T O P I C R E V I E W |
suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Sep 11 2007 : 06:11:36 AM Ok, ladies. The news is that it is cancer. The doctor said it is a lymph node swelled to the size of an egg. The cells must have been there from the original cancer two years ago.
The good news is all my organs are clear. Truly I believe my diet, supplements and herbs have helped prevent it from attaching to organs. I pray they continue to function really well and support me through treatment.
The doctor is actually going to view the MRI and the CT scan. We are going to have an independent radioligist read them as well. I want to be completely clear on size and location and make sure there are no other hidden spots.
The plan of action is tough. MVAC chemotherapy ( Four drugs) for three months (chemo is more than once a month). One month off to heal and do scans and then surgery. One more month to heal and back to chemotherapy.
So, I am determined that this is going to work, that this is the way for God to work through these doctors to heal me and make this a miracle. I am just going to try and take it one day at a time, to find simple joys and pleasures each day, to be graeful to be alive, to hug my kids.
I go to see doctor again Friday, get chemo education and a port next week, may even start treatment next week.
So, I really need prayers for the next 6 months or longer for strength and hope and good care. I really want to just draw from all your love here. I am just so thankful for all your prayers and kind words of encouragement and hope. Thank you all for being such good friends to me. I can''t tell you how much it has helped me cope and alter my attitude to one of hope.
Ok, Oct 1 to Slaon Kettering for a second opinion on treatment. Also, waiting to get a PETSCAN , maybe this week. Then, a port put in for treatment.
We have done some research with the help of a Phd. doctor, and we are persuing Ukrain, a drug from Austria that works like a chemo drug (kills malignancies) yet has no side effects to HEALTHY cells. I'll keep you posted. After a week of IV treatments, I will know if it is working by how the body reacts (sickness symptoms as the toxins from the break-up are cleared out of the body). After six weeks, it should be 50% shrunk. The info says it is 80% effective. I am willing to do this as it is non-toxic and used in Germany for cancer treatment since the mid 80s. Ok, I have major hope in my heart and continued prayers for guidance and healing are still appreciated.
Ok, next step is the Radiation Oncologist at Sloan in NJ. I would REALLY like to do the treatments there, and I could stay with my one sister during the week. Every step toward the right direction, right? Healing, health and wellness, cancer free and strong and able. Those are my goals!!!
Country girl in NE PA |
25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Oct 03 2007 : 3:54:55 PM Have been thinking about you and waiting to hear how this is going for you and what the Doctors said. Looks like the plan is there for treatment, and better that its sooner then later, thinking about something for to long is very draining, better to get going with it. Keep your positive out look, you are very stong indeed. NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
Mumof3 |
Posted - Oct 03 2007 : 3:37:51 PM Positive vibes being sent your way, and prayers being said for you. (((hugs)))
Karin
Wherever you go, there you are.
Come visit me at: www.madrekarin.etsy.com
www.madrekarin.blogspot.com |
Luzy |
Posted - Oct 03 2007 : 3:22:48 PM You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Hang in there and I'm sending you a big giant hug!! Love, Lu
-- May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am. http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
Carol Sue |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 9:42:51 PM Clare, Girl, keep going, praying and huge hugs. Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
Cheryl |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 5:53:36 PM Clare, Keeping you in my prayers. Cheryl
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 |
CountryBorn |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 5:32:28 PM Clare, is there any surgery to remove the tumor once it has been shrunk by the radiation? Always live your life to the fullest,no matter what the circumstances. Enjoy and love your husband kids family and especially YOU. Your strength of will and determination is a very key player in this battle. You are a very positive person and I feel you will beat this, it may be a fight, but, I do feel you are up to it. You have too much to live for, I know you will succeed. Never underestimate your own power.
May God Bless and keep you in His healing light. Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 3:51:56 PM Clare, if you need help with the mindwork, let me know. We can work on it by phone. I'll continue to blue light you on my end, knowing that all the medication is working and you improve with each moment of each day. I'm giving thanks for your abundant good health!
love, Patricia
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
ponyexpress |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 06:41:45 AM Clare, I really admire the approach you are taking in meeting this overwhelming challenge head-on. Many in your situation would probably give up, give in and move on. I'm sure you have to take it hour by hour, day by day...but being proactive in doing your research, working with your doctors, questioning, learning, making plans for the future, and visualizing yourself cancer-free MUST have a positive effect on the outcome. How could it be otherwise??
Here's wishing our collective prayers for you and your family, for continued strength and wisdom, for grace and understanding and compassion, for permission to get really angry at this disease and make it known that it is not welcome in your body, ... here's wishing that this will help carry you through the challenges ahead.
I've learned that it takes as much time and energy to wish as it does to plan.
|
junkjunkie |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 06:04:17 AM
I want to LIVE. That quote from you is very key...that's the biggest part of the battle. You're determination and positive focus will get you through!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 05:57:34 AM Clare - Keep on visualizing like Patricia says. To me, that is part of your 'will to live'. I've seen that in action and I know for a fact that it's strong medicine on it's own. Take supplements to support and strenghen you immune system and the organs they think may be affected. I've seen that work, too. And you know that there's enough prayer out here on your behalf to be heard all over the solar system.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 05:45:27 AM
There is something about writing in my favorite color, purple, that makes all news sound like good news!
