Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[BullDog]

Best wishes to you Katchen! Also to everyone else in this thread and others who are facing challenging health issues. I see so much strength, determination, resiliency, and grace expressed here. I admire all of you and wish you nothing but the best.

I have been extremely healthy all my life until the last several months. I have never been in the hospital, had surgery, broken a bone, or had any serious issues at all. Up until recently I hadn't been to a doctor in decades and didn't have health insurance - both of those are no longer true (thank god for the ACA). I have always known I was extremely fortunate and tried to never take my good health for granted. But don't be like Bully - you need regular checkups just like your car does.

I have been referred to go see a cancer specialist in Albuquerque at the end of the month. I've been quite sick and lost 100-150 pounds - probably closer to 150 - and I have been in a lot of pain (have meds to help with that now) and have a lot of strange symptoms. I have received good care so far and I am very impressed by the qualifications of the cancer specialist.

Best wishes to all. I will keep fighting.

[Kätzchen]

Today was real rough....my dearest, long time BFF revealed to me by text that she is moving back to our homestate to be closer to her grandkids. I was at the doctor office when i got her news and was devestated (sp?) And couldnt get control of my emtions. I was crying (sobbing) into the arms of a complete stranger and rescheduled to another week later this month.

But i just want to share back to Pynk and my long time friend in the community, Bulldog, that your comments of support help me so much, right now.

*Thank you* ♥️💜♥️💜♥️


I too have lost a ton of weight and my weightloss is related to my cancer.

I will know by late September what type of cancer i have and what types of treatment are available to me.

I will keep you all posted and thank you for the kindest of support!

~K. + big air hugs. : )

[clay]

Oh my, I am very saddened to hear this, bully!!!PLEASE, reach out here if you need to talk to a friend! Will be holding you close to my heart & in my thoughts!

You are so right....we must get checkups, maintain our bodily machines, as best we can. Am grateful to hear you got ACA.

And, it is always good when you have complete faith in your oncologist & team! This is NOT an easy journey, will be fraught with challenges along the way. It is of utmost importance to have a really great support team IRL & here! I so hope that you have that, Bully!!

Know you are always welcome at my door here!! Check your PM's. Myself & pynk are both nurses! We have both travelled the journey you are now on.

Big hugs, BD!!! Keep positive & keep fighting....I might need yer help to kick some azz one day...lol....Much love....clay

Originally Posted by BullDog

Best wishes to you Katchen! Also to everyone else in this thread and others who are facing challenging health issues. I see so much strength, determination, resiliency, and grace expressed here. I admire all of you and wish you nothing but the best.

I have been extremely healthy all my life until the last several months. I have never been in the hospital, had surgery, broken a bone, or had any serious issues at all. Up until recently I hadn't been to a doctor in decades and didn't have health insurance - both of those are no longer true (thank god for the ACA). I have always known I was extremely fortunate and tried to never take my good health for granted. But don't be like Bully - you need regular checkups just like your car does.

I have been referred to go see a cancer specialist in Albuquerque at the end of the month. I've been quite sick and lost 100-150 pounds - probably closer to 150 - and I have been in a lot of pain (have meds to help with that now) and have a lot of strange symptoms. I have received good care so far and I am very impressed by the qualifications of the cancer specialist.

Best wishes to all. I will keep fighting.

[BullDog]

Thank you so much Clay. Your support really means a lot to me, and I see you giving so much of it in this thread. You are a very kind soul. And thank you to my other friends who reached out and offered their support. It really means a lot to me.

Belated congratulations on your marriage Clay. I am so glad you have found happiness and your special lady to share your life with. I wish the two of you all the very best.

You're right Clay - I need to go conquer this so I can be at full strength to back up my friends and kick ass if necessary! Lol, I am on it.

[clay]

YVW, BD!! I truly am here for you! I will PM you my cell...if you need to reach out, dear friend!

Keeping space for you in my heart! Always.

Thank you for your kind words, Bully! That means a lot to me. I always try to treat others how I would want to be treated!!

We are each one day away from a challenge being thrown us. Esp now is when we need to be kind, supportive, & be present for those facing challenges!

