fEC, June 19, 2012 

NikiMo

TerryV said:

Glad you're doing well, Jeff!

Jeff,

I was so worried about you.  No news for such a long time usually doesn't mean good things.  I am so glad in your case that's wrong.  I knew things had gone wrong for you in surgery and that there was an extended ICU stay.  How wonderful to hear that you've done great things with your time since surgery.  Russia would be amazing!

 

@Bob - not sure what you're thinking of.  It wasn't my post that you saw.  I've had nothing good to post in many months.    Delighted that you are doing well!

 

@NikkiMo - my dear friend!  So happy that things are good for you and Jeff.  Glad that he's found exercise.  That's got to be a key to keeping this beast at bay.  It's a joy to know that the 3 of you are all beating fEC.

with hugs and love to you all!

Terry

PROUD wife to Nick, age 49
lost battle to fEC, June 19, 2012 

Hi Terry!!
I like you was really relieved to see Jeff's post, the two of you were my first confidants during this journey and I will never forget either of you. I know that sounds strange since we never met, but cancer can build bonds - I know you get it. I understand everyone moving on with life or trying to and that is important, it's just good to hear updates once and awhile. I am hoping that you and the girls are ok, I think of you all often. Jeff and I are getting back to a more normal life, though now my grandfather who lives with us is on hospice so we are mentally dealing with that. Jeff has a really great outlook and I continue with counseling to deal with my anxiety, they think I have some form of caregiver PTSD. I am starting to manage that better and work through it to enjoy life again. We are going to Mexico in August, I am really excited to see the ruins, I have been reading up on the Mayans lately. Hoping that you and your family have some fun things planned for the summer.

Bob- I am not leaving you out here, I always look forward to hearing good scan updates from you. It gives me strength to know you are out there getting back to life too

Niki

topaz1947

I had surgery in March of

I had surgery in March of 2011. One node found so had to have chemo and rad after I got strong enough.  It was a long hard road and I still have some problems eating. My scans have all come back NED, thank the Lord.  My next one will be in August.  I had my surgery and treatments at Duke in Durham.  My team was wonderful.  Dr. Hurwitz is still my oncologist, and I could not ask for a more honest, considerate person.  Just hope I continue to have good scans.  God bless everyone here.  You were all so much help.  I did not post often, but I read the posts everyday.  Again, thank you,  Still miss Marshall.

TerryV

NikiMo said:

Hi Terry!!
I like you was really relieved to see Jeff's post, the two of you were my first confidants during this journey and I will never forget either of you. I know that sounds strange since we never met, but cancer can build bonds - I know you get it. I understand everyone moving on with life or trying to and that is important, it's just good to hear updates once and awhile. I am hoping that you and the girls are ok, I think of you all often. Jeff and I are getting back to a more normal life, though now my grandfather who lives with us is on hospice so we are mentally dealing with that. Jeff has a really great outlook and I continue with counseling to deal with my anxiety, they think I have some form of caregiver PTSD. I am starting to manage that better and work through it to enjoy life again. We are going to Mexico in August, I am really excited to see the ruins, I have been reading up on the Mayans lately. Hoping that you and your family have some fun things planned for the summer.

Bob- I am not leaving you out here, I always look forward to hearing good scan updates from you. It gives me strength to know you are out there getting back to life too

Niki

Caregiver PTSD is very real

Niki,

I am sure from my experience with EC that PSTD for caregivers is very real.  I have been so lost in my real life since the original diagnosis and time since.  Knowing how I face each day, I'm sure your experience must be similar.  Life is so precious, to have it so nearly yanked from your grasp is a life shattering ordeal.  It's difficult to trust, to smile, to move forward.  I realize that I face this from a different outcome than you, but the fears and what pushed us here is similar.

Blessings to you both as you consider the travel to Mexico.  What fun!  I've been there once and really enjoyed it.  I would love to travel there again some day.  Be prepared, the children will tug at your heartstrings as they beg for coins.  It can be a difficult trip.

I think of you often and am So Glad that you and Jeff are well!  Your number is still in my phone.  Who knows - I might call some day

 

{hugs} to you, Niki!

MartinG5602

Update

Hello, 

My husband, Martin, 75,  DX Stage 3b in Feb.2011, continues his fight with a great attitude and courage.  We continue at MDA in Houston with  Dr. Ho. Martin is now stage IV after the IL in Sept of '11 as a tumor on his Adrenal Gland returned in March of 2012. This tumor was removed in Sept of 2012, but new spots in his thigh and pelvis, lung and Adrenal Bed have returned.  His is now completing another round of chemo(3rd chemo round) and will return to Houston in August for new testing. He has held his  weight at 170 for the last year after starting at 238. He has great faith and does not worry which has helped me so much.  I read about everyone as I can, marveling at the fight and spirit all  have against this hated Beast. Bottom line, there MUST be a much quicker and easier way to detect diagnosis  before it becomes too late.  We insisted our grown children be tested , they are in their 40's.  Each has recently been tested, and lesions were found early. They will now be on Prilosec for the rest of their lives.  Prilosec will cure the lesions....we were told.  They had no EC yet! But I believe there must be some genetic link somewhere. 

I thank each of you for stories, continue to send prayers your way, and am so saddened by those no longer here. I am blessed to have Anderson and each of you brave warriors in our collective  corners.   You have taught me so, so  much....thank you! Thank you! God bless you all and your caregivers!

Barrie

 

 

Janet Runge

Class of 2011

Hello all,

Charlie had 2 year post op scan today (May 27th 2011 MIE) Completely clear and other than a few life changing things he is completely back to self and we are living the most grateful life. We never go long with thinking of this horrible cancer and thank God everyday for health

I think of you often and hope you are all well ...take care

Janet

wife Charlie

T3N1MO diagnosis 2/16/2011

2 year scan NED 6/20/2013