rinksgal

thanks everyone!! We will fight this too!!! I just hope we can win this battle against This Damn Cancer!! Christy

Well darrell had a dry cough, we went to see radiation oncologist yesterday, he scheduled ct scan at 7:45am this morning... He called us this afternoon... Good News: cancer in middle of chest has shrank alot.. Bad news.. New 4mm nodule they found 3 weeks ago in his lower right lobe.. It has grown, and they believe it to be cancer... We will see oncologist dec. 4th and radiation oncologist Dec. 9th to see where we go from here...... Will this nightmare ever end.. I doubt it!! God Please be with us!!!!! I don't know if I can do this anymore... Too much pain and worry!! I won't lose my Baby!!! I just won't I refuse!!! and Darrells says he defys death... but will all of this be enough?? Christy

MO_Sugar, Darrell also has a dry cough and his has just started getting worse when he bends over, or breaths deeply. Anyway he called the radiation oncologist and we are going tomorrow to see him.. Just to make sure nothing else is going on.. He also on his last ct scan had a new pleural effusion.. So wanted to make sure symptoms wasn't something to worry about... I'm gonna send him this post on dry coughs... I found this by doing a search on dry coughs.. He doesn't get on this site, but I send him stuff when I think its something he'll find interesting or that relates to things he is going through... Good luck.. Christy

I'm so very very sorry to hear about your bad news, but keep an upper chin and I wish you the best of luck... My prayers are very much with you and with everyone thats dealing with this horrible disease!!! Good Luck!! I will be thinking about you and keep us posted! Christy

Norme and Buddy I have also been thinking of you! You've been on my mind alot. Just know Darrell and my Prayers are with the both of you and please keep us posted with updates when you are able to!!! ""Hugs"" Christy

Marlon I'm really sorry to hear about all of your moms problems!! You will both be in my prayers!! christy

Darrell just started loosing his eyebrows last week, even though his chemo ended early oct..He really didn't mind losing his hair being a man and all not quite so bad, but he didn't want to lose his eyebrows at all. He tugged on the rest to see if loose, but not once did he touch his eyebrows.. and now they are going.. also the only hair growing on top of his head is coming in like peach fuzz, and as white as can be... He had dark brown hair, with hardly any grey at all... the hair on his chin is the same, but he has a couple of dark patches on his cheeks. but not many... He doesn't care he just wants to live and I hope the added chemo helps you achive this goal!!!! I have such fine hair and not very nice hair, I told him I'd shave mine to look like him, but he said no..lol he has very little hair on his body left... its amazing how it just keeps falling out even though chemo was quite awhile ago... I wish you the best of luck and like someone else said hopefully the new year will a new beginning for you!!! Darrells chemo was really hard on him and really brought him down... way down.. Hes starting to feel so much better, but I'm afraid the new year will also bring more treatment.. His cough is getting worse and the area where he had radiation seems worse to him... hope its not the chemo, its scarey to get a break, sometimes I wish they could just keep zapping him until nothing left, but guess the body needs a break...Good luck and I will be wishing and praying the best for you!! Take Care Christy

Marlon, I'm so sorry to hear about your mothers cancer being back. But your right about one thing, now that they know its there she can't fight it and hopefully get rid of the cancer!! I will pray for god to give your mother the strengthen to fight and to help you too!! I'm sorry that your stepfather is so difficult!! My prayers and thoughts are with you! Christy

Yes Darrell has the same radiation oncologist.. To be honest I thought this must be a normal reaction for anyone having radiation... Darrell also had 33 treatments to his chest area.. in the mediastinumn. I know they changed angles have so many as to not hit his spinal column any further. and then the last week was aimed directly at the 3 tumors alone, not just a square area on his chest as all of the first ones were done... I'd like to hear from others as to what are the normal side effects??? and what kind of long term effects others have had if any?? His last radiation treatment was Sept. 9, 2003... Has it not been long enough for everything to go away.. He still has pain, and he just can't eat meat...No steak at all, chicken is very hard, but has gotten some down, can't eat pork chops or anything like that, hardly any meat, breads he can't eat.. I could go on and on.. Its like this type of food just lodges and chokes him..and he still has pain with eating most foods..Salads and pastas go down the easiest!We thought this would be better by now, but the radiation oncologist says it might get a little better still, but it was probably gonna be a permament thing... Darrell was almost mad over this, he said they sure didn't tell me that would happen, they kept saying it would go away in about 3 weeks of radiation...So any input would be appreciated..Christy

