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

August 25, 2004

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

August 25, 2004

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

August 25, 2004

---Many prayers going up here in Minnesota. ..... Baylee

In colon_cancer_support , " tarcav23 " <tarcav23@y...>

wrote:

> 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

August 25, 2004

---Many prayers going up here in Minnesota. ..... Baylee

In colon_cancer_support , " tarcav23 " <tarcav23@y...>

wrote:

> 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

August 25, 2004

---Many prayers going up here in Minnesota. ..... Baylee

In colon_cancer_support , " tarcav23 " <tarcav23@y...>

wrote:

> 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

August 25, 2004

I don't know what to say, so I'll just keep praying. :-)

I wish you had better results to talk about but nobody could ask for

a better attitude and will to win.

I hope you receive a miracle soon,

Cliff H.

August 25, 2004

I don't know what to say, so I'll just keep praying. :-)

I wish you had better results to talk about but nobody could ask for

a better attitude and will to win.

I hope you receive a miracle soon,

Cliff H.

August 25, 2004

I don't know what to say, so I'll just keep praying. :-)

I wish you had better results to talk about but nobody could ask for

a better attitude and will to win.

I hope you receive a miracle soon,

Cliff H.

August 27, 2004

Donna my friend,

We are going thru a crisis here since last Tuesday and I just

happend to turn on computer before heading back to the hospital.

I saw your post and am so sorry to hear about Rick. Take care of

yourself my friend.

Joyce

> 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

August 27, 2004

Donna my friend,

We are going thru a crisis here since last Tuesday and I just

happend to turn on computer before heading back to the hospital.

I saw your post and am so sorry to hear about Rick. Take care of

yourself my friend.

Joyce

> 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

August 27, 2004

Donna my friend,

We are going thru a crisis here since last Tuesday and I just

happend to turn on computer before heading back to the hospital.

I saw your post and am so sorry to hear about Rick. Take care of

yourself my friend.

Joyce

> 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

August 31, 2004

Donna,

My heart goes out to you.I know what it is like to watch the one you

love deteriorate before your eyes,it hurts so much,you just wish

there was something you could do to take away his pain and make this

horrible disease go away.Unfortunately,we can't. So please know that

I'm thinking of you both and praying that God will grant you His

grace to see this thing through.Personally, I drew a lot of strength

from the verse that says " God never gives us more than we can

bear " ....and I admit that there were and still are times when I've

responded to that with " God,this is enough,I cannot take any more "

and the burden always felt lighter.Spend this time together and do

whatever makes the two of you feel comfort.The rest of the world

will wait.

Hugs & Prayers,

H

August 31, 2004