Re: Losing Ground .... but still fighting.......

[Guest guest]

I sent you a private message but suffice it to say you are fighting the good

fight and we all love and pray for you both

God Bless

Narice

[Guest guest]

I sent you a private message but suffice it to say you are fighting the good

fight and we all love and pray for you both

God Bless

Narice

[Guest guest]

I sent you a private message but suffice it to say you are fighting the good

fight and we all love and pray for you both

God Bless

Narice

[Guest guest]

Today, the word 'hero' is spelled 'Rick'.

My prayers will definitely include him. What is the celebrity event you are

doing?

-Priscilla

>

>

> Date: 2004/08/24 Tue PM 04:46:24 EDT

> To: colon_cancer_support

> Subject: Losing Ground .... but still fighting.......

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna, I'm not the first to respond to your post and I won't be the

last but I too have been dreading this post from you. There has been

much sadness lately on the board and it truly effects me each and

every time. But I must admit, although I was seemlingly prepared for

this news, when I read your post, I realized how totally unprepared I

really was. All I kept thinking is no, not this too!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you Donna...more than you realize or

will ever know. I pray for peace for you both and if there is a

miracle out there, may God in his infinite wisdom grant it.

Lots and lots of hugs,

Monika

> I've been dreading this update ........ primarily because I know

how

> much hope many of you have garnered from watching Rick continue to

> get up and go each time this disease tries to kick his butt. And

> let me start by saying he hasn't finished fighting ........ but he

> shakes a much weakened fist at his " opponent " now.

>

> After continuing to get more and more exhausted, Rick chose to take

> a 3 week break from chemo, in hopes of bouncing back and starting

> another run at it. Although he never really rebounded, he

restarted

> his chemo last week (Erbitux & CPT-11). By the end of the week he

> was feeling much worse and asked that I call the Onc and tell him

he

> needed to change his chemo regimen .... that he just couldn't

> continue to feel this way. The Onc said we would do whatever Rick

> and I wanted to do and we left it at that ...... I was to call him

> Monday and let them know what we wanted to do. Over the weekend,

> Rick had some balance problems ...... and actually fell face first

> into the yard in front of our house. He has (over the last 4

weeks)

> began to shut his eyes in the middle of conversations .... and then

> has a very sedated look ....... even though he isn't. Rick

admitted

> to me that he felt he was getting worse and even said he shouldn't

> be driving now. (He never should have been ...... but the fact that

> HE admitted that on his own is BIG!) I talked with the Onc

> yesterday and asked that he run another brain MRI ..... which he

> did. The brain tumor is still stable ...... but he has

> leukoencephalopathy (an effect of the radiation and chemo) .. which

> causes many of the symptoms he has ..... and only gets worse.

>

> Rick had been fighting congestive heart failure as well, and is on

> 129 mgs of lasix a day. He did finally drop 20 pounds between

> Thursday before last and last Wednesday!! However ....... when I

> spoke with the Onc yesterday, he told me that he would run the MRI,

> but that Rick was in the dying phase and that he just couldn't see

> how he could make it much longer. He said that Rick is so very

> strong ...... and that is why he has made it this far ....... but

he

> just wouldn't make it much longer. Now ..... although their

> predictions about Rick's future have been wrong before ... they

have

> always been based on averages and statistics. This time the Onc is

> going on the signs he sees in Rick and how much he has gone down

> over the last month. So, I believe he is probably right. Because

> we know how important it is for Rick to believe he still has a

> chance to fight this, we are going to switch him to just

> Avastin ...... drop the Erbitux and drop the chemo. The Onc feels

> that there are less side effects with Avastin and that it would be

> the easiest thing for Rick's system to take. I have to say, I have

> developed a lot of respect for our Oncologist .... most importantly

> for his ability to understand and appreciate what RICK wants and

> needs and for helping me to allow Rick to continue to fight ....

not

> because I want it, but because Rick wants it. He is getting very

> tired .......... but as I started this update ............ HE ISN'T

> FINISHED WITH THE FIGHT!! I simply ask for your extra prayers to

> help him through these final stages ........ and that he will feel

> peaceful in the process.

