Cancer Support and Caregivers Who Are Trail Blazers!

[girlin2une]

So, I got up the nerve to post in here mainly due to Dapper Butch's post in the Zombie thread, encouraging others to post... my story is relatively new.
End of February/beginning of March is when I had radiation...I won't go too far into detail as I have been so very private about everything so far and just need an outlet I think...*I digress...* I have been dealing with cervical issues since my daughter (now 6) was 2...
I'm very reluctant to go into great detail... (can you tell?) and this year has been a year of big things for me... mostly hard...but... I will say this... my last biopsy since radiation is negative... that's a good thing... now to stay in the clear for 5 years... then I will be considered cancer free...!!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by girlin2une

So, I got up the nerve to post in here mainly due to Dapper Butch's post in the Zombie thread, encouraging others to post... my story is relatively new.
End of February/beginning of March is when I had radiation...I won't go too far into detail as I have been so very private about everything so far and just need an outlet I think...*I digress...* I have been dealing with cervical issues since my daughter (now 6) was 2...
I'm very reluctant to go into great detail... (can you tell?) and this year has been a year of big things for me... mostly hard...but... I will say this... my last biopsy since radiation is negative... that's a good thing... now to stay in the clear for 5 years... then I will be considered cancer free...!!

I'm so glad you decided to join us. I understand you wanting to not share. I actually didn't tell a single friend about it until after the surgery. Just my mom and girlfriend.

Share when you are ready, or if you need to. Congrats on your last biopsy being fine.

[Daisy Chain]

{{ Tommi }}

Congratulations on your wedding !!

Sounds like you are very blessed to have her love and care, *smiles*

I hope you continue to heal, stay well and enjoy every moment with the people you love and who you love you.

Daisy

Originally Posted by Tommi

Wheeeee Life goes on.

We got married May 2, 2015. . No time for cancer. Time for each other, time to travel, time for her folks who are in the sunset of their lives. Time to blend 2 pet families, and households of furniture. What a wonderful woman, what an amazing two years since we met.

No time for thinking about that recurrence the month we met. Enjoying the sexiest apron clad cook that feeds me healthy stuff, and waits on me hand and foot, without even realizing how wonderful she is. I want for nothing but time, lots more time.

[Daisy Chain]

I too am glad you decided to post.

Don`t feel any need to go into detail about your cancer, nobody needs to know every detail. Its just nice to know you can drop by here on good and bad days and touch base with others who understand how it feels and how it ripples out and effects so many areas of your life, often in surprising ways.

I`m am so glad to hear you have had some good news too !!

Daisy

Originally Posted by girlin2une

So, I got up the nerve to post in here mainly due to Dapper Butch's post in the Zombie thread, encouraging others to post... my story is relatively new.
End of February/beginning of March is when I had radiation...I won't go too far into detail as I have been so very private about everything so far and just need an outlet I think...*I digress...* I have been dealing with cervical issues since my daughter (now 6) was 2...
I'm very reluctant to go into great detail... (can you tell?) and this year has been a year of big things for me... mostly hard...but... I will say this... my last biopsy since radiation is negative... that's a good thing... now to stay in the clear for 5 years... then I will be considered cancer free...!!

[clay]

welcome girlin2une! I am glad you are here. To echo sentiments of the others.....share as much or as little as you wish! You will have support here in many ways! We each walk our path in the way that is unique to our own self! People here are amazing, supportive, and oft times...one just needs gentle hugs! Take care of you and know we walk with you!

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by clay

welcome girlin2une! I am glad you are here. To echo sentiments of the others.....share as much or as little as you wish! You will have support here in many ways! We each walk our path in the way that is unique to our own self! People here are amazing, supportive, and oft times...one just needs gentle hugs! Take care of you and know we walk with you!

Well said clay
We experience cancer in oh so many ways, from that first diagnosis to support of caregivers, those anniversary reminders, and moving on.

so girlin2une, join in reading our words, the cyber-hugs , the understanding that goes without saying any words..., So, for now..maybe some toast and Just a hug, and some tea.

[clay]

thanks tommi!!!!!

[girlin2une]

thank you everyone.
steph

[Luv]

Has anyone here had to deal with bone marrow cancer either yourself or someone you know? ,What can you share with me? Moms 82 and a few weeks before had congestive heart failure

[Daisy Chain]

Hello Luv,

I`m so sorry to hear of your Mom. Personally no, I am in remission from blood cancer and dont know anyone who has battled bone marrow cancer.

Keep dropping by here though....someone may do. The people here are very kind and encouraging I have found so it will be a good resource for comfort and support and hopefully more information.

Sending you and your Mom love and strength.

Daisy

Originally Posted by Luv

Has anyone here had to deal with bone marrow cancer either yourself or someone you know? ,What can you share with me? Moms 82 and a few weeks before had congestive heart failure

[Tommi]

Originally Posted by Luv

Has anyone here had to deal with bone marrow cancer either yourself or someone you know? ,What can you share with me? Moms 82 and a few weeks before had congestive heart failure

Hello Luv,

The thing with cancer, it affects folks in different ways. One really great resource is the Oncology office of her doctor. Usually have a family liaison to help you and give you advice, diets, cautions, etc.

With the CHF and new Medications in her life, all things considered, being well nourished, hydrated and warm is a plus. If chemo/radiation is proposed ask them the best and worse outcomes for Mom.

If biopsy confirmed, histology of cells identified, MRI results, Cancer lab work is all done , get the Primary Doc and Oncologist talking to each other. American Cancer Society has free guides and booklets on line that you can order.

Fatigue, pain, loss of appetite, inability to get up and down easily, extreme caution on traveling, stairs, etc. , as bones fractures aren't something to add on top of it.

