willow

I have faith and hope in this line of research (immunotherapy) for targeting cancer cells and leaving healthy tissue alone.

Pam,
How wonderful to spend time with your family in a beautiful place. I know It doesn’t take away your grief at the loss of your dear Lauren, but it is good for your soul to rest and even enjoy yourselves. Keeping you in my thoughts and heart,
Willow

Peggy,
Hang in there. Get multiple treatment opinions and know that you and your brother aren’t alone. Once treatment is in place it gets easier to breathe. My sister has made it a year, is stable and stage 4. Surprised they said no to radiation…there are many types that target tumors while avoiding healthy liver tissue. If he responds well to one of the chemist, treatment options can change.
Willow

Congrats Tiff, on yet another milestone!! You’re an inspiration, truly!
Take it easy…seriously. And God Bless you.
Willow

Wow , Kris! Glad to hear this good news. And you’re so funny about your new clothes being lonely ! Keeping you in my thoughts as always,
Willow

Hi Carl,
I understand your anxiety… you are wanting a concrete plan administered in a timely fashion with a generally predictable outcome. That’s what is so difficult and anxiety inducing about this particular type of cancer…it’s so variable as are the treatment options and responses. I too find myself worrying about the future of my sister and her little boy but I am trying to stay in and enjoy the present with her. Not too hard since she happens to be doing ok right now, even at stage 4…she’s made it almost a year and feels pretty good. She chose not to “spin her wheels” second guessing her Stanford docs by getting multiple opinions (because it would require more decisions to make, she knows little about medicine and she was afraid to delay treatment) so she puts her trust completely in her doctors at Stanford. She doesn’t research CC or participate in this blog as it is too scary to her hearing what others are suffering or horrible stats and so she copes mainly by trying to focus on home improvement projects, parenting and on organizing the mountains of insurance/medical paperwork. Ironically, she has sort of listemed to friends who insist on outrageous and even dangerous cures (like laetrile aka vitamin B-17) while literally begging her not to do chemo (“its poison pushed by doctors and ‘big pharma’ to make money!” they tell her). I vehemently insist she run anything by her Drs and look at the scientific facts. Im more analytical and so can’t stop searching for scientifically proven answers and ideas, even though my sister may not qualify for many of the treatments out there. Hang in there, Carl, you’re not alone. Many, like Kris and Lisa, and Cathy are great examples if survivors who roll with the changes CC brings, treating it like a chronic condition.
Willow

Sandy,
Wow, what a ride you and your partner have been on! This site has been a Godsend to me as I help my sister navigate CC.
You are not alone here and will find lots of information and support here. This disease is tricky and complicated with several types and mutations that respond variably to treatments. Sounds like your partner is in good hands finally, though I know you are holding on and waiting for some good news from tomorrow’s scan.
Best to you,
Willow

Thanks, Marion! Been so long since I studied genetics as a biology major (UC Davis), but still have a deep seated desire to understand more about cancer. Knowledge base has expanded hugely over the last 25 years. Thanks for continuing to provide links to information!
Willow