Alan
-
Posts
226 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Downloads
Store
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Blogs
Events
Posts posted by Alan
-
-
Hi all you guys, It's been a while for me but I'm still here. Mi. Judy, you will like the port. I don't know if you had it before. I also had cisplatin and it wore me out after a while. I can't pin it on that alone though cuz there were other things too. Hydrating was the biggest key. I always got an extra liter while I was there. Even on off days, I went for a liter of fluids., and drank at least 2 more. Anyway, that was almost 3 years ago. Now I'm doing Pulminary rehab 3 times a week. I totally reccomend it, seems to be working and very educational. I'm learning alot there. My best to all of you, You are all my inspiration..keep pluggin.
-
Great news like that is always the best. Have a great weekend and cheers.
-
congrats to Joel. Isn't CK wonderful. I did mine near Philly too and I'm coming up on 3 yrs. Stable, Remission, NED. It's all real good news.
-
Hi Judyand Judy and all, glad to see you're ok, there's no place like home.
-
Safe travels,Judy and good luck with the scans.
-
Hi you guys, These sure are some trying times. There are so many things I'd like to say but don't know quite how to start. So I'll just say hello to you all and I think about all of you all the time. Ones who write and those who don't so much. It all is so unfair and I know how hard it is to stay positive. It is work and I'm working at it. Stephanie once said that a positive attitude is good but that cranky people survive too. Lewis Black said that bad things happen to good people and that pricks live forever.I want to live a long time and die from something other than lung cancer and I don't want to be a prick either. I'm working on it.
-
All my best wishes to you Judy, You will be on all of our minds I'm sure. Get well soon.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Happy holiday everybody. Really, happy holiday everybody.
-
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.
-
Hi Adam and welcome., I read your blog. I love your sense of humor and your positive outlook. I'll look forward to more.
-
congrats Janet, great story full of hope and inspiration for everyone.
-
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.
-
Congrats to you Bud, 4 years and many many more to come.
-
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.
-
Good job Mike, You've been through alot. It's an inspiration to us all. I sure hope you can get by without that cath stuff. You'll do it well too if you must. Soldier through.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Our 'Geri'
in GRIEF
Another sad loss. My condolences to family and friends.
I hate cancer more every day. God bless you all.
-
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
-
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.
Latest MDA Visit
in MEMBER UPDATES
Posted
Hi Judy from here in Pa., There's not much to say that hasn't been said by all your fan's already. I am also a big fan of yours and wish you nothing but the best. I know you'll give it your best effort. I hope your Drs. do too. You deserve their best effort. I have faith that you'll do great and be around for a long time. My thoughts are always with everyone who is in this fight. God bless all of us.