Linda, I really don't know about this, but I know Darrell has had a dry cough ever since he completed his radiation... They always told Darrell it would all go away.. But now they say he will have permanet effects from the radiation that probably won't go away.. They know he has a dry cough,something he never had before.. They never say nothing about it.. Its not bad, but its there on and off all the time.. I do know he has a new pleural effusion... but no ones mention this as maybe the cause.. I think all the damage from raidation.. he can't eat meat.... Meat is not something he can eat, when hes tryed he ends up gagging and throwoing up everything! Does anyone have this problem? we believe all of this to be from the damage from radiation. he's mad because until the appointment with the radiation oncolgist a week ago, he thought it would go away... Doubt I helped, but hopefully a little...Christy

I want to thank everyone for their replys, They almost increased his cumadin to 10mg.. but doctor wanted to know everything he was taking. Anyways he had him quit taking fish oil...Since he quit taking it his test yesterday came back at 2.4 ... So hes suppose to continue on with the 7mg for now.. We'll see what the next test is... Darrell was almost scared at the thought of taking 10mg.. but they told him they've had patients taking as much as 15mg... John, thanks for all of your information, I have looked at it... I mentioned to Darrell about some of the other options possibly.. He did say though that even though he was able to give himself the shots of lovenox that he really didn't want to do this on a regular basic.. Thanks everyone!! I appreciate so much how everyone on this board replies so quickly.. I mean it seems like anytime I or someone else needs information, that so many people know the answer or offers support!! I really appreciate this site so much!! Thanks!! Christy

Norme, I'm glad your feeling better! I'm so sorry to hear that Buddy and you have to deal with yet another cancer. I'll be saying a special prayer for both of you and just know my thoughts and prayers will be with both of you on the 24th. as far as feeling sorry for yourself, I seem to do this quite often.. I get real down and at times I just want to give up.. Like with you, I think about all of the things that I have to do, I just told Darrell tonight, it seems like I don't have enough hours in the day...So many things to do with the farm, and working,painting(our bedroom), cooking, laundry, bedding down farm animals, feeding them, carrying water to some of them, giving them grain and hay and plugging in heaters in troughs, and shutting down barn turning water off in barn, and just everyday things, I'm sure we could just all go on and on and on.. I never take time for me. and I hope you are finding some time for yourself! We do need that, just to regroup! I'm a good one to talk! lol Also Barbara is right don't let yourself get too far down before seeking care from a doctor, I know a while back I was already on depression medicine and even Darrell told me well its not working, you need to go see your doctor.. So I did and she switched my meds and now I am alot better.. I just thought that since I was on some then nothing could help me, but guess I was wrong.. My doctor also said that if that didn't work, that I knew where she was and not to hesitate to come back before my follow up appointment..But sounds like your doing better!! I hope so!! I haven't been on here much lately, partly just too busy, and I told Darrell tonight I had to check this board out and find out how everyone was... I'm sorry you were having a bad time!! Take care!! and hugs to you and Buddy!! Christy

I am truely sorry to hear about Dick, I pray that God can help you through this terrible time!! My thoughts are with you!! Christy

Shirley our doctor said the same thing, that he loses more lc patients due to blood clots than the cancer its self.. which is hard for me to deal with since no one warned us about blood clots and how to look for them. duh!! shouldn't they warn us about this!!!! This makes me so dang angry!!! Also Darrell was told to eat normal, or whatever he wants but to be consitent in what he eats... Like you said its not like we don't already have enough to deal with, with out this dang worry!!! Thanks for your responses... Christy

