I Just need to mostly vent

joannewtta
joannewtta Member Posts: 43
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

I was dx in June 2013 with UPSC grade 3c. Total hysterectomy, 18 carbon/taxol and four internal radiation treatments. I finished treatment in Feb and just had a good 3 month recheck. I get my port out in Jan. If all is well. Can hardly wait. One month before my dx my husband was dx with kidney cancer and had his right kidney removed. He has small tumor on the left kidney but we are just watching it. No chemo or radiation.

 

This week my daughter was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. She is having a double mastectomy the first of Dec. Enough is enough!. She is only 43 and this was her first mammogram. Thank God she had it done.

 

My husband and I are doing pretty good. I just started on Gabapentin for the neuropathy and it is helping a little.

 

Our daughter is living with us currently(with her 17and18 year old). We will all be there for her as she was for us. Sorry for using this forum to dump but needed to do it somewhere safe. I just want to scream and cry but we just have to take a deep breath and start this journey once again.

 

RO10, thanks for the info a couple of weeks ago about when you had your first recurrance. I guess we can't help but worry. Especially now.

Thanks for listening.

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Comments

  • pinky104
    pinky104 Member Posts: 574 Member
    #2
    Enough is enough

    Have you checked to see if you're living over a toxic waste site or something?  I've heard of many couples that have both had cancer, sometimes at the same time and sometimes in sequence, but adding a daughter to the list so soon is really too much.  My husband had melanoma two years before I got UPSC.  We share the same oncologist, and when one of us goes in, the doctor always asks about the other one.  We share the worry that one or the other of us will have a recurrence (I may now), so it gives us one more thing in common.  It's not exactly the kind of togetherness we had in mind.

    Everyone in your family is still alive and everyone is being taken care of, and that means there is hope for all of you.  Try not to let the stress get the better of you, as you don't want to have a recurrence.  There isn't much you can do to change the situation, just try to handle it the best you can.  Be thankful your daughter's kids are old enough to comprehend what's going on and that you're not dealing with explaining all this to little ones.  Our prayers will be with you and your family.     

  • joannewtta
    joannewtta Member Posts: 43
    #3
    pinky104 said:

    Enough is enough

    Have you checked to see if you're living over a toxic waste site or something?  I've heard of many couples that have both had cancer, sometimes at the same time and sometimes in sequence, but adding a daughter to the list so soon is really too much.  My husband had melanoma two years before I got UPSC.  We share the same oncologist, and when one of us goes in, the doctor always asks about the other one.  We share the worry that one or the other of us will have a recurrence (I may now), so it gives us one more thing in common.  It's not exactly the kind of togetherness we had in mind.

    Everyone in your family is still alive and everyone is being taken care of, and that means there is hope for all of you.  Try not to let the stress get the better of you, as you don't want to have a recurrence.  There isn't much you can do to change the situation, just try to handle it the best you can.  Be thankful your daughter's kids are old enough to comprehend what's going on and that you're not dealing with explaining all this to little ones.  Our prayers will be with you and your family.     

    ENOUGH IS TOO MUCH

    we have lived in same house since 1968. Hopefully it's not toxic dump site. Nicole lived there for twenty years and then back for last 2 1/2 years. Cityt water and not well water. Just luck of the draw I guess.

     

    Gary and I have same PCP. He was shocked at both of us and drop jaw when Gary told him about Nicole. Just not more surprised then we were. Thanks for the words of encouragement. One day and one cancer at a time.

    Are you having symptoms? Are u on West coast. I'm Vancouver Washington.

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
    #4
    joannewtta said:

    ENOUGH IS TOO MUCH

    we have lived in same house since 1968. Hopefully it's not toxic dump site. Nicole lived there for twenty years and then back for last 2 1/2 years. Cityt water and not well water. Just luck of the draw I guess.

     

    Gary and I have same PCP. He was shocked at both of us and drop jaw when Gary told him about Nicole. Just not more surprised then we were. Thanks for the words of encouragement. One day and one cancer at a time.

    Are you having symptoms? Are u on West coast. I'm Vancouver Washington.

