peter

Lisa,
You have asked a question many of us ponder. I agree with others here that there are no known answers. We are each different in so many ways, this will always be true.
It’s true that I, among a few others, have drawn a long straw. I am blessed and try to remember that each day but while I have worked hard at research and making choices that I hoped would work for me in the end I really do believe I am just one of the lucky ones.
What do I think may help? Here’s a few:

Surgery – The one piece of data we do have is that our prognosis is best for those of us lucky enough to have this option, and to find a surgeon who has CC experience and is willing to take a chance on us. I was one of the lucky ones.

Attitude – I have a strong desire to live. There is so much life in me.

Love – Loving and being loved. I have wonderful friends and family and the love I have received has been a gift of my cancer. It was always there of course…….but I never let myself see it so clearly.

Faith – This is different for each of us. Whatever we believe what for me matters most is that we live our belief, our faith. Jeff is a wonderful example of this. Mine is much less defined but strong within me.

Willingness to accept that death is part of life. – I’m a gardner and it’s was in the garden that I was unable to avoid recognizing the circle of life and death. This is a hard one to talk about here with so many of us facing death in such real and intimate ways. I’ve been close enough to my own that I feel I can write about my experience, but it is only mine. I love life but while I fear pain and hospitalization I do not fear dying.

Process – I’ve chosen a path with this disease that seemed right for me for whatever reasons. You can read my posts for most of the details but it involves diet, alternative medicines not easily available, chinese medicine, chemo, some drugs to help liver health, and some practices (visualization, some meditation when I can focus, Qi Gong, Yoga, exercise)

The only thing I think is really relevant here is that this is what I choose and it seems to be working for me. Others make different choices that sometimes work and sometimes don’t.
In the end I have so far drawn a long straw. It may be that simple.

This site is the best source of information and hope of anywhere I know of on the planet. We are a special community united by never wanting to be here yet knowing we are understood and cared about when we get here.

My love and hope for all of you.
Courage,
Peter

Jeff,
In support of Kris’s fine example how about a shiny RED head. Would be in keeping with the season, you could impersonate a tree ornament.

courage! You remain and inspiration.

-Peter

Kris,
How does the red hair do with the tub full of baking soda??
Seriously, I’ve got the itching thing back again although I am not jaundiced at all. I’ve never tried bathing in baking soda but I will. Did it relieve the itching for you? Did the relief last after you were out of the bath?
Thanks, I hope the insurance issues are being resolved for you. Are you back in Sweden yet?

Jadine, I too am so sorry you’ve needed to join us here but this both a good resource and wonderful community. Marion is correct in advising that your search on nutrition. I believe it’s important that you find what is right for your body and condition and be constantly willing to adjust to changes.
The chemo cocktail you are considering has been used with some success by others I believe. Managing side effects well is key. Dr’s don’t always prepare you ahead of time with what might help. Jeff has this down better then anyone.
-Peter

Kris,

We’ll always think of you as fiesty with curls……..not so sure about the red though.

But then I’m an old @#$%.

And the curls will be back for real!

-Peter

Michelle,
I have had my ascities drained a few times and talked with different doctors about the benefits/risks of installing drain. The doctors I spoke with acknowledged that a drain can sometimes be valuable in terms of a patients quality of life but all felt that it was best avoided if possible due to the risk of infection.
It is reversible of course so if it becomes a problem for your husband it could be removed. I’m sure it’s very successful for some. I know of one man who had one installed for a trip to visit each of his children and it served him well.
It is also possible, but unusual, for the ascities to go away or be relieved when therapies are successful. I’ve been fortunate to experience this. Not a cure but a reprieve.
-Peter
-Peter

Ted,
I’m so sorry. Your message was beautiful and conveyed so well the Patty most of us never knew except through our connection here.
You, and Patty, will always have a place in this community.

-Peter

5 years! That’s great.

I do not know of Oncs in the Albany area but do have another thought. I use an oncologist 2.5 hours away who has extensive CC experience but I am also fortunate to have a local oncologist who orders the labs for me etc. The two of them are willing to talk and we decide on, or against, treatment based on a 3 way dialog. I maintain the final say.
I realize this is just one more way I am very fortunate but it does work for me and gets the specific expertise w/o extensive travel. I do make the drive a few times a year and am also able to see my surgeon at the same time. (who is now an honorary member of my family)

-Peter

http://wwwp.medtronic.com/Newsroom/NewsReleaseDetails.do?itemId=1195067517214&lang=en_US

Way to go Marion!