How's it going ya'all? Roll Call to alt.support.cancer (July/08)

It's hot up herre; pool time, for those who have pools. Vacatin time for
many.
Giant sheets of ice totaling almost eight square miles broke off an ice
shelf in the Canadian Arctic last week and more could follow later this
year, scientists said on Tuesday.
Fires in California ; then an earthquake today?
People from other newsgroups were saying they were choking from the smoke.

How are you doing Californians out there?

I see JC's getting ready for surgery. Goog luck, JC.

A hardware store clerk sold me some parts to affix a towel rack, which has
kept falling off the wall for over 6 years now. He was really "snarly"
with me, so I snarled back. how's service your way? Some places are
great here and some are awful. i always viewed US service as better than
here. Comments?

The walls full of holes from everyone's retries, so I used some car patch
(fibreglass etc) for some of the larger holes. He guaranteed one or the
other kit would affix the rack. Well, I'll be taking those back. 4 hours
of wrestling with it and looking through my supplies. The screws in the
kits were too short, but I found some in my supplies. [skip long ordeal].
I'll be taking his back for refund.

I'm not complaining, just explaining. It's fix-it time; hence my absences
and few people are posting.
How about an update from you all out there?
I hope to hear from many of you, if you are able to post.
J

On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:39:40 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
wrote:

> I see JC's getting ready for surgery. Goog luck, JC.

It looks like it is a goer - the gastrograffin enema showed no
leakage at the bowel resection site so I look likely to be on the
operating table on the 12th August. I'll know for certain on
7th August when I meet up with the surgeon.
--

Cheers . . . JC

"JC" <jc@invalid.net> wrote in message
news:8im094l6sab5lp58uo19nce020ls9f4gm0@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:39:40 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
> wrote:
>
>> I see JC's getting ready for surgery. Goog luck, JC.
>
> It looks like it is a goer - the gastrograffin enema showed no
> leakage at the bowel resection site so I look likely to be on the
> operating table on the 12th August. I'll know for certain on
> 7th August when I meet up with the surgeon.
> --

Good luck, JC. I hope it all works out for you.

Pam S.

"J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
news:488FFE9C.E67546B9@execulink.com...
> It's hot up herre; pool time, for those who have pools. Vacatin time for
> many.
> Giant sheets of ice totaling almost eight square miles broke off an ice
> shelf in the Canadian Arctic last week and more could follow later this
> year, scientists said on Tuesday.
> Fires in California ; then an earthquake today?
> People from other newsgroups were saying they were choking from the smoke.
>

We're playing the waiting game here. As you may recall, Rob's last MRI
indicated that there is a "possibility" that the cancer is back. The
oncologist decided to have Rob do another MRI in August to check and see if
there are any differences between the two films. So Rob goes back for
another MRI on the 11th and appointment with his oncologist on the 20th.
Meanwhile, Rob is enjoying painting classes through the cancer support
center so much that we're buying him (and daughter Mandy and I) the
equipment to paint at home as well. He's on his second painting, the first
one was of a Blackhawk helicopter flying over the mountains of Honduras.
I'm on my third painting, one of the balloon release from the cancer
survivor's picnic on June 1st this year.

September will have the annual cancer survivor's camp, and we've sent in our
money to reserve, we hope, a room at the lodge for the night. The new
director of social services is doing well at some things and not at others.
To be honest she has some really big shoes to fill as the director before
her was a local pioneer in cancer survivor support. There is room or
improvement, but she's working hard and will succeed, I think.

About your questions about customer service. In my experience, the mom and
pop (locally owned) stores and restaurants provide better service than the
chain places. But there are exceptions for every rule. For home projects,
I use Lowes hardware as the local Home Depots are lame at best in service
and product quality. But your mileage will vary.

Pam S.

JC wrote:

> On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:39:40 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
> wrote:
>
> > I see JC's getting ready for surgery. Goog luck, JC.
>
> It looks like it is a goer - the gastrograffin enema showed no
> leakage at the bowel resection site so I look likely to be on the
> operating table on the 12th August. I'll know for certain on
> 7th August when I meet up with the surgeon.