    Hugs

    So sorry to see this!  Vent away.  You have so much on your plate.  My mom had triple negative breast cancer 8 years ago.  My father passed from brain cancer and two of my brothers have had melanoma.  My doctors talk a lot about the genetics in all of this.  For my UPSC Stage IIIC they are more focused on my father's cancer than my mother's.  I never really thought about the family history until we penciled it out and now, with platinum resistance and mets - they are really focusing in on this.  We moved around a fair amount So no relation to where we lived.  Keeping all of you in my prayers. 

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #5
    AWK said:

    Hugs

    So sorry to see this!  Vent away.  You have so much on your plate.  My mom had triple negative breast cancer 8 years ago.  My father passed from brain cancer and two of my brothers have had melanoma.  My doctors talk a lot about the genetics in all of this.  For my UPSC Stage IIIC they are more focused on my father's cancer than my mother's.  I never really thought about the family history until we penciled it out and now, with platinum resistance and mets - they are really focusing in on this.  We moved around a fair amount So no relation to where we lived.  Keeping all of you in my prayers. 

    So sorry

    I hope your daughter does well and that both you and your husband continue to be cancer free.  It does seem like cancer is everywhere these days.  I often wonder if it's because of our age that so many of my friends are being diagnosed, and I know that age is a factor, but your daughter?  43?  First mammogram?  No! 

    I had both breast and endometrial cancers in 2010.  My husband had prostate cancer diagnosed in 2013.  We're both doing great.  My daughter is 42 and has yet to have her first mammogram.  Really?  What part of your mother had breast cancer does she not get?  I'm about ready to slap her, but that's probably not appropriate.  She does have an appointment with new pcp next week for a general health check and so I'm hoping s/he will order the mammogram. 

    Vent away.  You have every right to do it. 

    Hugs,

    Suzanne  

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,515 Member
    #6
    I am sorry and this is a safe

    I am sorry and this is a safe place to vent.  Cancer is a horrible disease and it does seem to be everywhere anymore.  Prayers for all of your family.

  • joannewtta
    joannewtta Member Posts: 43
    #7
    NoTimeForCancer said:

    I am sorry and this is a safe

    I am sorry and this is a safe place to vent.  Cancer is a horrible disease and it does seem to be everywhere anymore.  Prayers for all of your family.

    Enough is Enough

    SUzanne, if your daughter's primary does not order mammogram maybe you should slap her. My daughter's Dr is the one that got her to go for mammogram. My nagging May have helped. I understand your "what part of" statement you mean. 

     

    Genetics are a big question mark as our daughter is adopted and she does not know genetics from birth parents. Dr says he will approve Braca gene testing because of young age and unknown genetics.

     

    Good news - just bought tickets to Puerto Vallarte for late Jan for 10 days. Sun, sand, and relaxation.

     

    I have been on the breast cancer discussion board and there is so much I sure didn't find it as helpful as our uterine site. Thanks for all the encouragement from all of you and especially Double Whammy

     

     

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #8
    Joanne

    I agree that "enough is definitely too much".  You have certainly got a very full plate.  I am so sorry about your daughter.   What a lot to deal with.  I hope her 17 and 18 year old children will be a support for all Of you.  Glad your husband is under observation?  I hope you are recovering from your treatments.  It takes time for the body to recover.

    I am curious why you are having your port removed?  What kind of follow-up are you scheduled for?  You listed your grade as 3C.  Is that your stage?  I use my port for labs and CAT scans.  My veins were ruined with the chemo, so I am so happy to have my port. 

    You do not need to apologize for venting.  This is a safe place to do that.  We can empathize with you for some of what you are going through.  None of us have had all that you are going through.  

    I was happy to see in a later post that you have a trip planned in January.  You definitely need some fun and relaxation.  Continue to take it one day at a time.  You and your family remaining my prayers.

  • cheerful
    cheerful Member Posts: 261 Member
    #9

    Dear Joannewtta:

      I am so sorry to hear about the cancers in your family.  Cancer runs in my family also. My father passed away 22 years ago from prostate cancer at the age of 72. I still miss him a lot and always will.  Also, my mother had breast cancer diagnosed in 1973, caught at a very early stage thankfully and is still alive. She had no follow up treatments like chemo or radiation then although she did have a modified radical masectomy. My Mom is doing good and is now 91. She never had a reoccurrence which is really great.  God Bless her as I am so grateful as I still have her.  She is a wonderful mother and has given me great advice through the years.  

