Introduction

Discussion Board Forums Introductions! Introduction

Viewing 6 posts - 16 through 21 (of 21 total)
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  • #56014
    lainy
    Spectator

    WELCOME, Cheryl to our most awesome family, and congratulations on the shrinkage. I love your attitude as it is the best RX and will help you a lot. Please do not listen to statistics as our members have proven them wrong over and over again. My husband, among many others here was told a year and it became 5 1/2 years. As to how long you chemo or stop, your ONC can only tell by Scans which will be done periodically to check your shrinkage. We are also strong believers in 2nd/3rd opinions. Try to read up as much as you can as knowledge is the best way to fight CC. We are happy you have found us and please keep us updated on your progress.

    #56013
    pam
    Spectator

    Cheryl, I just wanted to say hello and welcome to this site. I see you are from Moss Point, MS. I am from Ocean Springs, MS but am living in GA for the present time. My dad had this cancer for about 6 months. It was very advanced by the time he was diagnosised. He passed away last November. Please keep fighting and having a positive attitude. And don’t forget your medication! :) You mentioned grandchildren. How old are they? If you’d like, tell us a bit about yourself. You will find that this site will be a wonderful support for you! Please come back as often as you would like. And again, welcome neighbor. Pam

    #56012
    marions
    Moderator

    Cheryl….I would like follow mn and welcome you to our site. (We call it: the club no one wants to belong to, but is glad to have found.)
    As mn has mentioned tumor shrinkage is good news and I hope for it to continue. You mentioned that you did not feel well due to not taken your daily meds. By that do you mean the antibiotics and steroids?
    You also did not mention as to where you are being treated and whether you have searched out a second or third opinions from a specialist “very” familiar with this cancer.

    I agree with mn in that people vary in their responses to treatments and I can also say that the survival predictions given to our members often have been proven wrong. We also prefer not to pay too much attention to the statistics. It takes many years to compile the data and by the time it is published new treatment options will have evolved.
    For some this disease is comparable to a chronic condition and they stay with one particular treatment for a long time whereas others may need to switch and take on a different approach.
    I am sure that others will chime in real soon and share some of their thoughts with you also.
    Again, I am glad that you have found us. Please, know that the members on this site are the nicest, caring, kindest (I could go on and on) people you will ever have the opportunity to meet.
    All my best wishes,
    Marion

    #56011
    peggyp
    Member

    Hi Cheryl,

    My husband has been living with CC for over three years. He had surgery in August ’08 and started chemo in March ’09. He takes one day at a time and he also has a positive attitude like you. So, as long as you can tolerate the chemo, and it appears to be working, keep on fighting hard. I just read about Bob, who is a 15-year survivor, and there are many on this site who are long survivors. I am sending well wishes your way for 2012 and will keep you in my prayers. PeggyP

    #56010
    mn
    Spectator

    Dearest Cheryl,

    You will get lots of help and support here. I’m glad you posted. I’m glad to hear that your chemo is working and that your tumor has shrunk. That is wonderful news. I’m also glad to hear that you are tolerating it well. Which type of chemo are you on. My mother did both xeloda and gemzar, and then another one (my brain isn’t working quite right…I don’t know why the name just left my head).

    You will find a lot of success stories here and lots of people who are survivors for over several years. They are all truly an inspiration. Everybody reaction to cc is different, so no one can say how long anyone has. The good news is you feel good and your tumor has shrunk. Attitude is so important and I’m glad to hear you have a good attitude.

    Many people will continue with chemo as long as it is still working. Many people will be on it indefinitely. But as long as it is working and the side effects aren’t too bad…keep going.

    I wish you the best of luck with your treatments and a very healthy 2012.

    #6134
    ellinch2
    Member

    I was diagnosed with cc around 8/29/11 and shortly after that was told I had 4 to 6 months to live. Since I was having severe pain alongside my right neck and over to my arm, I went to the ER. I had had an appointment earlier that day with my orthopedic doctor and he told me there was nothing wrong with my neck. The only suggestion he had was that sometimes that pain is related to the lungs. I was afraid there was something really wrong relating to the lungs. That is why I went back to the ER. A Prior visit to ER for chest pain caused a complete cardio checkup – which all came out very well.

    I have had 7 or 8 chemo treatments and the next MRI showed that the tumor had shrunk a little. Almost every chemo treatment resulted in a fever within a few days. It was strange and I considered stopping the chemo. I didn’t stop it and after being on antibiotics and steroids for bronchitis, I didn’t get anymore fevers. Actually I was feeling so well, I thought I was probably cured. Then I went off and left my meds at home last night and went 24 hours without them. I was in an awful place by the time I got back home and really broke down, which I am sure scared my grandchildren. After I took my meds (about an hour or so after), I felt good again. Actually, I am not 100percent like I felt over the last couple or three weeks, but I am much better.

    The fact that I have cc does not scare me. But since I was told the average lifespan was months, I was wondering if anyone out there had people die within a few months? I have a great attitude about the cc and my life. I am not down about it. I just would like to have an idea if a year or more is not only possible, but maybe probable. How long do you get chemo? Is there a point when the chemo stops?

    I am new to this forum and am looking for all the info I can get on what happens next and down the road. Thanks.

    Cheryl

Viewing 6 posts - 16 through 21 (of 21 total)
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