Great news, JC
Please ask surgeon how long before you can sit at the computer.
So I know when to expectyour update, otherwise i worry, until we hear.
I'm sure you'll be in good hands; it's just me.

Take care and I'll watch for your update around the 7th.
J

tanadashoes wrote:

> We're playing the waiting game here. As you may recall, Rob's last MRI
> indicated that there is a "possibility" that the cancer is back. The
> oncologist decided to have Rob do another MRI in August to check and see if
> there are any differences between the two films. So Rob goes back for
> another MRI on the 11th and appointment with his oncologist on the 20th.
> Meanwhile, Rob is enjoying painting classes through the cancer support
> center so much that we're buying him (and daughter Mandy and I) the
> equipment to paint at home as well. He's on his second painting, the first
> one was of a Blackhawk helicopter flying over the mountains of Honduras.
> I'm on my third painting, one of the balloon release from the cancer
> survivor's picnic on June 1st this year.

Sounds like fun, Pam, although I'm not into painting.
I'm a hammer and nail and wood person.
I like your subjects. Black helicopter? Colourful balloons?
i've just searched on "fire balloons". Apparently some people have been
reporting them as UFO's.
Keeps the police busy answering phone calls. Not funny though; can start fires.
I was picturing something like fireflies in the sky type scenario (which I'd
love to see painted), but what I found is this
http://www.weddinglanterns.co.uk/ Nothing like what I imagined or would like to
see.
What were your first and 2nd paintings, please?

I've also found out that airplanes aren't spying on us.
I've wondered for years when out walking at night.
Found out there's a private airfield nearby. Dang! Spoiled my conspiracy theory.


> September will have the annual cancer survivor's camp, and we've sent in our
> money to reserve, we hope, a room at the lodge for the night. The new
> director of social services is doing well at some things and not at others.
> To be honest she has some really big shoes to fill as the director before
> her was a local pioneer in cancer survivor support. There is room or
> improvement, but she's working hard and will succeed, I think.
>
> About your questions about customer service. In my experience, the mom and
> pop (locally owned) stores and restaurants provide better service than the
> chain places. But there are exceptions for every rule. For home projects,
> I use Lowes hardware as the local Home Depots are lame at best in service
> and product quality. But your mileage will vary

You said it. It varies.This year I make jokes about them.
If someone points me to aisle #135, I ask where's the bus to take me? LOL
It's an advert on TV for a smaller (but they say), better grocery store.
Or if I raise my hand to get someone's attention and they start leaving, I stop
them and tell they look like the staff in another TV advert, running away from
the customer. (who me? attitude, no time).

Hopefully it'll be good news on the 20th and you'll have an ejoyable time at the
cancer survivor's camp.

PS There's a 44 pound, all white, healthy looking, cat (in the US, I think)
needing a home. Interested?
Hugs
J

"J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
news:48914256.34D60A10@execulink.com...
>
>
> Sounds like fun, Pam, although I'm not into painting.
> I'm a hammer and nail and wood person.
> I like your subjects. Black helicopter? Colourful balloons?
> i've just searched on "fire balloons". Apparently some people have been
> reporting them as UFO's.
> Keeps the police busy answering phone calls. Not funny though; can start
> fires.
> I was picturing something like fireflies in the sky type scenario (which
> I'd
> love to see painted), but what I found is this
> http://www.weddinglanterns.co.uk/ Nothing like what I imagined or would
> like to
> see.
> What were your first and 2nd paintings, please?
>
> I've also found out that airplanes aren't spying on us.
> I've wondered for years when out walking at night.
> Found out there's a private airfield nearby. Dang! Spoiled my conspiracy
> theory.
>
>

My first painting was from a calendar picture of some canola fields in
northern Idaho. The second was more of a sort of spiral tunnel (sorta like
when you try out a new pen and you make spirals on the paper) with blending
from bright yellow to green. I keep telling others that it's an allegory
for whatever the viewer wants to see in it. I was thinking about how our
lives seem to be a spiral of seasons and how there is bright parts
interspersed with bad (dark) parts. The instructors liked it.