>

> We are within 5 weeks of my large Celebrity charity event ......

but

> they have brought people in to help me, so I will be here at home

> with Rick most of the time. I'll stay in touch and continue

> to " lurk " on days that I don't post. Thanks for all your

> support ............ the last two years would have been DRASTICALLY

> different without you ...... my " e-family " !!! )

>

> Hanging in there.......

> Donna Sisco

> 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 Shots (due to

> steroid-induced diabetes)

> 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

> 06/25/04 - Ultrasound of abdomen - no ascites

> 07/07/04 - CT of abdomen - Some focal intrahepatic ductal dilation

> 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe lower leg swelling and

> breathing difficulties

> 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58

> 07/30/04 - Lasix increased to 120 mgs because swelling and

breathing

> difficulties returned ... also taking three week break from chemo

> because of feeling so bad and extremely fatigued.

> 08/12/04 – CEA up to 147

[Guest guest]

Donna, I'm not the first to respond to your post and I won't be the

last but I too have been dreading this post from you. There has been

much sadness lately on the board and it truly effects me each and

every time. But I must admit, although I was seemlingly prepared for

this news, when I read your post, I realized how totally unprepared I

really was. All I kept thinking is no, not this too!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you Donna...more than you realize or

will ever know. I pray for peace for you both and if there is a

miracle out there, may God in his infinite wisdom grant it.

Lots and lots of hugs,

Monika

> I've been dreading this update ........ primarily because I know

how

> much hope many of you have garnered from watching Rick continue to

> get up and go each time this disease tries to kick his butt. And

> let me start by saying he hasn't finished fighting ........ but he

> shakes a much weakened fist at his " opponent " now.

>

> After continuing to get more and more exhausted, Rick chose to take

> a 3 week break from chemo, in hopes of bouncing back and starting

> another run at it. Although he never really rebounded, he

restarted

> his chemo last week (Erbitux & CPT-11). By the end of the week he

> was feeling much worse and asked that I call the Onc and tell him

he

> needed to change his chemo regimen .... that he just couldn't

> continue to feel this way. The Onc said we would do whatever Rick

> and I wanted to do and we left it at that ...... I was to call him

> Monday and let them know what we wanted to do. Over the weekend,

> Rick had some balance problems ...... and actually fell face first

> into the yard in front of our house. He has (over the last 4

weeks)

> began to shut his eyes in the middle of conversations .... and then

> has a very sedated look ....... even though he isn't. Rick

admitted

> to me that he felt he was getting worse and even said he shouldn't

> be driving now. (He never should have been ...... but the fact that

> HE admitted that on his own is BIG!) I talked with the Onc

> yesterday and asked that he run another brain MRI ..... which he

> did. The brain tumor is still stable ...... but he has

> leukoencephalopathy (an effect of the radiation and chemo) .. which

> causes many of the symptoms he has ..... and only gets worse.

>

> Rick had been fighting congestive heart failure as well, and is on

> 129 mgs of lasix a day. He did finally drop 20 pounds between

> Thursday before last and last Wednesday!! However ....... when I

> spoke with the Onc yesterday, he told me that he would run the MRI,

> but that Rick was in the dying phase and that he just couldn't see

> how he could make it much longer. He said that Rick is so very

> strong ...... and that is why he has made it this far ....... but

he

> just wouldn't make it much longer. Now ..... although their

> predictions about Rick's future have been wrong before ... they

have

> always been based on averages and statistics. This time the Onc is

> going on the signs he sees in Rick and how much he has gone down

> over the last month. So, I believe he is probably right. Because

> we know how important it is for Rick to believe he still has a

> chance to fight this, we are going to switch him to just

> Avastin ...... drop the Erbitux and drop the chemo. The Onc feels

> that there are less side effects with Avastin and that it would be

> the easiest thing for Rick's system to take. I have to say, I have

> developed a lot of respect for our Oncologist .... most importantly

> for his ability to understand and appreciate what RICK wants and

> needs and for helping me to allow Rick to continue to fight ....

not

> because I want it, but because Rick wants it. He is getting very

> tired .......... but as I started this update ............ HE ISN'T

> FINISHED WITH THE FIGHT!! I simply ask for your extra prayers to

> help him through these final stages ........ and that he will feel

> peaceful in the process.

