It's time to wage the battle again

luz del lago
luz del lago Member Posts: 449
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
Dearest Friends,

Received some sad news tonight. My hubby's Oncologist called with the results of his latest CT scan. Not good. After only 2 1/2 months since his cisplatin/etopiside chemo, with a 75% over all reduction of the masses in his lung and lesions in his liver, the cancer is progressing. The lung mass and liver lesions are almost back to original size. The doctor said that because it came back so soon, not 3+ months, they will not be able to do the standard topetican chemo, as studies have found that it does not help so soon after the first-line chemo has been given. A ray of hope. She will be giving him gemzar/paxal chemo. Said she has another patient that did very well on this, and his case was very similar to my love's.
I asked my husband how he felt about all this and he said as if a door had been shut in his face. He said, I just started to feel so much better after the brain radiation, and now this. I told him that I felt as if God was helping him. That is why he stronger, so that he will be able to battle the monster once again! Imagine if this would have happened 3 weeks ago when he was so weak, they may not have been able to administer the chemo.
Please pray for him, that he may be strong and tolerate the chemo as well as he did the first go around. That the chemo may work well and kill the cancer. That God grace him with peace. As for me, that the Lord bless me with courage and strength, that I may fight alongside my love in this battle.
I praise and give thanks the God for all that He gives me each and everyday. At the top of the list are all of you.

God bless,

Lucy

P.S.
My hubby's name is Dennis.

Comments

  • lovingwifedeb
    lovingwifedeb Member Posts: 183
    #2
    It's A Battle Cry!
    Dear Lucy,
    You certainly are at war with the devil if you know what I mean. We hear your battle cry and will send our prays to Dennis. Our cancer world is frightening and when I look into my husband's eyes to connect everyday love speaks back.

    Remember to take care of your diets, no talks about anti cancer foods here. Look it up.

    Best to you both,
    Deb
    lovingwife to Bob, stage 3c melanoma
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    #3
    Prayers
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your roller coaster ride continues and there are many in the car s with you. God bless, Fay
  • karenbeth
    karenbeth Member Posts: 194
    #4
    best wishes
    So sorry to hear this news. My boyfriend is having his first round of chemo, after WBR. (Carboplatin/etopicide). I am so nervous about his first post-chemo scan, and even if things look good I know I won't be able to relax. This is all so nerve wracking and scary. We have to continue to have hope, and celebrate any good news even if there may be bad around the corner. Good luck to you both.

    Karen
  • Luv2lunch
    Luv2lunch Member Posts: 270
    #5
    Hi Lucy,
    You will be in my
    Hi Lucy,
    You will be in my prayers tonight and in the coming days. Dennis will also be in those prayers. The Lord will not give either of you more than you can handle.
    God bless you both.
    Linda
  • neeie
    neeie Member Posts: 6
    #6
    Scared
    Dear Lucy

    Sorry to hear that my prayers are with you and your husband. I am new here and was looking to find some hope. my husband was told in Aug that he has sclc, we thought it was small stroke but turned out to be sclc in the brain, lungs and liver. we have been thru the rad and now doing the chemo. we are on 3rd treatment and doc says he is pleased, but my husband is now getting sick and is really tired. some times he is so ill i just cant do anything right. I know that this is bothering him and he is so worried about me, he has always been the strong one. now I have to be. I am sorry about going on dont know why. please let me know how things go I am so scared about all this.
  • Pennymac02
    Pennymac02 Member Posts: 332 Member
    #7
    Prayers
    Father, please grant your peace, your loving favor, your serenity and your healing to Lucy and Dennis, and let them know You are holding them in the palm of your hand.

    My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
    Penny
  • karenbeth
    karenbeth Member Posts: 194
    #8
    neeie said:

    Scared
    Dear Lucy

    Sorry to hear that my prayers are with you and your husband. I am new here and was looking to find some hope. my husband was told in Aug that he has sclc, we thought it was small stroke but turned out to be sclc in the brain, lungs and liver. we have been thru the rad and now doing the chemo. we are on 3rd treatment and doc says he is pleased, but my husband is now getting sick and is really tired. some times he is so ill i just cant do anything right. I know that this is bothering him and he is so worried about me, he has always been the strong one. now I have to be. I am sorry about going on dont know why. please let me know how things go I am so scared about all this.

    hello neeie
    We are on the same path...I too thought my boyfriend was having a stroke and it turned out to be mets in the brain, with a final diagnosis, after a brain biospy and several scans, of sclc. He also went through radiation and is now doing chemo--he just finished 1st treatment. Luckily he was not too sick from the chemo. I hope the chemo is successful for your husband. And take care of yourself!
  • grandmafay
    grandmafay Member Posts: 1,633 Member
    #9
    neeie said:

    Scared
    Dear Lucy

    Sorry to hear that my prayers are with you and your husband. I am new here and was looking to find some hope. my husband was told in Aug that he has sclc, we thought it was small stroke but turned out to be sclc in the brain, lungs and liver. we have been thru the rad and now doing the chemo. we are on 3rd treatment and doc says he is pleased, but my husband is now getting sick and is really tired. some times he is so ill i just cant do anything right. I know that this is bothering him and he is so worried about me, he has always been the strong one. now I have to be. I am sorry about going on dont know why. please let me know how things go I am so scared about all this.

