Trial in Nashville MPDL3280A (PDL)

foxhd

DMike said:

Great News
Great news Paula! I'm very happy for you. I'll continue to follow your progress and send positive energy your way.
--David

I missed you too
I constantly am thinking and worrying about you. It is not depression. It is discouragement. Sort of anti climatic. Waiting, and waiting for the infusion. The stress is huge. But getting the infusion doesn't solve the emotional component. Round one is over but it is a world championship fight and there are many more rounds to battle. Fatigue takes it's toll. It drains your energy. Makes somewhat minor issues become more noticeable. You'll be going for your second infusion soon. Not many people can say that. I'm happy for you and proud of you. So go and have some fun playing in the woods. Watch out for hillbillies and moonshiners. Fox loves you.

alice124

pjune127 said:

You are right on target, Alice!
I have been a little puny over the last 10 days. I have been plagued by low grade fever that comes and goes (with tylenol) and a somewhat overwhelming depression that I was finally convinced today is a veritable side effect of the treatment. It is not like me to be gloom and doom, uninterested, and antisocial; however over the last week or so I have hardly recognized myself. So...I called SCRI today, talked to a research nurse and was told the fever was all right, as long as I didn't have rigors, a productive cough, or muscle pain so bad I could not get out of bed. None of that applies to me. That was affirming. The depression I am told is a side effect. I hate it and I am determined to beat it. Today I forced myself to go out to lunch with a friend and visit another friend this evening. It's amazing how being busy is a true antidote, but it is a real challenge to get myself up and out. I'm afraid I have worn my husband out. He has done everything but stand on his head to cheer me up. Thankfully, on Wednesday we are going up into the mountains. We have rented a cabin with my brother and sister in law and are spending 5 nights there. A change of scenery will be good for me and I do love my brother and sister in law sooo much. They will also take me off Ed's hands for a few days. Good for everyone all around! Honestly, I don't feel too bad physically. It doesn't compare to being on Sutent and dealing with blistered hands and feet!! I do think the emotional aspect has bummed me out. I have always been the one with energy and drive and desire and positive attitude. Looks like "Bad Paula" has taken residence in my body for a bit. Maybe she will leave after Halloween. LOL I go to Nashville on the 7th with treatment on the 8th. It will be good to have #2 under my belt and have 3 more weeks until scans! Thanks Alice, for noticing I have been "away". You have no idea what a boost it was just to know that you noticed!

Hugs,

Paula xo

Paula
Paula-I have one question for Ed. WHY AREN'T YOU STANDING ON YOUR HEAD?

Paula, I know this has got to be tough but if anyone can do it, it's you. And one of your strongest weapons is your positive attitude. Time to put it in overdrive. Utilize your gift for visualization to envision the cancer being washed away! Think of white water rafting and the rapids racing into your canoe--soaking your entire body--and racing out taking the cancer cells with it. Psych your soul up!!! We're all holding and squeezing your hand with support. I just experienced a chill when that cold water splashed over me. With you!!!

I am alive

foxhd said:

I missed you too
I constantly am thinking and worrying about you. It is not depression. It is discouragement. Sort of anti climatic. Waiting, and waiting for the infusion. The stress is huge. But getting the infusion doesn't solve the emotional component. Round one is over but it is a world championship fight and there are many more rounds to battle. Fatigue takes it's toll. It drains your energy. Makes somewhat minor issues become more noticeable. You'll be going for your second infusion soon. Not many people can say that. I'm happy for you and proud of you. So go and have some fun playing in the woods. Watch out for hillbillies and moonshiners. Fox loves you.

