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twodogs

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Everything posted by twodogs

  1. Tasha, Tell Mom to hang in there. So far as I know this is pretty common. I was so bad I couldn't hardly swallow water and to top things off, the food I could swallow tasted horrible. After an esophageal stricture adventure I got so well I could almost swallow a pea if it was mashed up for me. Seriously, it's been three years since my PCI and graduation from oncology treatment and I still have swallowing problems. Help her start on things like ice cream and custards and avoid well done, stringy meat or any "dry" foods. Get her programmed to do itty, bitty bites and chew them into a near liquid state before trying to swallow. Throughout the process, besides losing my hair, I lost nearly 50 pounds body weight. I'm now back to close to where I started and am actually trying to keep the weight down. It's been right around three years now and I still have occasional problems. We went to a banquet a couple weeks back and I dug into a great looking prime rib but tried to swallow too soon and ended up going through the old gag and choke routine. Remember, small portions chewed to oblivion along with any liquids she can get down. Slow and steady is our course. Tell Mom Hi and Good Luck.
  2. laban Hello, I hope things are going well for you folks. My first reaction to your posts was with the esophageal stricture issue. I know full well what that trip is all about. I'm over three years from the radiation treatment and still have occasional episodes of extreme difficulty swallowing and uncontrolled gagging. These days I hardly have any pain from it at all as long as I chew my food well and take itty, bitty, baby bites. Ice cream and custard are good. Other stuff, not so good. To your question of PCI, we faced the same dilemma. I like to gamble and love Reno and such, so I went with the odds. The way they were explained to me it was obvious that PCI increased the odds of survival so that was my choice. Of course there is always the concern with loss of brain function but then again, it's a matter of choice. The PCI was accomplished in December of 2003 and I finished up just before Christmas. First of all I lost my hair. I was bald by the time the treatment was over. Then, toward the end of February, it started coming back and by summer I had a full head of dark hair. That was kind of strange because I'd gone in with snow white hair that hadn't been dark since my early forties. Mentally, I have noticed a reduction in the accuracy and speed of my memory. I think I still have excellent memory regarding most of my life but the recent memory gives me some problems. And I occasionally stumble for the right words. Instant recall has pretty much evaporated. I don't know if this is worse than it would have been normally or not. I still do as well or better than some friends who haven't had any illness or treatment when it comes to recalling names and events from the past. Fatigue is an ongoing problem as is Shortness Of Breath. You'll get to know this as SOB, and it is. I don't know if it has anything at all to do with PCI as everyone seems to be affected to a certain degree. Different folks have different reactions and recovery times. I have also had blood count problems and receive an Epogen injection every three weeks for that. I do a quick radio spot twice a week and occasionally write community interest articles for the local newspaper to help keep me alert. Thankfully, I have my computer with its built in dictionary and spell checking to help me through those tasks. I still try to hunt on occasion and would probably fish too except we sold our boat. Overall, I think I'm satisfied with my choice to go ahead with PCI and can only wonder how things would have gone with out it. I'm sure you'll do what's right for you. Good Luck and Best Wishes to You Both.
  3. FWIW I had the same problem and, like Cindy, I took Neupogen until they could restart my chemo. Coincidentally, I was also taking Epogen on alternate weeks for my red cell count. It's been over three years now and I still take Epogen every three weeks but my white counts are now okay. I know it's tough but hang in there. Give your Sis my best wishes.
  4. Sheri, Excellent effort. I hope your friends all get the message and help us spread the word. John
  5. Bobby, You have found the best site on the Internet for information and support. If you have time, just surf through some of these threads to see what to expect so far as treatments and the different responses and reactions we've all had. Everyone handles the different procedures according to their own metabolism and strength going in. Chemo and radiation are common and new procedures and drugs are frequently being discovered. The others have already got you pretty well primed so stick with your sis and jump in here and ask or share any time you feel like it. Tell your Sis there's a whole team out here pulling and praying for her. John L
  6. twodogs

    Crazy idea

    I don't think the Oprah idea is crazy at all. That's where the viewers are and that's where the action starts. We just need to get her attention. If we could find an advocate like Katie Couric, or Bill O'Reilly or anyone else of their stature we could use them to get Oprah's attention. Imagine the lead-in "Oprah Disses Cancer Concerns". This is an everybody problem but it's getting to be an increasing women's concern and, as we know, not all tobacco related. That said, whither now, friends??
  7. twodogs

    Dizziness

    Ellen, I'm going through the same symptoms myself. It's been a few weeks now with some days more noticeable than others. Really scary getting up on a ladder for anything. I've had WBR/PCI too besides taking high blood pressure pills for years, so I decided to see my cardiologist first. If that doesn't help I'll be going to the Oncologist too. It does seem that this is fairly common and I have let the (deleted) neighbor and her dog stress me out lately. Let us know how it goes. I'm hoping it's just anxiety driven and disappears. For all of us, of course.
  8. twodogs

