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.

Catching Up

Hi,

I've been trying to catch up with news and happenings but LIFE GOT IN THE WAY! Isn't that GREAT!!! Well in a way it is but in another way it isn't. I just want to update you. I was having problems getting my medications (non Cancer related but needed just as well). I was appalled that my Medicare Drug Plan - Advantra Freedom - told me that they paid $2,400.00 for me and that I must now pay 100% of drug costs. I did apply for Medicaid but was approved only with a "Spend Down". What is a spend down? It's what I need to pay before Medicaid kicks in. My Spend Down is $610.00! I get $1300.00 a month from SS - after rent and other bills I have $90.00 to spend for Food and other living expenses and any over the counter drugs I might need. I do know that there are those in much worse position than I and it is for these people I am posting the following helpful information.


PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE
1-888-477-2669
WWW.PPARX.ORG


RxOUTREACH
Phone for application - 1-800-769-3880


LILLY CARES
1-800-545-6962 for application or
www.lillycares.com to download application


GSK ACCESS

1-866-518-4357 (they will mail application)


CROC (Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer)

A wonderful group who do wonderful things for people with Cancer. Call them and you won't be disappointed.

HOT LINE: 1-845-291-8578

Address: CROC
POB 860
New Hampton, New York 10958

They can also use your contribution.

I have a lot more to tell you. I'll post additional info tomorrow.






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