Darrell is on cumadin and so far its not where they want it to be. its only 1.4 This is due to the 3 blood clots they found... hes currently on 7.5 mg. of cumadin and they almost increase it to 10.mg today, but wanted to know what he was taking medicine whys... and anyway they told him to stop taking fish oil. and restest tuesday..Guess they thin this could be interfering with his blood levels.. We saw the radiation oncologist today... and his concerns with darrell are the new pleural effusion, which he said could be cause from cancer, or the radiation, and or emphasema.. which darrells never been told he has... Also his concerns are the liver, tumors in lymphnodes, and the new indertermiate nodule in Darrellls lower right lobe... We'll see with follow up scans that will be done in January...Is anyone else on cumadin and have they had problems with getting the right levels set ?? His liver lesions are stable and no new growth which was good, and skrinage with the lymphnodes, he said over all good report, buts whats good if there still cancer.... I worry so much about this man that I love... He now thinks I have a boyfriend... he said hes sorry, he knows better, but guess hes worried because theres not been no intimacy in our relationship for months. I tell him it doesn't matter to me, but I can see why he worrys about it. He has no reason to though!!I just want him to live and beat this damn disease!!! We don't ask for prognosis, it doesn't matter, do they really know any ways.. We'll know if and when its starting to kick his butt... We'll know... they won't need to tell us.. we already know the statistics.., so why ask prognosis. everyone is different... God I hate this disease!! I hate lc and I will do something to help him or someone sometime during my life.. There needs to be more awareness... I want to help!!!! Christy

Jay, stay strong! My prayers are with you!! Christy

Lots of prayers for Darla!! Christy

Darrell has had problems over the years with Psoriasis on his elbows mainly nothing major, but he also about 3 years ago had 2 precancer and 1 cancer place removed on his back, it was squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer... This is kind of whierd... His daughter whom is almost 20 has already had 2 pre cancer of the same type removed from her back... If you find out anything more let me know.... Thanks Christy

I wish I could do something to help, just know that my thoughts are very much with both of you and that I will be saying a special prayer for You and Dick!!! Christy

Thats really good!!!! Glad to see you had such a great response!!! Christy

Maryann, Darrell and I are amazed at your story..I mean come on a 13 pound tumor!!!! We keep saying if it can shrink a tumor as big as yours, surely it can destroy his!! You are a big inspiration to everyone!!! I'm sorry you lost your dogs, they really can be a big comfort at times!!! I wish you well and appreciate all of your support! Good luck to you too!! Christy

You know I'm grateful that the clots were found when they were, its too bad that no one warned us that we should look for this..and what the symptoms were. When he first told me I thought he might have bone mets, scared me to death.. Thank God his appointment was the next day, because I know Darrell hes so head strong he wouldn't of let me called them over what he thought was something minor... and it could have cost him his life. I'd read that aranesp could cause blood clots but had no clue that his pain he had was a symptom of that...I also knew inactivity could cause it, but still I didn't think he get any... duh!!! How wrong I was!!!! Everyone should be warned of this. I mean after the doctor told us "quote un quote" " WE LOSE ALOT OF LC PATIENTS DUE TO BLOOD CLOTS" Duh then why didn't they warn us of this, it almost makes me mad, but I hope others read this and watch for it...I guess any thing abnormal with our loved ones should be taken serious!! and at least have things checked out.But I'm wasted enough time and energy going nuts this past week that I'm not wasting any time on anger!! I am so happy about the shrinkage... In some ways I just want them to keep hitting him with chemo, but I know they can't do that either....Darrell needs a break...and they say radiation keeps working for 60 days... It hasn't been quite that long yet.. so maybe it will keep dying or shrinking....and Darrell can regain his strengthen to fight another battle if needed!!and maybe actually feel good for a while!! Thanks to everyone for your prayers and maybe now I will relax and get some rest... It was nice to know I'm not the only one reacting like I do.. I'm not even doing treatments, but I have so many sores in mouth from stress I can't eat!! This is silly how my body reacts to stress, its almost embarssing!! Little Rink is a perfect dog!!! He really has helped Darrell and I both to laugh when we had no smiles in us and people that come by probably think we are nuts. We are like those people that every time you visit they show you what their babies can do, except we are all consumed with Little Rink... We call each other mommy and daddy to him...He doesn't have a clue to what are real names are... He sleeps with us!! He goes with us every where!!! We won't visit no one unless hes invited, not that we go too many places!! we hire baby sitters on long chemo days!! also thanks for the hugs and well wishes I plan to enjoy this weekend!!! Thank God its friday!! Take care and again thanks to all of you!! You are all truely dear and important friends!!!! I couldn't make it with out all of you!!!! Love and Prayers Christy