    Welcome
    Welcome to the board that none of us wanted to be on. This fight is a hard one and you are not alone. There is always hope. New treatments are in the pipeline. Take care and come here when you need support. Fay
  • luz del lago
    luz del lago Member Posts: 449
    #10
    neeie said:

    Scared
    Dear Lucy

    Sorry to hear that my prayers are with you and your husband. I am new here and was looking to find some hope. my husband was told in Aug that he has sclc, we thought it was small stroke but turned out to be sclc in the brain, lungs and liver. we have been thru the rad and now doing the chemo. we are on 3rd treatment and doc says he is pleased, but my husband is now getting sick and is really tired. some times he is so ill i just cant do anything right. I know that this is bothering him and he is so worried about me, he has always been the strong one. now I have to be. I am sorry about going on dont know why. please let me know how things go I am so scared about all this.

    Begin by taking a deep breath
    Dear neeie,

    I welcome you to this haven of love, wise words, concern and prayers. I am sorry that your husband's illness has brought you here, and pray that any of my words, experiences and wishes may be of comfort to you. I have had some pretty high ups and pretty low downs since our journey began, and have always found a warm place to come and receive comfort here, so come as often as you can.
    My hubby did quite well during chemo, it was only until the time between that and brain radiation that things were not so good for him. I had to learn to live and love a different person. Some days have not been easy, and on those days I have asked God to help me love him that day since he is not being easy to love. I must also say that when there are good days, it's because I have encouraged him to participate in our lives. He was just beginning to feel so much better and now this.
    But I will not stop loving him, fighting for him to give it his all, and standing alongside him in this battle.
    My husband was also the "optimist" in our lives. And now I am. And I am the one that does most everything around here, and as tiring as it can get, the work does me good.
    One wonderful piece of loving advice that I received from the folks here was to someway,somehow find a little time for myself. I did, and try to find time at least once a week that is "me" time. It has done wonders for me. I hope you can do the same.

    Lucy
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #11
    Prayers
    Lucy, I pray God gives you and Dennis the peace you need to know how much He loves you both.

    You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs.
  • neeie
    neeie Member Posts: 6
    #12
    luz del lago said:

    Begin by taking a deep breath
    Dear neeie,

    I welcome you to this haven of love, wise words, concern and prayers. I am sorry that your husband's illness has brought you here, and pray that any of my words, experiences and wishes may be of comfort to you. I have had some pretty high ups and pretty low downs since our journey began, and have always found a warm place to come and receive comfort here, so come as often as you can.
    My hubby did quite well during chemo, it was only until the time between that and brain radiation that things were not so good for him. I had to learn to live and love a different person. Some days have not been easy, and on those days I have asked God to help me love him that day since he is not being easy to love. I must also say that when there are good days, it's because I have encouraged him to participate in our lives. He was just beginning to feel so much better and now this.
    But I will not stop loving him, fighting for him to give it his all, and standing alongside him in this battle.
    My husband was also the "optimist" in our lives. And now I am. And I am the one that does most everything around here, and as tiring as it can get, the work does me good.
    One wonderful piece of loving advice that I received from the folks here was to someway,somehow find a little time for myself. I did, and try to find time at least once a week that is "me" time. It has done wonders for me. I hope you can do the same.

    Lucy

    Thank you so much if
    Thank you so much if anything I know that feeling you discribe. not that i am glad to be in this but to know someone is feeling and understanding what I am going thru. I know everything you said is so true, my husband is my life and some days i feel like he is not the same but know that it is just the chemo. every now and then he come thru and we laugh like we used to all the time. thank you again it nice to know that someone does understand what i am feeling and not just saying the words.

    Jean
  • neeie
    neeie Member Posts: 6
    #13
    karenbeth said:

    hello neeie
    We are on the same path...I too thought my boyfriend was having a stroke and it turned out to be mets in the brain, with a final diagnosis, after a brain biospy and several scans, of sclc. He also went through radiation and is now doing chemo--he just finished 1st treatment. Luckily he was not too sick from the chemo. I hope the chemo is successful for your husband. And take care of yourself!

    yes me too. it seems to be
    yes me too. it seems to be doing good right now but this one has made him real sick we had to go get fluids. I think he is worried about the next one but just keep telling him we can get thru all this. if you need to talk I am here. keep me informed on how things go for yall and my prayers are with you. take care.
  • neeie
    neeie Member Posts: 6
    #14
    grandmafay said:

