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Alan

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Everything posted by Alan

  1. All my best wishes to you Judy, You will be on all of our minds I'm sure. Get well soon.
  2. Hi Mi. Judy, I had needle biopsies 3 times. 2 of them right in the CT room. They stuck a mesh patch on my back and scanned me. The patch acts like a grid so they can target the spot. They put me in and out of the CT machine a couple of times to be sure on the location. They had me "twilighted". not full anastesia. When they were ready, the guy in charge of the drug gave it a little boost and out I went. They used 2 needles. a little one for novacaine, then the real deal. I felt only a tiny bit of pressure but no real pain. There was a pathologist there to make sure there was enough gathered for proper analasys. They brought me around, stood me up and away I went. just a band-aid. The second time, they couldn't get enough and had to stick in a bigger one to get a core sample. Now that one hurt for a while. The last one they did through a bronchoscope. That's the easiest of all for me. The hard part as you might guess is WAITING for the results. It had to go to an independent lab. took a week. I don't know which you need but hope that helps answer your ?? This is way too long, so Hi to all you folks, I'm glad you're all back on here after the busy holiday. I had a great time and I hope you all did too.
  3. Hi fraves, My cancer was stage 4 with 1 met in the spine. I can tell you that what happened to me was nerve damage caused by the invasion in the spine. I felt pain in places way far from the tumor. My tumor was on the right side at the apex. The ulnar nerve was there and it made alot of pain in my shoulder, tricep, elbow, and hand. When i was being misdiagnosed at first, the PCP tried a bunch of different stuff. He even sent me to an orthopedic dr. That dr. did give me cortisone in the shoulder. It felt great for about 3 hours. It kinda made me think i had rotater cuff damage. I'm all full of arthritis too so it's hard to tell. I get confused alot with my situation. So, anyhow, that was almost 3 years ago and I'm in remission and feeling pretty good and lucky too. There are some great survivors here with alot more mets than I had. I hope Janet shows up here with some insight for you. She had I think 4 spine mets??. I don't know if his bicep actually has a tumor in it or not. You didn't say. It may be just nerves going crazy like mine did. I will say that after a few weeks or so of combined radiation and chemo, the pain began to subside as the tumor shrunk. Pain management folks helped alot too with their pills and even a fentinol patch. Point is, there is so much reason for hope and encouragement. It's easy for a dr. to say a timeline based on statistics. We are all just as different as we can be and our cases are too. I hope you read back some stories of survival on this site. I hope you keep us up to date too. A positive attitude and the will to fight are the first weapons he'll need. He has you too.
  4. drerni, You might also ask them to look at the vitamin D level next bloodwork, good luck, She'll be OK, It is a rocky road and forget that 1 year outlook.
  5. Alan

    Monday Air

    Hi Judy, I hate the PFT too. At 6-3, it's tough to fit in there to start with. Then, just when you think it's almost over, There's another half to go. Plus, you can keep the gizmo you had in your mouth if you want it?? What on earth for? Anyway, I hope you do well and I also hope you don't need anymore surgery. Good luck, Judy.
  6. Happy holiday everybody. Really, happy holiday everybody.
  7. Alan

