Cancer can happen, to any of us!

[Sheila]

As many of you know, my wife, Betty has been battling Renal Cell Carcinoma for over four years and has lost one kidney. Her prognosis has been consistent and through several medications she has remained relatively stable.
Last Wednesday, she had a CT scan and we were really wondering what the results would be. She had been put on a new medication on our last trip to M.D. Anderson in January. It is very new and expensive so there was very little data available about its effect on patients.
We could not be more pleased. Here is a quote from the CT scan notes. " The mass in the left renal fassa adjacent...to the left diaphram on the previous study is no longer appreciated indicating a very favorable response to therapy...no new masses were identified. Her brain scan was clear as well and the small tumors that had spread to her lungs had not increased in size. For us, great news, and we both thanked God for looking after her.

This is most excellent news for both of you!

 

[heartbren]

So Sorry!

Two days out from 1st chemo starting to have a few expected side effects! Yday, I only experienced a little flushing and redness in my face. Tday, I've had a headache and achiness, which I'm told is due to the steroids, leaving my body!:-(
supposedly, I can expect to be down for the weekend, maybe I'll be the exception!lol I go every Wed. and will keep you all, posted!

Hi Diane! I am so glad to hear that you are doing well and not feeling really sick from that chemo. I am sorry I have not written lately. I've been going through some things and have been trying to figure it all out. I'm still trying to get the house finished without my cleaning people disappearing on me after they are here a wile or having to fire them for stealing. I need some help with organizing what is left to do. You sound pretty good, but I know it is a hard process and a painful one. You inspire me with your upbeat attitude and whenever I thnk I have problems, I think about you and realize how easy my life is. Give me a call or I'll give you a call soon. I won't be such a stranger. Big hug, Brenda

 

[jensieblue]

Bless you all and keep the faith...I am 2 years out from cancer diagnosis and cancer free. Cancer is a gnarly and evil disease but it can be beaten. Know I will be sending good thoughts toward the coast for all of you....Jennie

 

[Diane4145]

Great news!

I'm so happy for you all, Andy! I'm early in to my treatment, in fact I'm getting my 2nd, as I write! I'm expecting to be bald in about a week and am not feeling so energetic, these days! Not a bad view to get chemo, huh?lol I have a flat screen TV/DVD/ INTERNET & games, to kill my time! It's like being at a spa, but, with meds!lol On a good note, talk about surprising results... I had blood work done on Mon to ck my cholesterol, since mine was 417 in Feb! After being on 40mgs of Crestor daily, mine dropped to 187! It has never been, below 235! Dad died at 40 and sister at 50, kinda scarry! I already have 30% blockage in a right artery, too! All of my cardiac testing looks really well, so that's one less thing to stress about! I will keep everyone posted, to re:this cancer thing!View attachment 19258

View attachment 19259
Diane

This is most excellent news for both of you!

 

[sisters4]

Your little pup was beautiful. You were lucky to be together all those years. How are you doing? Be strong, hang tough, you will see a day when you won't think of the word cancer! Love and strength to you.

 

[Andy A]

I'm so happy for you all, Andy! I'm early in to my treatment, in fact I'm getting my 2nd, as I write! I'm expecting to be bald in about a week and am not feeling so energetic, these days! Not a bad view to get chemo, huh?lol I have a flat screen TV/DVD/ INTERNET & games, to kill my time! It's like being at a spa, but, with meds!lol On a good note, talk about surprising results... I had blood work done on Mon to ck my cholesterol, since mine was 417 in Feb! After being on 40mgs of Crestor daily, mine dropped to 187! It has never been, below 235! Dad died at 40 and sister at 50, kinda scarry! I already have 30% blockage in a right artery, too! All of my cardiac testing looks really well, so that's one less thing to stress about! I will keep everyone posted, to re:this cancer thing!View attachment 19258

View attachment 19259
Diane

Hang in there! It is quite possible you will not lose your hair. Betty has been on four types of medication including IV chemotherapy and hasn't lost her hair. Observing Betty, it has been amazing to me what a human being can do when they set their mind to it. Having a good attitude defies substitution.

 

[Teresa]

As many of you know, my wife, Betty has been battling Renal Cell Carcinoma for over four years and has lost one kidney. Her prognosis has been consistent and through several medications she has remained relatively stable.
Last Wednesday, she had a CT scan and we were really wondering what the results would be. She had been put on a new medication on our last trip to M.D. Anderson in January. It is very new and expensive so there was very little data available about its effect on patients.
We could not be more pleased. Here is a quote from the CT scan notes. " The mass in the left renal fassa adjacent...to the left diaphram on the previous study is no longer appreciated indicating a very favorable response to therapy...no new masses were identified. Her brain scan was clear as well and the small tumors that had spread to her lungs had not increased in size. For us, great news, and we both thanked God for looking after her.

sounds like you two have been through much. thanks for sharing with us, and I'm hoping and praying for all good news for Betty.

I'm so happy for you all, Andy! I'm early in to my treatment, in fact I'm getting my 2nd, as I write! I'm expecting to be bald in about a week and am not feeling so energetic, these days! Not a bad view to get chemo, huh?lol I have a flat screen TV/DVD/ INTERNET & games, to kill my time! It's like being at a spa, but, with meds!lol On a good note, talk about surprising results... I had blood work done on Mon to ck my cholesterol, since mine was 417 in Feb! After being on 40mgs of Crestor daily, mine dropped to 187! It has never been, below 235! Dad died at 40 and sister at 50, kinda scarry! I already have 30% blockage in a right artery, too! All of my cardiac testing looks really well, so that's one less thing to stress about! I will keep everyone posted, to re:this cancer thing!View attachment 19258

View attachment 19259
Diane

Diane - you have such a wonderful outlook! I am inspired. We are thinking of you and praying for a complete recovery.

 

[heartbren]

Hi!

Hi Diane! I really need to call you. Life has been a little off lately. Nothing awful, just keep getting sick from the pollen or whatever is in the air here. I feel guilty when I get upset because I keep getting sick over and over again. It is nothing compared with what you are dealing with and you have such a great attitude about. I'm glad I read this this morning and it was nice to see a picture of you. We are friends and have spoken and writte many times, but I would not have known you if I passed you on the sidewalk. I am so glad to hear about your chlorestoral level going down. There is a good side to everything although it is not the best way to get it down I know.

I am going to be pretty busy today. I'm actually doing some part time work which is good. I'll explain it to you when I talk to you. Keep up the good attitude, it looks good on you. I will talk to you soon, Brenda

 

[Diane4145]

Hi everyone! I'm getting my 3rd chemo as I write and still have my hair!lol I bought some clippers, but, can't go there yet! My Dr said that I'd be bald by 3rd treatment, not yet! Maybe, I'm the exception! I'm tryin to upload a pic, must be too drunk from Benedryl!lol

 

[bluecat]

Don't be hasty with the clippers. My Mother had chemo and her hair was beautiful , never lost any hair. Hang in there, you're going to beat this thing.