Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 20, 2013 9:10:03 GMT -5
jeep,
I am so sorry. Those days of waiting for tests and then results are excruciating. This board is a safe and supportive (and private) place to vent.
hugs and warms thoughts for your dad
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 21, 2013 23:45:30 GMT -5
An interesting read for those dealing with cancer, I'm linking to an article I read today. Science is finding out more all the time, and I always find things like this encouraging: Apart from their hairless appearance, naked mole rats are known for several distinguishing characteristics: They have an unusually long life span for a rodent, and they seem to be protected from developing cancer. Now, researchers have pinpointed a natural substance found between the rodents' tissues that may explain their cancer resistance. Understanding how this substance, known as hyaluronan, protects naked mole rats from developing cancerous tumors could lead to novel cancer-prevention techniques for humans, said study lead author Vera Gorbunova, a professor in the department of biology at the University of Rochester in New York. Naked Mole Rats Immune to Cancer |
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jun 21, 2013 23:53:55 GMT -5
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 22, 2013 0:00:10 GMT -5
There's a lot going on, Sugi, that's really encouraging. Cancer is something most people have experienced at some point in their lives, either with their own illness, or the illness of a friend or family member. We all know the terrible impact this disease has on families, as well as its victims. It's good to see new research giving promising results. Perhaps not in my lifetime, but in that of my kids, a cure will be found.  |
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Jun 24, 2013 16:11:17 GMT -5
Found out the type of cancer my dad has is adenocarcinomas that is for sure in his esophagus. They did a CT scan on Thursday and admitted him to the hospital on Thursday. The CT Scan showed another tumor in his heart. We find out today if it is adenocarcinomas as well. His lung collapse on Friday night when they had to go through it with a needle to get the biopsy from his heart. The doctor's told us on Sat. he is too weak for surgery or treatments. Sunday they had to give him two bags of blood in a blood transfusion. His hemoglobin was so low. If it comes back that the cancer has for sure has metastasized we will be talking to hospice.
Adenocarcinoma is one of the fastest growing and rarest cancers you can get.
Really just in shock right now.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jun 24, 2013 16:16:16 GMT -5
Holy shit Jeep, I am so sorry. 
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jun 24, 2013 16:26:42 GMT -5
Holy shit Jeep, I am so sorry.
I'm sorry jeep.  |
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 24, 2013 16:31:50 GMT -5
Oh, Jeep, I'm so sorry. There's nothing any of us can say to take away the pain, or the worry. It's times like this I truly wish I had a magic wand. Hugs, sweetie. Your dad will be in my thoughts, as will you. |
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jun 24, 2013 18:25:59 GMT -5
((((((((((((((( jeep ))))))))))))))))))) hugs my friend.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jun 27, 2013 10:59:10 GMT -5
Last Monday I got hooked up to a pump with 5FU dripping into my body 24/7. I get it recharged every Monday for six weeks. It's a very low dosage and it's supposed to help the radiation do it's job. I had my first radiation treatment yesterday and it took 15 minutes at the most. When I go today I'll actually time it.
Talked to the radiation Dr and she said if I get any reactions from this it won't appear for about 3 weeks. Everyone says I tolerated the 8 sessions of chemo well, even though I felt crappy, so I'm hoping these 28 radiation sessions will go as well.
I'll have 25 regular radiation sessions and 3 pin-pointed sessions for the total of 28. I'll get these M-F with July 4 off, and looking at the calendar my last session will be August 5. Then I'll be doing a happy dance.
Hoping sometime in October I can have my colon put back together and I can get rid of this DOP. (damn ostomy pouch) Not one of the funner things of life.
(((((((( jeep )))))))))) I think of you and your dad often. Don't forget to breathe.
Hope everyone else is on the road to recovery.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jun 27, 2013 11:03:17 GMT -5
Sending healing thoughts and wishing you the best sesfw & jeep.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jun 27, 2013 23:51:43 GMT -5
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autoguy
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Post by autoguy on Jun 29, 2013 20:39:49 GMT -5
Hi guys. I haven't posted on this site, but I have been lurking.
Jeep, my thoughts are with you and your family. I am sorry you are going through this. Hospice can do a lot to make your father comfortable.
Sesfw, are you also doing oxalpalatin? I did folfox about 8 year's ago. Have you visited a site called The Colon Club? They are a great source of information and support. It seems like if anyone has a question, someone will have gone through the same thing, and will be able to offer suggestions.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jul 1, 2013 18:58:45 GMT -5
autoguy ..... I've had 8 treatments of a combo chemo drugs. Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and Fluorouracil (5FU) in a pump for 46 hours. Now I'm on a very low dosage of the 5FU (24/7) for the 6 weeks of radiation, and the pump is recharged every Monday..
Thanks for the site The Colon Club. I'll do a search and see what I can find. I see both Drs every 2 weeks and they have been very helpful in answering my stupid questions. And some of them have been very stupid.
Today I have completed the first week of the 5FU and had session #4 of radiation. If all goes well and on schedule I'll be through with this August 5. Then it will be a couple of months before I can go back to the surgeon to see if everything can be put back together.