    QQuestions

    Hi Mary, I'd suggest you keep on hanging out here for a while. It'll get easier and you'll get more comfortable bouncing around the board. Some of us drift off for a day or so and our responses might seem slow. That doesn't make them bad.
  9. Cindi, It is great seeing that you are back on line and have the duct tape off your little finny's. For some reason, other than habit, I decided to fix myself a delicious cocktail earlier this evening. I'm sure it was in anticipation of your return. Welcome back and best wishes. Cheers! JL
  10. twodogs

    Hello

    Hi Cheryl, As usual it is great to hear from someone who's on the winning end of this battle. Hope all goes well for you and that your new trial and your scan routine turn out fine. I drifted away from here for quite a while too and am back now because the folks and their attitudes are the most understanding and encouraging to be found. Best wishes and best of luck. JL
  11. I think it was "The Jerk" with Steve Martin in 1979. I don't think I get out too often either.
  12. twodogs

    vena cava

    SVC syndrome was my first symptom and I'd had it for a couple weeks before being diagnosed with SCLC. I didn't have any head or neck pain at all. We had been on a vacation car trip for a couple weeks and I was experiencing back, neck and shoulder pains while driving. I was taking Aleve for relief and had occasionally noticed how my neck had begun swelling. Assuming it just was a reaction to the Aleve I quit taking it. I should also also point out that around this same time I started developing what I called "spider veins" all over my chest. My veins were turning blue, just like varicose veins. I'd done some Internet diagnosis and concluded it was part of the normal aging process. I later found out how wrong I was. They were another indicator of SVC. Once we arrived back home things just sort of developed over a couple days and I ended up being diagnosed with SVCS in the ER of our major local hospital. The rest of that story is history. Back to your question though, I had no pain nor discomfort with SVC.
  13. I don't know what to say that might be consoling to you. I guess I didn't think anything worse could happen to me and then we found out our daughter has breast cancer. I honestly don't think I was ever as worried about my own situation as I was and am about our her. She was only 41 when she was diagnosed as a result of her very first mammogram. So far both of us are doing well in our individual struggles. She lives in Seattle where she has excellent resources available to her but her situation is no easier physically or mentally that mine. I agree that many people have contracted lung cancer through absolutely no fault of their own. However, I guess it doesn't really matter which flavor of cancer a person develops, it's still devastating and no one deserves any of it. Especially the children like my young nephew who has had juvenile leukemia since before pre-school. In my case I'm just tickled when I hear of any new cancer breakthroughs no matter what specific arena it's in. I'm no expert of course, but I do believe advances in any area will eventually benefit all of us. With all the afflicted friends and relatives I have I'd need to be twice as big just to wear all the different colored ribbons that deserve my support.
  14. Blaze, Yes these stories are difficult to read and cope with. Like many of us I still see my two primary Onc's frequently and think they are the best in the world. I have observed them dealing with difficult situations from time to time and have not detected any detachment on the part of either of them. Of course, I'm not there all the time so I can't be sure. I do know Oncology care and treatment is tough on the staff. You just can't be good at it without getting attached. Most of them do. I guess we all have flaws but I hope my doctors continue treating me as they always have. At least until they retire and I get to train new ones.
  15. There is a movie titled The Doctor starring William Hurt that I saw several years ago. I was moved by the movie back then, not knowing or having a clue what the future was to bring. It deals with an oncologist who is very cavalier in his treatment and relationship with his patients. As fate would have it, he himself is subsequently diagnosed with cancer and subjected to all the trials, tribulations and indignities that many of us have encountered. It's still shown on TV from time to time. I always thought that movie should be on a list of annual required viewing for these guys just as a reminder.
  16. Hi there. This is one version I found on the net. I know there is a similar poster in my oncologist's office too. What Cancer can not do: It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot eat away peace, It cannot destroy confidence, It cannot kill friendship, It cannot shut out memories, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot reduce eternal life, It cannot quench the Spirit, It cannot lessen the power of the Resurrection. 2D
  17. twodogs

    Roger Ebert

    Cindi, This off the net: "Ebert, famous for his "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" critiques, had surgery June 16 to remove a cancerous growth on his salivary gland. He also had emergency surgery July 1 after a blood vessel burst near the site of the operation." 2D
  18. I Keep and Ursol, I had a terrible time getting my sleep pattern in control while using Decadron. I think everybody else does too. I elected not to take any prescription meds but I don't believe now that it was one of my better decisions. Hopefully, as time goes on and you get more comfortable with your team and treatment the fear and anxiety will diminish. That helps for sure. I still don't sleep solidly every night but it certainly is improved over those early times. Keep the faith. It will get better and we're all pulling for you.
  19. Wiped Out is probably a pretty good description for what you're feeling. When I first started chemo I sort of partnered up with a young gal who had breast cancer and had just had a mastectomy. She was the clerk in the oncology department and we started treatment at the same time, Friday afternoon as I recall. When it was our turn we'd usually set near each other so we could chat. Our chats didn't last long as she had the same Benadryl reaction as you do. After about the second drip she'd zonk out. From there she would be fatigued for the rest of the weekend. But, cheer up, the chronic fatigue is common to everyone and just another step in the process. Our dog and I are still fighting for the couch most days.
  20. Jen, About the last thing I'd be looking for is apologies for praying. I believe I have the best doctors on earth treating me. Even they, at times, are bewildered by the crazy twists and turns this malady takes. Nobody gets through this kind of mental and physical turmoil on their own. Every time I get a checkup I send out an email status and thank all my friends and relatives for their support and prayers. Likewise, I do a pretty good job these days of responding to prayer requests from others. No one will ever mistake me for a Saint but I do have faith and beliefs. Nope, don't concern yourself with apologies in my regard.
  21. twodogs