>

> We are within 5 weeks of my large Celebrity charity event ......

but

> they have brought people in to help me, so I will be here at home

> with Rick most of the time. I'll stay in touch and continue

> to " lurk " on days that I don't post. Thanks for all your

> support ............ the last two years would have been DRASTICALLY

> different without you ...... my " e-family " !!! )

>

> Hanging in there.......

> Donna Sisco

> 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 Shots (due to

> steroid-induced diabetes)

> 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

> 06/25/04 - Ultrasound of abdomen - no ascites

> 07/07/04 - CT of abdomen - Some focal intrahepatic ductal dilation

> 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe lower leg swelling and

> breathing difficulties

> 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58

> 07/30/04 - Lasix increased to 120 mgs because swelling and

breathing

> difficulties returned ... also taking three week break from chemo

> because of feeling so bad and extremely fatigued.

> 08/12/04 – CEA up to 147

[Guest guest]

Donna, I'm not the first to respond to your post and I won't be the

last but I too have been dreading this post from you. There has been

much sadness lately on the board and it truly effects me each and

every time. But I must admit, although I was seemlingly prepared for

this news, when I read your post, I realized how totally unprepared I

really was. All I kept thinking is no, not this too!!!

My thoughts and prayers are with you Donna...more than you realize or

will ever know. I pray for peace for you both and if there is a

miracle out there, may God in his infinite wisdom grant it.

Lots and lots of hugs,

Monika

> I've been dreading this update ........ primarily because I know

how

> much hope many of you have garnered from watching Rick continue to

> get up and go each time this disease tries to kick his butt. And

> let me start by saying he hasn't finished fighting ........ but he

> shakes a much weakened fist at his " opponent " now.

>

> After continuing to get more and more exhausted, Rick chose to take

> a 3 week break from chemo, in hopes of bouncing back and starting

> another run at it. Although he never really rebounded, he

restarted

> his chemo last week (Erbitux & CPT-11). By the end of the week he

> was feeling much worse and asked that I call the Onc and tell him

he

> needed to change his chemo regimen .... that he just couldn't

> continue to feel this way. The Onc said we would do whatever Rick

> and I wanted to do and we left it at that ...... I was to call him

> Monday and let them know what we wanted to do. Over the weekend,

> Rick had some balance problems ...... and actually fell face first

> into the yard in front of our house. He has (over the last 4

weeks)

> began to shut his eyes in the middle of conversations .... and then

> has a very sedated look ....... even though he isn't. Rick

admitted

> to me that he felt he was getting worse and even said he shouldn't

> be driving now. (He never should have been ...... but the fact that

> HE admitted that on his own is BIG!) I talked with the Onc

> yesterday and asked that he run another brain MRI ..... which he

> did. The brain tumor is still stable ...... but he has

> leukoencephalopathy (an effect of the radiation and chemo) .. which

> causes many of the symptoms he has ..... and only gets worse.

>

> Rick had been fighting congestive heart failure as well, and is on

> 129 mgs of lasix a day. He did finally drop 20 pounds between

> Thursday before last and last Wednesday!! However ....... when I

> spoke with the Onc yesterday, he told me that he would run the MRI,

> but that Rick was in the dying phase and that he just couldn't see

> how he could make it much longer. He said that Rick is so very

> strong ...... and that is why he has made it this far ....... but

he

> just wouldn't make it much longer. Now ..... although their

> predictions about Rick's future have been wrong before ... they

have

> always been based on averages and statistics. This time the Onc is

> going on the signs he sees in Rick and how much he has gone down

> over the last month. So, I believe he is probably right. Because

> we know how important it is for Rick to believe he still has a

> chance to fight this, we are going to switch him to just

> Avastin ...... drop the Erbitux and drop the chemo. The Onc feels

> that there are less side effects with Avastin and that it would be

> the easiest thing for Rick's system to take. I have to say, I have

> developed a lot of respect for our Oncologist .... most importantly

> for his ability to understand and appreciate what RICK wants and

> needs and for helping me to allow Rick to continue to fight ....

not

> because I want it, but because Rick wants it. He is getting very

> tired .......... but as I started this update ............ HE ISN'T

> FINISHED WITH THE FIGHT!! I simply ask for your extra prayers to

> help him through these final stages ........ and that he will feel

> peaceful in the process.

