how are you guys, longtermsurvivor, kteacher, Hwt, luv4lacrosse

I am still here, for which I am thankful.  I am on palliative chemo, cancer is scattered in maxillary sinus and 3 lymph nodes.  No surgery or radiation available.  I will have a PET scan next month, if insurance approves to see if chemo is helping.  I have lost 9 pounds since Dec. 19 when I started, I have been given a med to increase appetite (which I find humorous, I've been on diets since I was 12 years old).  I try to respond to posts that I think I can be helpful with.  Thank you for asking.

joannaw81 said:

thanks for responding KTeacher

 Will keep you in my preyers KTeacher. Anyone else?

I'm still here, though not as often as I have been.  Doing fairly well.   Weight is way down, beyond that I've got reasonably good pain control and am figuring out how to use anciillary healthcare personelle to help fill in around the edges as I slowly do my thing.  Gosh I am a year now from my final diagnosis.  I guess that still gives me the right to claim the title of "longtermsurvivor."

Just a note to those of you who eventually head down this path.  Adequate pain control is important.   I've had to kind of use several  different approaches to get this done.  My oncologist is not, perhaps the world's leading expert on this aspect of things.  But between him, his nurse, the pharmacist who  is right in the oncology unit, a friend of mine who specializes in addiction medicine, and the hospice people, I've about got things figured out.  If I've made a single mistake in selecting my care, its been being a little late getting the hospice people involved.  In part, this is because my wife used to be a geriatric social worker, years ago.  And her understanding of the services provided and the time frame to solicit their help has had some catching up to do.

best

Pat

lornal said:

doing well

Its good to hear you are doing well.  I think about you often, as you were one of the folks that helped me keep going during my 2nd diagnosis and treatment.  I am a year out now, and doing okay.  Ups and downs - still getting used to this new life. 

 

Lorna 2007 & 2014

Thank you for asking and for keeping us all in your prayers.  I have been getting PET scans quarterly, last one still clean, next one 02/23. I see surgeon tomorrow to schedule removal of a piece of the fibula that was put in to replace my jaw 3 years ago. Titanium was removed in Sept. I was scheduled for this in Nov. but my husband had a serious stroke the end of Oct. so that has taken prioirty in my life. He will likely move from rehab to skilled nursing this week. I pray that I can heal and bring him home with some in-home care. I have retired, always thought I would go crazy with nothing to do but the days fly by with never enough time to get everything I want to done.  I don't visit CSN daily but try not to be away too long. I keep everyone in my prayers.

God Bless,

Candi 

luv4lacrosse said:

Still here

im still here but not doing well. Just got the news yesterday that I had to stop the only chemo I had left as one of my lung tumors grew from 1.4 to 1.9. Dr will consider outing me back on Taxotere as it worked the best on my tumors and only had to stop as it caused severe pleural Efflusion, which I have now and the fluid on my right side is full of cancer. Doc is sending my pathology of for a test that does testing at the molecular level to see if they can can match me up for another drug. They are also looking at a clinical trial in San Antonio.

long story short, I'm coming to the end of my battle.

Best

Mike

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. I will pray that you find a successful trial. Please know that we are here to support you.

Hugs,

Candi 

CivilMatt said:

Hope

Mike,

Be strong my friend.

Thoughts and prayers for you.

Matt

Mike thinking of you buddy

Guzzle said:

God Bless You

Mike thinking of you buddy

Mike,

I know you always provide inspiriation to those who know you well and you are a hero to many on this site for your combativeness and on-going spirited fight.  To me, you're simply my FNC buddy!

Sending positive thoughts and big-time Mojo!

Greg

Greg53 said:

Bro'

Mike,

I know you always provide inspiriation to those who know you well and you are a hero to many on this site for your combativeness and on-going spirited fight.  To me, you're simply my FNC buddy!

Sending positive thoughts and big-time Mojo!

Greg

This site is like Russian Roulette, hadent posted in a couple of months at least, and then read your post about Pat. I used to seek him out for advice all of the time and knew you had gotten to know him persaonally. That was just a kick in the balls!! Then to make thinks worse, my wife's dad calls her last night and tells her he has been diagnosed with some form of Leukemia. He is 74 and starting some Chemo Pills but needs a Stem Cell Transplant to even have a chance.

I lost your personal e mail address, tried to send you pics of the home we built here in texas and your work e mail kicked it back.

You are a true friend, and I will never forget you!!

luv4lacrosse said:

THANKS

This site is like Russian Roulette, hadent posted in a couple of months at least, and then read your post about Pat. I used to seek him out for advice all of the time and knew you had gotten to know him persaonally. That was just a kick in the balls!! Then to make thinks worse, my wife's dad calls her last night and tells her he has been diagnosed with some form of Leukemia. He is 74 and starting some Chemo Pills but needs a Stem Cell Transplant to even have a chance.

I lost your personal e mail address, tried to send you pics of the home we built here in texas and your work e mail kicked it back.

 

You are a true friend, and I will never forget you!!

Mike,

Unfortunately you and I are in a similar place, just different beasties swimming around.  I'm in the last legs myself with only a trial to look forward to.  So, brother in spirit, I understand what you are feeling and going through.  I'm in Dallas and if you are ever up this way, give me a shout.

As an aside, Pat going kicked my a$$ too.  He was an amazing guy that was always around to help me out when I was felling my worst.  I hope I can go out with half the class and courage.

Joe Cortney