JudyB

Thanks everyone for the very needed support!!!!!! I have met w/the neurosurgeon (same as last one). He will be operating from my back to "de-bulk" and get out as much of this tumor as possible. The surgery will take place Mar 24. He will give the tumor some room to throw off inflammation by removing some bone in vertebrae. This is "EASY" surgery. Will take about an hour. They will keep me over nite, maybe longer. Don't know yet. The cyberknife will continue to work. It's unfortunate that the drs here (and also PHX) don't fully understand what that procedure is continuing to do. Oh, well. . . Steph & I will have updates! Maybe by the time I get passed this little bump our outdoor kitchen will be done! It's looking realllllllly cooool already. But mainly I want OUT OF THIS JERRY LEWIS LOOK ALIKE CONTEST!!!! Found out this steroid is also responsible for taking away thigh strength. Boy, does it have nasty side effects!!!!! JudyB

Thanks everyone! I have a lot of neuropathy—hands, fee,t arms, legs, face. Plenty bearable. What I also have tho, is a that tumor in my spine that we think is being killed off slowly as the result of the cyberknife. Is the pain from inflammation? Is it something else? Don't really know. Getting an MRI a week from today and meeting w/rad-onc the following Monday (Mar . Neurontin sounds kinda scary. I'll discuss w/onc when I see him. I'm also on the Fentanyl patch (25 and wearing 2 at a time. Dr may up dosage. I'll keep posting w/the guessings! JudyB

Sandy, Feel free to add me. (Hahaha. A tiny poem.) But I think we're all going to need to grow into NBA-sized people wearing nite-shirts! JudyB

Hi All, Looking for some feedback on this drug. I think it's been discussed, but I couldn't find it under search. I can't seem to find a pain killer that works! Please help. JudyB

Oh, Norme, I am so saddened by your news. You know we all have been thinking of you and your dear, dear Buddy. I know you have the strength to move on. I can only send positive thoughts to you. I wish I could take away some of your pain. JudyB

Christina, I just cannot imagine what you have had to go thru! I sometimes say, "Why me?" But I am over 60 and have been married twice and have done most things I have wanted to do. No one wants to die, whatever age, but you are soooo young to have lost your husband. I don't blame you for having anger. Vent on this board. You will heal--slowly, but surely. My heart goes out to you. JudyB

So sorry, Jennifer, to read of your mother's passing. It's a sad time, but your pain will become weaker with time. But never gone.

Oh, Norme, What a challenge has been sent forth for you. I know you are doing the best for Buddy that could possibly be done. My thoughts are with you.

"REMISSION" isn't that the sexiest word on the planet!

Norm.e, Sorry I didn't see your post earlier. My heart goes out to you and Your Buddy. I hope Buddy's health turns back to good real soon!! JudyB

Nancy, I'm so sad to read about the passing of your husband. Like others have said, please stay on the board. This is the best support group! JudyB

Connie, Just what we all needed: Some great and happy news! Way to go, girl!! I'm actually feeling better, too! JudyB

Shelly, I am at a loss for words. It just seems so damn unfair. My heart breaks for you. JudyB

I was sent a container of Bag Balm. Vermont's answer to those udder problems. But I never had a reason to use it, so I can't can't comment on its efficacy. JudyB

Mo, I hope your next post will be full of positive news!!!!!!!! JudyB

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and prayers. All gratefully accepted.. Now I see a new problem. I'm looking at the leather sofa that I lie down on during the day. The pillow where I rest my head, is so full of hair, I half expect the dam sofa to sprout legs and charge out the door! HA! I would like to know if any of you have gotten the gemzar,navelbine combo, and have easily tolerated them!!! I'd like to know if my onc has any basis for saying this repeatedly! Just hanging in there--- JudyB

Hi All, Actually I was rushed backed to the Cancer Center Fri afternoon. Had a fever of 103.8° was throwing up, and because of very low RBC had to have 2 bags of blood. They couldn't find anything in particular. Gave me IV antibiotics and lots of fluids. No blood infection. They think all this from the "easily tolerated chemos!" Gemzar/navelbine is killing me. Nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, and am losing my hair. Jeesch! I was also having pain at the top of my spine, so an MRI was scheduled yesterday at 5pm. My oncologist called this evening to tell me, "No new growth, and in fact a slight decrease in the size of my cyber-treated tumor. This must be from the chemo, cause C-K doesn't work this quickly! Anyhow, something is killing my memory. (And if anyone suggests Old Age I WILL track you down and kill you.) I totally forgot when I spend long times at my computer, I will get that pain! Duh! So, wish me luck with my continuing treatments. I hope I can do 5 cycles. I hope there is no more bad news on the board. The last time I was on, it seemed like most of the news was bad. I vote for 2004 to be a great year for ALL OF US! JudyB

When my kids were little and broke a toy (Dec 25 or 26th) they always came to me to fix it. My ex said the only thing he could do was to write a check! So, I remarried. And guess what? He can't fix a toilet either!! JudyB

Allison, So sorry to read of your news. Keep happy thoughts of your dad close to your heart. JudyB

Honestly, Dave, you'll just do anything to get attention

Cheryl, You brought back one of my fears: sneezing! Never would I have thought I'd be terrified of a sneeze! The good news is that it doesn't continue for very long. I can't believe you went back to work so quickly! I just babied myself for quite awhile. But, we do what we need to do, I guess. I would get an MRI of the area of your back pain. . . just to make sure nothing else is going on. JudyB

Welcome, Paddy, As far as I know there is no grading on this board! Feel free to ask questions, pass on info, or anything else that helps you on your journey! JudyB

Deb, So sorry to read about your dad's passing. JudyB

Kim, So sorry to hear your news. But you know she's gone to a better place. I hope you and your children can find comfort. JudyB

Norme, So sorry to hear the news about Buddy, but as Fay points out, maybe it's not all bad news. I will be sending a continuous stream of positive vibes >>>>>>>>>>>> JudyB