       My first cousin passed away from brain cancer 2 years ago at the age of 73 and he was my mother's godchild. He was diagnosed in the summer of 2010 and lived almost 2 1/2 years with the cancer.

       I was diagnosed with UPSC clinically stage 1 back in early 2011 and so far remain with No evidence of disease for which I am very grateful and thankful.  I am grateful for each and every day and every day to me is considered a gift.

      Your daughter is very young to have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she had the mammo. They do say on the news that these mammos can save lives which obviously it has for your daughter getting diagnosed.  I wish your daughter all the best with her surgery and I guess that she will probably have chemo once her surgery is done.

      Just take one day at a time.  You and your your family will get through all of this.

    Cheerful

    a/k/a Jane

     

     

      

  • joannewtta
    joannewtta Member Posts: 43
    #10
    cheerful said:

    Dear Joannewtta:

      I am so sorry to hear about the cancers in your family.  Cancer runs in my family also. My father passed away 22 years ago from prostate cancer at the age of 72. I still miss him a lot and always will.  Also, my mother had breast cancer diagnosed in 1973, caught at a very early stage thankfully and is still alive. She had no follow up treatments like chemo or radiation then although she did have a modified radical masectomy. My Mom is doing good and is now 91. She never had a reoccurrence which is really great.  God Bless her as I am so grateful as I still have her.  She is a wonderful mother and has given me great advice through the years.  

       My first cousin passed away from brain cancer 2 years ago at the age of 73 and he was my mother's godchild. He was diagnosed in the summer of 2010 and lived almost 2 1/2 years with the cancer.

       I was diagnosed with UPSC clinically stage 1 back in early 2011 and so far remain with No evidence of disease for which I am very grateful and thankful.  I am grateful for each and every day and every day to me is considered a gift.

      Your daughter is very young to have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she had the mammo. They do say on the news that these mammos can save lives which obviously it has for your daughter getting diagnosed.  I wish your daughter all the best with her surgery and I guess that she will probably have chemo once her surgery is done.

      Just take one day at a time.  You and your your family will get through all of this.

    Cheerful

    a/k/a Jane

     

     

      

    Enough is Enough

     Ro10 - You asked why I'm having my port removed. Basically it's because I've been nagging my Dr. to remove it. He said he didn't want to take it out until I had at least a year of good reports. My follow ups have been a ct scan in April(clean from neck to knee). Physical exam every three months; one CA-125 and just checking how I'm feeling. So far, so good. I have some bladder issues and back pain but have had three minor back surgeries and have spinal stenosis so some pain expected. My oncologist says CA 125 is not a really good marker for me because it has remained low, never over 39 just after surgery.

    When did you get your port put in? Mine was put in before I started any chemo and my chemo was weekly for 3 weeks, a newlasta shot and then a week off before starting again. I live within 3 miles of the cancer center and Dr. indicated that % of sucess is slightly higher with weekly chemo.  Did you just choose to keep yours in or was ii put in when you had recurrance. I know the odds of recurrance but so far feel great and just can't imagine going down this road again. I know no one chooses it. I was a Stage 3C meaning I had a malignant pelvic lymph node. The pathology said that the tumor had infiltrated the myometrial wall o within 1 mm of the serosel surface. It also said the the tumor is serous papillary high grade with extensive necrosis noted. That is directly from the pathology report. Are you hinting maybe I should give in and keep the port in for awhile longer. I think I really want it out more for mental health of saying I'm done with this. I don't know. Let me know what you think.

    My daughter is doing well; we are just waiting for surgery date. Probably the first part of Dec. She works for a large company and employees have already donated vacation time for her to use. She will be well taken care of I think by her work and kids will kick in good, expecially her daughter that just graduated from high school and is working as a dental assistant. She can help do some of the drains and wound care after surgery; not a chicken when it come to that. She offered to do my shots after surgery for the two weeks but I did them myself because I wouldn't look chicken in front of her.

    Ok - enough - thanks for all the thoughts and prayers; we'll be fine, just have to suck it up look at the positives.(She could have not gone in for the mamo).

