Cancer

2

Replies

  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    MellowGa wrote: »
    OK the fitting is done, we are all set, we are going to start the treatment on Jan 3rd, this way I can visit my family in the North east for Christmas. So things are getting ready to role my friends.

    That's great, you can enjoy Christmas and then kick a s s in Jan
  • cory17
    cory17 Posts: 1,500 Member
    Hi to you, treated for breast ca earlier this year (lumpectomy & radiation, now on hormone blockers). Went to the gym a day after surgery, figured could still use the lower half. Kept going thru radiation tho no swimming due to the chlorine. Any exercise will help you feel better and maintain a more positive mental attitude. Keep up as much of your routine as possible to feel normal. Yes it's the big C but that's not automatic death anymore. Think about your bucket list items - I'm swimming Alcatraz next year - where do you want to do, try? You have a future! Once all the treatment starts just keep going forward.
    Share what you are going through, it helps. This too will pass
    Add me if you'd like.
  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    cory17 wrote: »
    Hi to you, treated for breast ca earlier this year (lumpectomy & radiation, now on hormone blockers). Went to the gym a day after surgery, figured could still use the lower half. Kept going thru radiation tho no swimming due to the chlorine. Any exercise will help you feel better and maintain a more positive mental attitude. Keep up as much of your routine as possible to feel normal. Yes it's the big C but that's not automatic death anymore. Think about your bucket list items - I'm swimming Alcatraz next year - where do you want to do, try? You have a future! Once all the treatment starts just keep going forward.
    Share what you are going through, it helps. This too will pass
    Add me if you'd like.

    He's having chemotherapy as well as radiation, which can make you feel very ill. Hopefully not but I think doing what he feels well enough to do is the best advice and if that's nothing then do nothing and rest
  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    Yep surgery was ruled out due to the location of the tumors, it has to be radiation five days a week and one day of chemo per week
  • paulawriteslove
    paulawriteslove Posts: 195 Member
    I’m sending positive thoughts your way!
  • cjbaker38
    cjbaker38 Posts: 6 Member
    I'm pulling for you. I had Colon Cancer. I got lucky they caught it early.
  • enyagoboom
    enyagoboom Posts: 377 Member
    <3 you have got this. I'm so glad to see so many supportive people in this thread. FWIW, I had HPV - they caught it at the stage 0 so ... from what I understand (and the whole experience was awful so forgive me if i mess up any terms) the stage right before cancer. I am constantly on my husband about being aware of any signs of cancer because he was a smoker up to 3 years ago, but it terrifies me that he could end up with cancer from this.

    It sounds like you have a good team of doctors. Good luck and I'm rooting for you.
  • LanaCabana537
    LanaCabana537 Posts: 3,992 Member
    edited December 2017
    Hi there Mellow~~

    I've just done battle with breast cancer--bilateral mastectomy, axial disection, chemo, radiation, reconstruction.

    This caught my eye:
    You posted:
    "so the big challenge so far is sleeping, my tumor makes sleeping very difficult breathing wise, just a ton of pressure and the loudest snoring because I am gasping for breathe and extremely dry mouth. So I have positioned my pillows so now basically I sleep in an upright position, this seems to be working for me...and my wife, we are both getting more sleep, I still wake up and snore, but not as often and getting longer then 20 min intervals, getting a few hours each now."

    Please look into getting a CPAP or BiPAP--some sort of breathing machine for nighttime. They are wonderful. A CPAP will stop all your snoring, and it has a built-in humidifier. I swear by mine. Ask your GP, cardiologist, or oncologist about getting a sleep study to fit you up for one. I know you are dealing with the cancer now, but I urge you to investigate getting one. You'll be able to sleep flat again!

    Also, Mem. Sloan Kettering offers its breast cancer patients the generic of Ativan during the months of treatment. This drug serves three purposes: anti-nausea, sleep-aid, and anti-anxiety.
    Ask your oncologist about this.

    Healing vibes coming your way~~

    Lana
  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    Thanks lana, I don't think I need the CPAP machine I have fellow Scout leaders that have it, but I think mine is just due the tumor deforming my airway, it is right at the back of the throat, so I am not sure if they would give me a CPAP machine for a few months.

    I did not snore six months ago, but I will certainly enquire.

