Update

jalusa
jalusa Member Posts: 21

I have not posted here for some time.  

In June I had a colon resection and HAI pump implant at MSK.

My first scan since starting on the pump chemo (8 weeks) showed a 10% shrinkage in the liver tumors.

I am trying to get enough shrinkage to get to liver resection, I don't know how much that is...

I feel good other than chemo weeks...

Staying positive is a challenge.

 

 

Comments

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Staying Positive

    Staying positive doesn't come easy to most of us, it's sort of a learned "tool" I've found. We all certainly should cut ourselves some slack when it comes to cancer. It ain't easy on us or our caregivers so I don't think anyone expects us to always be in good spirits.

    What I discovered during my first year was that I could deal with this two different ways. The one I chose was to try and stay positive as much as I could. Not doing that doesn't help anyone. More than likely, it might harm us. Stress can be very rough on our bodies as we know.

    Having a 10% shrinkage in the liver tumors in the few months that you've had it working is a very good start. Do you know what the percentage of shinkage goal is?

    PS: I was glad that I had the chance to meet you and your wife when you were in town. 

  • jalusa
    jalusa Member Posts: 21
    PhillieG said:

    Staying Positive

    Staying positive doesn't come easy to most of us, it's sort of a learned "tool" I've found. We all certainly should cut ourselves some slack when it comes to cancer. It ain't easy on us or our caregivers so I don't think anyone expects us to always be in good spirits.

    What I discovered during my first year was that I could deal with this two different ways. The one I chose was to try and stay positive as much as I could. Not doing that doesn't help anyone. More than likely, it might harm us. Stress can be very rough on our bodies as we know.

    Having a 10% shrinkage in the liver tumors in the few months that you've had it working is a very good start. Do you know what the percentage of shinkage goal is?

    PS: I was glad that I had the chance to meet you and your wife when you were in town. 

    I don't know the amount, they

    I don't know the amount, they don't seem to tell me.

    I know that they are talking about a two stage resection.  Two surgeries about 8 weeks apart I think...

    It was nice to meet you as well.

    Jim

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    PhillieG said:

    Staying Positive

    Staying positive doesn't come easy to most of us, it's sort of a learned "tool" I've found. We all certainly should cut ourselves some slack when it comes to cancer. It ain't easy on us or our caregivers so I don't think anyone expects us to always be in good spirits.

    What I discovered during my first year was that I could deal with this two different ways. The one I chose was to try and stay positive as much as I could. Not doing that doesn't help anyone. More than likely, it might harm us. Stress can be very rough on our bodies as we know.

    Having a 10% shrinkage in the liver tumors in the few months that you've had it working is a very good start. Do you know what the percentage of shinkage goal is?

    PS: I was glad that I had the chance to meet you and your wife when you were in town. 

    And where are the pictures?

    How fun, that you two were able to meet up. 

    I've met two friends from here, Nana, who has sadly passed away, and Yolanda. I hope to meet more. 

    anyway, did you take pictures? If so, you could share. I would love to see them. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    Shrinkage is good

    This is good news, jalusa. 

    Stay as positive as you can, it really does help. 

    I'll pray for the best results in your coming weeks. Hopefully, even though none of us want surgery, if it has to be done, then I hope it can be soon; as I'm sure getting the tumours removed, can only be a good thing. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • NEDbound
    NEDbound Member Posts: 54
    staying positive

    I'm glad to hear you saw some shrinkage.  I hope it continues and you can have surgery.  Wow, two surgeries for liver resection sounds tough.  I wish you speedy recoveries!

     

    For me positivity is fleeting.  I am stage III right now.  So sometimes I get the feeling that I am cured and everything is going to be just fine.  But then my mind totally changes and I think I am still in denial stages of grief and my mood turns very doom and gloom.

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Trubrit said:

    And where are the pictures?

    How fun, that you two were able to meet up. 

    I've met two friends from here, Nana, who has sadly passed away, and Yolanda. I hope to meet more. 

    anyway, did you take pictures? If so, you could share. I would love to see them. 

    Sue - Trubrit

    No Photos

    We didn't take any photos. I've met a few people in person. Everyone has been great

  • jalusa
    jalusa Member Posts: 21
    NEDbound said:

    staying positive

    I'm glad to hear you saw some shrinkage.  I hope it continues and you can have surgery.  Wow, two surgeries for liver resection sounds tough.  I wish you speedy recoveries!

     

    For me positivity is fleeting.  I am stage III right now.  So sometimes I get the feeling that I am cured and everything is going to be just fine.  But then my mind totally changes and I think I am still in denial stages of grief and my mood turns very doom and gloom.

    16 weeks

    So I had another 10% shrinkage at 16 weeks.  I still am not sure what they need for surgery.  I am trying to find out.  

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    jalusa said:

    16 weeks

    So I had another 10% shrinkage at 16 weeks.  I still am not sure what they need for surgery.  I am trying to find out.  

    Woo Hoo!

    More shrinkage, how wonderful. 

    Here's hoping that your resection comes soon. Its so good to know when things are out of your body. 

    Thank you for the update. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    jalusa said:

    16 weeks

    So I had another 10% shrinkage at 16 weeks.  I still am not sure what they need for surgery.  I am trying to find out.  

    Great News!

    You've been on my mind. Glad to hear that it's continuing to shrink!
    Keep it up... Slow and steady can be a good thing

    -p

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    I agree with PhilieG!

    I agree with PhilieG!

    Staying positive is sometimes HARD to do!

    But I’m in control of my outlook on things!

    I’m in control of my perspective on life!

    And I will try to look at the good side. 

    No matter what the road entails.

    I’ll try to see the positive.

    To focus on the positive.

    To DWELL on the positive.

    For my benefit.

    For my family.

    And friends.

    Good luck my friend.

    And remember.

    "We fight because that is what we do!"

  • jalusa
    jalusa Member Posts: 21
    Phil64 said:

    I agree with PhilieG!

    I agree with PhilieG!

    Staying positive is sometimes HARD to do!

    But I’m in control of my outlook on things!

    I’m in control of my perspective on life!

    And I will try to look at the good side. 

    No matter what the road entails.

    I’ll try to see the positive.

    To focus on the positive.

    To DWELL on the positive.

    For my benefit.

    For my family.

    And friends.

    Good luck my friend.

    And remember.

    "We fight because that is what we do!"

    I asked the surgeon at MSK to

    I asked the surgeon at MSK to look at my scans.  He says I am "close".  

  • Phil64
    Phil64 Member Posts: 838 Member
    jalusa said:

    I asked the surgeon at MSK to

    I asked the surgeon at MSK to look at my scans.  He says I am "close".  

    That is great news! 

    That is great news!