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #11
    joannewtta said:

    Enough is Enough

     Ro10 - You asked why I'm having my port removed. Basically it's because I've been nagging my Dr. to remove it. He said he didn't want to take it out until I had at least a year of good reports. My follow ups have been a ct scan in April(clean from neck to knee). Physical exam every three months; one CA-125 and just checking how I'm feeling. So far, so good. I have some bladder issues and back pain but have had three minor back surgeries and have spinal stenosis so some pain expected. My oncologist says CA 125 is not a really good marker for me because it has remained low, never over 39 just after surgery.

    When did you get your port put in? Mine was put in before I started any chemo and my chemo was weekly for 3 weeks, a newlasta shot and then a week off before starting again. I live within 3 miles of the cancer center and Dr. indicated that % of sucess is slightly higher with weekly chemo.  Did you just choose to keep yours in or was ii put in when you had recurrance. I know the odds of recurrance but so far feel great and just can't imagine going down this road again. I know no one chooses it. I was a Stage 3C meaning I had a malignant pelvic lymph node. The pathology said that the tumor had infiltrated the myometrial wall o within 1 mm of the serosel surface. It also said the the tumor is serous papillary high grade with extensive necrosis noted. That is directly from the pathology report. Are you hinting maybe I should give in and keep the port in for awhile longer. I think I really want it out more for mental health of saying I'm done with this. I don't know. Let me know what you think.

    My daughter is doing well; we are just waiting for surgery date. Probably the first part of Dec. She works for a large company and employees have already donated vacation time for her to use. She will be well taken care of I think by her work and kids will kick in good, expecially her daughter that just graduated from high school and is working as a dental assistant. She can help do some of the drains and wound care after surgery; not a chicken when it come to that. She offered to do my shots after surgery for the two weeks but I did them myself because I wouldn't look chicken in front of her.

    Ok - enough - thanks for all the thoughts and prayers; we'll be fine, just have to suck it up look at the positives.(She could have not gone in for the mamo).

    Thinking of you

    i am so sorry you and your family is going through all this.   Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you

     

    regarding ports I had mine in for over six years.   No one would remove it.  My original doc retired and he had wanted to wait for another scan.  New doc kept putting it off.  But once my local hospitals refused to flush my port I finally found a radiologist who finally removed it

    my best to you

     

    Kathy

    ps.  I am typing from my phone so I apologize for any mistakes.  

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #12
    joannewtta said:

    Enough is Enough

     Ro10 - You asked why I'm having my port removed. Basically it's because I've been nagging my Dr. to remove it. He said he didn't want to take it out until I had at least a year of good reports. My follow ups have been a ct scan in April(clean from neck to knee). Physical exam every three months; one CA-125 and just checking how I'm feeling. So far, so good. I have some bladder issues and back pain but have had three minor back surgeries and have spinal stenosis so some pain expected. My oncologist says CA 125 is not a really good marker for me because it has remained low, never over 39 just after surgery.

    When did you get your port put in? Mine was put in before I started any chemo and my chemo was weekly for 3 weeks, a newlasta shot and then a week off before starting again. I live within 3 miles of the cancer center and Dr. indicated that % of sucess is slightly higher with weekly chemo.  Did you just choose to keep yours in or was ii put in when you had recurrance. I know the odds of recurrance but so far feel great and just can't imagine going down this road again. I know no one chooses it. I was a Stage 3C meaning I had a malignant pelvic lymph node. The pathology said that the tumor had infiltrated the myometrial wall o within 1 mm of the serosel surface. It also said the the tumor is serous papillary high grade with extensive necrosis noted. That is directly from the pathology report. Are you hinting maybe I should give in and keep the port in for awhile longer. I think I really want it out more for mental health of saying I'm done with this. I don't know. Let me know what you think.

    My daughter is doing well; we are just waiting for surgery date. Probably the first part of Dec. She works for a large company and employees have already donated vacation time for her to use. She will be well taken care of I think by her work and kids will kick in good, expecially her daughter that just graduated from high school and is working as a dental assistant. She can help do some of the drains and wound care after surgery; not a chicken when it come to that. She offered to do my shots after surgery for the two weeks but I did them myself because I wouldn't look chicken in front of her.