    FRIDAY'S AIR

    Hello everyone, Reading all the posts over the last several days makes me realize how exceptional all of you are. We are here and so many are not. I think we all feel that guilt from time to time. Why? Seems we all give back in our own ways. People have said to me that I'm a courageous cancer fighter. I'm not even sure what courage has to do with any of this. I'm not doing anything anybody else wouldn't do faced with the same things. It just changes everything, that's all. Our little gathering for the holiday is down to 3 of us. All 3 of us had/have to deal with cancer too. It's amazing how it strikes a family so much and other families have never had a case ever, can't imagine that in todays world. We'll set a place anyway at the head of the table for Father, grandfather, aunts and uncles,sisters and brothers. I really hope all of you have a great holiday and please forgive any trespasses on my part in the past year. I'll try to be better and I do know what you are going through. I know people say that who don't, but I do. And yes Bud, that is one humongous crappie, and I'm a fisherman too so I know how close to hold them to the camera.LOL.
  8. Hi Adam and welcome., I read your blog. I love your sense of humor and your positive outlook. I'll look forward to more.
  9. congrats Janet, great story full of hope and inspiration for everyone.
  10. Hi you guys, Hey Ann, maybe an upside down thumbtack on his chair is in order. Sorry, I don't mean it. That's so gradeschool. Do you have any sick days or vacation to use up? Is it just OK to smack a guy? You deserve better. Eric, I'm confused. I had to look at the calender. What day is it anyway? Oh yeah, thanks Mike for reminding the 21st. All days lead to summer. Unfortunately, still talking to new patients who got guess what for christmas. Sort of takes the wind out of the sails sometimes but on we go. I'll check in later to see who turns off the light tonight.
  11. Hi you guys, Just got home from Fla. and a visit with my mom. (92). It's unreal, she still drives. lookout if you live near Orange City. She's doing great though and My nephew from England was there too. Haven't seen him for 31 years. He was 7 then. Not much else going on here, hasn't been alot of fun though, my best old buddy lost his wife to a heart attack. He's lost and in a fog right now. Not alot I can do, it's hard. Otherwise we're just fine and I'm still voluntreering when I can at CTCA. They saved my life you know. We're getting things together for the holiday, even though there are so few of us left around these parts., mostly done by long distance. It would be neat for everyone to come together somehow. Doubt if that's in the cards now or ever. It was almost 80 the day I left Fla. and got off the plane it was less than 30. So KW Judy, how is the real estate market down there? I'm honestly thinking south for someday. Not right now but in a few years if I'm still kickin, the sun looks pretty good to me. Going to Phoenix in Jan., so I'll be checking that out for sure. Been to Tuscon for a week once in April., Very hot. Mi Judy, I hope you really don't need that surgery. It seems like such a big thing to have to do. Maybe because I didn't and I'm OK, I don't know. I guess the best is to just get rid of it fast like that if possible. Whatever happens, You have my prayer. Get better. See you all later bye for now.
  12. Alan

    Monday's Air

    Hi you guys, Hey MI. Judy, good job on the scans. I just know you will be OK . you did that like a true veteran. Being a veteran sounds pretty darn good to me. I usually opt for the disgusting "creme sicle" crap when they make me drink the barium. They want me to drink 2 whole containers. yukk. There is a sink in the quiet room and I always consider dumping one. There is also a camera. I just close my eyes and drink the blasted stuff. Good thing there's also a bathroom close by at the end of the scans. Then there's the waiting. That's what adivan is for I guess. Ah Man, I'm thinking of you Judy, we all know what it's like. I'm with ya.
  13. Alan

    14 years ago today

    Hi Donna and congrats on 14 years. You responded to me too when I found this site. You recognized that we had similar types of cancer. Then I read Kasey's posts and you 2 are still the only people I've "met" with this uncommon cancer. 14 years is awesome and so is 7 for Kasey and I wish you both many more. You might recall that mine was inoperable because of the spine involvement. I still have alot of nueropathy issues in the right shoulder and arm/hand. I was wondering if either of you did too? I'm at 2 1/2 years and can only hope to get to 7 and WOW- 14. Bless both of you and everyone else too. It's been a tough year for losses and a 14 year survivor should give us all great hope and inspiration.
  14. Alan

    Our 'Geri'