And this too shall pass
Bad Paula is just Sad Paul. Sad happens. I've been on the clinal trial track for only 12 weeks now but, for me anyway, these side effects come and go. Sad has been one of them. Two or three times I've burst into tears without warning, for no apparent reason and felt the need to vent. Not the "why me?" wail, because we all know that terrible things happen to people all the time & none of us is exempt, but the "I can't believe this is really happening" rant. Which is perfectly normal. My theory is that some of these side effects taper off as your body acclimates itself to the drug. So I'm betting that feeling blue will dissipate. You are certainly doing all the right things, forcing yourself to get out of the house with friends & going on a 5-day holiday in the mountains ain't shabby (sounds fab, can I come?!). Smile (it's a trick - once you do that you feel better, something about your body tricking your emotions). We love you Paula! All will be well.

pjune127

I am alive said:

And this too shall pass
Bad Paula is just Sad Paul. Sad happens. I've been on the clinal trial track for only 12 weeks now but, for me anyway, these side effects come and go. Sad has been one of them. Two or three times I've burst into tears without warning, for no apparent reason and felt the need to vent. Not the "why me?" wail, because we all know that terrible things happen to people all the time & none of us is exempt, but the "I can't believe this is really happening" rant. Which is perfectly normal. My theory is that some of these side effects taper off as your body acclimates itself to the drug. So I'm betting that feeling blue will dissipate. You are certainly doing all the right things, forcing yourself to get out of the house with friends & going on a 5-day holiday in the mountains ain't shabby (sounds fab, can I come?!). Smile (it's a trick - once you do that you feel better, something about your body tricking your emotions). We love you Paula! All will be well.

I'm still here.
I've had a very tough go these last three weeks. I still am working at managing fever, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The constancy of these side effects has left me wasted, physically and emotionally. Walking across the room left me winded and my heart pounding. After many family discussions with input from doctors and friends, I am going to tackle this by dealing with the side effects as best I can. I am going to make a concerted effort to hydrate, eat, and rest. I have acknowledged that depression is a side effect of this drug (as it is in the same class as IL2) and I am going to take some medicine to try to straighten that out. I have changed my blood pressure meds ( really don't need them now, but I need to slow down my heart a little). It is back to Nashville for me tomorrow. They do not seem terribly concerned with my s/e.

I just wanted to update. The mountains were beautiful and the time spent with family and friends was priceless.

Love you guys...

Texas_wedge

pjune127 said:

I'm still here.
I've had a very tough go these last three weeks. I still am working at managing fever, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The constancy of these side effects has left me wasted, physically and emotionally. Walking across the room left me winded and my heart pounding. After many family discussions with input from doctors and friends, I am going to tackle this by dealing with the side effects as best I can. I am going to make a concerted effort to hydrate, eat, and rest. I have acknowledged that depression is a side effect of this drug (as it is in the same class as IL2) and I am going to take some medicine to try to straighten that out. I have changed my blood pressure meds ( really don't need them now, but I need to slow down my heart a little). It is back to Nashville for me tomorrow. They do not seem terribly concerned with my s/e.

I just wanted to update. The mountains were beautiful and the time spent with family and friends was priceless.

Love you guys...

Still here
I was thinking about you but fifteen minutes ago! Sorry you're having it so hard, Paula, but remember how hard Fox fought to get where he is and you're made of the same stuff.

It's reasuring that your docs aren't too worried about your s-e's but then they're not suffering them!

Your plan sounds sensible to me and good luck tomorrow - I'll be thinking about you some more, today and tomorrow.

foxhd

Texas_wedge said:

Still here
I was thinking about you but fifteen minutes ago! Sorry you're having it so hard, Paula, but remember how hard Fox fought to get where he is and you're made of the same stuff.

It's reasuring that your docs aren't too worried about your s-e's but then they're not suffering them!

Your plan sounds sensible to me and good luck tomorrow - I'll be thinking about you some more, today and tomorrow.

Been worried
We've been worried and concerned about you. (but no one more than me). You can do this. You'll get the medications and side effects under control. I have great faith in you. Stay vigilant. You will do this. Love you, Fox.