Give her fresh flowers to look at.
and a soft fuzzy teddy bear to hold tight against her achy parts when no one I'd there to hug her.

Much love and positive protective bubbles to you and Mom.

[DapperButch]

Hey, guys, I had a colonoscopy today, and I am in the clear!

Only one 3mm polyp, so the next one is in one year!

[Daisy Chain]

Thats WONDERFUL NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!

So So pleased for you !!

*big smiles* Daisy

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hey, guys, I had a colonoscopy today, and I am in the clear!

Only one 3mm polyp, so the next one is in one year!

[clay]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Hey, guys, I had a colonoscopy today, and I am in the clear!

Only one 3mm polyp, so the next one is in one year!

YAY! This is great news DB! Thanks for sharing!

[Daisy Chain]

Hello all, hope everyone is doing well and enjoying happy healthy days.

I went for my 4th antibody therapy treatment today, 4th of 12 every 2 months for 2 years, then I`m on my own !

Its usually given by drip which takes 4 hours to go through but its changed now to a 5 minute injection !! Problem was I had to wait for the drug to arrive at daycare and it also took 40mins and several goes to get a canula in me as and I quote...`my veins are crap, theres just nothing there, they are so fine, they like to hide, oh its blown again and they dont even have any bounce !`....after heat packs, hot water hand washing and a few good slaps we got there ! If only I could have the pre meds, in tablet form I would be in and out.

Anyhow I`m not whining, just sharing. I still think I am privileged to live in a country where care is available, its not for some, and I can go home at the end of it, always a plus !

I would say this though, I`m always a little melancholy to go there, it takes me back to my `ill place` which I manage to keep on the sidelines of my life on the whole. And also brings thoughts of others whom I have sat alongside having treatment and who are no longer with us. Which in turn makes me value every day more.

Anyway, chin up buttercup !

Love to you all, Daisy

[Tommi]

Just checkin in. Reading everyone's posts. A valuable reminder, we are still here, and some, like Daisy Chain still doing the active battles.

That "place" we sometimes see but can't find on a map, can visit, but never want to stay. We can't take anyone with us, without road signs, posted limits, or directions.

Knowing that I am here, and find myself not visiting that place so often, and knowing every single day and every single person and smile is most important.

My Minds Book of Good Memories helps to keep me on the right road, and my plans for the future point to a map on my wall. Sierra Club world map is posted on my kitchen wall, with post it notes of today and tomorrow things to do, places to go. Next week Cleveland, November Galapagos.

Around me are happy pictures, we celebrated my first real tattoo at Benihana's (after my pelvic radiation dot tattoo's, I got Kanji Master script, on my arm, and in my signature below), Our 2nd year anniversary, which was almost two years to the day, after my re-diagnosis, and our Honeymoon Photo in May, also at Benihana's. That is our Friday night dinner place, we celebrate something on those nights, it is my way of marking the road behind, and knowing, that ahead there are Friday nights I will be celebrating my life. In the last two years we have celebrated life, Pictures of two beautiful couples that were married, and in whose wedding we were proud to be part of.

Roses and plumeria blooming all around the house, all year long, to remind me of the natural beauty and smells of this wonderful planet.

All this helps keep me in the place I want to be. Looking out the window, I see the need to refill the hummingbird feeder, so my cat can chatter through the glass, and the little birds can twitter about happy to have a drink in shade, in this horrible hundred degree heat.

I have places to go and things to do. I even forgot about, missed the 6 month follow-up oncologists appointment, now post-poned till mid Oct. and I didn't panic. Maybe because I was dealing with a broken foot, a trip to see the Steelers and my sister I hadn't seen in 25+ years. Taking the wife to meet my estranged family. What a hoot that was, and they welcomed her with open arms.

Since that "place" took me by such surprise, that May of 2004, I am happy to visit BFP and know we are still here, can keep coming back, and understand , those moments, those nights and days, and the life of those interrupted..

Love ,
Tommi

[Genesis]

Good day everyone...

I feel like I was out in a time warp and just got out of it...
My deepest condolences for those that have lost a loved one since I last was active on this thread... Also I am happy and excited for those of you who are
on remission and clean, and those of you still rolling up your sleeves and kicking toosh! As for me, I am doing ok... This year has been an uphill battle with a few wonderful restful stops that had magnificent views and then more climbing... This year is not over and neither are the opportunities for learning and growing... My Mama had been on remission from multiple myeloma for almost a year until probably two-three weeks ago... As of right now... She keeps fighting... and we are hanging on... It had been a while since I had to see her this way... I know it was unrealistic to think that she would not have another battle... another close call... I know it was a bit silly of me to think that she would just keep getting better.... I learned my lesson... duly noted... She is so strong... I just hope I can keep holding on as hard as she is fighting... I love you Mama...

[Genesis]

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is doing well or as good as you can given the current situation you each might be in.
My Mama is recuperating slowly and doing well. She is such a strong woman... Never seizes to amaze me... As for me I'm just keeping my eyes up to the sky and feeling gratitude in my heart for the interesting roller coaster we have been in the last few weeks. Wishing each of you to have wonderful holidays with your loved ones whom you call family.... Make each moment count...

[clay]

Originally Posted by Genesis

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is doing well or as good as you can given the current situation you each might be in.
My Mama is recuperating slowly and doing well. She is such a strong woman... Never seizes to amaze me... As for me I'm just keeping my eyes up to the sky and feeling gratitude in my heart for the interesting roller coaster we have been in the last few weeks. Wishing each of you to have wonderful holidays with your loved ones whom you call family.... Make each moment count...

Sending gentle hugs & healing energies for Genesis & mama!
Hold on to her tight, my friend!!!
Keeping you both close in spirit!!!!

[clay]

:Thursday is my "time of the year"....

NO nor


All shall be well.......hugs to everyone!