    Another sad loss. My condolences to family and friends. I hate cancer more every day. God bless you all.
  15. Hi you guys, I always get a smile from this group. KW complaining about cold? You're in the tropics for cryin out loud. Just kidding, I guess a low temp for the day of 64 is a bit much. I only set my t-stat a few degrees more than that. Then you did live in Kutztown, so you get a pass. We put in a heat pump, so now our oil furnace is the backup. It saves us alot of money, the electric is a budget plan.,so it works out better. Eric, by our prices, you're in good shape. (I have had double eggs chips and beans). I had to laugh at the snotty egg thing Judy. I like mine just a tad past snotty. I've had steak and eggs too.(on the side,not on top) I haven't had steak in quite a while either. Tonight, pigs in blanket. Yummm. I wonder if ajr found a hospital from the smorgasbord we offered up. Maybe he got confused by the change of subject last night. I hope we hear from him. Are we too nuts to be considered a reliable source? I think not, who knows. bye now
  16. Hello Gina, Welcome to the place noone wants to be. Sounds like your boyfriend is a real fighter. His positive outlook will carry him far in his fight. I too had a spine met. It caused pain in places that were nowhere close to the tumor. The nerves were pressured by the tumor. Now that his has shrunk from 12cm to 4cm, wow that's a big relief. There are numerous options coming your way. Stay strong and be kind to yourself through all this. A caregiver's role is critical and you have to take care of yourself first. You guys are going to be OK.
  17. Hi you guys, An egg on top of a steak? Ok, that's a new one. I had a crabcake on top of a steak a few times. Maybe I'll give it a try. Looks like leftovers for us tonite. Boneless chicken thighs over rice and a bag of roasted veggies in a pan cooked down in broth? It's easy and really good. Ok, I'm hitting the kitchen now. I'm thinking about you and your appt., Judy, hope all goes well.
  18. Judy, you are amazing. I commend you for all you do at Gilda's. It has to be so hard. Having to deal with your own cancer is such an emotional drain by itself. I'm praying for good results on your upcoming tests. I love that quote too. God bless you and you will have bright tomorrows.
  19. Hi you guys, Kw, I say do what you want to and don't feel guilty. Hows that? Eric, I do remember your friend 's story. Beating the odds the way he did and then did it again. How could we not all be in awe of him? Mi Judy, hunting here is similar to yours. It starts with small game, then archery, then bears etc. Rifle for deer is always the Monday after Thanksgiving. Speaking of which, There;s still turkey in our fridge. I think today it's over for sandwiches. In the 60s here too. In a month, I'll wish I was in KW. see ya later
  20. Good morning, As judy said, I was treated very successfully at CTCA. There are great Cancer centers all over the country.CTCA has a website full of info and a chat line and so on. The main thing in my view is to be totally confident in whatever group you choose. People have had success at University hospitals too. Stage IV means that the cancer has spread to another organ or bone. Most patients are treated with chemotherapy, radiation or both. Me- both. There are a ton of options to consider. Insurance always seems to be the biggest 1st hurdle to overcome. Surgery is what everyone wants. Just get rid of it. Stage IV is not always that simple. There are different types of radiation, some so accurate that they can radiate to within a mm. of surrounding tissue. It is awesome what can be done. Good luck in your search. My only advice is that to get the best care, you will have to travel some. It can be a pain, but it could mean saving your life.
  21. Alan

    Monday's Air

    Hi you guys, I know how you feel KW about the food. I don't remember Paula Deen in our kitchen but wow, A stick of butter used to go a long way. Why do sweet potatoes need any more sweet?. Plus, how are 3 people supposed to eat 2 pies and a cake? The others would have been here but lymphoma treatment started for brother in law. We were missing 3 of our usual revelers. Anyway, there were prayers for all cancer fighters at our table. The 3 of us are all survivors. We've lost too many of our family on both sides, 4 to lung cancer alone.. Then way too much football to endure. I hope all your teams won. It's unusual how warm it is here. Deer season starts today and I could hear a few shots out in the woods. I'm keeping the canine friends close. There are some nuts out there who occasionally mistake other things for deer. I don't know how. I hope more posts come in, it was empty over the weekend. Have safe and happy days all. You are all so special.
  22. Great news Gina, always be the squeaky wheel. All the best to you and your mom. Way to go.
  23. Gina, I agree with you. The sudden shift in care you're getting isn't acceptable. Make those calls to that University Hospital today. This happens far too often. She deserves morethan that. There IS help and HOPE. Make the move.
  24. Happy Saturday fellow survivors, My Internist didn't even know about Nov. being "our" month. I never asked where he sends his patients who get this dx. ..could be interesting. Judy, I know all about those Pella windows. They are fantastic but truly a pain in the rear end to work on. You don't want to paint hem, beleive me. There are pieces everywhere. Do you have the removable grills too? double work. Gotta go chores calling, it's late already, bye for now
  25. Hi you guys, haven't posted much lately. Don't know why. Been in kind of a funk. Got cheered up some by having my port removed. Now, the only reminder is that nueropathy. Ok, then there's the upcoming scans. See what I mean? Lilly, thanks for the kind thoughts from me too. I hope you travel safe and have a real good time. I want you to catch some fish for me while you're there. I see them on tv once in a while and wish I could go too. It's amazing how the rivers and ocean have recovered down there. If any of you guys get your port removed, I suggest you get put to sleep for it. I just had novacaine. It was numb but I could still feel the snipping and tugging and sewing. Hope I never need another one. They won't install one without anastesia so they say. It must be more involved. The Dr. said he likes installing them but LOVES removing them. Roger that. see ya later folks.
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