Originally Posted by BullDog

Thank you so much Clay. Your support really means a lot to me, and I see you giving so much of it in this thread. You are a very kind soul. And thank you to my other friends who reached out and offered their support. It really means a lot to me.

Belated congratulations on your marriage Clay. I am so glad you have found happiness and your special lady to share your life with. I wish the two of you all the very best.

You're right Clay - I need to go conquer this so I can be at full strength to back up my friends and kick ass if necessary! Lol, I am on it.

[Canela]

Hey, Hi y’all,

I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma yesterday, actually. I’m in shock one minute, crying the next, then sucking it up and taking care of business throughout…I’ve made contact with MD Anderson in Houston. They’re dealing with the particulars…I’m grateful for that. I’m hopeful, trusting God to make a way for me and for all of you as well. I apologize for just throwing that out there all random. Thanks for the space to share.

[easygoingfemme]

Originally Posted by Canela

Hey, Hi y’all,

I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma yesterday, actually. I’m in shock one minute, crying the next, then sucking it up and taking care of business throughout…I’ve made contact with MD Anderson in Houston. They’re dealing with the particulars…I’m grateful for that. I’m hopeful, trusting God to make a way for me and for all of you as well. I apologize for just throwing that out there all random. Thanks for the space to share.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I was there myself 7 years ago. The initial diagnosis and "hurry up and wait" of putting together an action plan is relentless. I am sending you peace and positivity and "you got this". Please don't apologize for sharing and please keep us posted.

[clay]

((((((((((((((((((Canela)))))))))))))))

You never have to apologize for posting here!

This hurts my heart to know you have this to deal with!!

Please know, I will send you positive energies, hold a space in my heart for you, and everyone else here, having to deal with this!

As my sweet friend, easy said, "you got this". We will be here for you & please keep us posted as you can!

Much love & support....clay

Originally Posted by Canela

Hey, Hi y’all,

I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma yesterday, actually. I’m in shock one minute, crying the next, then sucking it up and taking care of business throughout…I’ve made contact with MD Anderson in Houston. They’re dealing with the particulars…I’m grateful for that. I’m hopeful, trusting God to make a way for me and for all of you as well. I apologize for just throwing that out there all random. Thanks for the space to share.

[pynkkameleon]

I’m saddened by the recent updates here. Such a shitty club to find ourselves enrolled in. With that said though, I don’t think that you will ever find a more supportive and understanding group of people than those that have walked in similar shoes. Each journey is different yes, but the tools we all gather, the strength we gain and the trials that we go through, give each of us a unique outlook and sense of empathy that is hard to find elsewhere.
The days ahead will test you to your very core but you’ll find strength that you never knew you had. Also know though that it’s okay, and necessary, to be vulnerable too. Leaning on others for support right now is a crucial component to your health and overall well being and your health needs to be your primary focus right now. If there are days that you can’t find your strength, you can come here and someone will remind you. This space is to share both the good, the bad and the unknown. Ask questions, cry, vent, laugh or share something completely unrelated. We all understand, whether we have cancer, are waiting to hear if we have it, care for or have lost someone with it, cancer links us all together.

Thinking of you all. Here for you if you need an ear, a shoulder or a nudge to remind you of what a badass you are.

F**k cancer
Big love, Be good to you..
V

[Kätzchen]

Your post is brain candy (to me) and I just want you to know that I think your process & your perspective is invaluable, and terribly kind.

Your so sweet.

I appreciate you.

Sending big sister love to you, tonight.

~K. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Originally Posted by pynkkameleon

I’m saddened by the recent updates here. Such a shitty club to find ourselves enrolled in. With that said though, I don’t think that you will ever find a more supportive and understanding group of people than those that have walked in similar shoes. Each journey is different yes, but the tools we all gather, the strength we gain and the trials that we go through, give each of us a unique outlook and sense of empathy that is hard to find elsewhere.
The days ahead will test you to your very core but you’ll find strength that you never knew you had. Also know though that it’s okay, and necessary, to be vulnerable too. Leaning on others for support right now is a crucial component to your health and overall well being and your health needs to be your primary focus right now. If there are days that you can’t find your strength, you can come here and someone will remind you. This space is to share both the good, the bad and the unknown. Ask questions, cry, vent, laugh or share something completely unrelated. We all understand, whether we have cancer, are waiting to hear if we have it, care for or have lost someone with it, cancer links us all together.