>

> We are within 5 weeks of my large Celebrity charity event ......

but

> they have brought people in to help me, so I will be here at home

> with Rick most of the time. I'll stay in touch and continue

> to " lurk " on days that I don't post. Thanks for all your

> support ............ the last two years would have been DRASTICALLY

> different without you ...... my " e-family " !!! )

>

> Hanging in there.......

> Donna Sisco

> 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 Shots (due to

> steroid-induced diabetes)

> 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

> 06/25/04 - Ultrasound of abdomen - no ascites

> 07/07/04 - CT of abdomen - Some focal intrahepatic ductal dilation

> 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe lower leg swelling and

> breathing difficulties

> 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58

> 07/30/04 - Lasix increased to 120 mgs because swelling and

breathing

> difficulties returned ... also taking three week break from chemo

> because of feeling so bad and extremely fatigued.

> 08/12/04 – CEA up to 147

[Guest guest]

Thanks Priscilla ......... I do think he's a hero ...... although a

very tired one. :-) The event is called the Mercy Celebrity

Classic ......... it's a nine day event that benefits seven

different health related charities. One of them is a cancer support

house. You can check it out at www.mercyclassic.org ! It's

exhausting, but a very rewarding job. )

Thanks,

Donna

> Today, the word 'hero' is spelled 'Rick'.

>

> My prayers will definitely include him. What is the celebrity

event you are doing?

>

> -Priscilla

>

> >

> > From: " Donna Sisco " <cncrsps2002@y...>

> > Date: 2004/08/24 Tue PM 04:46:24 EDT

> > To: colon_cancer_support

> > Subject: Losing Ground .... but still

fighting.......

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Priscilla ......... I do think he's a hero ...... although a

very tired one. :-) The event is called the Mercy Celebrity

Classic ......... it's a nine day event that benefits seven

different health related charities. One of them is a cancer support

house. You can check it out at www.mercyclassic.org ! It's

exhausting, but a very rewarding job. )

Thanks,

Donna

> Today, the word 'hero' is spelled 'Rick'.

>

> My prayers will definitely include him. What is the celebrity

event you are doing?

>

> -Priscilla

>

> >

> > From: " Donna Sisco " <cncrsps2002@y...>

> > Date: 2004/08/24 Tue PM 04:46:24 EDT

> > To: colon_cancer_support

> > Subject: Losing Ground .... but still

fighting.......

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Priscilla ......... I do think he's a hero ...... although a

very tired one. :-) The event is called the Mercy Celebrity

Classic ......... it's a nine day event that benefits seven

different health related charities. One of them is a cancer support

house. You can check it out at www.mercyclassic.org ! It's

exhausting, but a very rewarding job. )

Thanks,

Donna

> Today, the word 'hero' is spelled 'Rick'.

>

> My prayers will definitely include him. What is the celebrity

event you are doing?

>

> -Priscilla

>

> >

> > From: " Donna Sisco " <cncrsps2002@y...>

> > Date: 2004/08/24 Tue PM 04:46:24 EDT

> > To: colon_cancer_support

> > Subject: Losing Ground .... but still

fighting.......

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna,

I don't post very often but after reading your posting I feel

compelled to write. Just reading what Rick has endured over the past

2 years tells me that he is a fearless warrior and I have the

greatest admiration for both you and Rick as you have been an

inspiration to myself and others on this board. It may sound cheesy,

but if you have seen the film 'Braveheart'; I think Braveheart and

Rick are one and the same in spirit. You will be in my thoughts and

prayers.

No Surrender!

