Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but thought I'd pop in and update. Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled right now. ) I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) Hangin' in There!! Donna Sisco dsisco@... S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 months 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing current treatment 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left Frontal and Parietal Lobe 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling around BT 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing difficulties 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Donna, Rick is truly amazing; I agree that he must be made of 100% gumption. I continue to hold you and Rick in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Donna, Rick is truly amazing; I agree that he must be made of 100% gumption. I continue to hold you and Rick in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2004 Report Share Posted August 1, 2004 Donna, Rick is truly amazing; I agree that he must be made of 100% gumption. I continue to hold you and Rick in my thoughts and prayers. Sharon > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 Donna, Rick may be made of iron but so are you!!!! With everything that has happened I am amazed at both of your strength, courage, faith and persaverence!!! Thank you for the update and although it has it's " bumps " , I am so happy that Rick is still in the trenches fighting this bastard with you right by his side. Hang in there Donna, please do. I've got this gut feeling about something coming in the very near future...can't put my finger on it, that will provide tremendous help to cancer patients. Don't know, just a funny feeling I have about it. Keep in touch, okay. Lots of hugs and love, Monika > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 Donna, Rick may be made of iron but so are you!!!! With everything that has happened I am amazed at both of your strength, courage, faith and persaverence!!! Thank you for the update and although it has it's " bumps " , I am so happy that Rick is still in the trenches fighting this bastard with you right by his side. Hang in there Donna, please do. I've got this gut feeling about something coming in the very near future...can't put my finger on it, that will provide tremendous help to cancer patients. Don't know, just a funny feeling I have about it. Keep in touch, okay. Lots of hugs and love, Monika > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 You know my Mom keeps saying that to me too. To tell you the truth when I see people like Rick with all his problems still going strong it gives me hope that one day we are going to lick this DAMNED thing and this board will be for chat about how all our loved ones are driving us crazy in their old familiar ways. May my prayer go from here to God's ear! Nothing would make me happier except maybe having our old friends there to join us. MIRACLES HAPPEN and I believe ours is on the way. Though admittedly I'm none too patient! God Bless and keep believing!! Narice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 You know my Mom keeps saying that to me too. To tell you the truth when I see people like Rick with all his problems still going strong it gives me hope that one day we are going to lick this DAMNED thing and this board will be for chat about how all our loved ones are driving us crazy in their old familiar ways. May my prayer go from here to God's ear! Nothing would make me happier except maybe having our old friends there to join us. MIRACLES HAPPEN and I believe ours is on the way. Though admittedly I'm none too patient! God Bless and keep believing!! Narice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 You know my Mom keeps saying that to me too. To tell you the truth when I see people like Rick with all his problems still going strong it gives me hope that one day we are going to lick this DAMNED thing and this board will be for chat about how all our loved ones are driving us crazy in their old familiar ways. May my prayer go from here to God's ear! Nothing would make me happier except maybe having our old friends there to join us. MIRACLES HAPPEN and I believe ours is on the way. Though admittedly I'm none too patient! God Bless and keep believing!! Narice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 Donna- Thanks for the update. I am amazed that he is still regularly going to work. Both of you are truly amazing. I am sorry that he is still having to be on steroids. I am certain that does not help with the fluid retention problems. Does he wear any support stockings? I have been wearing them for a while. In my case I think it is more likely scarring secondary to all the surgery and radiation therapy around my lymph nodes in the back. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Best wishes, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 Donna- Thanks for the update. I am amazed that he is still regularly going to work. Both of you are truly amazing. I am sorry that he is still having to be on steroids. I am certain that does not help with the fluid retention problems. Does he wear any support stockings? I have been wearing them for a while. In my case I think it is more likely scarring secondary to all the surgery and radiation therapy around my lymph nodes in the back. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Best wishes, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2004 Report Share Posted August 2, 2004 Donna- Thanks for the update. I am amazed that he is still regularly going to work. Both of you are truly amazing. I am sorry that he is still having to be on steroids. I am certain that does not help with the fluid retention problems. Does he wear any support stockings? I have been wearing them for a while. In my case I think it is more likely scarring secondary to all the surgery and radiation therapy around my lymph nodes in the back. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Best wishes, Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2004 Report Share Posted August 4, 2004 Hey Donna, What a nice surprize to see your post. Even though Rick could probably be better it sounds like he is still a real trouper. It just amazes me that he is still able to work, he truly is made of IRON. Don't be such a stranger and let us hear from you. Best Wishes, Joyce > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 2004 Report Share Posted August 4, 2004 Hey Donna, What a nice surprize to see your post. Even though Rick could probably be better it sounds like he is still a real trouper. It just amazes me that he is still able to work, he truly is made of IRON. Don't be such a stranger and let us hear from you. Best Wishes, Joyce > Hey Gang!! I have been in " semi-lurking " mode for awhile ...... but > thought I'd pop in and update. > > Rick's Doc hasn't told us what is " technically " happening, but > through my heavy research ;-) .......... he's having portal > hypertension and congestive heart failure ......... at least the > early stages of it. He doesn't have any fluid in his > lungs .......... but he has been put on lasix (80 mgs/day) for the > swelling in his ankles and calves and the trouble he was having > breathing upon ANY exertion. He's getting good oxygen levels > (98) ........ but is just out of breath if he walks across the > house. Anyway, they put him on the lasix and it took the swelling > away and returned his breathing much closer to normal. However, > about a week ago Thursday ......... he started having mild breathing > problems again .... which have increased a little each day, and when > I got home yesterday .... his ankles and calves were swollen again. > Sooooooooo ......... the Onc on call had me increase his lasix (an > extra 40 mgs at night) and his potassium ......... and told me to > get in touch with his Doc on Monday. We just started a three week > break from chemo to see if he might feel better. It's > ironic ....... his CEA just dropped from 73 to 58 ....... so the > chemo is doing it's job .......... but it seems to be destroying his > other systems in the process. Rick did work every day this week > though!! That man is made of IRON!!!! He didn't work the week > before ....... that little chemo treatment seemed to totally drain > him ....... and you all know how well he used to take the > treatments. ) He's still on Erbitux and CPT-11 ...... and hopes > to be able to tolerate it better in a few weeks. > > Regarding the brain tumor ...... seems to be " holding " ...... but he > is still experiencing all the side effects of the steroids .... he > now weighs 285 pounds ..... and still has steroid-induced diabetes > (takes 3 insulin shots a day). His personality is as flattened as > before ....... doesn't smile much, and has some trouble > rationalizing things. All in all .... I guess it's a miracle that > he's still in the fight ....... and we're trying to appreciate each > and every day. His son and new daughter-in-law came in yesterday > for a one week visit (from Florida) ..... so he's pretty tickled > right now. ) > > I continue to keep each of you in my prayers and thoughts ..... and > although I haven't interacted with many of the NEW members ......... > I am equally concerned and prayerful for them. Hope you each have a > blessed weekend and that next week is full of good surprises!! ) > > Hangin' in There!! > Donna Sisco dsisco@c... > S/O Rick, 50, Arkansas > 09/19/02 - Diag. Stage IV Colon Cancer with 6 of 6 Pos. Nodes and > 60%+ Tumor Burden in Liver > 09/24/02 - 10cm Tumor removed from Colon > 10/22/02 - Began CPT-11/5FU/LV Chemo - Had some shrinkage in 7 > months > 06/11/03 - Appt at MD - Suggested changing chemo – failing > current treatment > 07/25/03 - Began Oxaliplatin/Xeloda Chemo > 10/20/03 - Increased Xeloda – Still failing treatment > 11/12/03 - Added Celebrex - continued failure > 01/15/04 - Switched to FOLFOX4 chemo > 02/23/04 - CEA drops 80 points > 02/25/04 - First Symptoms of Brain Problem > 03/01/04 - Brain Scan (MRI/CT) 1 " Brain Tumor - Junction of Left > Frontal and Parietal Lobe > 03/02/04 - Began 10 Whole Brain Radiation Treatments and Decadron > 03/15/04 - Last WBR Treatment > 03/18/04 – Took last Decadron - extremely fast weaning process > 03/22/04 - First Grand Mal Seizure (5 day hospital stay) > 03/22/04 - Back on Decadron, added Dilantin & Insulin > 04/06/04 - Resumed Folfox4 Chemo with added drug Erbitux > 04/13/04 – Not metabolizing Dilantin – adding Keppra > 04/20/04 - Switched to CPT-11 with Erbitux > 05/04/04 – Weaning from Dilantin, staying on Keppra > 05/13/04 – CT Scans showed minimal shrinkage in brain tumor & liver > tumors, CEA dropped from 360 to 61, also some reduction of swelling > around BT > 05/17/04 – Reduced Decadron to 2mgs/day > 06/14/04 – CEA increases from 61 to 72.9 > 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe swelling and breathing > difficulties > 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2004 Report Share Posted August 6, 2004 Donna: You are an amazing person and Rick is second to none. You teach us all and we learn something everytime you write. It's not the cancers,its the chemo and what it induces. yet you both persevere and you hold out faith and you give us all hope. August 15th, is for us,the feast of the Assumption,and I am praying that mary, Mother of God,will ask her Son to come to yours and Ricks aide and lift the burden that you bear. God Bless and Keep you both. You are a sterling example of Faith. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2004 Report Share Posted August 6, 2004 Donna: You are an amazing person and Rick is second to none. You teach us all and we learn something everytime you write. It's not the cancers,its the chemo and what it induces. yet you both persevere and you hold out faith and you give us all hope. August 15th, is for us,the feast of the Assumption,and I am praying that mary, Mother of God,will ask her Son to come to yours and Ricks aide and lift the burden that you bear. God Bless and Keep you both. You are a sterling example of Faith. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2004 Report Share Posted August 6, 2004 Donna: You are an amazing person and Rick is second to none. You teach us all and we learn something everytime you write. It's not the cancers,its the chemo and what it induces. yet you both persevere and you hold out faith and you give us all hope. August 15th, is for us,the feast of the Assumption,and I am praying that mary, Mother of God,will ask her Son to come to yours and Ricks aide and lift the burden that you bear. God Bless and Keep you both. You are a sterling example of Faith. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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