Sorry, I'm paranoid and even I don't think that planes are spying on us.
Too fast for one thing. However, the MP copters used to hover over parts of
the base when we lived on post and that could really feed the old paranoia
bent.

>
> You said it. It varies.This year I make jokes about them.
> If someone points me to aisle #135, I ask where's the bus to take me? LOL
> It's an advert on TV for a smaller (but they say), better grocery store.
> Or if I raise my hand to get someone's attention and they start leaving, I
> stop
> them and tell they look like the staff in another TV advert, running away
> from
> the customer. (who me? attitude, no time).
>
> Hopefully it'll be good news on the 20th and you'll have an ejoyable time
> at the
> cancer survivor's camp.
>
> PS There's a 44 pound, all white, healthy looking, cat (in the US, I
> think)
> needing a home. Interested?
> Hugs
> J
>

44 lbs? That's a hurking big kitty. Rob's mom had a 45 lb one. I suspect
it was a Maine Coon/Norwegian Forest Cat mix. Leo was the funniest thing.
However, we're at our max occupancy limit at the moment. Eight cats is
enough that we have pulled in the welcome mat and are praying no one brings
us any more to find homes for. We also feed two strays and a house cat that
is an un neutered bully.

Pam S.

tanadashoes wrote:

> "J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
> >
> > Sounds like fun, Pam, although I'm not into painting.
> > I'm a hammer and nail and wood person.
> > I like your subjects. Black helicopter? Colourful balloons?
> > i've just searched on "fire balloons". Apparently some people have been
> > reporting them as UFO's.
> > Keeps the police busy answering phone calls. Not funny though; can start
> > fires.
> > I was picturing something like fireflies in the sky type scenario (which
> > I'd
> > love to see painted), but what I found is this
> > http://www.weddinglanterns.co.uk/ Nothing like what I imagined or would
> > like to
> > see.
> > What were your first and 2nd paintings, please?
> >
> > I've also found out that airplanes aren't spying on us.
> > I've wondered for years when out walking at night.
> > Found out there's a private airfield nearby. Dang! Spoiled my conspiracy
> > theory.
> >
> >
>
> My first painting was from a calendar picture of some canola fields in
> northern Idaho. The second was more of a sort of spiral tunnel (sorta like
> when you try out a new pen and you make spirals on the paper) with blending
> from bright yellow to green. I keep telling others that it's an allegory
> for whatever the viewer wants to see in it. I was thinking about how our
> lives seem to be a spiral of seasons and how there is bright parts
> interspersed with bad (dark) parts. The instructors liked it.
>
> Sorry, I'm paranoid and even I don't think that planes are spying on us.
> Too fast for one thing. However, the MP copters used to hover over parts of
> the base when we lived on post and that could really feed the old paranoia
> bent.
> <snip>
> > PS There's a 44 pound, all white, healthy looking, cat (in the US, I
> > think)
> > needing a home. Interested?
> > Hugs
> > J
> >
>
> 44 lbs? That's a hurking big kitty. Rob's mom had a 45 lb one. I suspect
> it was a Maine Coon/Norwegian Forest Cat mix. Leo was the funniest thing.
> However, we're at our max occupancy limit at the moment. Eight cats is
> enough that we have pulled in the welcome mat and are praying no one brings
> us any more to find homes for. We also feed two strays and a house cat that
> is an un neutered bully.
>
> Pam S.

Hi Pam
Well, I had a whole paragraph about cats and dogs, but will leave it at "I
understand, you've got enough on your hands."

Back to the other topics, the planes are going slow, but (I assume) descending
to land nearby.

I see why the instructors liked the spiral tunnel. Canola fields, well, I don't
know.
Sometimes art works, just because it is and/or the colors or the moods or
memories it evokes, eh?
Thanks for answering my questions. I'll be here, (almost) any topic.
J

Saw my Onc yesterday and the mystery spots are scar tissue from my previous
brain mets. I'm back on a 3 month cycle for scans, though. I had been on a 6
mo. cycle for the last 2 scans until this scar tissue was detected. Now back to
3 mo.