    Ok - enough - thanks for all the thoughts and prayers; we'll be fine, just have to suck it up look at the positives.(She could have not gone in for the mamo).

    Joanne

    i had my port put in after my fourth cycle of chemo during the first round of chemo,   in other words July 09.  My chemo was every 3 weeks and I had the sandwich treatment.  The chemo ruined my veins.  I asked about a port before I started chemo, but the doctor in Florida said if you have good veins you don't need a port.  Was he ever wrong.  My fourth cycle of chemo it took lab 3 sticks and the chemo nurse 2 sticks.  I decided then I wanted a port.  The doctor in Illinois said I could get a PICC line.  I said no, because I would probably need further treatment I wanted a port.  

    My port has never been uncomfortable for me.  I too have Stage 3-C and my recurrences have always been in the lymph nodes.  I am glad I have had my port all this time.  If you will feel better mentally having the port removed then you should do that.  I just remember my Florida doctor telling me that the Cancer I had was not curable,but treatable...like a chronic disease.   So I do not expect a cure,but expect to need treatment.  We are all different and you need to do what you think is best for you.

    glad you and your family are doing okay.  Continue to take it one day at a time.  In peace and caring.

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
    #13
    Ro10 said:

    Joanne

    i had my port put in after my fourth cycle of chemo during the first round of chemo,   in other words July 09.  My chemo was every 3 weeks and I had the sandwich treatment.  The chemo ruined my veins.  I asked about a port before I started chemo, but the doctor in Florida said if you have good veins you don't need a port.  Was he ever wrong.  My fourth cycle of chemo it took lab 3 sticks and the chemo nurse 2 sticks.  I decided then I wanted a port.  The doctor in Illinois said I could get a PICC line.  I said no, because I would probably need further treatment I wanted a port.  

    My port has never been uncomfortable for me.  I too have Stage 3-C and my recurrences have always been in the lymph nodes.  I am glad I have had my port all this time.  If you will feel better mentally having the port removed then you should do that.  I just remember my Florida doctor telling me that the Cancer I had was not curable,but treatable...like a chronic disease.   So I do not expect a cure,but expect to need treatment.  We are all different and you need to do what you think is best for you.

    glad you and your family are doing okay.  Continue to take it one day at a time.  In peace and caring.

    My port

    It is such a personal thing the port.  I am Stage IIIC and I still have mine.  Now I am glad I kept it as I am now battling metastis in five locations, all spread out.  All are inoperable and none are able to be safely radiated. This was discovered at my first three month check up and they had me back in chemo within a week of finding them.  I am now into six rounds of first Doxil and now Avastin while a plan is figured out.  The port doesn't bother me, the only thing is that it is a constant reminder and I do have days where I could use a cancer break.  So I think I understand.  It is up to you.  Keeping your family in my prayers.    

  • joannewtta
    joannewtta Member Posts: 43
    #14
    AWK said:

    My port

    It is such a personal thing the port.  I am Stage IIIC and I still have mine.  Now I am glad I kept it as I am now battling metastis in five locations, all spread out.  All are inoperable and none are able to be safely radiated. This was discovered at my first three month check up and they had me back in chemo within a week of finding them.  I am now into six rounds of first Doxil and now Avastin while a plan is figured out.  The port doesn't bother me, the only thing is that it is a constant reminder and I do have days where I could use a cancer break.  So I think I understand.  It is up to you.  Keeping your family in my prayers.    

    Port

    Awk, Ro and Kaleena - thanks for the notes on the port. Mine is not uncomfortable until I hit accidently. Maybe it is more of wwhat AWK says; it is a constant reminder of cancer. I guess when I see my oncologist in January we need to have a chat. He wanted me to wait at least a year after finishing treatment. I will give it real thought and not have it taken out just because.

    My daughter has an appointment with the plastic surgeon next week for the reconstruction so it is moving along pretty quick. Thanks ladies and I really appreciate the candid comments.

    Ro - have you left for or are you in Florida. I know you said you were leaving last Saturday.