Thinking of you all. Here for you if you need an ear, a shoulder or a nudge to remind you of what a badass you are.

F**k cancer
Big love, Be good to you..
V

[Canela]

Originally Posted by easygoingfemme

I'm so sorry to hear this. I was there myself 7 years ago. The initial diagnosis and "hurry up and wait" of putting together an action plan is relentless. I am sending you peace and positivity and "you got this". Please don't apologize for sharing and please keep us posted.

Thank you so much. Your support and kindness mean everything to me. I appreciate you reaching out and I receive your peace and positivity, which I need so badly. Sending you hugs and celebrating your success over this horribly ugly thing. Thank you so much! 💗 🤗

[Canela]

Originally Posted by clay

((((((((((((((((((Canela)))))))))))))))

You never have to apologize for posting here!

This hurts my heart to know you have this to deal with!!

Please know, I will send you positive energies, hold a space in my heart for you, and everyone else here, having to deal with this!

As my sweet friend, easy said, "you got this". We will be here for you & please keep us posted as you can!

Much love & support....clay

Aww Clay, thank you so much for your kindness. I’m so glad I actually posted about this and that you’re here with your effervescent spirit showering myself and everyone here with positivity and love. You’re amazing, you know that? I appreciate you holding space for me. You make me believe it’ll be easy… Thank you old friend, thank you 💗🤗

[Canela]

Originally Posted by pynkkameleon

I’m saddened by the recent updates here. Such a shitty club to find ourselves enrolled in. With that said though, I don’t think that you will ever find a more supportive and understanding group of people than those that have walked in similar shoes. Each journey is different yes, but the tools we all gather, the strength we gain and the trials that we go through, give each of us a unique outlook and sense of empathy that is hard to find elsewhere.
The days ahead will test you to your very core but you’ll find strength that you never knew you had. Also know though that it’s okay, and necessary, to be vulnerable too. Leaning on others for support right now is a crucial component to your health and overall well being and your health needs to be your primary focus right now. If there are days that you can’t find your strength, you can come here and someone will remind you. This space is to share both the good, the bad and the unknown. Ask questions, cry, vent, laugh or share something completely unrelated. We all understand, whether we have cancer, are waiting to hear if we have it, care for or have lost someone with it, cancer links us all together.

Thinking of you all. Here for you if you need an ear, a shoulder or a nudge to remind you of what a badass you are.

F**k cancer
Big love, Be good to you..
V

This. This is everything, thank you so much for your support and love. Your spirit is so joyous and generous. I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be. I was scared and intimidated by my DX but after reading all the posts not just now but before, it feels like home here. And I really need to feel like I’m home somewhere. Here is good. Familiar. I’ve missed this place. I feel like the whole world, my whole world has gone crazy and I’m the only sane one wishing I was crazy too. Idk if that even makes sense but that’s how I feel. Today, my daughters asked me to provide proof. PROOF! That I actually got this. Who would make that up? I provided them with proof and afterward I blocked them. I love my children, anyone that knows me knows my kids are everything to me, but right now, today, I’m feeling sad. Disappointed I guess is a better word. I’m grateful though because I do have a support system to help me get through this and I count all of y’all as part of that system. Thanks for inviting me to share. I know you meant your post for everyone but I took all of it to heart. Thank you so very much for your kindness. It is very much appreciated. ❤️🤗

All my love,

Canela

[Canela]

Originally Posted by Kätzchen

Your post is brain candy (to me) and I just want you to know that I think your process & your perspective is invaluable, and terribly kind.

Your so sweet.

I appreciate you.

Sending big sister love to you, tonight.

~K. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Hi my friend! I co-sign everything you wrote here. Agreed!
Thinking of you sweet lady and sending blessings to you and yours. 💗🤗

[clay]

I am so so sorry that your kids are "doubting" you at a time like this. That just absolutely sucks. Perhaps it is their way of processing this, maybe it scared them, I do not know that answer.

