joRenge's Life Battle - Hope is Believing - Faith is Knowing

'IT'S OKAY TO CRY'

2007-09-11T12:22:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-10T02:33:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-04T04:15:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-29T07:12:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-22T21:18:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-12T09:17:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-02T04:47:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-01T20:45:00.000-04:00

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.

Free Counter

Additional Info on Pancreas/Stage 1

2007-07-24T07:03:00.000-04:00

The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the posterior of the abdomen. It lies between the liver and the spleen. It produces digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin.

STAGE 1 PANCREATIC CANCER

Stage 1 Pancreatic Cancer does not extend beyond the Pancreas; it is not present in the liver, stomach, lung or any of the surrounding lymph nodes.

Stage 1 Pancreatic Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) is best treated with surgery. The most common surgery is called the Whipple Procedure where a portion of the Pancreas , the small intestine (duodenum), and stomach is removed as well as the entire gallbladder.

Surgery is not enough. Adjuvant Therapy WHICH IS THE DELIVERY OF CANCER TREATMENT FOLLOWING SURGERY. THE PURPOSE OF ADJUVANT THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH STAGE 1 PANCREATIC CANCER IS TO REDUCE CANCER RECURRENCES.

|New Adjuant Therepy consists of the following:

5-FU CHEMOTHERAPY
5-FU CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION (CHEMORADIATION )
BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT

JoRenge's LIFE BATTLE - Diagnosis

2007-07-21T07:45:00.000-04:00

Hi,

There are a number of tests that are used to detect the presence of cancer cells and if the cancer has spread

MRI - magnetic resonance imaging
- The first Test I took was an MRI of my abdomen. Since I had some pain there the doctor felt that it might be my stomach. This test showed the Cancer in the Pancreas with smaller tumors in the liver and the right lung
BIOPSY - This was the second test. Here, a Radiologist performs the biopsy while you are lying under the cat-scan. They gave me a local anesthetic to numb the area where they will insert the needle (the left side). The Doctor is looking at a tv monitor to track his was down to the Pancreas. I watched as he reached the area, and saw when he cut off a sample of the Tumors for testing.
CT scan - Also called CAT scan - "Commputerized Tomography" uses x-rays to develop a three-dimensional picture of a part of the body.
Nuclear Scan - A radioactive substance is swallowed or injected into the patient. A scanner measures radioactive levels in the body and takes pictures. Abnormal areas appear where radioactivity is detected in the organs. (I did not take this test.).
Ultrasound or *Ultrasonography) - A microphone like device sends sound waves that bounce off tissues. The echoes are converted into a picture (sonogram) shown on a monitor.
BONE SCAN - Here you are under a tube like machine. It starts at your feet and moves you through taking images of your skeleton and viewing them on the screen. When my scan was over I asked if I could see my skeleton. Boy was I cute. This test showed that the cancer did not spread into my bones or my lymph nodes. Yeah!
PET SCAN- Positron Emission Tomography - this test uses low-dose, radioactive sugar to determine the activity of cells in a tumor. The dose of sugar feels hot when it enters your system. It was explained to me that the material creates a hot spot wherever there is a tumor(s). Here is where confirmation that I had cancer in my liver, right lung and also in my esophagus. I then had a biopsy of my liver which confirmed it was Pancreatic Cancer of the Liver (which means the cancer in my Pancreas has spread to the Liver, Lung and Esophagus. Thisis called metastatic pancreatic cancer. It is not Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer or Cancer of the Esophagus. When cancer spreads from its original place the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor.

Tomorrow I will discuss Staging.

Please give me your feedback on this. Is it clear? Does it help you to unnderstand? I would appreciate any comments.

Thank you.

JoRenge's LIFE BATTLE - Possibilities

2007-07-19T08:25:00.000-04:00

Hi,

Researches in the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center found that new onset of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) diabetes in adults age 50 or older may be a signal of underlying pancreatic cancer.

What is necessary is a preventive test for those who are diabetic and have uncontrolled glucose levels and who may be predisposed for Cancer. The need here is to try to detect the Cancer before it has a chance to Metastasize (cancer spreading to distant organs such as the lungs and liver).

Since most insurance companies do not cover preventive testing we are the mercy of time. We need to change this. I'm not sure what the solution is since Insurance Coverage is already high, but something needs to be done. Perhaps an addendum to current policies that "at risk individuals " may pay an additional premium charge so that they will be covered for preventive care testing.

So if you can, Please contact your Congressmen, Senators and Presidential Candidates and tell them of your concerns.

I will try to get more info for you tomorrow. Also I will try to get you a few links.

How I am doing.

I feel very good. My white count is good. My appetitie is good. My outlook is good. My hair is falling out! (I'm going to have my head shaved to day. I always wanted a Yul Brenner Cut especially when I had bad hair days.

I will have a photo on this site in a couple of weeks.

Take care and remember - prayer is our strength. Keep at it.

Thanks for your time.

JoRenge

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

2007-07-17T12:49:00.000-04:00

Hi,

My life battle began on June 1, 2007. I needed medical clearance for catarac surgery. I was in my primary doctor's office when my blood sugar took a dive (I have been a diabetic for 10 years) . Until recently my blood sugar was under control. I thought the fluctuations were caused mostly by occationally breaking my diet. I was so determined to get my sugar back in check, I went to Orange Regional Diabectic Care Counseling just the week before. Since I got sick in my Doctor's Office, she was obliged to call 911. As we were waiting I began having trouble breathing and was having pain in the center of my chest. When the EMT s arrived, they began to take my vitals. My blood pressure also fell dangerously low. Off to the hospital we went.

Because of the chest pains I was admitted to the hospital where a number of cardiograms were performed including the echo. I also wore a heart monitor around my neck. All of these initial tests showed that my heart was in good shape. So why the pain? My doctor desided that an MRI might show a problem with my stomach. I was taken down the next day
The results were devestating. While viewing the MRI they spotted a mass of tumors on my pancreas and smaller spots on my liver and my right lung. How can that be?

They immediately scheduled me for a pancreatic biopsy. Positive for Pancreatic Cancer. The spots on my liver were very small and those on my right lung even smaller. My doctor thought that they may be able to get a sample from my liver and he thought I should go for the biopsy. I agreed. He also wanted to schedule me for a PET Scan. This is where Radioactive material is injected into you and then you have a CAT Scan. The Radioactive material will create "HOT SPOTS" if Cancer is present in any other organ. The doctor said this test is about 90% accurate. Combined with the Liver biopsy he would get a better idea how to treat me.

On June 22, 2007 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. The Cancer had spread to the Liver, Right Lung and the Esophagus. I couldn't believe it! I had NO SYMPTOMS. Nothing!

Picture the Pancreas as a flat pear lying down. The fat, rounded part is called the head, the center is the body and the thin part, the tail. Because symptoms usually don't appear until the cancer is large or has spread (metastasized) to other tissues, early detection is very difficult.

I would like to share with you what I know, what I find out and what my daily experience is with this Cancer. I call it the "Silent Killer" because symptoms usually appear after it has spread. I would like to refer you to sights when I find something interesting; and most of all I'd like to ask you to write your congressmen, senators, presidential candidates on how much we need to have preventive care covered by insurance!

Please send me your thoughts and concerns and tell me about your life.

Talk to you again soon.

JoRenge