    Someone also mention the Ativan, I will check with my wife as she is a pharmacist
  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    MellowGa wrote: »
    My son made this for me as I am a new superhero e5dldn2xwbw5.jpeg

    :D:D:D that's so funny! I love it <3
  • mewilmes
    mewilmes Posts: 44 Member
    You look great!
  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    OK we are three days into Radiation and one day of Chemo (on Wednesday) so I keep getting hiccups? is this normal?
  • Unknown
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  • fivep01
    fivep01 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi MellowGa,
    My husband had the same cancer as you a couple of years ago. His was stage 4a, same treatment as you have. Its a tough road ahead, but very treatable. He also had hiccups during treatment, and for a while afterwards. One of the lesser known side effects of radiation. I would mention it to your team anyway.
    All the best for your treatment and recovery!
  • Paulina1230
    Paulina1230 Posts: 215 Member
    I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins B cell Lymphoma 4 years ago. Found totally by accident.. went to hospital for kidney stone...CT scan caught the bottom of my lung, and voila there it was. Had surgery to remove it quickly because they thought it was lung cancer since I was a 40 year smoker. It was only after removal and biopsy we knew for sure. No chemo or radiation as it wasn't in my lymph nodes, but CT scans every 6 months. Well just last month my CT scan showed it's back. Pet scan lit up like a Christmas tree. I'm waiting for my oncologist to decide where we go from here. I think he's leaning towards a biopsy and were kinda waiting to see how fast it's gonna grow. Having another CT in 2 weeks. I have been trying to stay positive...It's out of my hands now...the doctors will know what to do and I have all the confidence in them. Just try to be good to yourself. Enjoy today.. love your family....be in the now. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow cancer or not, so live today to the fullest. Healing thoughts and wishes sent your way.
  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    Paulina1230 wrote: »
    I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins B cell Lymphoma 4 years ago. Found totally by accident.. went to hospital for kidney stone...CT scan caught the bottom of my lung, and voila there it was. Had surgery to remove it quickly because they thought it was lung cancer since I was a 40 year smoker. It was only after removal and biopsy we knew for sure. No chemo or radiation as it wasn't in my lymph nodes, but CT scans every 6 months. Well just last month my CT scan showed it's back. Pet scan lit up like a Christmas tree. I'm waiting for my oncologist to decide where we go from here. I think he's leaning towards a biopsy and were kinda waiting to see how fast it's gonna grow. Having another CT in 2 weeks. I have been trying to stay positive...It's out of my hands now...the doctors will know what to do and I have all the confidence in them. Just try to be good to yourself. Enjoy today.. love your family....be in the now. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow cancer or not, so live today to the fullest. Healing thoughts and wishes sent your way.

    This story frightens me ...

  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    Paulina1230 wrote: »
    I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins B cell Lymphoma 4 years ago. Found totally by accident.. went to hospital for kidney stone...CT scan caught the bottom of my lung, and voila there it was. Had surgery to remove it quickly because they thought it was lung cancer since I was a 40 year smoker. It was only after removal and biopsy we knew for sure. No chemo or radiation as it wasn't in my lymph nodes, but CT scans every 6 months. Well just last month my CT scan showed it's back. Pet scan lit up like a Christmas tree. I'm waiting for my oncologist to decide where we go from here. I think he's leaning towards a biopsy and were kinda waiting to see how fast it's gonna grow. Having another CT in 2 weeks. I have been trying to stay positive...It's out of my hands now...the doctors will know what to do and I have all the confidence in them. Just try to be good to yourself. Enjoy today.. love your family....be in the now. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow cancer or not, so live today to the fullest. Healing thoughts and wishes sent your way.

    sorry to hear it is back, I hope you beat it again
  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    fivep01 wrote: »
    Hi MellowGa,
    My husband had the same cancer as you a couple of years ago. His was stage 4a, same treatment as you have. Its a tough road ahead, but very treatable. He also had hiccups during treatment, and for a while afterwards. One of the lesser known side effects of radiation. I would mention it to your team anyway.
    All the best for your treatment and recovery!

    thank you, it seems to be the steroids I am taking with it, I switched over to my nausea medicine and they were gone, but for days 1-3 while taking the steroids I will have them....I can handle that.

    moving forward my friends, day four of Radiation in the books, tomorrow more radiation and blood work, lets hope for good numbers
  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    Paulina1230 wrote: »
    I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins B cell Lymphoma 4 years ago. Found totally by accident.. went to hospital for kidney stone...CT scan caught the bottom of my lung, and voila there it was. Had surgery to remove it quickly because they thought it was lung cancer since I was a 40 year smoker. It was only after removal and biopsy we knew for sure. No chemo or radiation as it wasn't in my lymph nodes, but CT scans every 6 months. Well just last month my CT scan showed it's back. Pet scan lit up like a Christmas tree. I'm waiting for my oncologist to decide where we go from here. I think he's leaning towards a biopsy and were kinda waiting to see how fast it's gonna grow. Having another CT in 2 weeks. I have been trying to stay positive...It's out of my hands now...the doctors will know what to do and I have all the confidence in them. Just try to be good to yourself. Enjoy today.. love your family....be in the now. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow cancer or not, so live today to the fullest. Healing thoughts and wishes sent your way.

