Plan in place, but need advice

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Comments

  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #22
    Sara:
    It is so difficult to wrap your head around bad news. Been there, done that, as so many have done. It sounds like Dr. Lenz has laid out some good treatment options for you. After you go to Anderson and see what they say you can proceed with what you think is best. Wishing you the best results possible -

    Take care - Tina
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #23
    Kids
    My heart goes out to you. My two sons were 10 and 12 when I was diagnosed. Thinking about the impact of cancer on them was heartbreaking for me. Now, I would never wish a family diagnosis of cancer on anyone -- and I wish I could have spared my children the pain -- but they are now 18 and 20 (yea!) and I have to honestly say they are better young men than they would have been had I not been diagnosed.....We have been through a lot together, and with the pain came growth -- for us all. Children are amazingly resiliant, and take their lead from their parents and other loved adults in their lives.

    I have experience with Xeliri (similar to Folfiri) but not Erbitux. I have consulted with Dr. Lenz and have a huge amount of respect for him. I had radiation 8 years ago and am about to have another wee blast of it.

    I'm 8 years since diagnosis. Had a few ups and downs but I'm still kickin' -- and still hugging my kids (even tho they tower over me now!)

    Good luck!

    Tara

    ps Folfiri -- individual side effects vary. You may experience: fatigue, nausea (from the FOL - and any chemo), diarrhea and hair loss (from the IRI). For me, it's all been manageable. I take a nap every day, insist on anti-nausea drugs that work for me, have Immodium on hand for diarrhea, and a great RED wig (think 'Mad Men') for the hair.
  • sasjourney
    sasjourney Member Posts: 395 Member
    #24
    taraHK said:

    Kids
    My heart goes out to you. My two sons were 10 and 12 when I was diagnosed. Thinking about the impact of cancer on them was heartbreaking for me. Now, I would never wish a family diagnosis of cancer on anyone -- and I wish I could have spared my children the pain -- but they are now 18 and 20 (yea!) and I have to honestly say they are better young men than they would have been had I not been diagnosed.....We have been through a lot together, and with the pain came growth -- for us all. Children are amazingly resiliant, and take their lead from their parents and other loved adults in their lives.

    I have experience with Xeliri (similar to Folfiri) but not Erbitux. I have consulted with Dr. Lenz and have a huge amount of respect for him. I had radiation 8 years ago and am about to have another wee blast of it.

    I'm 8 years since diagnosis. Had a few ups and downs but I'm still kickin' -- and still hugging my kids (even tho they tower over me now!)

    Good luck!

    Tara

    ps Folfiri -- individual side effects vary. You may experience: fatigue, nausea (from the FOL - and any chemo), diarrhea and hair loss (from the IRI). For me, it's all been manageable. I take a nap every day, insist on anti-nausea drugs that work for me, have Immodium on hand for diarrhea, and a great RED wig (think 'Mad Men') for the hair.

    Thanks everyone for your support and prayers
    I can't thank you enough for helping me get through another day. My emotions change so frequently from desperation to hopeful optimism. I really, really prefer the latter, but fear and depression seem to pop up at times. I am really trying to take a deep breath and focus on the positives and keep on going. I thank you all for helping me get through it and understanding exactly how I feel. I pray for a cure for all of us...

    Thank you so much,

    Sara

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