Warmest regards,

Ken

> I've been dreading this update ........ primarily because I know

how

> much hope many of you have garnered from watching Rick continue to

> get up and go each time this disease tries to kick his butt. And

> let me start by saying he hasn't finished fighting ........ but he

> shakes a much weakened fist at his " opponent " now.

>

> After continuing to get more and more exhausted, Rick chose to

take

> a 3 week break from chemo, in hopes of bouncing back and starting

> another run at it. Although he never really rebounded, he

restarted

> his chemo last week (Erbitux & CPT-11). By the end of the week he

> was feeling much worse and asked that I call the Onc and tell him

he

> needed to change his chemo regimen .... that he just couldn't

> continue to feel this way. The Onc said we would do whatever Rick

> and I wanted to do and we left it at that ...... I was to call him

> Monday and let them know what we wanted to do. Over the weekend,

> Rick had some balance problems ...... and actually fell face first

> into the yard in front of our house. He has (over the last 4

weeks)

> began to shut his eyes in the middle of conversations .... and

then

> has a very sedated look ....... even though he isn't. Rick

admitted

> to me that he felt he was getting worse and even said he shouldn't

> be driving now. (He never should have been ...... but the fact

that

> HE admitted that on his own is BIG!) I talked with the Onc

> yesterday and asked that he run another brain MRI ..... which he

> did. The brain tumor is still stable ...... but he has

> leukoencephalopathy (an effect of the radiation and chemo) ..

which

> causes many of the symptoms he has ..... and only gets worse.

>

> Rick had been fighting congestive heart failure as well, and is on

> 129 mgs of lasix a day. He did finally drop 20 pounds between

> Thursday before last and last Wednesday!! However ....... when I

> spoke with the Onc yesterday, he told me that he would run the

MRI,

> but that Rick was in the dying phase and that he just couldn't see

> how he could make it much longer. He said that Rick is so very

> strong ...... and that is why he has made it this far ....... but

he

> just wouldn't make it much longer. Now ..... although their

> predictions about Rick's future have been wrong before ... they

have

> always been based on averages and statistics. This time the Onc

is

> going on the signs he sees in Rick and how much he has gone down

> over the last month. So, I believe he is probably right. Because

> we know how important it is for Rick to believe he still has a

> chance to fight this, we are going to switch him to just

> Avastin ...... drop the Erbitux and drop the chemo. The Onc feels

> that there are less side effects with Avastin and that it would be

> the easiest thing for Rick's system to take. I have to say, I

have

> developed a lot of respect for our Oncologist .... most

importantly

> for his ability to understand and appreciate what RICK wants and

> needs and for helping me to allow Rick to continue to fight ....

not

> because I want it, but because Rick wants it. He is getting very

> tired .......... but as I started this update ............ HE

ISN'T

> FINISHED WITH THE FIGHT!! I simply ask for your extra prayers to

> help him through these final stages ........ and that he will feel

> peaceful in the process.

>

> We are within 5 weeks of my large Celebrity charity event ......

but

> they have brought people in to help me, so I will be here at home

> with Rick most of the time. I'll stay in touch and continue

> to " lurk " on days that I don't post. Thanks for all your

> support ............ the last two years would have been

DRASTICALLY

> different without you ...... my " e-family " !!! )

>

> Hanging in there.......

> Donna Sisco

> 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 Shots (due

to

> steroid-induced diabetes)

> 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

> 06/25/04 - Ultrasound of abdomen - no ascites

> 07/07/04 - CT of abdomen - Some focal intrahepatic ductal dilation

> 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe lower leg swelling and

> breathing difficulties

> 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58

> 07/30/04 - Lasix increased to 120 mgs because swelling and

breathing

> difficulties returned ... also taking three week break from chemo

> because of feeling so bad and extremely fatigued.

> 08/12/04 – CEA up to 147

[Guest guest]

Donna,

Please tell Rick that Mohamad Ali has nothing on him. He is a real

fighter and is a hero. I am happy that he is still fighting and that

you are able to be with him. Send him a large cyber hug from me and

know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you journey forward.

Life is a journey that has it's ups and downs and twists and turns,

because if it didn't it wouldn't be worth the ride.