As a Son of the South (born Georgia raised in Florida) I would be remiss if I
did not point out that the correct word is y'all. Not "You All", Ya'all, or any
other derivative of the greeting. It can be either singular or plural

When we say "how're y'all" we mean "how are you and all your family." As in
"Hi, how're y'all?" Or singular "Hi, how're y'all?" :=)

Yeah, I know, it is now Aug, and I'm responding to a July Roll Call. So it
goes.

Day late, dollar short, mile behind, but STILL NED,
Bobert

--

A crowded elevator smells different to a midget.


Bob in Central California

The Bobert wrote:

> Saw my Onc yesterday and the mystery spots are scar tissue from my previous
> brain mets. I'm back on a 3 month cycle for scans, though. I had been on a 6
> mo. cycle for the last 2 scans until this scar tissue was detected. Now back to
> 3 mo.
>
> As a Son of the South (born Georgia raised in Florida) I would be remiss if I
> did not point out that the correct word is y'all. Not "You All", Ya'all, or any
> other derivative of the greeting. It can be either singular or plural
>
> When we say "how're y'all" we mean "how are you and all your family." As in
> "Hi, how're y'all?" Or singular "Hi, how're y'all?" :=)
>
> Yeah, I know, it is now Aug, and I'm responding to a July Roll Call. So it
> goes.
>
> Day late, dollar short, mile behind, but STILL NED,
> Bobert

Better late than never, Bob.
Actually I intended it to continue anyway, in case others are on holiday or some
other reason, not reporting in.

Thanks for the correction. It sounded good at the time, but didn't look right after
I posted it.

I hope you'll be back to your 6-month MRI schedule soon, still NED
J

On Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:11:57 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
wrote:

>JC wrote:
>
>> On Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:39:40 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > I see JC's getting ready for surgery. Goog luck, JC.
>>
>> It looks like it is a goer - the gastrograffin enema showed no
>> leakage at the bowel resection site so I look likely to be on the
>> operating table on the 12th August. I'll know for certain on
>> 7th August when I meet up with the surgeon.
>
>Great news, JC
>Please ask surgeon how long before you can sit at the computer.
>So I know when to expectyour update, otherwise i worry, until we hear.
>I'm sure you'll be in good hands; it's just me.
>
>Take care and I'll watch for your update around the 7th.

Hi J

The surgeon has given the go ahead for the operation on the 12th
August. At this stage they expect that I will be in hospital
for 4 days. Given that, I am expecting that I will be released
most likely on the 16th or possibly the 17th.

I will try to send an update on the day of release.
--

Cheers . . . JC

JC wrote:

> On Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:11:57 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
> wrote:
> >Great news, JC
> >Please ask surgeon how long before you can sit at the computer.
> Hi J
>
> The surgeon has given the go ahead for the operation on the 12th
> August. At this stage they expect that I will be in hospital
> for 4 days. Given that, I am expecting that I will be released
> most likely on the 16th or possibly the 17th.
>
> I will try to send an update on the day of release.

Hi JC,
Thanks for the info. Not long now to wait.
Wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
looks like kathy will be watching out for you, here, as well.
So we'll be here caring and wishing the best outcome.
J

tanadashoes wrote:

> "J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
> [,,,]
> >
> > I've also found out that airplanes aren't spying on us.
> > I've wondered for years when out walking at night.
> > Found out there's a private airfield nearby. Dang! Spoiled my conspiracy
> > theory.

Just for the record. We do have aerial survellance.
Traffic retated - maybe both kinds (in cornfields)
How's the painting going, Pam?
Hugs
J

"J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
news:489F8CBF.93246AF4@execulink.com...
> tanadashoes wrote:
>
> Just for the record. We do have aerial survellance.
> Traffic retated - maybe both kinds (in cornfields)
> How's the painting going, Pam?
> Hugs
> J
>

Don't ask. Thanks to a social worker and I not getting along (I'm being
nice here) we are no longer going to the classes. We have done some
painting at home, but Rob has mostly given up. I wish I hadn't informed her
that her attitude towards caregivers stank. Rob would probably still be in
the classes if we hadn't disagreed.