Ok, I met the medical oncologist. There is only one treatment plan-six weeks of broad pelvic radiation with stronger over the tumor combined with weekly chemotherapy. The radiation is to weaken the cells of the tumor so the chemo is more effective. The broadness is to cover any other cells not detectable by their means yet.
there is a 50% "cure" with this treatment plan. This time around I want to be in the cure side. I'm really working on believing it all.
The news was a bit shell shocking. I have lots of questions for m next appointment on Tuesday, Oct 9th with the radiation oncologist. I am getting into their new NJ facility and hope that when I see this radiation oncologist, she will decide I need treatment NOW and can start the following week.
I have two sisters n NJ so we can stay with one of them Monday-Friday or however it works ot. Maybe in the beginning we will come home a bit more, but you get more tired out the further into treatment you go. It's a 2 1/2-3 hour drive each way.
After six weeks of this treatment, I get 3 weeks off before having a CT scan to see how it all works out. Hooray!! I plan on having a very nice Dec at home and Christmas with the kids before getting that scan.
Who knows? If the scan is great, I can go to Florida for Jan and part of Feb and live with my parents, Who wouldn't want to recover health and wellness is sunny Flroida in the winter time? I'm setting my sights on that.
Ok, just keep praying ladies. It's a tough program and not sure about long term effects to organs and pelvis bone and bone marrow. These are questions for the next visit. I still am going to do this though as I want to LIVE.
Patirica, thank you for the encouragement. I am really working on the mind issue. I know it is key to surviving.
Country girl in NE PA |
katmom |
Posted - Oct 01 2007 : 11:44:32 PM Clare, I continue to wrap you in prayer. farmgirl hugz & prayers.
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom. www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
sewgirlie |
Posted - Oct 01 2007 : 6:23:33 PM Clare: Sloan is a wonderful place and you will be well taken care of. My prayers are with you! |
CountryBorn |
Posted - Oct 01 2007 : 5:47:48 PM Clare, I have been thinking of you all day today. My prayers are with you. Please keep us posted on your progress. You have had some good news already,I pray more comes very soon.
Hugs and Prayers MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
AuntJo |
Posted - Oct 01 2007 : 12:22:12 PM Clare, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Jo to 24 nieces and nephews and counting http://auntjoscorner.blogspot.com/ |
Tina Michelle |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 3:48:28 PM prayers going up for you Clare.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ visit me at: http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/ and at www.stliving.net you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
corporatefarmgirl |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 3:13:28 PM Tons of {{{{hugs}}}} and prayers for you and your family.
there is a seed to plant in every heart |
Kelly43 |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 1:56:51 PM Will be thinking of you all day tomorrow (and always). Safe trip. Kelly |
Phils Ann |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 1:49:07 PM Clare...
You are in my prayers as you travel as well as for medical direction at Sloan. The Pet Scan results sounds like such good news!
Ann Sairy Hill Thicket There is a Redeemer. |
junkjunkie |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 4:15:11 PM You will be receiving the best of care at Sloan kettering, Clare! It's a great hospital....will be thinking of you!
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 4:02:56 PM Clare, don't stop "shrinking" the tumor yourself. Visualize whatever means shrinking it to you and keep at it. 30+ years ago, I had 6 months to live. I used visualization and here I am. Your mind is the most powerful weapon you have. Good luck!!
love, Patricia
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
Carol Sue |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 11:52:45 PM yeahhh, we will take all the good news that we can get girlfriend. Will keep up the praying for you and your family and traveling mercies. Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
ktknits |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 12:52:27 PM Still sending lots of hugs and love and prayers to and for you Clare. I'm so glad you got some good news--let's pray that it's the first of lots more good news for you!!
Kathy
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
Alee |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 12:14:03 PM Clare-
I am so glad that you have good news finally! I am sure this is the turing point for you and with all those wonderful options and doctors looking out for you, I am sure you will be getting better soon! *farmgirl hugs!*
Alee The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 10:36:24 AM
OK, I got my PET Scan results. The BEST news is that the cancer is still in the same area ONLY. The groin lymph nodes are NOT involved. Thank you, God, and all you ladies praying for me. I have never felt so good. After weeks of bad news, this was the best news ever. Maybe I am on the turning around point now?
OK, Monday to Sloan. I did ask my family doctor about Ukrain and gave him information to read. He told me to ask at Sloan and to also ask if there are treatments in Europe that might be more EFFECTIVE than those offered at Sloan for my case. This way, I can truly make an informed decision.
My hubby still wants me to persue Ukrain first to shrink the tumor, but I really need to hear about the choices at Sloan and make my decision afterwards.
Thank you all for the suggestions on housing. That is a big question on my list as I know we will persue treatment there versus here. I have written down all that you said and will ask about all of them.
Please also pray for traveling mercies/safety for us on Monday. It is 3 hours each way. I appreciate it so very much,
Country girl in NE PA |