XOXOXOXO

Jennie

[Guest guest]

Donna,

Please tell Rick that Mohamad Ali has nothing on him. He is a real

fighter and is a hero. I am happy that he is still fighting and that

you are able to be with him. Send him a large cyber hug from me and

know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you journey forward.

Life is a journey that has it's ups and downs and twists and turns,

because if it didn't it wouldn't be worth the ride.

XOXOXOXO

Jennie

[Guest guest]

Donna,

Please tell Rick that Mohamad Ali has nothing on him. He is a real

fighter and is a hero. I am happy that he is still fighting and that

you are able to be with him. Send him a large cyber hug from me and

know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you journey forward.

Life is a journey that has it's ups and downs and twists and turns,

because if it didn't it wouldn't be worth the ride.

XOXOXOXO

Jennie

[Guest guest]

Dear Donna,

You don't know me but I have been with the group about a month.

I want you to know I will keep you and Rick in my prayers.

Karima

[Guest guest]

Dear Donna,

You don't know me but I have been with the group about a month.

I want you to know I will keep you and Rick in my prayers.

Karima

[Guest guest]

Dear Donna,

You don't know me but I have been with the group about a month.

I want you to know I will keep you and Rick in my prayers.

Karima

[Guest guest]

I'm impressed. I wish I was one tenth as successful at raising funds for colon

cancer as you are with the Mercy Classic.

My kids and I said their prayers tonight for Rick and for everyone fighting this

disease right now.

Someday...no one will have to fight this fight because all adults will be

screened every 5 years from age 20 on. For 30 years the U.S. has been " at war "

with cancer - declared by President Nixon. It's about time we win one.

-Priscilla

CCNetwork

__________

" Snoopy Walks to End Colon Cancer "

October 17, 2004, Washington DC, 5k Walk/Run

www.colorectal-cancer.net (Info)

https://www.racepacket.com/snoop.html (Online Reg)

>

>

> Date: 2004/08/24 Tue PM 09:55:56 EDT

> To: colon_cancer_support

> Subject: Re: Losing Ground .... but still

fighting.......

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm impressed. I wish I was one tenth as successful at raising funds for colon

cancer as you are with the Mercy Classic.

My kids and I said their prayers tonight for Rick and for everyone fighting this

disease right now.

Someday...no one will have to fight this fight because all adults will be

screened every 5 years from age 20 on. For 30 years the U.S. has been " at war "

with cancer - declared by President Nixon. It's about time we win one.

-Priscilla

CCNetwork

__________

" Snoopy Walks to End Colon Cancer "

October 17, 2004, Washington DC, 5k Walk/Run

www.colorectal-cancer.net (Info)

https://www.racepacket.com/snoop.html (Online Reg)

>

>

> Date: 2004/08/24 Tue PM 09:55:56 EDT

> To: colon_cancer_support

> Subject: Re: Losing Ground .... but still

fighting.......

>

>

[Guest guest]

Donna

So very sorry that u and your family have to go thru all of this,

when I first came here your posts about you and Rick would be one of

those with info that galen & I could use in our own needs. I thank

you for sharing all of this with us and prayers are with you and your

family!

Liz

[Guest guest]

Donna

So very sorry that u and your family have to go thru all of this,

when I first came here your posts about you and Rick would be one of

those with info that galen & I could use in our own needs. I thank

you for sharing all of this with us and prayers are with you and your

family!

Liz

[Guest guest]

Donna: I pray that a miracle occurs,barring that,that your faith will carry

you both through whatever path you choose to follow. God Bless you for the

inspirations you have both been and for the impact you have had on all of

us,hugs,love and prayers Jane M

[Guest guest]

Donna: I pray that a miracle occurs,barring that,that your faith will carry

you both through whatever path you choose to follow. God Bless you for the

inspirations you have both been and for the impact you have had on all of

us,hugs,love and prayers Jane M

[Guest guest]

Donna: I pray that a miracle occurs,barring that,that your faith will carry

you both through whatever path you choose to follow. God Bless you for the

inspirations you have both been and for the impact you have had on all of

us,hugs,love and prayers Jane M

[Guest guest]

Donna,

You and Rick have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Rick

has been an inspiration in his fight as you have been an inspiration

in your support of him. May God be with you both.

