Alan
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Posts posted by Alan
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Good news Judy
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Hi you guys, Ok, now I'm a regular lurker. Yes Ginny, Phila. not a pleasant sports town right now. Did Howard stink or what? Don't even say no. 7's name for the birds to me. I'll be back in Phila. next month, I hope all my friends aren't too sad. Oh well, It's just a diversion, can't get wrapped up in it so much.
We've been battling our stink bug infestaion, anyone else? I hate those little bastards. They're not as bad this fall as last, but still hate them. (another fine asian import) no offence to anyone, just the bugs. I think they only are here in the northeast. I read that they got started in Allentown area.
On another subject, smoking, I got that question so many times, I've learned to expect it. I say "no, it was the paint fumes and dust mixed with radon and a multitude of other crap that we all have to breathe. It's all irrelevant anyway as we should look forward not back. It doesn't matter how we got in this pickle, it's where we go now and how do we fix it and move on. Well, I still have the Tigers to route for, Here come the Flyers, Steelers rebounded nicely. Back to my diversion. Yeah, I don't want to talk about their money either. I wish I could have been rich playing a game, but not. see you guys later.
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Hi you guys,Haven't been here much lately. caught up looking back at posts. Randy, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad.
So Judy in MI., where are the guys you ask. Well, for me, I'm watching a bunch of sports. It's the best time of year for sure. The Phils have a chance, The Eagles don't.( that's ok with me, I'm in Steelers country plus no.7 of the Eagles is not my favorite player or person, I love dogs.) Hockey is underway, well, you see where I'm at. Oh and plus all the winterizing at this ranch each fall. yeah right, ranch. It does take some doing but I still enjoy it especially with the great weather.
Oh yeah Eric, It's about that young cutie you've been hangin with. How the H do you get away with that my friend? I'd be out on the street picking up my belongings and booted into the next county. What a sweet and nice wife your Sally must be. Stop me now before I get in trouble. Sounds like a slippery slope but who am I to say?
Ok, so enough outa me, you guys all take it easy and enjoy this great weather. sorry about the stormy forecast in Fla. Judy, you can grin at all us when we're snowbound and frozen in a month or so. Maybe you'll get some visitors who want that corona moment on the beach. I'd love that, especially after some of that great fishing you have. Ok, now I'm totally jealous.
Gotta go watch sportscenter now. Phils tonight. let's go boys.
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Hi Judy, Wow, a new scan in only 9 weeks. nice they're watching closely. I get it about not having the anxiety so much. It gets to be same old, same old after a while. I hope you get a great report, I think you will. Are you still on the taxotere? How often and how many times?. I had 6, One every three weeks. Is it hard on you? I couldn't even tell or feel anything, but it sure worked. Anyway, have a safe trip and get some great results to tell us about.
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Everyone here is just trying to help and want the best for your dad. I hope you're not completely confused by us. We're trying. CTCA accepts all kinds of insurance. don't be misled. The phone call is free. second opinions are a necessity. If for one minute, you're oncomfortable with a prospective dr., you may want to listen to that voice in your head and move on. I know you'll get it right.
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I've looked at Proton Therapy. My understanding is that it can be used on many types of tumors. It is especially useful in not harming adjacent tissue. It's energy is released at the center of the tumor and in the shape of the tumor. There is no through radiation or "exit wound rash" It has been effective for prostate radiation causing no unwanted side effects such as ED.,urinary problems etc. The number of sessions are less than IMRT which is what I had done. Two years ago, I also had Cyberknife treatments. At that time, IMRT and Cyberknife were state of the art and still are. Proton Therapy is another step in the evolvement of cancer treatment. We need to always welcome any new method as we would a new less invasive chemo drug.
Randy, thanks for bringing this subject to these forums in the way you did. People will look at it and understand that maybe it will be useful for themselves or someone they love. Surgery wasn't an option for me and this treatment is one that in cases like mine and many more can be a life saver. I commend any institution willing to put out the dollars to build these facilities. Obviously, cancer treatment is big business. I hear people say that this hospital or that hospital are" only in it for the money."
