Rachel

Hi Frank, Glad to hear your home. There is no place like home! Good luck with your next round of treatments. I will be praying for you. Rachel

Betty there is nothing worse than back pain. I have it now but it is a bit tolerable since I had rad on the spinal area for mets in the spinal fluid back in I think it was oct or Nov. I hope you are able to get that pain under control. I'll be praying for you to feel better. Rachel

Well I didn't have much luck eating when I was going through my first chemo & rad.I just couldn't stand the smell & ensure was out of the question. I couldn.t swallow due to the radiation tx to the chest (esophogus area) Sorry I don't have any suggestions. Can she swallow? How about milkshakes or fruit smoothies. Much better tasting than ensure. Good luck and get som food & fluids into her. I'll be praying for both of you. Rachel

I have to agree with Karen, don't give up. You never know what kind of treatments could come up. I'm putting you both on my prayer list and wish you the best with this treatment. Rachel

Just did the Pay pal thing for a donation. Rachel

Curtis those are great photos. Now there is a cowgirl with an attitude. She fits on that pony so well. Thanks for sharing. I love seeing family photos of children, homes, husbands. Keep them coming. Rachel

Welcome & glad you found us. Sorry for the reasons your here. I was DX 2 years ago & I will continue to fight. This board has helped keep me going. Keep returning to the board to get support & give it. I did not have PCI. Was going to but the beast metasticized first so I did WBR. My brain does not work like it used to but has improved a bit. You look & sound like a very strong person so hang in there And lean on us when you need to. Positive thoughts going your way. Rachel

1) My husband who takes such good care of me. 2) My family & all my wonderful friends. 3) Feeling pretty good. 4) My caring doctors. 5) My new bath with a soaker jackuzi tub!

Don't mean to torture you but I'm thinking March 7 (sorry I do hope I'm wrong) A girl weighing in at 6 lbs 10oz. and she will be beautiful! Good luck. Rachel

I had a problem eating everything. I was so burned up inside from twice a day rad I even had problems with swallowing water. My husband tried everything to feed me. We just donated all the ensure we had to the senior center. I hope your mum can drink liquids. I got a real good book on smoothies but they produced to much phlem for me. No problem eating now!!! I just don't eat as much. Good luck to you both. Rachel

I would also like to join in. Since DX I have lost 20 pounds. My appetite isn't like it used to be & now I like sweets more than I ever have. I was a big walker & am now starting to do some walking again. I think I may have put on a few pounds in Hawaii. Here in Ketchikan there is lots of rain. I think walking in the rain has made my hair grow back faster. Keep at it ladies & gents. Talke a walk no matter how long it will make you feel better. Good luck to all of you. So, when are we supposed to report? Rachel

Ry & John, I am also so sorry your john's mum & you guys also having to go through this. She is fortunate to have the 2 of you to help out. Does she have close friends in Florida to help her out getting to treatments? Where is she in Florida? I'm sending prayers for you & your mum. Rachel

WOW, Now there are some hopeful stories! Just goes to show, Don't lose that positive attitude. Rachel

You have been a major inspiration with all you have been through. Do what the Doc says & take your meds. There is better living through chemistry. I'm praying hard for you...Rachel

my strongest prayers for the Champman family. Rachel

Forgot to mention, recieved results from chest plate...clear! Thanks for all your prayers. Rachel

Nell, I will pray very hard that Bob has minimal pain to deal and is kept comfortable. I also pray for his family & friends. Rachel

Thank You all for your responses. You guys are all so wonderful. What would we do without each other? I'll be back in touch when I return. You are all awesome, I wish I could take you all with me. Rachel

Tina, I think we all get that way. It's almost scary to have good results because of the possible let down if they turn sour. I am learning to embrace the good news instead of doubting it. Attitude is a big factor in the healing process. Take a walk. With a dog if possible. If you don't have one borrow one from a friend! That always clears my head and makes me feel better. Good luck to you. I'll be thinking of you. Rachel

David, Call Supernanny!! Have you seen the show? I really have no advice as I have only raised dogs. I hope things mellow for you. Rachel

A dear friend of mine's cousin who is fighting cancer wrote this. She said it would be ok to post it. When faced with adversity, you've gotta Believe. Believe in something, someone, anything. Find it, embrace it, hang on, it's the golden ring. I believe in my family. They need me, I need them. I believe in my doctors. With their help, I will mend. I believe in God. In the darkest throws of battle, he was there. Win, loose or draw, I felt better in his care. I Believe in friends. How indispensable they are. They rallied and roared from near and from far. I believe in my coworkers. They worried but were always upbeat. They insisted I was needed back, no matter if it was two years or a week. I believe that happy thoughts prevail, but sadness has a place too. You need to feel all of the feelings and express them from you. Don't tuck, stash or hide them, they'll only rebel. Walk with them, talk with them, set them free, say farewell. Believe in yourself, you never can tell. When pushed to your limit, you can be stronger than Hell. If you Believe, your boundaries will surely amend. What once was too far, impossible, intolerable, a pain. Will come into focus and you will indeed maintain. The support of friends and strangers, education, prayer, faith, luck. Whatever the focus, Believe, it's a must.

Curtis, Thank you for sharing Beckys achievement with us. What an honor. You must be so proud. I'm sorry Becky won't be in Florida to receive her diploma but she will surely be reaching down for it along with you. All my best, Rachel

My MRI results were presente to me on Monday and all is clean except for in my back which has diminished by 90%! Head is clear!!! My tests will be sent to my Onc Doc's in Oregon for further checking. So we are going to Hawaii!!! We will leave on Sat. All my best to anyone who has tests coming up and the rest of you keep fighting the beast. Ry how about a hall pass? Rachel

Cindy, No flu for me. Looks like the flu shot worked & I have been flying. You drink lots of water and get better soon. I'll be thinking of you. Rachel

RY, I would like to help out with phone calls. My number is Just let me know what I need to do. Rachel