    Welcome
    Welcome to the board that none of us wanted to be on. This fight is a hard one and you are not alone. There is always hope. New treatments are in the pipeline. Take care and come here when you need support. Fay

    Thank you it is nice to have
    Thank you it is nice to have someone that knows what you are going thru. my family and friends try to help and are so kind to do so but sometimes I think they just dont understand fully. thanks again. Jean
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #15
    luz del lago said:

    Begin by taking a deep breath
    Dear neeie,

    I welcome you to this haven of love, wise words, concern and prayers. I am sorry that your husband's illness has brought you here, and pray that any of my words, experiences and wishes may be of comfort to you. I have had some pretty high ups and pretty low downs since our journey began, and have always found a warm place to come and receive comfort here, so come as often as you can.
    My hubby did quite well during chemo, it was only until the time between that and brain radiation that things were not so good for him. I had to learn to live and love a different person. Some days have not been easy, and on those days I have asked God to help me love him that day since he is not being easy to love. I must also say that when there are good days, it's because I have encouraged him to participate in our lives. He was just beginning to feel so much better and now this.
    But I will not stop loving him, fighting for him to give it his all, and standing alongside him in this battle.
    My husband was also the "optimist" in our lives. And now I am. And I am the one that does most everything around here, and as tiring as it can get, the work does me good.
    One wonderful piece of loving advice that I received from the folks here was to someway,somehow find a little time for myself. I did, and try to find time at least once a week that is "me" time. It has done wonders for me. I hope you can do the same.

    Lucy

    Many Prayers
    Hello Lucy and Dennis
    I will be sending many many prayers to you both. May God grant you the strength, and peace that you both need at this time. Stay positive.
    Tina in Va
  • skipper85
    skipper85 Member Posts: 229
    #16
    LUCY

    Prayers and ((HUGS)) to you and your hubby. My husband is going for surgery for a right lower lung lobectomy Nov. 18th. Then we'll find out what is actually going on with his lung cancer. Your faith and strong spirit will get you through this. It's all up to the "Big Guy." We just have to follow the path he has chosen for us.

    Keep us updated.

    May God Bless you and your husband and give you the strength you both need.

    Skipper85
  • luz del lago
    luz del lago Member Posts: 449
    #17
    skipper85 said:

    LUCY

    Prayers and ((HUGS)) to you and your hubby. My husband is going for surgery for a right lower lung lobectomy Nov. 18th. Then we'll find out what is actually going on with his lung cancer. Your faith and strong spirit will get you through this. It's all up to the "Big Guy." We just have to follow the path he has chosen for us.

    Keep us updated.

    May God Bless you and your husband and give you the strength you both need.

    Skipper85

    Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.
    It is Saturday night and we finally got back home from having a port implanted and the first session of the new chemo for my hubby. We live about 2 hrs from Wilford Hall, where my husband receives his care. When he has to be there early, we are blessed that we stay at my parent's home which is a lot closer. We've been away for 3 1/2 days and it is wonderful to be back home! My folks are so loving and supportive, but there's no place like home. And just to add a little "spice" to an already worrisome week, my dear daddy got ill and was put in the hospital. Thank God he is doing much better and will be going home tomorrow.
    So we find out on Thursday that "the chemo plan" changed a bit. Instead of the gemzar/paxal regimen, his doctor has decided that at this time carbo/taxol will be the chemo. After an extensive search, she could not find an appropriate clinical trial. He also started his zomeda, for the bone cancer.
    My poor love was very stressed on Thursday about having the port put in. The first chemo, he had a pic line, because of the urgency at that time. We are hoping that the port will be so much more convenient. Friday morning, bright and early chemo began. About an hour after we got there, his doctor came by to say hi and check on him. She also had read his labs from the day before and had not so good news. His liver is not doing well. She said that if it continues to decline she will have to reduce the dose of chemo. But, she also thinks it could be the cancer in his liver that is causing this, so if the chemo gets to work quickly, it may help. And then she would not have to reduce the dose. Deep sigh! So tempted and easy to say right about now, "what else?". But I won't. I will just pray harder!
    The great news is that hubby did very well tolerating the chemo! No nausea, just a bit fatigued, but the steriods are helping with that and also his appetite, which he had pretty well lost.
    He is doing so good that he is insisting that I go ahead with plans I had made with my sister to have a mini retreat as we have called them. You see, every once in a blue moon, her and I take off for just a couple of days, to the coast or a cabin, and chill! We laugh, we cry, we pray, we walk. We cook gourmet meals and drink wine. We read, we watch movies. We re-charge! Of course, our wonderful kids will be coming by and checking on dad and spending time with him. Hubby says he will be praying, meditating and praising God for all the good things in his life. I'm sure there will be a game in there!
    Just for this moment, we will breathe calmly. Put the "cancer" in a closet and lock the door. And enjoy the gifts God blesses us with.

    God bless you all,

    Lucy

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