Limelife50

pjune127 said:

I'm still here.
I've had a very tough go these last three weeks. I still am working at managing fever, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The constancy of these side effects has left me wasted, physically and emotionally. Walking across the room left me winded and my heart pounding. After many family discussions with input from doctors and friends, I am going to tackle this by dealing with the side effects as best I can. I am going to make a concerted effort to hydrate, eat, and rest. I have acknowledged that depression is a side effect of this drug (as it is in the same class as IL2) and I am going to take some medicine to try to straighten that out. I have changed my blood pressure meds ( really don't need them now, but I need to slow down my heart a little). It is back to Nashville for me tomorrow. They do not seem terribly concerned with my s/e.

I just wanted to update. The mountains were beautiful and the time spent with family and friends was priceless.

Love you guys...

Hi Paula
Just to let you know i am also in your corner and sorry to hear you having a little bit of a rough going,i know from my own experiance depression alone can be tough enough so i know when you add the physical SES to the mix it has to be that much harder to push forward.With that said i hope you are able to make it to the FINISH LINE!! on this treatment and get those good results all of us are pulling for you to get.

Max Power

pjune127 said:

I'm still here.
I've had a very tough go these last three weeks. I still am working at managing fever, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The constancy of these side effects has left me wasted, physically and emotionally. Walking across the room left me winded and my heart pounding. After many family discussions with input from doctors and friends, I am going to tackle this by dealing with the side effects as best I can. I am going to make a concerted effort to hydrate, eat, and rest. I have acknowledged that depression is a side effect of this drug (as it is in the same class as IL2) and I am going to take some medicine to try to straighten that out. I have changed my blood pressure meds ( really don't need them now, but I need to slow down my heart a little). It is back to Nashville for me tomorrow. They do not seem terribly concerned with my s/e.

I just wanted to update. The mountains were beautiful and the time spent with family and friends was priceless.

Love you guys...

Good job!
Well Paula, it looks like you have things well in hand, are making all the right decisions. You seem the kind of person who will come out on the other side of depression unscathed! You are always looking forward. Keep busy as you say, and enjoy the family and scenery. We're here rooting for you.
Max

jam66

pjune127 said:

I'm still here.
I've had a very tough go these last three weeks. I still am working at managing fever, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The constancy of these side effects has left me wasted, physically and emotionally. Walking across the room left me winded and my heart pounding. After many family discussions with input from doctors and friends, I am going to tackle this by dealing with the side effects as best I can. I am going to make a concerted effort to hydrate, eat, and rest. I have acknowledged that depression is a side effect of this drug (as it is in the same class as IL2) and I am going to take some medicine to try to straighten that out. I have changed my blood pressure meds ( really don't need them now, but I need to slow down my heart a little). It is back to Nashville for me tomorrow. They do not seem terribly concerned with my s/e.

I just wanted to update. The mountains were beautiful and the time spent with family and friends was priceless.

Love you guys...

Hang in there
Paula, so sorry to hear about the poopy side effects. It does sound like you're doing all the right things though. Depression can be so debilitating. Try to get a handle on that.....maybe there's a medication for that? (II started to take my little happy pill after the failed IL-2 treatment. ).
We're all rooting for you and look forward to good news! Take care, Jennifer

angec

pjune127 said:

I go back on November 8th for labs and another infusion. The next time (the end of November), they will do scans again, before the treatment. So yes, scans are every 6 weeks for the first few months. I feel okay today, only a little wiped out, bu my immune system is in high gear! Watch out cancer!!!

Paula, sorry to hear that
Paula, sorry to hear that after a few weeks the side affects are still there. Maybe they will consider lowering the dose a bit? I am praying this is only temporary and that it will all work out. Wishing you the best. Please be safe on your trip. xoxo love and big hugs!!
Angela

alice124

pjune127 said:

I'm still here.
I've had a very tough go these last three weeks. I still am working at managing fever, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. The constancy of these side effects has left me wasted, physically and emotionally. Walking across the room left me winded and my heart pounding. After many family discussions with input from doctors and friends, I am going to tackle this by dealing with the side effects as best I can. I am going to make a concerted effort to hydrate, eat, and rest. I have acknowledged that depression is a side effect of this drug (as it is in the same class as IL2) and I am going to take some medicine to try to straighten that out. I have changed my blood pressure meds ( really don't need them now, but I need to slow down my heart a little). It is back to Nashville for me tomorrow. They do not seem terribly concerned with my s/e.