Well his scans showed the largest tumor in his lymphnode that was originally 2.8 x 2.8 to now be 1.3 x 1.7 Which we think is 70 some percent shrinkage.. His friend who is an engineer figured this up for us.. But He does have a new nodule that is only 4mm in size in his lower right lobe, by the apex and a new medial pleural effusion that isn't causing any problems.. No new lesions on his liver and none have grown in size. I guess that means its good..adrenal glands are clear and everything else. They will follow up with a new ct scan and a pet scan the first of janurary sometime. They think he needs a break, but thank god his blood levels are way back up... his red blood cells are within normal range.. 4.2 and his white cells are alittle low, but not bad at all and his hemoglobin is 11.7.. which is about where he started.. So no more aranesp shots. But he complained yesterday to me about bone pain and then later decided it was muscle maybe. Said it felt like a charley horse, but he didn't remember getting any. Anyways that sent up red flags today to the oncologist. and he sent Darrell over for a ultra scan on his artiries and veins, on his legs.. This pain was in his calf... Anyways he has 3 blood clots in his calf in his left leg... They have put him on cumin and lovenox injections... Hes to give hisself 2 injections a day of this 100mg/1ml injections. Hes always giving the pigs shots and had no problem doing this hisself.. He said the shot burned a little but other than that was fine with it.. He has to take 5 mg. of the cumin once a day.... starts it tomorrow... so now that mean tues and fridays he has to go for blood work which we will have done here at home and faxed to the oncologist... But the good news is shrinkage and no growth, except for the new effusion and 4mm nodule. But he was so glad about the break from chemo I don't think nothing else mattered at this point. but he says if his fever returns he will camp on their door step.. Which everytime his cancer is active he runs a fever of sorts...So, he was happy, he didn't like the new nodule being there, but we will wait and see and deal with it. I ended up taking this am off, I called my boss last night at 9:30pm at home and probably made a fool of myself crying my eyese out and told him I was too upset to work. He totally understood and was very good to me about this. His mother died of cancer...He says not to worry about my job... I'm glad hes on my side... I took medicine so I could sleep last night and took some this am just to get through today.. then I felt stupid for being so upset... I wish I handled this more like Darrell, he is sooo very strong... He says even if he felt bad for 10 years, he would still do all of the chemo and every treatment they had for him because the alternative is to die, and hes not ready to die... He'd rather feel bad all the time...But I know this is hard for him too!!! I'm just glad he will have a little break, before it all starts up again... I thank each and everyone of your for your prayers!!! I guess all of this is good in some ways, except for the new effusion and new nodule... which is small and will be followed up with the new ct scan the first of jan. and the new pet scan... Darrell says "why worry? It is what it is and we can't change that!" Damn I wish I was so good at handling this, maybe hes just putting on a pretense for me!! I told him today that I was worried about bone mets and he said he knew that!...I wish I was better at hiding my worry... I'm just glad he did tell them of this pain in the leg and that they tested him for what they thought was wrong.. The Oncologist said quote on quote "We lose ALot of lc patients due to blood Clots!!" That scared the hell out of us!!! Well good luck and thanks to everyone, and Cheryl let us know what you find out... I'd of ratherd them not foudn thenew effusion and new nodule, but I believe it could have been worse....Damn I love this man, and I want him around alot of years with me!! Good Luck to All!!! P.S. We get alot of comments about Little Rinks ears!! They are almost bigger than he is.. He is 6months old now and weighs 4 lb .s He has been a life saver for us. and he is so rotten!! But yet such a good dog and a very good companion for Darrell when I'm not here. We both don't know what we would do without him.. Darrells name is Darrell Rinker and people call him Rink.. So he named the dog Sir Dinky Rink and we call him little Rink.. His ears are very big... but you know it doesn't matter how many hours darrell sleeps, or when, Rink lays with him constantly!!!! Its like he knows he is sick and he stays with him constantly!! It was the best money we have ever spent.. Hes put many smiles on our faces that wouldn't of been there if it hadn't of been for this precious heaven sent dog!!!! Christy

I too will say a special prayer for Estelle!! I'm glad she seems to be improving!! Christy

Norme, You know there is no reason to ask us not to worry!! Thats my best trait these days!! lol I bet I could worry enough for all of you on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You worry and care so much about all of us, don't even think for one minute that we aren't gonna worry about you and Buddy too!! We love and care about you, so you might as well expect it!! Hell if I'm worrying about you too, then maybe I'll do a little less worry and feeling sorry for myself!! You have been such a strenthen to me Norme!!! I will be here for you too!!! Good Luck, and it looks like God was with you guys on this one!!! Keep us Posted on how things are going... Hugs to you and Buddy!!!! Christy