Pam S.

tanadashoes wrote:

> "J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
> > How's the painting going, Pam?
> >
>
> Don't ask. Thanks to a social worker and I not getting along (I'm being
> nice here) we are no longer going to the classes. We have done some
> painting at home, but Rob has mostly given up. I wish I hadn't informed her
> that her attitude towards caregivers stank. Rob would probably still be in
> the classes if we hadn't disagreed.
>
> Pam S.

Wow ! Planets must be out of alignment (or something).
I've mouthed off quite a bit lately at people with poor attitudes (re: service).

I think I see your position. Report it to her superior; makes a "bigger stink'
and bad kharma (tension, distasteful) for Rob.
Or let it go and hope you can find similar (or something better, different that
he'll enjoy) elsewhere?
Correct me if I'm getting this wrong, please.
J

J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in news:48914256.34D60A10@execulink.com:

> http://www.weddinglanterns.co.uk/

Have never heard of these & think there would be some prohibition against
launching them here, where it is so dry. Looks like they just drift away &
sould start a fire wherever they land. I am amazed by the quantity at the
pictured gathering. I guess throwing birdseed is passe.

Fig

J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in news:488FFE9C.E67546B9@execulink.com:

> as better than here. Comments?
>
> The walls full of holes from everyone's retries, so I used some car
> patch (fibreglass etc) for some of the larger holes. He guaranteed one
> or the other kit would affix the rack. Well, I'll be taking those
> back. 4 hours of wrestling with it and looking through my supplies.
> The screws in the kits were too short, but I found some in my
> supplies. [skip long ordeal]. I'll be taking his back for refund.

5 minutes, no holes.

http://tinyurl.com/5htktz

Fig

J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in news:489F8CBF.93246AF4@execulink.com:

> tanadashoes wrote:
>
>> "J" <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote in message
>> [,,,]
>> >
>> > I've also found out that airplanes aren't spying on us.
>> > I've wondered for years when out walking at night.
>> > Found out there's a private airfield nearby. Dang! Spoiled my
>> > conspiracy theory.
>
> Just for the record. We do have aerial survellance.
> Traffic retated - maybe both kinds (in cornfields)
> How's the painting going, Pam?
> Hugs
> J
>
>
Remember corn has ears...

sorry,
Fig

On Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:43:58 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
wrote:

>JC wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:11:57 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
>> wrote:
>> >Great news, JC
>> >Please ask surgeon how long before you can sit at the computer.
>> Hi J
>>
>> The surgeon has given the go ahead for the operation on the 12th
>> August. At this stage they expect that I will be in hospital
>> for 4 days. Given that, I am expecting that I will be released
>> most likely on the 16th or possibly the 17th.
>>
>> I will try to send an update on the day of release.
>
>Hi JC,
>Thanks for the info. Not long now to wait.
>Wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
>looks like kathy will be watching out for you, here, as well.
>So we'll be here caring and wishing the best outcome.

Hi J,

Well, I am back home and trying to sort out all the emails and
news articles that were collected in the last week.

I must have been a naughty boy as the doc kept me in for 2 days
longer than was originally planned. I have to go to the doc's
clinic each day to have the dressing replaced and on Friday the
staples will be removed.

That leaves only 2 problems - how long before the pain stops when
I cough etc and how long the original stoma hole will take to
finally close.

I expect that the pain when I cough etc will go in a week or so.