I just wanted to update. The mountains were beautiful and the time spent with family and friends was priceless.

Love you guys...

With you Paula!!!
Paula,

We sure miss you around here so do what you need to do to get stronger and to broaden that smile. Any drug in the same category as IL2 is tough, but you're tougher. Hopefully the side effects you're experiencing are just a reflection of the war your body has declared against the CANCER and you're doing what you've said you were going to do all along--kicking its butt. The second infusion will carry the reinforcements to deliver the knock out punch.

Show that Paula confidence and "kick it attitude" we all love. You know we're all with you; soulnergy on its way. Feel it!!!

Raine22

alice124 said:

With you Paula!!!
Paula,

We sure miss you around here so do what you need to do to get stronger and to broaden that smile. Any drug in the same category as IL2 is tough, but you're tougher. Hopefully the side effects you're experiencing are just a reflection of the war your body has declared against the CANCER and you're doing what you've said you were going to do all along--kicking its butt. The second infusion will carry the reinforcements to deliver the knock out punch.

Show that Paula confidence and "kick it attitude" we all love. You know we're all with you; soulnergy on its way. Feel it!!!

Yes, Paula, you are still here!
I read often but don't post very often. Paula, I absolutely love Tennessee and will be imagining you driving through that gorgeous countryside tomorrow!
You are still here - cranky, sad, pissed off - however God wants you to be today, in order that tomorrow will be another blessed day.
You and all the others here are n my prayers daily!
Lorraine

Texas_wedge

Raine22 said:

Yes, Paula, you are still here!
I read often but don't post very often. Paula, I absolutely love Tennessee and will be imagining you driving through that gorgeous countryside tomorrow!
You are still here - cranky, sad, pissed off - however God wants you to be today, in order that tomorrow will be another blessed day.
You and all the others here are n my prayers daily!
Lorraine

Paula!
Lorraine, what a lovely message - just what Paula needs to hear and certain to cheer her up.

I have to say how uplifting it is to see those smiles - Paula, Alice, Rae, Lorraine - just keep them up for the benefit of the rest of us, please!

pjune127

Texas_wedge said:

Paula!
Lorraine, what a lovely message - just what Paula needs to hear and certain to cheer her up.

I have to say how uplifting it is to see those smiles - Paula, Alice, Rae, Lorraine - just keep them up for the benefit of the rest of us, please!

Hanging in and back from #2
First of all, let me extend my sincere love and thanks to all who sent me notes of encouragement. While I was so down, I could not answer anyone...totally absorbed in my own miserable world. But now I want to say that I am so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers. I apologize if I have appeared untouched by your kindness. NOthing could be further from the truth,

Let me start by describing my 5 days in the mountains. It was absolutely beautiful, but I was in such a bad place mentally and physically it was hard to enjoy. My family and friends were very attentive, but I'm afraid I wore them out totally. I was feverish, dizzy, and unable to move from one spot to another without my heart pounding right out of my chest. I had gone to my local oncologist the morning we left to have a fever panel run. As expected, everything came back negative. My family was quite concerned and "took charge" so to speak. First off was to follow the recommendation of a family friend/oncologist and get me on an antidepressant. Hello Cymbalta! And welcome back sanity!!! An incredibly quick response was just what I needed. Next, I was put on a tylenol regime....one tylenol every 4 hours to prevent the roller coaster of fever. This seemed to help as well. A change in blood pressure meds, to control my heartbeat that was averaging around 110. The low blood pressure persists, but it is much better controlled with the Cymbalta which raises blood pressure a bit. Better living through chemicals I always say!

