'IT'S OKAY TO CRY'

My priest visited last month and one of the things he said to me was that it was okay to cry for yourself. I do; we all do. But I think we feel guilty about it. I think sometimes I feel that there is always someone worse than me. Perhaps there is, but that doesn't mean that I shouldn't cry for myself.

I've been in some pain recently. I've been taking a 24hour pain pill plus perkaset as a break-out pill (taken when the pain breaks thru the 24 hour pill). And with the pain there is always some depression; some questions as to why? Why me? etc. I think that without the pain I'm strong enough to fight anything! I could even run a marathon! But this is not my reality. So, I need to do what I can to relieve the pain and go on with my fight on a different level.

So far I haven't heard from my doctor about the second opinion. Hopefully it will be soon because the longer I wait the more anxious I get. Especially when there is something that might help me.

I must remember that it's okay to cry. And for friends and family who are close to those of us suffering from Cancer, Please let us cry. Hug us, cry with us, understand where we are coming from. It would mean so much to us.

Confusion, Confusion, Confusion

Hi,

I am confused. I went to see a doctor at Mt. Sinai for a second opinion. The Cancer is not in the bone; it is not in the stomach; it is in the lymph nodes around the lung; it is getting worse in the liver and the pancreas. NOT IN THE BONE!! NOT IN THE STOMACH!! Glory be!

I do have another doctor to see on September 18. A volunteer from the AMI who is driving me to appointments recommended him. He is a 10 year Colon cancer survivor.

The Doctor at Mt. Sinai did recommend a different mixture of Chemo that might work in reducing the Cancer in the liver.

I cannot have the Whipple procedure (see archives) because the Cancer has spread to the lung, the lymph nodes and the esophagus.

I will see the third doctor, will take the chemo, will continue the fight. The pain has gotten worse but I am dealing with it. I will continue to blog with any and all info I can share. I will also post Stage 3 and Stage 4 Cancer.

Love you all!

A SET BACK BUT STILL FIGHTING

Hi,

I had a setback last Wednesday. The tests showed that the Chemo was not working and that the Cancer has spread to my stomach the other lung and in my spine. I am going first for an opinion from a top onchologist at Mt. Sinai and than another here at Orange Reginal. So know, that for now, I am NOT giving up. I do need the prayers of many and the good wishes you are all sending my way. Know that Life is a series of moments and each moment has birth and death in it.

Thank you for reading my blog and I do hope to continue to give you the best info I can.

Please all of you - send an email to Ellen and LaZy Boy for the chairs we need at the Cancer Center @ orange reginal Horton Hospital.

Thanks again.

Some Pain - Great Friends

I've had some pain lately. It starts in the center of my abdomen (right below the breast bone and moves toward the left. I called my doctor and he gave me a prescription for pain. It works but doesn't last long. But I think it's okay for now.

I want to mention here the great friends I have and they know what they've done for me.

They are:

Ellie and Joe (of Course)
Susan and Mark
Ida (Lisa's Cousin )
Joe (Lisa's Son)
Stephanie
Sheila
Trish and Sister Lorraine

And of Course My Family:

My Brother Pat

Cousins:
Roseanne
Marge
Angela
Ralph
Philip

Their support and good wishes, prayers and retreats have all made a difference in my battle against this Cancer.

I also want to thank my Priest - Rev. Tono for his prayers and encouragement during this difficult time.

I Love you all. I've been blessed.

Thank you.

How I'm Doing

I was suppose to find out today how Chemo is working. As with all things, not enough of the scans were ordered, so the Doctor was not able to see how the tumors are reacting to the Chemo. He did say, however, that the blood tests showed some improvement with my Liver.

Good news. I'll be taking a cat-scan and bone scan on Monday and will see my doctor on Wednesday for the results.

I've been dealing well with the Chemo (no nausea; getting sick.) I do get tired; constipated and have lots of gas (I know what to do with it too....). and I am losing hair. The important thing here is I am not getting sick and my white count is good. So for now, I'll be continuing the Chemo until the scan results are in.

Stage II

STAGE II Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer is considered Stage II if, following surgical removal of cancer in the pancreas the final pathology report shows that the cancer has only spread locally. Locally meaning it extends to the duodenum, bile ducts or fat surrounding the pancreas, but the cancer has not invaded local lymph nodes and cannot be detected in other locations in the body. Most early pancreatic cancer can be removed by surgery. Unfortunately early detection accounts for a minority of newly diagnosed cases.

Stage II Pancreatic Cancer is best treated with surgical removal of the cancer. It is call the Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy). This procedure involves the removal of part of the pancreas, small intestine(duodenum), stomach and the entire gallbladder.

Adjuvant Therapy (the delivery of cancer treatment(s) following Surgery). Adjuvant Therapy includes Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy or Biologic Therapy. Adjuvant Therapy is used to help prevent a recurrences of the Cancer.

LaZboy - A Letter

I sent an Email yesterday to LaZboy Marketing Department. At the Cancer Infusion Center at Horton Hospital in Middletown, N.Y. , where I get my Chemo - there sits 14 of the ugliest, most uncomfortable lounge chairs I have ever sat in. I asked LaZboy to donate part or all of the chairs needed. Some of us spend anywhere from 2 to 6 hours receiving Chemo and it is extremely hard for us to get and stay comfortable on the chairs we now have.

Please send your prayers that they answer and agree.