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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up:  Suzyhomemaker- Best News Yet  |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 2:39:43 PM
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Hello, ladies of MJF Forum. Thank you, thank you, thank you for prayers. I know this is the deciding factor in telling you I have good news!!!
I had a CT Scan before my Avastin treatment on Tuesday, July 22. I was nervous as the Medical Oncologist wanted to make sure my stomach issues were not related to the Avastin. I read the dictated report from the Radiologist. It said "There are no bowel perforations (nasty possible side effect of Avastin), the mass in right pelvis is SMALLER and the spot on section 7 of liver is same sized. There are no new metastases in liver." Whoo hoo!! This is incredible news. It shows that the disease is either stable or improved. How is that for good news?!?!?!
There was one other thing. The stent in my right ureter is either blocked or not in the right position and causing fluid to build up in the kidney. I called the Urologist. I see her next week. I am hoping it will be pulled out the following week, first week of August. I have felt from the very moment I opened eyes after the surgery to change it that something was wrong. It has always bothered me. They did an abdominal x-ray a few weeks after it was changed in late March and told me it was "fine". They told me some patients are uncomfortable with it in, but mine has always felt sore, not just uncomfortable. I told them I was not like this with the first one. Anyway, this one can come out for good now, and I am excited about that. One less thing to deal with.
The other thing is some stomach stuff. After consulting with the Biochemist, it turns out to be self inflicted. I did a Candida Cleanse formula. Based on the ingredients, it wiped out good organisms as well as bad. Even though I was taking probiotics all along, I got a stomach flu on vacation in mid June. It has never realy gone away. He said it is probably an opportunistic bacteria. We are going to run thorough testing and find out what it is and then clear it up.
Mid August I have a PET Scan which shows activity. I am praying it is good news as well, less or none in liver and pelvis, none anywhere else. After that test and treatment and surgery to get the stent out, I will be a healthy woman once more. I am already almost there. I feel so good and much better than I have in three years.
I will continue with Avastin treatments for a year to make sure about nothing coming back or starting again. I am SO HAPPY!!!! The Medical Oncologist was ecstatic. I just feel like the luckiest woman, one who hit the lottery. I am going to live a long and healthy life. I just feel it in my whole being now.
Thank you all for prayers, packages, good wishes. Please continue with some prayers for me until I have this all settled in mid August. I would really appreciate it. I just am so happy to be able to share good news. 
I'm still having a few issues here with pain and such. I'm on some pain medicine which means I now am on anti-nausea as well.
It makes me nervous about PET Scan on Tuesday. I know you ladies will be surrounding me with prayers and good wishes, and I thank you SO MUCH!!!
My stent change was successful. I have a smaller, more flxible one now, and I can't feel it. That was a wonderful change.
Thinking of all of you as the garden reaches fullness.
Well, not the news I was hoping for, but not the worst news either. So I had the PET Scan and the report came in today. I still have just the two spots. That is the good news. They are the same size. Another piece of good news. The bad news is they are "hotter", meaning they are busy metabolizing all that glucose that was radioactive and "tagged".
So, I need to consult with the biochemist to work on this some more. I am set up to talk with him on Wed as he is out this week. Maybe he will fit me in on Monday even.I am also going to request a new Medical Oncologist. She is frustrated with me not laying over and playing dead (pun intended here) like a good doggie. Nope. I just like to save their hardest weapons for complete desperation, and I am not there yet. I need a doctor who will go the extra mile for me, do some research and help me try a few new things out. She will not even do this for me.
She calls this "Progressions" as I have some pain back and the Pet report shows increased activity. I like to think of it as an opportunity to pull out some secret weapons. Not quite sure what they all will be, but I did get a piece of research on a vaccine called Lovoxin C that had good success with women in my situation. I sent off an email to company and will be calling them tomorrow to find out how to get into a trial program for it since my doctor won't help me out here.
In the meantime, I am going to continue with Avastin. Let's hope and pray that in two more months time the spots look "darker", less active and still NOWHERE ELSE. I am even praying they are being destroyed completely, eaten up by my immune system, never to return again.
A few tears tonight. I remember reading that Jack LaLannes said he has to "work hard at living", and I am working REALLY hard at this, doing everything I can to make my life beautiful, healthy and long.
Ok, so could use some more prayers. I especially could use them for sleeping better and finding a bit more pain management. Could you also pray for my two children and husband? Maddie is old enough to know exactly what is going on and Jake figures it all out on his own from behavior.
Clare
Well, I have the BEST news now!! I spoke with the Gynecological Oncologist on Friday. All my tests are available to review for all physicians at MSKCC. He reviewed CT Scan, PET Scan and bloodwork. He said "You are stable or better as the spot in the pelvis has shrunk." He went on to tell me that my Medical Oncologist is just concerned for me. She really cares about you.