So on Wednesday we drove to Nashville. I had to pinky swear I would not back out of the trial. After much discussion at SCRI about management of side effects I agreed to proceed and right now I am feeling all right. The acid test will come in the next couple of weeks. It was decided, through an "iron panel", that I am seriously anemic (8) and will be getting 2 feraheme injections/infusions over the next two weeks at my local oncologist's. I hope this will relieve some of my fatigue. Anyone have any experience with this treatment?

I have rediscovered my "bounce" and I am back for the fight after a short trip into despair. Depression totally sucks, and having been there, I am here to tell you I never want to go back. Not a nice place!

I will try to keep you updated. I worry about all of us! TW, how is the votrient feeling? Love to you all.

Paula XO

foxhd

pjune127 said:

Hanging in and back from #2
First of all, let me extend my sincere love and thanks to all who sent me notes of encouragement. While I was so down, I could not answer anyone...totally absorbed in my own miserable world. But now I want to say that I am so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers. I apologize if I have appeared untouched by your kindness. NOthing could be further from the truth,

Let me start by describing my 5 days in the mountains. It was absolutely beautiful, but I was in such a bad place mentally and physically it was hard to enjoy. My family and friends were very attentive, but I'm afraid I wore them out totally. I was feverish, dizzy, and unable to move from one spot to another without my heart pounding right out of my chest. I had gone to my local oncologist the morning we left to have a fever panel run. As expected, everything came back negative. My family was quite concerned and "took charge" so to speak. First off was to follow the recommendation of a family friend/oncologist and get me on an antidepressant. Hello Cymbalta! And welcome back sanity!!! An incredibly quick response was just what I needed. Next, I was put on a tylenol regime....one tylenol every 4 hours to prevent the roller coaster of fever. This seemed to help as well. A change in blood pressure meds, to control my heartbeat that was averaging around 110. The low blood pressure persists, but it is much better controlled with the Cymbalta which raises blood pressure a bit. Better living through chemicals I always say!

So on Wednesday we drove to Nashville. I had to pinky swear I would not back out of the trial. After much discussion at SCRI about management of side effects I agreed to proceed and right now I am feeling all right. The acid test will come in the next couple of weeks. It was decided, through an "iron panel", that I am seriously anemic (8) and will be getting 2 feraheme injections/infusions over the next two weeks at my local oncologist's. I hope this will relieve some of my fatigue. Anyone have any experience with this treatment?

I have rediscovered my "bounce" and I am back for the fight after a short trip into despair. Depression totally sucks, and having been there, I am here to tell you I never want to go back. Not a nice place!

I will try to keep you updated. I worry about all of us! TW, how is the votrient feeling? Love to you all.

Paula XO

smiles
I have been worried about you. Now I feel so much better. (as if it is about me). I guess that in many ways we all become close and vested as one. I feel a huge sense of relief and will have a wonderful day. Once stabilized and the veteran of a few more infusions, it will be much easier. I'm so glad you have grabbed this bull by the horns. ( no, this part is not about me). Did ya smile? See, things are looking up. Love you Paula. Fox.

Texas_wedge

foxhd said:

smiles
I have been worried about you. Now I feel so much better. (as if it is about me). I guess that in many ways we all become close and vested as one. I feel a huge sense of relief and will have a wonderful day. Once stabilized and the veteran of a few more infusions, it will be much easier. I'm so glad you have grabbed this bull by the horns. ( no, this part is not about me). Did ya smile? See, things are looking up. Love you Paula. Fox.

Bouncy Paula
Glad you've got that bounce back Paula. Didn't need to worry that Fox seemed a bit subdued - he's obviously on excellent form, especially now he knows you're back in shape.

