Wanted: Survivor Stories

It is with a sad heart that I have to inform you Kim and Kathy that our Kristin passed away last year. She was a shining star, as so many of our brave fighters have been and her legacy will stay with us as long as this discussion board will be in existence. She is deeply missed.
I am so sorry to have to be the one passing on the news to you however, I felt it to be the right thing to do, as your conversation with her will not be answered and I feel that you need to be informed of the reason.
Again, I am so sorry to have to pass on this heartbreaking news to our newcomer.
All my love,
Marion

I’ve read all of your posts & want to respond to everyone. First of all, Kristin, I totally agree with what you’ve said and yes you are a survivor since you are surviving. My story is listed under the Intro section as “My inspirational story”. Since it’s so long, I won’t reiterate. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t know if I will ever believe I am a cc survivor or even cancer-free, but to date, I have undergone ex vivo resection with a lot of reconstruction. This is a very rare type of surgery. I believe my surgery was the 6th one performed by my miracle worker surgeon, Dr. Kato. Although I was told in July following my surgery that I was cancer-free, I will forever be looking over my shoulder. As a matter of fact, I have a CT Scan scheduled for 12/28 & I must admit that I am a bit nervous to know of the results. I just keep positive & won’t allow my mind to drift onto negative thoughts. I have fought quite a few battles during the past year & I’m certainly not about to stop now. Regardless of what this next CT Scan shows, I will face it with my eyes wide open & fight with all of my might as I always do. It truly saddens me when I hear of people who begin to “give up”. I know all too well what it feels like to not be able to get out of bed, or to feel like you’re not going to make it, but through it all, I never allowed giving up to be an option. If anything, the more I was told that I was inoperable, the madder I got & the more I found the strength to fight even harder. As I mentioned, I will know in about another week if my CT Scan is still clear, but all I can say is I am alive today & feeling very well. I was able to Christmas shop for my children, partake in Christmas festivities, eat like a pig, and hug my daughters on Christmas morning. My current oncologist said that I should not be alive right now and that he believes someone took me by the hand. I truly believe that as well. He never even heard of the type of surgery I had, but he said he is certainly going to tell other doctors about it. During my recuperation period from my extensive surgery (5 months ago), I have even designed a pendant/bracelet for cancer patients. It is currently being made in China. I should have the finished product in a few weeks. The purpose of my pendant is to provide cancer patients with a sense of empowerment. Although we don’t have much control over this nasty disease, we do have control over our ability to fight. If anyone is interested in seeing my design, I would love to share it with you. To anyone who feels as though they want to give up, I would like to leave you with the words of one of my favorite quotes by Jack Dempsey which states: “A Champion is Someone Who Gets up Even When He Can’t”. Please never give up. Get up & keep on fighting!! This disease can be conquered, but you must fight to win. Best wishes & God bless to all!!

My husband was diagnosed with cc in the bile duck, isolated, resectable, v small tumour in April 2010. he had an operation on July 1, 2009 and was told that the prognosis was very good. In April 2010 he began to experience indigestion symptoms when on holiday and after eating fatty food he was not used to. He had a CT Scan which was normal but same symptoms continued on and off which became worse when on holidays. By the end of September he was admitted to hospital and after three endoscopies and several scans he was told
he had an obstruction, scar tissue from the operation which eventually led to an
operation in order to by pass the stricture. The operation was one on Nov 3, When he was told that the cancer had returned and there is nothing they can do.He finds it extremely hard to cope with the prognosis and the idea that he was told that “he needs to get used to the idea of dying”… I have read A lot about the body-mind medicine and we have consulted an integrated medicine doctor. That experience was a positive one but my husband is now having a lot of doubts regarding the stove or complementary practices. He is a medical doctor and it is difficult for him to open up on new ideas. The oncologist is pushing towards chemo (but cannot remember the names of the drugs) which mostly do not work and if they do will prolong his life at the end bynthree months. He is not readied to make this decision. In fact he seems lost regard g everything including fighting even if he may have a small chance to survive or live with the cancer. Could anybody help us with some different ideas or suggestions?

Many thanks…
thirdtimelucky?

2010 and three days later the surgeon told him that the cancer was back and it was a tumour mass under the scar tissue in the deodinum and this was the reason it was not showing in the scan. He also said that there is nothing they can do and whatever wil happen will happen. the gastroenterologist and the oncologist told him that it is a rare toe of cancer, they don’t know much about it and so there is nothing they can do so he must get used to the idea of dying! he oncologist told him that he can have chemo which, if it will work, it will give him an extra three months at end…however there is nothing else they can say. He is shock and talks very little… I researched the Internet and read quite a bit about the body-mind medicine that involves a special diet alkaline diet, supplements, mediation, accupuncture, yoga, visualisation exercises and physical fitness (walking, running, etc). We have actually had a consultation with an integrated medicine doctor, who is a qualified general medicine practitioner with 25 years expediente with cancer patients. My husband has another scan on January 26, 2011 in order to look for any spread. He feels confused regarding the chemo and under a lot of pressure to make a decision himself. We live in the UK and the oncologist is in our regional hospital with little experience on this type of cancer. Is there anyone who can help us with any alternative ideas?

He began taking the supplements and followed the special diet for three weeks but he is now having doubts about continuing with the body-mind medicine. I don’t know how to help him because he refuses to even think about anything I suggest including getting second and medical opinions. Even though I am not in denial of the medical opinion, I still believe that we need to look at what they do elsewhere and consider all the recommendations of the body-mind medicine.

Thanks so very much, Dale. I wish that you and I had more time to connect while at the symposium therefore, your story will make up for part of it.
I am hoping for us to meet again real soon.
Best,
Marion

Kristin…..We don’t only think rather, we KNOW that your story will bring joy to all. Thanks for doing it.
Good luck on Friday. I can’t wait to see your drain problem finally solved. You are too busy chasing the aliens.
Hugs coming your way,
Marion

Thanks Linda. Kristin, are you up to sending your story to Rick? And please, anyone else?. Knowing Rick, he will find the perfect spot to display it. It will be a great way of starting the day.
Best to each and everyone,
Marion

You are a TRUE SUCCESS, Kristin & long, long, long may you continue to be so!!!

Julia xx