At the moment the stoma hole is about 10mm diameter and 20mm deep
and is being packed with a ribbon-like material to soak up any
blood. I was told that it was left open so that it heals from
the inside towards the skin so that I don't end up with a hole
under the skin. I have no idea how long that will take.
--

Cheers . . . JC

JC wrote:

> On Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:43:58 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
> wrote:
> >JC wrote:
> >> The surgeon has given the go ahead for the operation on the 12th
> >> August. At this stage they expect that I will be in hospital
> >> for 4 days. Given that, I am expecting that I will be released
> >> most likely on the 16th or possibly the 17th.
> >>
> >> I will try to send an update on the day of release.
> >
> >Wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
> Hi J,
>
> Well, I am back home and trying to sort out all the emails and
> news articles that were collected in the last week.
>
> I must have been a naughty boy as the doc kept me in for 2 days
> longer than was originally planned. I have to go to the doc's
> clinic each day to have the dressing replaced and on Friday the
> staples will be removed.
>
> That leaves only 2 problems - how long before the pain stops when
> I cough etc and how long the original stoma hole will take to
> finally close.
>
> I expect that the pain when I cough etc will go in a week or so.
>
> At the moment the stoma hole is about 10mm diameter and 20mm deep
> and is being packed with a ribbon-like material to soak up any
> blood. I was told that it was left open so that it heals from
> the inside towards the skin so that I don't end up with a hole
> under the skin. I have no idea how long that will take.

Me either. Sounds like a busy week for you.
I think coughing makes our muscles tense or the reverse; we tense up to
cough.
Does it hurt less if you're lying down (or inclined)?
Just a thought in case it helps in the interim.
I'm so pleased to hear from you, JC.

Keep in touch as you are able.
Sending good thoughts for a quick healing.
J

In article <48A948F5.CA20A9A2@execulink.com>, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
wrote:

> JC wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:43:58 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
> > wrote:
> > >JC wrote:
> > >> The surgeon has given the go ahead for the operation on the 12th
> > >> August. At this stage they expect that I will be in hospital
> > >> for 4 days. Given that, I am expecting that I will be released
> > >> most likely on the 16th or possibly the 17th.
> > >>
> > >> I will try to send an update on the day of release.
> > >
> > >Wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
> > Hi J,
> >
> > Well, I am back home and trying to sort out all the emails and
> > news articles that were collected in the last week.
> >
> > I must have been a naughty boy as the doc kept me in for 2 days
> > longer than was originally planned. I have to go to the doc's
> > clinic each day to have the dressing replaced and on Friday the
> > staples will be removed.
> >
> > That leaves only 2 problems - how long before the pain stops when
> > I cough etc and how long the original stoma hole will take to
> > finally close.
> >
> > I expect that the pain when I cough etc will go in a week or so.
> >
> > At the moment the stoma hole is about 10mm diameter and 20mm deep
> > and is being packed with a ribbon-like material to soak up any
> > blood. I was told that it was left open so that it heals from
> > the inside towards the skin so that I don't end up with a hole
> > under the skin. I have no idea how long that will take.
>
> Me either. Sounds like a busy week for you.
> I think coughing makes our muscles tense or the reverse; we tense up to
> cough.
> Does it hurt less if you're lying down (or inclined)?
> Just a thought in case it helps in the interim.
> I'm so pleased to hear from you, JC.
>
> Keep in touch as you are able.
> Sending good thoughts for a quick healing.
> J

*
I'm new here, JC. But I join J in wishing you the best healing
thoughts. Please think of my wife who was diagnosed with bile-duct
cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) a few months ago.

At age 77, I am very fortunate to be strong enough to be a good care
giver -- I hate to think of our situation if I could not be so.

Take care -- let us know if there is anything we can do -- I live in the
San Francisco area.

Best wishes -- stay well!

earle
*

JC wrote :

"Well, I am back home ..."

Welcome home, JC, and I sincerely hope your recovery is going well ! Your
bravery comes through in your messages.

best, Uncle Sally

On Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:55:32 GMT, "Uncle Sally"
<therealUncleSally@gmail.com> wrote:

>JC wrote :
>
>"Well, I am back home ..."
>
>Welcome home, JC, and I sincerely hope your recovery is going well ! Your
>bravery comes through in your messages.
>
Hi Uncle Sally,

Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts about me. A lot of the pain
has gone away and the operation scar seems to be recovering well.
The hole will be with me for some time but I can live with that.