    Joanne

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #15
    joannewtta said:

    Port

    Awk, Ro and Kaleena - thanks for the notes on the port. Mine is not uncomfortable until I hit accidently. Maybe it is more of wwhat AWK says; it is a constant reminder of cancer. I guess when I see my oncologist in January we need to have a chat. He wanted me to wait at least a year after finishing treatment. I will give it real thought and not have it taken out just because.

    My daughter has an appointment with the plastic surgeon next week for the reconstruction so it is moving along pretty quick. Thanks ladies and I really appreciate the candid comments.

    Ro - have you left for or are you in Florida. I know you said you were leaving last Saturday.

    Joanne

    Joanne

    Yes we are in Florida.  It was 24 degrees when we left Illinois Saturday morning.  Today it will get in the 80's.  I like that much better. We will stay here until April.  Hope you continue to do well.

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #16
    Ro10 said:

    Joanne

    Yes we are in Florida.  It was 24 degrees when we left Illinois Saturday morning.  Today it will get in the 80's.  I like that much better. We will stay here until April.  Hope you continue to do well.

    Hi, Ladies,  I just returned from my trip to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador and feel like my soul has been renewed. I realized on this trip how motivated I am to survive and to live a long life.   I want so much to continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of life, nature and wildlife.   I think that I am now beginning to feel a sense of hope. I hardly thought about my cancer the entire 11 days that I was gone.  I thank God for that. 

    Joanne, I had my port inserted the day before Thanksgiving last year.  I had stage IIIA UPSC and will likely keep my port in for 5 years.  I don't want to have it removed only to find out that I have to have more chemo due to a recurrence.  There is just no guarantee that I will remain NED.  I also wanted to tell you how sorry I am for all that you are dealing with.  I hope your life becomes less stressful and that you, your husband and daughter embrace good health.   

    Ro, welcome back to Florida.  I heard that recently the night temperature went down to 40 degrees.  It is beautiful here in Vero Beach today and I hope you are enjoying the nice weather today as well. How are you doing and feeling since your cyber knife?

    Warm regards to all my sisters here,

    Cathy     

     

  • Maggie_mac
    Maggie_mac Member Posts: 32
    #17
    joannewtta said:

    Port

    Awk, Ro and Kaleena - thanks for the notes on the port. Mine is not uncomfortable until I hit accidently. Maybe it is more of wwhat AWK says; it is a constant reminder of cancer. I guess when I see my oncologist in January we need to have a chat. He wanted me to wait at least a year after finishing treatment. I will give it real thought and not have it taken out just because.

    My daughter has an appointment with the plastic surgeon next week for the reconstruction so it is moving along pretty quick. Thanks ladies and I really appreciate the candid comments.

    Ro - have you left for or are you in Florida. I know you said you were leaving last Saturday.

    Joanne

    Port

    Good morning from Philly.  I got my port after about the second round of the second series.  I too had asked about a port when I started chemo and was told I had good veins.  Chemo took care of that.  When I had a CT scan ordered with contrast and they gave up after 13 pokes, including a try using ultrasound they decided a port was in order.  The chemo nurses were relieved.  In May I completed my third round of 6 and am on a 2 month schedule for blood tests and flush [IVb].  The only problem I have with my port is with my seat belt.

    I expect the port will be with me for the duration.

    My best to all,

    Maggie    

  • blarneygirl
    blarneygirl Member Posts: 5
    #18
    Abbycat2 said:

    Hi, Ladies,  I just returned from my trip to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador and feel like my soul has been renewed. I realized on this trip how motivated I am to survive and to live a long life.   I want so much to continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of life, nature and wildlife.   I think that I am now beginning to feel a sense of hope. I hardly thought about my cancer the entire 11 days that I was gone.  I thank God for that. 

    Joanne, I had my port inserted the day before Thanksgiving last year.  I had stage IIIA UPSC and will likely keep my port in for 5 years.  I don't want to have it removed only to find out that I have to have more chemo due to a recurrence.  There is just no guarantee that I will remain NED.  I also wanted to tell you how sorry I am for all that you are dealing with.  I hope your life becomes less stressful and that you, your husband and daughter embrace good health.   

    Ro, welcome back to Florida.  I heard that recently the night temperature went down to 40 degrees.  It is beautiful here in Vero Beach today and I hope you are enjoying the nice weather today as well. How are you doing and feeling since your cyber knife?

