jclegg
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Irene,
I am so, so sorry to hear about your Mom. Words really cannot express how sad I am for you. I have an only child myself, and I know how close we are. To have to cope with this loss, and at the same time cope with the cc is just so unfair to you! I do think, however, that your Mom would want you to go on and fight – have the resection and keep on trying. I know that is what I would want my daughter to do.Joyce C
Sophie,
We are all pulling for you. That darn chemo does a number – I remember when Butch 1st started taking it – went thru the whole thing – white count off – off chemo – back on – dreadfully tired – nauseous, etc. Jeff is right – the Doctor will run some test and – hopefully – straighten it out for you.Joyce C
Hi Lainy,
I am working on my letter – will get it to you in the next fewdays. I am very excited about this whole project, and hope we can bring it to fruition.Joyce
Although I am a caregiver, and not the patient, I have often thought the same thing since Butch was diagnosed in March – “how are we going to get through this”. After much praying about it , I undersand that the Lord is with us on this journey, and he will help us to bear the burden. Between God, the support of family and friends, and the people on this board, we are able to go on to the next day, and the next, etc. It has given me a new found respect for life – I look at things differently, and my perspective of what is important and what is not has very much changed. One of the biggest problems that we all face is that life is going on – situations are arising that have to be addressed, there are financial considerations that we fight, and there is a lot of sadness – everyday we are all battling life, but – for me at least – I draw upon that inner strength, and lean on God, and he always carrie us through.
God bless you,
Joyce
I think that you ALL are awe-inspiring. What an honor it is to be part of such a group. Sheryl, welcome to our site. I hope you find comfort and helpful information here.
Bless you all.
Joyce C
Charlene,
We are all praying for you and John. I have been following your story since I joined this board, and want so much to help you walk this path. It is so difficult, and you have borne so much for so long. I pray that God give you strength to see it through.Joyce
Great news kris – we are all so happy for you. Hope they find out what that pain is all about, too. That turkeybutt sounds DREADFUL! Like the idea of the red wine – I told Butch we are going to start drinking one small glass a day – it is good for us.
Joyce C
Anne,
So happy to hear your husband’s surgery went well – recovery is VERY difficult. Butch is doing much better, but he is SO weak. Lost a ton of weight, and is not very interested in eating. I cajole, beg and plead, holler and throw a “hissy fit” to get him to eat (I am pretty good at it – had a lot of experience!) I am grateful, though , for the opportuntiy to “get it all”, and – while not looking forward to his going back to chemo – think we are beter off than before he did this.Joyce
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Where your Mom is now, there is no illness or suffering. Let us all pray that a cure is found for this terrible cancer, so that no more people will have to suffer.
Joyce
Sophie,
Just read the posts – been missing for a few days – Butch and I just got home from UPMC. Did you maybe read my post – Butch was refused surgery at Mayo – because of mets found pre-surgery in a laporoscopy. I wrote UPMC – great Surgeon – Dr. Gamblin – he requested all records – I sent them to him. He operated on July 16th – removed right lobe of liver (8.3 centimeter tumor) 1/4 of left lobe – smaller tumor, portal vein reconstruction, and removed bad lymph nodes. We are back in Endicott – he was in the hospital almost 6 weeks – all kinds of problems, – 3 infections, heart problems, fluid in lungs, etc., BUT – he is home now. Very weak, but recovering. Must take chemo when well enough, BUT – those dratted tumors are gone. Not bad for a 66 year old guy whose immune system was weak – from chemo – going in. We are very grateful to Dr. Gamblin – going down for a follow up visit on Sept. 10, and – even though I do NOT give our hospital stay there kudos (our blog is listed on family blogs, and tells the story) , we both say we would do it again – at least he has a better chance now, we feel. I hope this helps you. Go to upmc.com – liver cancer center – find Dr. Gamblin and send him an e-mail – tell him I sent you to him! He actually said he read our site – at cc.org – a couple of times, and several other Doctors at the center were very interested in it also.joyce
My condolences to you and your daughter. My prayer for you is that you find peace. I take great comfort in the fact that we are making an effort to write letters and make the CC story known to the public, and hope you will take comfort from this also. We need research, to find a cure so that other people will not have to endure what all of us – our loved ones and ourselves – have had to endure.
Joyce
I just read these posts about writing a letter – think it is a wonderful idea – would love to submit. Sophie – I love your letter, but – I agree with Kris – I was told at the Mayo that CC is 2nd – only pancreatic is worse – that is bad enough, however!
Joyce
Carrie Ann,
You might try a 2nd opinion from UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical School) Liver cancer center – My husband Butch is here (at UPMC) and was operated on July 15, by Doctor Gamlin, assisted by Dr. Marsh – if you look at the website – upmclivercancercenter.org – you will find information. Dr. Gamlin operated on my husband when he was refused by Mayo clinic – (a laprascopy prior to surgery showed mets to the lower diaphraghm (one lymph node was affected), and they stopped the operation). Dr. Gamlin did it, and took out 3/4 of his liver – right lobe (8.2 cent tumor) , half the left lobe (smaller tumor), reconstructed the portal vein, LONG, LONG surgery, but – he leaves the hospital on Monday. We had many complications, including infectiions, cardiac problems brought on by the infections, fluid on the lungs, etc., but – he and his team brought him through. His liver and kidney functions are all good, and he is getting stronger. In spite of all the problems, he says he would do it again, and we are very grateful to Dr. Gamblin and his team. They have other options her in addition to surgery, also. Although we had problems with the hospital stay (in particular the dietary department!), with the nursing shortage, I am not sure that we wouldn’t have run into this anywhere – but – the doctors were the best – and I would recommend them to anyone – as someone said – just bring your own lunch!Best of luck to your Mother – keeping on searching for an answer, and God’s peace to you all.
Joyce
Kara,
My deepest sympathy to you – and your whole family. May God comfort you and give you peace at this difficult time.Joyce