    Bad, Bad Kharma

    If Karma won't get 'em maybe some bad Jamaican Juju will. I'll drag out my Montego Bay drum and head down to the local watering hole for some sacrificial spirits and see what I can cook up for you.
  22. ztweb, If you folks are this far along you've more than likely been told of how the treatment affects the brain. And I hope they also told you about the imminent hair loss. In my case the hair event was kind of a highlight of all this rigmarole. Going into this I had a fairly thick and heavy mane of white hair. It survived nearly unscathed all through the radiation and chemo treatments with just minor loss of follicles. However, about the second week of PCI, (mid-December), my hair began departing at an accelerated rate. That was when I went to my favorite barber and got a buzz/shave haircut. By Christmas I was bald as a cue ball which I was mentally prepared for so it was no big deal. December in Wyoming though can put an instant hurt on an uncovered bald head so stocking caps became a regular part of my apparel. By the end of February I began noticing that my scalp felt like it had about a three day old beard. Amazingly, to me, my friends and family my hair regrew by summertime but came back in about as dark as it had been when I was in my teens. Not even a sign of the white I was so fond of. That was a couple years ago and it's starting to thin now but it's still darker than any other time in the last thirty years. The harder, and more permanent part, I believe is the memory impact. I had always been proud of my memory as that is one of the things old timers do notice as they age. We are sensitive to it with or without influences either self or medically induced. Most old folks joke about their poor memory but I never noticed the deterioration as much as during the past couple years. My doctors advised me about this prior to the PCI and I'm sure you went through the same decision making process as I did. Some folks elect not to have it and that is their decision. Having access to the Internet has been excellent therapy for me. I write an occasional column for the local newspaper and plagiarize enough material from the net that I can pose as an expert on nearly anything. I also do a couple of radio spots each week giving out local news and homespun humor and comment. Most of my radio bit is scripted beforehand as I'm not nearly as quick with the spontaneous stuff as I used to be. And on another front I've remained very politically active here in our small community. Not extremely eloquent in my dissertations but what I lack in facts I make up in passion and volume. And I have been known to use my failing memory as an alibi on occasion. None of this has happened overnight. It's been long and sometimes depressing but we chug on. Overall I believe I made the right decision for me and we are all happy with my current status and outlook for the future. One last comment if I may. Some folks say all this treatment may have reduced my vocabulary but it hasn't affected my propensity for babbling on and on.
  23. Sheri, Hello to you and thanks for the welcome back. Glad your dad is doing well and I can sympathize with his lack of energy. I have the same problem and the dog and I are continually fighting for couch space. I do vaguely recall an association with southeast Michigan. I was born in Detroit and raised in Brighton. Went to High School at St.Thomas in Ann Arbor. Still have many, many relatives around Dexter and Chelsea. My brother recently retired and moved from Canton down to Tennessee. We live out here in Wyoming now and still manage to put together a family Deer Safari in the fall when my brother and his boys come out. The boys live in Howell and Pinkney. Small world isn't it?? Thanks for your concerns for our daughter. She's always been Daddy's Girl and I think she's tougher than the old man. I'll work on the PM. Not too technologically gifted ya' know.
  24. Hello All, Thanks to Rick's help in sorting out a few computer problems for me I'm back among the fold. My daughter was diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer about a year ago and we've been focused on her treatment since then. She has had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment and is currently trying to heal up while working full time. My situation goes on as well as can be hoped for with good scan results and tolerable blood counts. I'm still doing 60K units of Epogen every three weeks and feel great but have pretty low energy. After I was first diagnosed in 2003 it took me a long time to find a site where the folks were generally upbeat and supportive of each other and this is that site. You can see below what my course of treatment has been and I'd be more than happy to respond to any questions anyone in similar circumstances might have. I've also been known to give unsolicited advice so, if that happens, take it for what it's worth. Happy to be back.
  25. I did simultaneous chemo and radiation from late June 'til November of '03 and held on to my hair through it all, although it got a bit thin on top. Then, I went in for PCI the first week of December. After about a week I was ready for the skin tight buzz cut and by Christmas I was bald as a cue ball. It started to very slowly come back in, (dark), toward the end of February. That was surprising as it had been snow white for over ten years before this. By June of '04 it was long enough to comb. So far, it's still dark and still there but seems to be getting thinner again. Having been bald once it probably won't be that hard to accept if I get that way again. It won't be my preference , of course.
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