Sure hope so. I HATE, HATE, HATE this DOP (damn ostomy pouch).
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jul 5, 2013 14:27:20 GMT -5
Today I had #7 of radiation and saw my heart Dr. My heart is doing fine, even for an old broad. When I see him again I'll have an echo cardio gram to see if the chemo and radiation weakened my heart muscle. If so he can give me meds to strengthen it again.
We had a great July 4 dinner yesterday, steak, corn on cob, potato salad, raw veggies ........ and I got a good case of diarrhea. Glad for Imodium, that dried things up quickly. When I talked to the radiation tech she said corn was especially hard to digest, and the larger than normal meal with red meat didn't help any. So I guess this takes care of corn and steak until I'm through with this in August.
Otherwise except for being tired, I'm doing OK.
Jeep, how is your dad doing? And your family?
Hugs
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jul 5, 2013 16:58:39 GMT -5
Sending healing hugs to sesfw and jeep.
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Jul 5, 2013 17:53:35 GMT -5
My dad is on morphine for his pain right now, mom has to dress him now, I think he's lost more muscle tone and weight this week. He's sleeping most of the time. One doctor is telling my mom to call hospice and the other oncologist wants him to try chemo. So he goes for a PET scan hopefully next week. If it doesn't show that the cancer has metastasized anywhere else besides the heart. Dad wants to try chemo. I don't have real high hopes for the chemo just hope he's strong enough for it. He has gone down hill so fast it scares me. I think my mom should call hospice no matter what. The oncologist has said that this will just buy him some time not cure him.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jul 5, 2013 18:47:04 GMT -5
So sorry jeep.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jul 5, 2013 20:05:34 GMT -5
Oh, Jeep, this must be so hard on your family. My heart just goes out to them. It's a very difficult decision to make, and really hard for those who must sorta stand by and watch ... and hope. Hugs, Jeep, and I hope the best decision is made for the best outcome for your dad. |
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jul 5, 2013 20:46:42 GMT -5
Oh, jeep108, this must be so hard on your family. My heart just goes out to them. It's a very difficult decision to make, and really hard for those who must sorta stand by and watch ... and hope. Hugs, Jeep, and I hope the best decision is made for the best outcome for your dad.  |
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jul 5, 2013 20:47:19 GMT -5
Today I had #7 of radiation and saw my heart Dr. My heart is doing fine, even for an old broad. When I see him again I'll have an echo cardio gram to see if the chemo and radiation weakened my heart muscle. If so he can give me meds to strengthen it again. We had a great July 4 dinner yesterday, steak, corn on cob, potato salad, raw veggies ........ and I got a good case of diarrhea. Glad for Imodium, that dried things up quickly. When I talked to the radiation tech she said corn was especially hard to digest, and the larger than normal meal with red meat didn't help any. So I guess this takes care of corn and steak until I'm through with this in August. Otherwise except for being tired, I'm doing OK. |
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jul 5, 2013 20:50:36 GMT -5
Sesfw, it sounds like things are going well for you, all things considered. You've tolerated the treatments better than many do. Please, keep us updated on the results of your echo. You're always in my thoughts. |
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jul 5, 2013 22:02:35 GMT -5
Thank you mm. The echo gram is scheduled for end of August after all treatments are completed.
((((((((((((((( jeep )))))))))))) mega hugs for you and your family.
GG, how are you doing?
Sugi, how are you doing? Have you had any follow-up yet?
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Jul 5, 2013 22:04:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the outlet everyone.
Sesfw hang in there.
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Jul 5, 2013 22:06:36 GMT -5
Dad said tonight that it's getting harder to swallow. Wonder how long before they decide to put in a feeding tube?
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Jul 11, 2013 12:21:24 GMT -5
Dad had surgery to put a port in his shoulder for Chemo today. He goes for his PET scan tomorrow. Has an appointment Monday with the Oncologist.
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jul 11, 2013 15:23:02 GMT -5
((((((( Jeep )))))))))) I have one of those also. it will be easier for him than me. I'm a woman and the port is located where my bra rubs on it. I know, it's TMI, but it's uncomfortable.
Hang in there and make sure he has enjoyable reading material. My chemo sessions lasted about 4 hours and can be very boring. There are also some very interesting people to talk to. The tech nurses and other patients. Most of us don't want to have the 'C' word around us all the time so we talk about past life experiences and future plans.
We are living and still want to be a part of life.
Mega hugs my friend.
'You've tolerated the treatments better than many do.'
Right now I'm grateful for Imodium ........ LOL .......
Radiation = 11 down, 17 to go ......
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jeep108
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Post by jeep108 on Jul 11, 2013 15:33:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Sesfw. I will pass it onto mom and dad. Dad likes to talk so he'll probably socialize with everyone there. I will send him with his 4 wheel drive magazines.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jul 11, 2013 15:42:45 GMT -5
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jul 16, 2013 8:18:05 GMT -5
Jeep .... what is the latest with your dad? Hope he is feeling better.
I had an interesting day yesterday. My blood work came back low and they can't give me more chemo until it comes back up. Don't know if it's psychological but I feel so much better not having it. It's just radiation for this week.
Three more weeks ...... YEA!!
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