I don't see any point in sitting around moaning about the various
trials that have been sent my way. I accept whatever the trial
entails and try to make the best of it. The main aim is to not
get all depressed about how things are going.
--

Cheers . . . JC

On Aug 21, 5:59 am, JC <j...@invalid.net> wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:55:32 GMT, "Uncle Sally"
>
> <therealUncleSa...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >JC wrote :
>
> >"Well, I am back home ..."
>
> >Welcome home, JC, and I sincerely hope your recovery is going well ! Your
> >bravery comes through in your messages.
>
> Hi Uncle Sally,
>
> Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts about me. A lot of the pain
> has gone away and the operation scar seems to be recovering well.
> The hole will be with me for some time but I can live with that.
>
> I don't see any point in sitting around moaning about the various
> trials that have been sent my way. I accept whatever the trial
> entails and try to make the best of it. The main aim is to not
> get all depressed about how things are going.
> --
>
> Cheers . . . JC

That's a good attitude to take. Some patients *do* dwell on the
downside (there's so much of it, it's hard not to), but we don't have
to. Focusing, as you do, on the benefits of treatments seems to me a
much better course. Yeah, woe is us, but we have better things to do
than meditate on our sufferings. We have life. We can live it.

---
CSM

Earle Jones wrote:

>
> I'm new here, JC. But I join J in wishing you the best healing
> thoughts. Please think of my wife who was diagnosed with bile-duct
> cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) a few months ago.
>
> At age 77, I am very fortunate to be strong enough to be a good care
> giver -- I hate to think of our situation if I could not be so.
>
> Take care -- let us know if there is anything we can do -- I live in the
> San Francisco area.
>
> Best wishes -- stay well!
>
> earle
> *

Well, I'm thinking of you two. How's it going, Earle?
Second opinion about surgery, upcoming?
J

In article <48B19230.1011D213@execulink.com>, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
wrote:

> Earle Jones wrote:
>
> >
> > I'm new here, JC. But I join J in wishing you the best healing
> > thoughts. Please think of my wife who was diagnosed with bile-duct
> > cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) a few months ago.
> >
> > At age 77, I am very fortunate to be strong enough to be a good care
> > giver -- I hate to think of our situation if I could not be so.
> >
> > Take care -- let us know if there is anything we can do -- I live in the
> > San Francisco area.
> >
> > Best wishes -- stay well!
> >
> > earle
> > *
>
> Well, I'm thinking of you two. How's it going, Earle?
> Second opinion about surgery, upcoming?
> J

*
J: Thanks for the note.

CT-scan tomorrow at Stanford. Then a trip to UC San Francisco for the
surgical opinion. Based on what I know now, I don't expect anything new
-- but it's something we need to do.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,

earle
*

On Aug 24, 12:54*pm, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote:
> Earle Jones wrote:
>
> > I'm new here, JC. *But I join J in wishing you the best healing
> > thoughts. *Please think of my wife who was diagnosed with bile-duct
> > cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) a few months ago.
>
> > At age 77, I am very fortunate to be strong enough to be a good care
> > giver -- I hate to think of our situation if I could not be so.
>
> > Take care -- let us know if there is anything we can do -- I live in the
> > San Francisco area.
>
> > Best wishes -- stay well!
>
> > earle
> > *
>
> Well, I'm thinking of you two. How's it going, Earle?
> Second opinion about surgery, upcoming?
> J- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

This is my first post here. My wife has stage IV colo-rectal cancer
and is hooked up with hospice here in TN. Her symptoms are not too
bad at the moment, but she tires very easily.
Dave aka Goozlefotz

On Aug 25, 9:39 am, goozlefotz <dgrant...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Aug 24, 12:54 pm, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Earle Jones wrote:
>
> > > I'm new here, JC. But I join J in wishing you the best healing
> > > thoughts. Please think of my wife who was diagnosed with bile-duct
> > > cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) a few months ago.
>
> > > At age 77, I am very fortunate to be strong enough to be a good care
> > > giver -- I hate to think of our situation if I could not be so.
>
> > > Take care -- let us know if there is anything we can do -- I live in the
> > > San Francisco area.
>
> > > Best wishes -- stay well!
>
> > > earle
> > > *
>
> > Well, I'm thinking of you two. How's it going, Earle?
> > Second opinion about surgery, upcoming?
> > J- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> This is my first post here. My wife has stage IV colo-rectal cancer
> and is hooked up with hospice here in TN. Her symptoms are not too
> bad at the moment, but she tires very easily.
> Dave aka Goozlefotz

