kristin
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Awww, you’re all so sweet! Thanks so much for all the good wishes (and to Kris for turning down the vibe-intensifier.)
I’m telling myself it’s just a stuck piece of crud in my liver… possible??
Hugs to everyone,
Kristin
Hi Harmony,
We’re so glad to “meet” you! Your spirit and energy are an inspiration to all of us. Hope you continue to do well and enjoy life every day!
All the best to you,
Kristin
Surgeons tend to think that surgery is the only thing in the world that works. You REALLY need to talk to a radiation oncologist and a medical (chemo) oncologist as well. After my second surgery failed, I had radiation and Xeloda (chemo pills) and I’ve had a wonderful three+ years since then. I don’t think I would even be alive today if I hadn’t insisted on seeing a radiation oncologist.
Wishing you and your sweetie all the best–
Kristin
Woo-hoo!! And just in time. You probably need every hair you can get to insulate your head from a Swedish winter!
Rock on!
Kristin
I don’t know, Marion… I read about this a year ago, so I don’t remember the exact number, but it did really seem like too many cases of such a rare cancer in such a small area to be a coincidence. And considering the amount of money to be made in mining the “tar sands,” I’m not surprised that they claim it’s caused by something else.
My heart goes out to those poor Native people who have to deal with this disease, way up there and far from cutting-edge health care…
Kristin
I was in the same situation as you– the tumors weren’t growing and seemed to be stable– so I decided to wait with chemo and see what happened. 18 months later, they’re still stable.
My oncologist was very supportive of my decision. He said “if a particular chemo drug will work now, it will also work a few months from now.” He also said that there are two reasons to treat with chemo– if it can cure a patient (which in my case, it can’t) or make the patient feel better (and in my case, it sure can’t, because I feel great!) I go to see him every two months and have bloodwork done– my liver enzymes are always a little bit high, but they don’t change much, and CA19-9 is normal.
So, that’s what I decided. Just something for you to think about.
Wishing you all the best,
Kristin
Hi Kris,
Sorry for not writing sooner but I was away with no email access for a week. I join all the others here in sending you all my thoughts, prayers, and very best wishes. And I hope you are enjoying the heck out of every minute of every day. None of us knows what the future will bring– all we have is NOW– and I hope you and Hans are spending as much of it as possible doing all the things you love. (Plus, another way to look at it is: three mostly doctor-free weeks! There’s a lot to be said for that.)
Hugs ((((((((((((((Kris))))))))))))))))))
from Kristin
I had an open wound after one surgery and had to change my own dressings at home. It’s amazing how quickly things like that become just a routine. I’m sure you’ll do just fine, and it’s great that you can help your dad by doing his IVs. I’m sure it’s a comfort to him to have you doing that.
Best wishes,
KristinDear Jeff,
We are so glad you found us! This group is the most helpful, supportive, amazing bunch of people in the world. And knowledgeable– any question you can think of, someone here can answer.
I agree with what others have said about getting a second opinion. I know it all seems overwhelming now, but there is no standard treatment for this disease and different doctors have different approaches, and it really is worth getting another point of view. If I hadn’t insisted on also seeing a radiation oncologist when I had my recurrence, I honestly don’t think I would be alive now.
Please let us know how we can help you. We’re all sending tons of good wishes to you and Marc!
Kristin
That sounds like a very sensible and helpful program. I’ve never heard of anyone having any difficulties with curcumin or milk thistle in any form. Would you consider having him take the C, E, and fish oil sooner? All three are widely recommended, and you might want to have him get the benefit from them early on.
Please give my best to your brother!
Kristin
Hi Margaret,
I too was originally told that I wasn’t a candidate for radiation, but I insisted on talking to a radiation oncologist, and they treated me and it worked very well. We all need to follow our intuitions and keep pushing to get what we need.
Wishing you 23 YEARS– at least!
Kristin
Dear Kris,
You have SO many things going for you!
You are young and strong, and have been doing everything you can to help yourself be well. You have a whole team of expert doctors sharing their experience, knowledge, and insights. You have a husband and family who love you deeply. And you have us, your second family all around the world, praying for you and sending all our best wishes.
Surgery is always a risk. I found out after my first surgery that 10% of patients don’t survive the surgery I had– and that operation didn’t even seem so bad to me at the time. (Actually, I felt a lot worse after my burst appendix.) But you should keep in mind that most people with cc are much older and weaker than you, and don’t have as much energy to draw on as you do. It seems to me that you would have about the best chance of anyone around for the best possible outcome from surgery.
You know we will all be standing with you, whatever decision you make. If you keep your eye on the positive the way you always have, you will surely make the right decision for you.
Big hugs to you from your biggest fan–
Kristin
According to the book Anticancer (author: Servan-Schreiber) curcumin is absorbed much more readily when combined with black pepper and mixed with oil. He recommends 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with a pinch of ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil daily. I’ve been taking it that way for over a year now. The book has footnotes with all the research references, if you’re interested.
Hope this helps! My best to both of you.
Kristin