That subject can only be guaged by the quality of care and the results they provide.
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Hi you guys, I'm sick of hearing about belly fat. Why don't we get a groupon for liposuction? Bud's method is the only one that works and we all know that. Sorry to also hear the sadness creep in. Then there's Kasey's great post to cheer people up.
Heading off to Chicago to a CTCA sponsored gathering. Can't wait to see what it's all about and visit the hospital there. Not much happening around here, hangin in there, hope you all have a good day.,especially you workers.
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Congrats to you Kasey, I only hope I can join you there someday.Pancoast Shramcoast, I'll be there even without surgery. Good for you.
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Everyone has to go over to Cancer Survovors Network and read the threads from mrsptsu. It's astonishing. I wish her all the best in a battle that is beyond belief. If any of you have any answers, please help her. The site is at American Cancer Society.
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Hi you guys, Yeah Mi Judy, fall is coming. It was hot yesterday probably for the last time. Not turning the heat on here yet. The new neighbors next door were in their pool last night. The water is really cold in my pool. I covered ours for the winter a couple days ago. I think they are alot younger than us, no grey hair and oh yeah, I could hear beer bottles hitting the trash can over there. what fun. Anyhow, this saturday is apple cider pressing and bbqing on a friends deck. It's an annual thing he does. Maybe some beer bottles there too. Who am I to complain? Apple cider, beer and pulled pork? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Think I'll skip the beer. Well enough of this already. Have happy and safe days all. Alan
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Hey Annette, I see that word on some of the radiology reports too. Unremarkable, stable, and so on . The one I prefer is remission. I guess they all mean pretty much the same to me. I've been moved from 3 months to 6 months then back to 3 months , now to 4 months. Every other time, they like to throw in an MRI of the brain. Sometimes I think they just do that to mix in a little more anxiety and fear. I know that's not really true, they are just doing the right things to keep this from doing what it's expected to do. Last time, the report was that it is still there, but not doing anything, no changes. Anyway, you just have to stay positive and keep your eye on the prize.There are always twists and turns in the road, but the destination remains the same. We are all truly the lucky travelers who are still on this ride. Cherish it. Alan
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Hi you guys, Got a lttle late today. Covered the pool finally. It was an emotional weekend here too. 9-11 was so devistating. Seeing parts of it over again brought it all back again. Now we need to get to NYC again and see that memorial in person. When we saw the Viet Nam memorial up close, It was so much more meaningful. Shenksville is open now too
Eric, you are truly funny. I'm glad you had someone show you which receptacle to plug your music thing into your new car. The cars radio or some cd is all I need. My car has all that stuff too. It's all I can do just to drive the thing. The Yoga is a good idea. We should all be doing it. It's reccomended for survivors all the time. Must releive alot of stress at the same time.
I would like to go back to work too Judy. I tried but my nueropathy wouldn't let me. The physical labor I was used to is too tough now. I need too many breaks, just wouldn't be a money maker. I'd have to do something totally different. That's why volunteering seems like a good alternative. I'm just getting started with that in earnest so I'll see how it goes. I do stay busy and I always remind myself that I gave the career 40 good years and have this retirement to finally do what I want. I never expected to be blindsided by LC, but life goes on.
Hi to Steph Diane Randy and Katie, please give yorself a break.You are truly appreciated and loved here. Annette, where are you? KW Judy, where are you? Kim, You have been through so much, I'm happy to read your posts, you are a bright light. Where is Sara R? OK , I'm done, catch up later ... Alan
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It could also be inflamation caused by cisplatin and the effects of radiation. Make sure you ask all the Docs about those things. Cisplatin is very heavy duty. Your body takes time to heal from that. I doubt that it's a new cancer with all that treatment so recently. Can you try to get all those Docs on the same page?