    Warm regards to all my sisters here,

    Cathy     

     

    Port or no port?

    Hi ladies.  I am new to this sight and I must admit I am glad to know I am really not alone.  I was diagnosed with stage IIIC Endometrial cancer in May of 2013.  I had my port put in right away and still have it.  I went through a total hysterectomy, chemo and horrible internal radiation.  My scans were clear for 11 months.  Now I have a few small spots.  Luckily they are not attached to any organs, but I do have to go through chemo again.  Anyone doing Doxerubicin?  Side effects?  I did really well with the first chemo.  It is so dissappointing knowing that its back.  I suspect my port will stay with me for a long time.

  • blarneygirl
    blarneygirl Member Posts: 5
    #19
    Maggie_mac said:

    Port

    Good morning from Philly.  I got my port after about the second round of the second series.  I too had asked about a port when I started chemo and was told I had good veins.  Chemo took care of that.  When I had a CT scan ordered with contrast and they gave up after 13 pokes, including a try using ultrasound they decided a port was in order.  The chemo nurses were relieved.  In May I completed my third round of 6 and am on a 2 month schedule for blood tests and flush [IVb].  The only problem I have with my port is with my seat belt.

    I expect the port will be with me for the duration.

    My best to all,

    Maggie    

    I seem to think there must be

    I seem to think there must be a connectionn to certain cancers.  My father died of colon cancer in 1990.  My mother died with Multiple Myeloma in 2005.  No other family history of cancers.  The doctors were much more concerned with my father having colon cancer in my dx of endometrial cancer.  One Dr. mentioned I was predisposed to this DX becasue of colon cancer in the family.  Interesting.  As for my port, I had and still have very good veins, but had no choice really in the port.  It was just part of the treatment plan.  It desn't really bother me.  It shows more than they told me it would. And if you bump it it hurts.  

    blarneygirl

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
    #20
    blarneygirl said:

    Port or no port?

    Hi ladies.  I am new to this sight and I must admit I am glad to know I am really not alone.  I was diagnosed with stage IIIC Endometrial cancer in May of 2013.  I had my port put in right away and still have it.  I went through a total hysterectomy, chemo and horrible internal radiation.  My scans were clear for 11 months.  Now I have a few small spots.  Luckily they are not attached to any organs, but I do have to go through chemo again.  Anyone doing Doxerubicin?  Side effects?  I did really well with the first chemo.  It is so dissappointing knowing that its back.  I suspect my port will stay with me for a long time.

    I did three rounds of it after my mets were found

    It wasn't that bad at all!  Tired and dry sloughy feet.  I started to get blisters easily so I just put moleskin patches on the tender spots.  Slathered my feet in udderly smooth and wore cotton socks to keep them moisturized at night.  I did get some neuropathy but it wasn't bad.  The carbo/taxol was much harder.  I recently got switched to Avastin while they work up a signature cocktailfor me.  I worked full time through the Doxil and now while on avastin.  

    My mets were found at my first three month checkup.  Five, all spread out and not treatable with surgery nor radiation.  it is a rough and longer journey than I expected and somewhat shocking but I am enjoying life and have had some great experiences because of the cancer.  

    Good luck and if you have more questions reach out.  If I think of anything else I will post.  Anne

  • california_artist
    california_artist Member Posts: 816 Member
    #21
    Slew of cancers

    Hi,

    I am so concerned about your situation and feel for your family.

    I would have to say that I am basically a get to the bottom of any situation kid of gal. And your cluster of cancers causes me to want to investigate if there could be some environmental trigger going on.  I would be interested in doing some basic research if you are willing to share the area you live in, an actual city would be very helpful and I'll see what I can find out. I have a nineteen year old granddaughter that is with me, i can imagine that you are worried about your granddaughter's future if she stays in the area. In the meantime, there are some foods that are capable of chelating some toxic metals. Basically bonding with them and taking them out of the body.

    Cilantro and apples are two very good ones. Be sure to check with your doctor to see if there would be any contraindication for their use before using them, and drink lots and lots of water.

    You can let me know here or feel free to email me privately on this site.

    Hugs,

     

    Claudia

     

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