But, HERE....here is home for you & all of us, for this is where NO ONE is questioned, no one is doubted, & no one will be shunned. This is your soft place to land, where you can read in silence, yet feel all the love, support, & gentle hugs you need, every! single! time!

Any post we write, I feel certain is both individual & collectively. So always feel free to take our words for your own!!

Sitting in here, feels like an amazing space, that one or many, can come to, soak up all the energies being left for all who needs that. What I love about this particular thread is that so many of us have had to face this dilemma of C., and unfairly, sometimes, more than once! Yet everyone remains hopeful, positive, & encouraging, loving each of us as best they can. As my sweet friend, V wrote, C. SUCKS! My mantra was "I made cancer my bitch" and my oncologist loved that when I would say it to her!!

Every one of us are challenged in differing ways when we get this dx. BUT we all march forward, fighting for every day we live another day, suffering, progressing, sliding into what ever emotion facing us at any given moment, BUT! WE! MARCH! forward. We are BRAVE WARRIORS!



Know you are NOT EVER alone in your battle. Some, one, or all, of us are here for whatever you may need. Feel free to scream, to cry, to post of your feelings, reach out, or just say hi...because, at the end of the day...we are all one in here!!

Be gentle with yourself, reach out, there is no shame is being vulnerable...as we all have at some point. We are all one here...some, or many times, it will NOT be easy....BUT...what is easy is to come to your family here...we will ease your burdens so it will be easier for you! I promise you that!!

Know you are so precious to me, & others here. You have always been a special friend to me!! Take care, Canela! We got you, girl!!

Originally Posted by Canela

This. This is everything, thank you so much for your support and love. Your spirit is so joyous and generous. I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be. I was scared and intimidated by my DX but after reading all the posts not just now but before, it feels like home here. And I really need to feel like I’m home somewhere. Here is good. Familiar. I’ve missed this place. I feel like the whole world, my whole world has gone crazy and I’m the only sane one wishing I was crazy too. Idk if that even makes sense but that’s how I feel. Today, my daughters asked me to provide proof. PROOF! That I actually got this. Who would make that up? I provided them with proof and afterward I blocked them. I love my children, anyone that knows me knows my kids are everything to me, but right now, today, I’m feeling sad. Disappointed I guess is a better word. I’m grateful though because I do have a support system to help me get through this and I count all of y’all as part of that system. Thanks for inviting me to share. I know you meant your post for everyone but I took all of it to heart. Thank you so very much for your kindness. It is very much appreciated. ❤️��

All my love,

Canela

[clay]

Know I leave you each with a gentle hug, a soft place to land, & an ear...most of all...YOU ALL ARE BRAVE!! We got this!! Thinking of each & everyone of you..always....clay xoxo

[Kätzchen]

Thanks so much Clay !! You are so kind and I truly appreciate you!

Today was my followup appt to get a tooth fixed and my cancer biopsy done, but my blood pressure was really high so they fixed my tooth and gave me a bag of beautiful veggies from their community gardens and a bouquet of flowers from that same garden too.

We have staffing issues at work: we keep getting people who dont want to work (that "quiet quit" syndrome, maybe?).

I felt like whatever cancer i have must be terrible because of how the medical staff treated me so.kindly and shoved my cancer biopsy test under the proverbial rug.

I'm not upset that they could not do my test today. But it sends me a subtle unspoken message that my cancer situation will become real ugly.

All i know is to dwell on positive thoughts and not get caught up in what i dont know (etc).

Thanks for being so kind during a very unsettling part of life.

~K.

Originally Posted by clay

Know I leave you each with a gentle hug, a soft place to land, & an ear...most of all...YOU ALL ARE BRAVE!! We got this!! Thinking of each & everyone of you..always....clay xoxo

[pynkkameleon]

Originally Posted by Kätzchen

Thanks so much Clay !! You are so kind and I truly appreciate you!

Today was my followup appt to get a tooth fixed and my cancer biopsy done, but my blood pressure was really high so they fixed my tooth and gave me a bag of beautiful veggies from their community gardens and a bouquet of flowers from that same garden too.