    I'm so embarrassed, I should have added how sorry I am to hear that you are having to go through this awful process for a second time. I'm 2 years away from breast cancer now, my biggest fear is it returning in some shape or form. I think that's everyone's fear...first dying and then once you survive, you fear an action replay. But you're right, nobody knows tomorrow and anyone can be gone just like that, young or old... healthy or ill. I've seen that enough in my life to know it's true. I wish you peace and love and many more years of tomorrows x
  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    edited January 2018
    MellowGa wrote: »
    fivep01 wrote: »
    Hi MellowGa,
    My husband had the same cancer as you a couple of years ago. His was stage 4a, same treatment as you have. Its a tough road ahead, but very treatable. He also had hiccups during treatment, and for a while afterwards. One of the lesser known side effects of radiation. I would mention it to your team anyway.
    All the best for your treatment and recovery!

    thank you, it seems to be the steroids I am taking with it, I switched over to my nausea medicine and they were gone, but for days 1-3 while taking the steroids I will have them....I can handle that.

    moving forward my friends, day four of Radiation in the books, tomorrow more radiation and blood work, lets hope for good numbers

    Steroids just made me hot and hungry..and very awake lol. Glad to hear your side effects aren't too bad, fingers crossed for the rest of your treatment ☺️
  • flowerhouse
    flowerhouse Posts: 140 Member
    Sorry your in this club, I am 5 years down the line after ovarian cancer, my youngest was 8 when I was diagnosed so I understand the effect on the family. Your family are your rock, don’t be awkward around people - just be you and then folks will treat you normal
    If you feel like exercising do it and if you don’t - then don’t but don’t beat yourself up - manana. I didn’t and I gained a lot of weight- I sorted it out afterwards and you will too just keep strong and positive. Your previous lifestyle will help you go through this.
    I just lived my life One chemo cycle at a time.
    Keep strong

  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    he all, I'm at day 9 of 35 of radiation, tomorrow is my third Chemo of Seven, my throat is very raw, I doubt I will have solid food anytime soon, they are thinking about giving me a feeding tube, but I am trying to avoid it. BUt I must admit the rawness of my throat is tough, but I am stubborn. ;) we shall see how this week goes
  • flowerhouse
    flowerhouse Posts: 140 Member
    Hi MellowGa

    Good to hear from you

    9 down 26 to go
    3 down 4 to go

    Keep strong




  • slimgirljo15
    slimgirljo15 Posts: 269,456 Member
    MellowGa wrote: »
    he all, I'm at day 9 of 35 of radiation, tomorrow is my third Chemo of Seven, my throat is very raw, I doubt I will have solid food anytime soon, they are thinking about giving me a feeding tube, but I am trying to avoid it. BUt I must admit the rawness of my throat is tough, but I am stubborn. ;) we shall see how this week goes

    Thinking of you my friend.. one day at a time you'll get to the end.
  • PKM0515
    PKM0515 Posts: 3,089 Member
    You're in my thoughts and prayers...
  • LearningToFly13
    LearningToFly13 Posts: 329 Member
    Just keep ticking them off the list, soon you'll be looking back at it all in the rearview mirror. Oh and don't be too stubborn, you need your calories! :D
  • PKM0515
    PKM0515 Posts: 3,089 Member
    Glad to hear your throat is feeling better and you're able to eat some solid foods. Good news! :)
  • jlscherme
    jlscherme Posts: 157 Member
    Thank you @MellowGa for posting your story, as well as everyone else. I was dx on Jan 2nd with invasive breast cancer. I'm to have surgery in two weeks, and then find out the staging. Currently waiting to hear back from the surgeon my MRI results to see if it'll be a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

    Waiting is the hardest part.

    My thoughts right now are that the tumor is a foreign body and I want it out of me, rather than that I am losing a part of my body.

    I read something that has stuck with me: Its not what happens to you, it's how you handle what is happening.

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