The good, the bad, the ugly!

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KTeacher
KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I am not sure if this is the bad or the ugly.  I have been on palliative chemo since December.  March 31st PET didn't show any uptake.  Doctor wanted to stop chemo, heck no, it's working.  I continued chemo (taxol), had another PET scan Thursday, results yesterday. Glow shows up (all I can think of is an old song, glow worm)!  Not good.  Doctor was able to compare last scan with current scan.  Three lymph nodes in neck glow and maxillary sinus has glow around edges.  Chemo has stopped working.  I will stop chemo and see the doctor in 6 to 8 weeks, sooner if I have any new problems.  Doctor did give me names of 4 other options for treatment, I was under the impression that Taxol was my only option when I didn't qualify for trials in December.  Wait and see.  

I still hope to be around for some time, just don't know how long that will be, I guess none of us really knows.

I will have my sister post for me when I no longer can.

I love you all for your support, encouragement and humor.

Comments

  • joannaw81
    joannaw81 Member Posts: 185 Member
    #2
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    no- we love u for the person that u are

    Words cannot express of how angry I am!  a lot of people ask why this happens to people. Well it happens so that others learn from the sick ones to cherish every second of their life while they can. It happens so others learn from someone else's suffering.   i have learned so much from u Kteacher, and first of all-courage. U r such an inspiration. Please dont give up. I am praying for u.  

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #3
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    prayers for grace

    As you move through the days to come, I'm praying you are surrounded by an enveloping peace.

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #4
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    Bad and Ugly

    KTeacher, Since I first came on this site and saw another teacher, you have had a special place in my heart. I'm sorry you have had yet another setback. There have  been advances in cancer treatment even since December. Hopefully one of those four options will be one of them and it will work for you. I am praying that God will hold you close as you decide what to do next.

    Beth

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #5
    Options
    to the good

    “Light the path below, above and lead us on to love!”

     

    Bev,

    you are the good, the cancer is the bad and ugly.  I second your “heck no, it’s working”.  You have got a lot of people on this form they can benefit from your knowledge.

    As I’ve said, you were one of my first responders and for that I’ve always had a special fondness for you.  Meeting you in person was a bright spot, a chance to thank you for all the comfort that you have been for me.

    KTeacher humor:

    A LITTLE girl had just finished her first week of school.   "I'm wasting my time," she said to her mother.  "I can't read, I can't write - and they won't let me talk!"

     

    With much love,

    Matt

     

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    #6
    Options
    trials

    Bev,

    Hearing such new is so depressing; we all hope that chemo keeps the monster at bay. So Taxol is not the right chemo, there are other options and that is why the doctor offfered some other options. If I recollect, you are in central california. Can you be seen at Stanford or UCSF? These are superior facilities that specialize in difficult cancer treatment - you fully qualify on that note.

    Get to the experts and work hard to find some other therapies, maybe there are trials that you can get into.

    It's time to fight more than ever before. Don't be passive, muster up all your energies and pick up the phone Monday morning and call and call and call. There IS some doctor or program or therapy or trail or something that can offer help. Call your sister Monday morning. Ask her to help you make lists and start calling and calling. There is hope and there is something for you but you have to go find it, it will not come to you. 

     

     

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #7
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    KT

    One thing I learned with my ordeal with cancer is it is nice to have choices. You have 4 which is a hell of alot better than 0. I ussually find myself lost for words when I have to be serious and can't joke around. So with that being said keep your head up and keep a positive attitude.

          Jeff

  • Jan Trinks
    Jan Trinks Member Posts: 477
    #8
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    Never give up!

    So sorry to hear this news but maybe you will qualify for a trial down the road.  Just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your posts and they are an inspiration to me.  Hang in there and good luck.  I know how you feel about loving everyone on this website; I wish I could meet each and everyone and give them all hugs!  This is such a special place with very special people.  Will be praying for you, take care and God Bless!

     

    Jan Trinks (basketcase)

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #9
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    You are in my thoughts and

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for your strength, healing and comfort.

    Debbie

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #10
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    Bev you are among the strongest I know...........

    I know we both go to Stanford and I was hopping there is other TX they will try. Please know, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day.

    Bill

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #11
    Options
    Wonderful words....

    "More options" that is good news.  ....I will never be able to stop telling you that you are the toughie in this group.....Sending you all the prayers I can muster. 

    p

  • Greg53
    Greg53 Member Posts: 849
    #12
    Options
    phrannie51 said:

    Wonderful words....

    "More options" that is good news.  ....I will never be able to stop telling you that you are the toughie in this group.....Sending you all the prayers I can muster. 

    p

    KT

    Bev,

    I can't agree more with Phrannie - you are the toughest here (and I've known them all).

    As always, sending you positive thoughts and good mojo!!

    Greg

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #13
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    Bev, we love you for showing

    Bev, we love you for showing us what it means to be brave in such terrible times.  To still be positive and care about others.  I'm so sorry the chemo isn't working and I'm praying one of the other options will.  You are a remarkable woman and I'm glad we met.  I look forward to hearing about the new meds you are trying and how well they are working.

    God bless you Bev.

    dj

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