Sharon

> I've been dreading this update ........ primarily because I know

how

> much hope many of you have garnered from watching Rick continue to

> get up and go each time this disease tries to kick his butt. And

> let me start by saying he hasn't finished fighting ........ but he

> shakes a much weakened fist at his " opponent " now.

>

> After continuing to get more and more exhausted, Rick chose to take

> a 3 week break from chemo, in hopes of bouncing back and starting

> another run at it. Although he never really rebounded, he

restarted

> his chemo last week (Erbitux & CPT-11). By the end of the week he

> was feeling much worse and asked that I call the Onc and tell him

he

> needed to change his chemo regimen .... that he just couldn't

> continue to feel this way. The Onc said we would do whatever Rick

> and I wanted to do and we left it at that ...... I was to call him

> Monday and let them know what we wanted to do. Over the weekend,

> Rick had some balance problems ...... and actually fell face first

> into the yard in front of our house. He has (over the last 4

weeks)

> began to shut his eyes in the middle of conversations .... and then

> has a very sedated look ....... even though he isn't. Rick

admitted

> to me that he felt he was getting worse and even said he shouldn't

> be driving now. (He never should have been ...... but the fact that

> HE admitted that on his own is BIG!) I talked with the Onc

> yesterday and asked that he run another brain MRI ..... which he

> did. The brain tumor is still stable ...... but he has

> leukoencephalopathy (an effect of the radiation and chemo) .. which

> causes many of the symptoms he has ..... and only gets worse.

>

> Rick had been fighting congestive heart failure as well, and is on

> 129 mgs of lasix a day. He did finally drop 20 pounds between

> Thursday before last and last Wednesday!! However ....... when I

> spoke with the Onc yesterday, he told me that he would run the MRI,

> but that Rick was in the dying phase and that he just couldn't see

> how he could make it much longer. He said that Rick is so very

> strong ...... and that is why he has made it this far ....... but

he

> just wouldn't make it much longer. Now ..... although their

> predictions about Rick's future have been wrong before ... they

have

> always been based on averages and statistics. This time the Onc is

> going on the signs he sees in Rick and how much he has gone down

> over the last month. So, I believe he is probably right. Because

> we know how important it is for Rick to believe he still has a

> chance to fight this, we are going to switch him to just

> Avastin ...... drop the Erbitux and drop the chemo. The Onc feels

> that there are less side effects with Avastin and that it would be

> the easiest thing for Rick's system to take. I have to say, I have

> developed a lot of respect for our Oncologist .... most importantly

> for his ability to understand and appreciate what RICK wants and

> needs and for helping me to allow Rick to continue to fight ....

not

> because I want it, but because Rick wants it. He is getting very

> tired .......... but as I started this update ............ HE ISN'T

> FINISHED WITH THE FIGHT!! I simply ask for your extra prayers to

> help him through these final stages ........ and that he will feel

> peaceful in the process.

>

> We are within 5 weeks of my large Celebrity charity event ......

but

> they have brought people in to help me, so I will be here at home

> with Rick most of the time. I'll stay in touch and continue

> to " lurk " on days that I don't post. Thanks for all your

> support ............ the last two years would have been DRASTICALLY

> different without you ...... my " e-family " !!! )

>

> Hanging in there.......

> Donna Sisco

> 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 Shots (due to

> steroid-induced diabetes)

> 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

> 06/25/04 - Ultrasound of abdomen - no ascites

> 07/07/04 - CT of abdomen - Some focal intrahepatic ductal dilation

> 07/13/04 – Placed on Lasix for severe lower leg swelling and

> breathing difficulties

> 07/26/04 – CEA dropped to 58

> 07/30/04 - Lasix increased to 120 mgs because swelling and

breathing

> difficulties returned ... also taking three week break from chemo

> because of feeling so bad and extremely fatigued.

> 08/12/04 – CEA up to 147