Funny you should ask, I'd just taken my second day's dose of Votrient. No knowing when/if the s-e's kick in but, so far, so good. Had a good hard rowing session this afternoon and will be golfing in the morning, so can't be too bad. Have to follow the examples the likes of you and Fox are setting!

angec

pjune127 said:

Hanging in and back from #2
First of all, let me extend my sincere love and thanks to all who sent me notes of encouragement. While I was so down, I could not answer anyone...totally absorbed in my own miserable world. But now I want to say that I am so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers. I apologize if I have appeared untouched by your kindness. NOthing could be further from the truth,

Let me start by describing my 5 days in the mountains. It was absolutely beautiful, but I was in such a bad place mentally and physically it was hard to enjoy. My family and friends were very attentive, but I'm afraid I wore them out totally. I was feverish, dizzy, and unable to move from one spot to another without my heart pounding right out of my chest. I had gone to my local oncologist the morning we left to have a fever panel run. As expected, everything came back negative. My family was quite concerned and "took charge" so to speak. First off was to follow the recommendation of a family friend/oncologist and get me on an antidepressant. Hello Cymbalta! And welcome back sanity!!! An incredibly quick response was just what I needed. Next, I was put on a tylenol regime....one tylenol every 4 hours to prevent the roller coaster of fever. This seemed to help as well. A change in blood pressure meds, to control my heartbeat that was averaging around 110. The low blood pressure persists, but it is much better controlled with the Cymbalta which raises blood pressure a bit. Better living through chemicals I always say!

So on Wednesday we drove to Nashville. I had to pinky swear I would not back out of the trial. After much discussion at SCRI about management of side effects I agreed to proceed and right now I am feeling all right. The acid test will come in the next couple of weeks. It was decided, through an "iron panel", that I am seriously anemic (8) and will be getting 2 feraheme injections/infusions over the next two weeks at my local oncologist's. I hope this will relieve some of my fatigue. Anyone have any experience with this treatment?

I have rediscovered my "bounce" and I am back for the fight after a short trip into despair. Depression totally sucks, and having been there, I am here to tell you I never want to go back. Not a nice place!

I will try to keep you updated. I worry about all of us! TW, how is the votrient feeling? Love to you all.

Paula XO

Hanging with you Paula!
Sweet Paula. So glad to hear that you "took the bull by the horns"..wait a minute, did someone say that already? LOL That is a very powerful statement! I think now that you have addressed the side affects things will become so much easier going forward. But am very happy that you found your bounce! Don't worry about putting the family/friends through the mill, i am sure that it is very scary what you are going through, even though the light is at the end of tunnel, you have to deal with the here and now. You are doing great! My hat is off to you! I am sure if there were any real danger they would have cut your dose, but things seems to be manageable. Any word on the anemia? That does explain the fatigue. This too will be handled and it will help a great deal. The fevers i believe are a good sign, that means the body is fighting for you.

Praying for you Paula. Keep up the fight and keep up that spirit!! When you get your scans and see that things are improving it will be all worth while. I hope you did enjoy the mountains and that beautiful drive. Update us when you can and let us know that you are feeling even better. Love to you, a true fighter and hero! xxoo

alice124

pjune127 said:

Hanging in and back from #2
First of all, let me extend my sincere love and thanks to all who sent me notes of encouragement. While I was so down, I could not answer anyone...totally absorbed in my own miserable world. But now I want to say that I am so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers. I apologize if I have appeared untouched by your kindness. NOthing could be further from the truth,

Let me start by describing my 5 days in the mountains. It was absolutely beautiful, but I was in such a bad place mentally and physically it was hard to enjoy. My family and friends were very attentive, but I'm afraid I wore them out totally. I was feverish, dizzy, and unable to move from one spot to another without my heart pounding right out of my chest. I had gone to my local oncologist the morning we left to have a fever panel run. As expected, everything came back negative. My family was quite concerned and "took charge" so to speak. First off was to follow the recommendation of a family friend/oncologist and get me on an antidepressant. Hello Cymbalta! And welcome back sanity!!! An incredibly quick response was just what I needed. Next, I was put on a tylenol regime....one tylenol every 4 hours to prevent the roller coaster of fever. This seemed to help as well. A change in blood pressure meds, to control my heartbeat that was averaging around 110. The low blood pressure persists, but it is much better controlled with the Cymbalta which raises blood pressure a bit. Better living through chemicals I always say!