So I called the Medical Oncologist on Friday and talked with her. She has experience with all types of cancer. The Gyn Onc deals with women's cancers below the belt (like mine, cervical). She feels that adding traditional chemotherapy at this time might increase my overall outlook. When I explained to her that I can't make that choice now. I would have to be desperate for that to happen, and I am NOT there yet, she understood me better. I get her a bit better. She comes from an Eastern European country, and she is just very blunt. She is not intending to hurt my feelings. She said she is strictly telling me from her experience and research what she thinks could be my best option.
So, now we are on better footing, and I am going to give it a second shot. I told her that if she has negative news to share, to please save a bit of positive news to offset it for the end. I explained that I need something to grasp for hope in order to keep positive and looking forward.
I am going to continue with Avastin for 2 more months. If I am feeling the same or better, then I will continue for another month or two before the next set of scans.
I spoke with the Biochemist. Intensity on a Pet Scan has no correllation to activity of tumor site in body. The test should just be used to spot any site. I still only have two, one being the same sized and the other being smaller. He said this is Stable or Better, too.
So, I am feeling more calm and relaxed now. I see the Pain Specialist on Thursday. I started back on the pain patch which helps. I have a script for physical therapy to see if that will help pull that one pelvis spot where it will not bother me anymore. I will call next week on this one as I need to sew up the bandfront costumes first.
So, life is good. I am hopeful and enjoying each day once more now that my pain is mitigated. Thank you all for prayers and wishes. Please keep me in yours whenever you remember. I would like to be stable long enough to get to use the vaccine. It is not available anywhere yet, and I have no idea how long it will take for FDA approval. There is always the hope of something new around the corner. If I can get two more years, even the Kanzius machine will be ready for testing on humans. So many good things to look forward to in medical care.
May you all be blessed with excellent health. I wil be praying for each of you to thank you for all your support. Love you, ladies.
Country girl in NE PA |
Edited by - suzyhomemaker on Aug 17 2008 5:08:02 PM |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 3:29:08 PM
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Clare! I am so happy right now! My friend, you are so sweet and loving, this world needs you in it! I have thought of you often and hoped, prayed, wished that your cancer would shrivel up and die! I am so happy to hear that you are on the road to recovery!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 3:29:46 PM
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| Oh Clare I am so glad for you. I was hoping you would update us, & this sounds like things are making a positive move. |
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Firemama
True Blue Farmgirl
1731 Posts
Amanda
Medical Lake
WA
USA
1731 Posts |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2008 : 4:45:51 PM
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Clare what wonderful news.
I will keep you in my daily prayers.
Hang in there. Keep us posted.
Marly |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2008 : 6:45:37 PM
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Great News Clare~ I am so thrilled for you!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2008 : 7:27:30 PM
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Sweet Clare, I am so very happy that you are so much better. I have felt from the begining that you will get well. Just one of my vibes. May God continue to bless you with good health and a very long happy life.
Hugs Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
Posted - Jul 26 2008 : 10:01:23 AM
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Clare, I'm so happy to hear your news! I am sorry about the stomach flu though. You are still in my prayers and I hope the news in August is just as good. (((Hugs)))
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Jul 26 2008 : 3:26:26 PM
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| Just wonderful news, Clare! PTL! Susan |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Jul 26 2008 : 3:39:32 PM
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Joining in the happy dance, Clare! Miracles really do happen!
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2008 : 5:06:45 PM
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Clare- I will pray that your PET scan is amazing- clear and that your body is healthy!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2008 : 7:12:41 PM
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Clare:
I, too, shall continue to keep you in my prayers. I will give thanks for your great news. Stay happy and well.
Marly |
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Nance in France
True Blue Farmgirl
1438 Posts
Nancy
St. Laurent de la Salanque
France
1438 Posts |
Posted - Aug 10 2008 : 02:44:02 AM
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| Hey gal pal Clare! Such wonderful news in your post!! You are a formidable woman, and God is good! I will be thinking happy thoughts and sending up prayers for you on the 12th! Hugs, Nance |
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Kathie
True Blue Farmgirl
2436 Posts
Kathie
Thonotosassa
Florida
USA
2436 Posts |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2008 : 3:46:23 PM
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| I am also praying for your PET scan. You are a walking, talking miracle! Susan |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16445 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16445 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2008 : 3:53:35 PM
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Dearest Clare,
I think of you often and hold you in my heart. |
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Auntie Brenda
True Blue Farmgirl
168 Posts
Brenda
Boerne
Texas
USA
168 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2008 : 6:23:17 PM
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Clare,
I will be praying for you that all goes well tomorrow.
Brenda
Farmgirl Sister #292 |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2900 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2008 : 6:45:51 PM
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| Tues 8/12 is "Clare Prayer Day" |
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2008 : 02:19:01 AM
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Tuesday early morning,
praying Clare......
cs
listening to the quiet moments
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2008 : 05:19:14 AM
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Sending positive energy your way today,Clare.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
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Hogs & Quiches & Prayers Round-up: Suzyhomemaker- Best News Yet |
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Suzyhomemaker- Best News Yet
