Re: Nickie, Monika & Narice - Re: Hubby's Roller Coaster

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/10/2004 11:51:31 AM Eastern Standard Time,

cncrsps2002@... writes:

I intend to ask both Oncs about the possibility of this and what they feel

poses the largest risk to Rick's situation ........ taking the chance of coming

off chemo and chancing the tumors really taking off, or using our CPT-11

" bullet " too soon and possible reducing the effectiveness of the Erbitux/CPT-11

combo. Man!!! What

to do? What to do????? :-) We will speak with both Oncs Monday after they've

reviewed the results ........... and I'll post our decision then.

Thanks so VERY MUCH for your insightful response ...... it truly has helped

us clarify our choices. :-)

Appreciatively,

Donna Sisco

OH, boy. It gets tougher and tougher, huh? I hate this disease, I swear I

do.

I was just getting ready to belatedly respond to your initial update post

when I happened on this one. I am sorry that the CEA rise wasn't a mistake. I

am sorry there is progression on the Xeloda even with the increase and adding

the Celebrex. This is the combination I have chosen at present so I was

watching yall's posts happily.

I can really relate to the struggle of decision making, too...I think that's

one of the reasons I hate this disease so much....it requires constant

decision making. ARGGH!

I don't know which way I would go if I were in yall's shoes (and I very well

maybe at some point)....I will say throw this out there - there have been 2

recent reports from folks whose CEA was increasing on Xeloda who went off chemo

completely and their CEA is now decreasing. I'm sure 2 people don't

constitute a trend but I had noticed it with interest and just wanted to mention

it.

I stopped all chemo for the last month and a half following my CEA increases

and CT scans and I had another CEA drawn before I re-started the Xeloda this

week (I'll post the results when I get them).

Anyway...I will pray that yall will have clarity and ease in making your

decision and peace and acceptance once your decision is made.

God bless,

Terry in GA (P.S. - I wanted to add that I really enjoyed your post on

acceptance...it meant alot to me...I agree with your take on it, it has been a

hard

road for me learning to accept the " temporariness " of things and life. Your

post gave me hope.)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/10/2004 1:03:39 PM Eastern Standard Time,

cncrsps2002@... writes:

I'm glad my " Acceptance " post helped you. I realize that what helps one

person to cope doesn't always work for everyone else (kind of like our cancer

treatments, huh? ;-) .......... but if it helps just ONE PERSON in this group

.....then it's worth taking the time to share.

Hope this is a good day for you Terry ...... and that 2004 brings you

surprisingly great results!!

Thanks,

Donna S :-)

It did, it helped me alot...in realizing that part of my difficulty with

acceptance has been my not understanding the temporary part. And I don't mean

just with the cancer, I mean in all areas of life. I've always had a very hard

time with goodbyes and endings even when they've

been for the best. I think it's a basic problem with change - especially

change that I don't initiate! But, I am learning...more than I ever meant to,

but learning just the same, LOL

Terry in ga

[Guest guest]

I hate to butt in but there may be a very good reason for a pet. Nick's onc

read the

cat and told us things were bad. Then he realized he did not have the Pet. It

was faxed to him..It seems what had appeared to be a mass(thank God) was scar

tissue

and he had had an old hernia operation and now has a hernia but not operable.

Sometimes one helps,sometimes it doesn't. We had asked about radiation,we had

asked about the gamma knife,right now we are still going with the

5FU,LV,Oxiliplatin and Avastin..It's tough,but not as bad as the first three.

The

stretched it over 66 ours

and thats better. Hope things improve,hugs and prayes Nick & Jane