So on Wednesday we drove to Nashville. I had to pinky swear I would not back out of the trial. After much discussion at SCRI about management of side effects I agreed to proceed and right now I am feeling all right. The acid test will come in the next couple of weeks. It was decided, through an "iron panel", that I am seriously anemic (8) and will be getting 2 feraheme injections/infusions over the next two weeks at my local oncologist's. I hope this will relieve some of my fatigue. Anyone have any experience with this treatment?

I have rediscovered my "bounce" and I am back for the fight after a short trip into despair. Depression totally sucks, and having been there, I am here to tell you I never want to go back. Not a nice place!

I will try to keep you updated. I worry about all of us! TW, how is the votrient feeling? Love to you all.

Paula XO

Welcome Back!
Welcome back Paula!

Writing "welcome back" just sparked the theme song from the long ago sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter." I loved that show and now that tune won't go out of my head! So all you long ago Kotter and Barbarino (John Travolta) fans are going to have to have to enjoy (or suffer) with me. I hope you remember it too Paula, because the theme words work here for you.
_________________________________
Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out.
Welcome back to that same old place that you laughed about.
Well the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (Who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
Back here where we need ya (Here where we need ya)!!!
__________________________________

Anyway, I am thrilled that you're back on track. As the lyrics say, we need ya. I'll communicate more when I'm able to UNSTICK these words in my head.

garym

alice124 said:

Welcome Back!
Welcome back Paula!

Writing "welcome back" just sparked the theme song from the long ago sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter." I loved that show and now that tune won't go out of my head! So all you long ago Kotter and Barbarino (John Travolta) fans are going to have to have to enjoy (or suffer) with me. I hope you remember it too Paula, because the theme words work here for you.
_________________________________
Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out.
Welcome back to that same old place that you laughed about.
Well the names have all changed since you hung around,
But those dreams have remained and they're turned around.
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya (Who'd have thought they'd lead ya)
Back here where we need ya (Here where we need ya)!!!
__________________________________

Anyway, I am thrilled that you're back on track. As the lyrics say, we need ya. I'll communicate more when I'm able to UNSTICK these words in my head.

Thanks Alice...
Now that tune is stuck in my head too, spreads like some kinda virus, like Arnold Horshack, you're one of a kind!!

Dear Paula,

In any fight your opponent is going to fight hardest in the beginning before eventually being pounded into submission, no difference here. Cancer does not have what you have, a great medical team and the love and support of your physical and virtual families, its **** has already been kicked, it just doesn't know it yet! A nurse once told me something that I found very helpful, she said "Always remember, we must experience the darkness to appreciate the light." You will be stronger for this experience for you are a dragon slayer, YOU ARE A SURVIVOR!!

Hang in there,

Gary

alice124

garym said:

Thanks Alice...
Now that tune is stuck in my head too, spreads like some kinda virus, like Arnold Horshack, you're one of a kind!!

Dear Paula,

In any fight your opponent is going to fight hardest in the beginning before eventually being pounded into submission, no difference here. Cancer does not have what you have, a great medical team and the love and support of your physical and virtual families, its **** has already been kicked, it just doesn't know it yet! A nurse once told me something that I found very helpful, she said "Always remember, we must experience the darkness to appreciate the light." You will be stronger for this experience for you are a dragon slayer, YOU ARE A SURVIVOR!!

Hang in there,

Gary

Sharing is fun. . .
Gary,

I owed you after ruining Leave it to Beaver for me! !