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Hi Judy and the rest of you guys, Yeah, it's a great day and I had a ton of yard work to catch up on. Seems like it rained for a month. Grass was really tall. ,thought I might have to cut it twice. Plus, the highway finally opened up after the flood water went down., Had to go grocery getting and sightseeing. Some man tried to drive through a flooded road near us. He got swept away along with the car. They just found it submeged way downstream. Unfortunately, he's gone. It was just a feeder stream but it comes out of a 30 mile valley. It turned into a raging river. We had almost 14 inches of rain. Whew, what a deal.
Penn State is playing Alabama right now so I guess I should go watch. I really don't care but well you know, I have to have some sporty knowledge when the subject comes up. I'm still into my Phillies now anyway. Another possible sweep at the Brewers tonight.
I have to call my "buddy" later to see how he fared with his chemo on Friday. I wish he would get himself on here so you all could meet him. A real nice man. I guess there are alot of people that look at all this and never want to dive in. I guess it's not for everyone, OK, I'm outa here, have good and safe weekend you guys. Alan
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Hang in there Annette, I hope your results are good. I understand completely when you say about not being surprised by much. I too have learned how to accept whatever news comes my way. I hate that waiting part but I have to say, the hospital where I go knows that and updated there whole system so results are same day quick. I wish that for everyone who is made to wait and worry. Stay positive, I know you will.
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Hi you guys, Just got back from Phila. Wow! The game was awesome. It fit right into a nonrainy time slot and they got it in. It was tied at 2 in the bottom of the 9th. Our guys got a walk, then a single, then a game winning single down the 1st base line. It was an exciting finish. I managed to catch a train out this morning at 10. Highways are closed here for some history making flooding. I'm sure you'll all see it on the news. It is huge. The river is going to crest at just under 30 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. We are high and dry on our hill but thousands are not. Truly catastrophic. On a lighter note, my scan shows no changes. Calling it stable and still in remission. I'm making arrangements to have my port removed. I don't get checked again for 4 months so I don't want it anymore. It's one of the things that is a constant reminder, It hurts when it gets bumped and blah blah blah. Goodbye to it. Met some great new people too and expanding the volunteer effort.
Mi Judy, what a great thing you have there with the game and the fundraiser. Sounds really cool. Good for you. What fun.
KW judy, have safe travel back home, I hope your trip was good for you.
I also just found out that my cousin's brain tumor is going to be terminal after a long and arduous fight. Still fighting and adjusting to the facts. It's hard and so so sad.
I wonder how you are doing too, Bud? What about the fires? It's so strange to see 3 million acres burn and our area under water. Wish some of it had fallen on you.
Well, that's all the blabber from me for now. See yins later.
Yins is Pittsburgh for you guys. Eric, Lilly, Steph, Paullette, Annette, Ann, Randy, and all, Take care and be safe. Alan
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Hi you guys, Hey Randy, Morristown, N.J.? I spent 2 years at prep school in West Orange. That's not too far, right? Patterson got hammered with flooding. Judy KW, you must be somewhere in that area too. My old school was closer to the Caldwells.
Anyway, it looks like a rainy week ahead and we'll ptobably miss out on our ball game in Phila. I have to be there anyway for that CT scan. Maybe we can still go. Who knows. See you guys later, just checking in. Alan
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Hi you guys, Hey Judy, we're still here, sometimes just don't have much going on. That's OK isn't it? We're getting 2 days of heat. It's going up to 90 maybe. The cool nights have put the pool into put it away mode. Too cold for these old bones. Labor day weekend, think I'll grill some burgers later. Still have a few beefsteak tomatoes left and some candy sweet onions. To heck with turkey burgers and lean meat, I'm going with the grond chuck or something equally fatty. (it drips away, right?)
Nothing else going on, no guests, no family, just us. can't wait. Going to Phila. for scans on Wed. We're fitting in a Phillies game on Wed night along with 30 or so other survivors from the center. We'll all be wearing their T shirts and a display will be scrolling around the stadium. Maybe even the jumbotron. It should be fun. We did it 2 years ago. This time I have hair. Looks like the storm that's hitting New Orleans could arrive here just in time to ruin all that. Hope not.