We have staffing issues at work: we keep getting people who dont want to work (that "quiet quit" syndrome, maybe?).

I felt like whatever cancer i have must be terrible because of how the medical staff treated me so.kindly and shoved my cancer biopsy test under the proverbial rug.

I'm not upset that they could not do my test today. But it sends me a subtle unspoken message that my cancer situation will become real ugly.

All i know is to dwell on positive thoughts and not get caught up in what i dont know (etc).

Thanks for being so kind during a very unsettling part of life.

~K.

Glad to hear that you were at least able to get that tooth fixed.

One day, one moment, one breath at a time.. 💜

[pynkkameleon]

Originally Posted by Canela

This. This is everything, thank you so much for your support and love. Your spirit is so joyous and generous. I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be. I was scared and intimidated by my DX but after reading all the posts not just now but before, it feels like home here. And I really need to feel like I’m home somewhere. Here is good. Familiar. I’ve missed this place. I feel like the whole world, my whole world has gone crazy and I’m the only sane one wishing I was crazy too. Idk if that even makes sense but that’s how I feel. Today, my daughters asked me to provide proof. PROOF! That I actually got this. Who would make that up? I provided them with proof and afterward I blocked them. I love my children, anyone that knows me knows my kids are everything to me, but right now, today, I’m feeling sad. Disappointed I guess is a better word. I’m grateful though because I do have a support system to help me get through this and I count all of y’all as part of that system. Thanks for inviting me to share. I know you meant your post for everyone but I took all of it to heart. Thank you so very much for your kindness. It is very much appreciated. ❤️🤗

All my love,

Canela

I’m so sorry that your daughters did that!? That makes me very sad. I’m proud of you for dealing with it the way you did! I have four adult children of my own, each capable of saying and doing idiotic things from time to time. Most of the time it’s pretty harmless stuff but if they lost every ounce of common sense and empathy and did anything remotely similar, I would do the same thing that you did. A few days or more of being blocked might be just what the doctor ordered 😊.
I do hope that yours come to their senses soon and apologize profusely.

Mine thankfully are very supportive but they do struggle with talking about it. Talking just makes it all more real. I recognize that and try not to push them too much. At the same time though, I don’t let them avoid it altogether. We are still working on finding the right balance.

As for everything else you said, of course it makes sense.. 💜

Big love 💗

[pynkkameleon]

I was too tired last night to add in my little bit of good news. My scans from last week show that the bone mets are stable, the mets near my lungs have resolved and all of the others have been reduced in size by half or more. There are a couple of teeny, tiny spots on my liver that we’re going to watch and revisit in 3 months when it’s time to run scans again. I’m tolerating the treatment well so far and that, coupled with evidence that it’s working to reduce the tumor burden, is very good news indeed. The only thing that made me grumpy at the appointment was being told that I need to lose some weight. As if I don’t already know that I have a bit of chonky going on right now. 😂 To be fair, it’s because she wants to prepare me for when the cancer becomes resistant to this first line of treatment. The second line is known to be harsher and cause diabetes, amongst other issues. So my first goal is going to be to get off of my cute, well padded derrière, walk a little bit more, eat a bit better and try to lose 20 pounds. If I can hit that goal, I’ll move on to a new one. It’s the right thing to do but knowing that I need to do something and being told that I HAVE to do something just somehow rubs me the wrong way every time. Even at 51, I apparently still have some rebellious teenager energy left in me.

I’m off the hook for appts now for the next 3 1/2 weeks. I’m looking forward to having this small break. In addition to the exercise, I also see lots of naps in my near future. This fatigue is hitting hard. Also, a big shoutout to TC for going to every appt with me, taking notes, asking questions and keeping me entertained every step of the way. I’m blessed to be loved by this amazing human being.

How’s everyone else doing? Kätzchen, how’s your tooth? Were you able to get the biopsy rescheduled? Canela, have you heard anything productive from MDAnderson? Incidentally, I’m up North in DFW and go to UTSW. Bulldog, I know that your appt is also coming up this week or next right?

Check in when you all feel up to it. Thinking of everyone here and sending tons of the good stuff out into the universe for each of you.

Big love 🖤 Be good to you