I've been talking to my new found "buddy" every couple of days. You all need to help out and do the same if you get the chance. Ron really appreciates the calls. I didn't think I'd have much to offer until I spoke with him. His concerns are the same as all of ours were in the beginning. Some moral support and reassurance are seemingly small things but huge for him. Just something as simple as how Senicot can be helpful to a new chemo patient, know what I mean? Oh well, on that note , I'll sign out for now. Be safe and have some fun. Alan
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Hi you guys, Well, almost back to normal. Power is back on in most of our area. some still without, can't beleive how little it takes to incapacitate a community. We just got brushed by it. Poor Vermont, what a mess, can't imagine being slammed like that. Hope all of you readers are OK.
You are welcome Katie, It is so rewarding to hear that a little help like a simple phone call means so much to someone. We as survivors and caregivers alike should be happy to be "buddies". It's as good for me as I hope it is for a new patient. When I was first diagnosed and going through the initial treatment, I never heard of a "buddie" relationship. Looking back, I can see why it is so important. I don't think i ever felt so alone and lost in what was happening to me. After a while it got better . It was those first days, I'm sure you can all relate. So, just do it..
I have my 3 month CT next week. All the regular little aches and pains feel like monsters right now. I hate that. I know it's nothing but there it is. I'm positive the scans will show no new anything, they'll move me out to 6 months and send me home. Someone back in the beginning told me to always stay positive. I try but don't enjoy curve balls. We'll see Alan
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Hi Kimmie, Holy cow, what a story. You sure have been through it. I had 5 Cyberknife sessions. 18 is alot. My cousin has a brain tumor and they wouldn't use Cyberknife. They opted for a longer program of lower doses of radiation. I also thought that Gammaknife was the preferred brain radiation. Every case is different and you can't take all you read on the internet as gospel. I'm glad that you decided to share your story here.You are sure to be an inspiration to a great many people. Maybe you could share your method of being still for Cyberknife. Mine was in the form of a pill prior to treatment. Did you ever get your jersey? The Saints ought to honor you at one of their games. You are my new ultimate cancer fighter. Welcome. Alan
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Hi you guys, not much going on here in central Pa. We had about 3 inches of rain., much more to our east. Alot of wind blowing this morning but no damage around here., no loss of power. The patches we put in our basement walls with hydraulic cement worked great. 3 inches of rain, normally we would be down there squeegying (is that a word?) Anyway, looks like just a little more work and our basement should stay dry. It's been a big pain for many years. Hope all are ok. along the east. Not as bad as predicted so that's good. Be safe everybody. Alan
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Hi Judies, Yes, I know where you both are. guess I have to say KW or MI, right? You both have boats and docks. are you sure you're not the same person? I'll try harder.
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Hi again you guys, Ginny, Just outside of HBG. I come to Phila. for treatment. I'm on 3 month surveilance., next time coming up real soon. (Sept 7th). Starting to get itchy if you know what I mean. (scanxiety, I think someone called it).
Back to drivers, We have a stretch of I-83 here that has more deaths per mile than any in the country. It can be a scary trip outa here sometimes. In the rain, you can barely make out the lines. I-95 almost anywhere from Boston to Richmond gets a little frantic too. Can you tell I'm a country boy?
Hey Annette, tell us all about the earthquake. It was in your backyard, right? I felt nothing here, I was driving when it happened but Sue called and said she heard and felt the ground roll a little. Big deal on the east coast. You west coasters are probably laughing at us right now.
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5 years.. Wow! that's huge. congrats. My current goal too. Keep up the good fight. Alan
Mom has Lung Cancer
in INTRODUCE YOURSELF!
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Over a month and no biopsy results? No return calls from her Drs? It's a large cancer center in Houston? None of this sounds right, get her to the other large cancer center in Houston for another opinion. Sending her to hospice without some further evaluation doesn't seem right to me.