Welcome to asc, Goozlefotz. I'm sorry to hear of your wife's
illness. I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in June 2006.
This is a great place for emotional support, both for patients and
caregivers. You'll soon learn which posters to read, and which to
ignore. I'd make recommendations, but they'd be colored by my biases,
not yours. Your wife may also like to participate here, talk to
others in similar situations, even get practical advice on how to cope
with the various problems we have. As for tiring easily, I have no
suggestions. When I was like that, there was nothing to do but do
what I could do and call it good enough. Having your support is
important---my wife was very helpful to me, and much appreciated.

---
CSM

goozlefotz wrote:

> This is my first post here. My wife has stage IV colo-rectal cancer
> and is hooked up with hospice here in TN. Her symptoms are not too
> bad at the moment, but she tires very easily.
> Dave aka Goozlefotz

Hello Dave and welcome.
I'm very sorry I'm late replying.
I was sick for 3 days - unusual for me - hopefully just the heat.
We can't be there for a shoulder for you to lean on, but please be assured I'll
be here, listening and caring.

This is a quote from Bookbabe, from the archives in 2003.
"But mostly, sometimes I wake up and feel good- positive, strong, able
to deal with the cancer. Other times I wake up and want to stay in bed
all day, as if I were hiding from the cancer. "

There were 3 or 4 (or more) colorectal patients (or their loved ones) here that
year.
I'm looking at a thread now.
This might work
<
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.s...ee9f3f1592ba44
>
I miss the people. Tears and fun, Fears and panic, (is some of what I remember
of them)
You'll have less of the latter since hospice is helpng out.
I hope you'll stick around and get to know us and us you.

Were you reading before ? or just found us?
J

*My wife has stage IV colo-rectal cancer
> and is hooked up with hospice here in TN. *Her symptoms are not too
> bad at the moment, but she tires very easily.
> Dave aka Goozlefot

Benn there with my beloved husband. Ask me what you want. Just be
there with her. Hold her hand, talk to her, put cold compresses
(washcloths) on her forehead. Just keep on loving her. That will
give her the comfort she needs. I was with Franzi all day every day,
from dawn to dark. I did go home to sleep. I knew I had to keep up my
strength. His caretakers, nurses, doctors, etc., were fantastic.
Could not have had better, and we live in a small town with a small
town hospital. It is not easy, but you will get through it all.
Blessings.

On Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:03:33 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
wrote:

>>JC wrote:
>>
>> That leaves only 2 problems - how long before the pain stops when
>> I cough etc and how long the original stoma hole will take to
>> finally close.
>>
>> I expect that the pain when I cough etc will go in a week or so.
>>
>> At the moment the stoma hole is about 10mm diameter and 20mm deep
>> and is being packed with a ribbon-like material to soak up any
>> blood. I was told that it was left open so that it heals from
>> the inside towards the skin so that I don't end up with a hole
>> under the skin. I have no idea how long that will take.
>
>Me either. Sounds like a busy week for you.
>I think coughing makes our muscles tense or the reverse; we tense up to
>cough.
>Does it hurt less if you're lying down (or inclined)?
>Just a thought in case it helps in the interim.
>I'm so pleased to hear from you, JC.
>
>Keep in touch as you are able.
>Sending good thoughts for a quick healing.

It has been almost 2 months since I last wrote. Too long!

The stoma hole is slowly healing. It still has a long way to go
but is no longer painful to the touch. I didn't expect it to
take as long as it is to heal.

The CT scans showed that the tumours on the liver had returned
and the shadows on the lung had been confirmed as tumours.
Despite the chemo these had quadrupled in size. The endo
advised that the chemo obviously wasn't working and he wanted to
try another.

A side effect of the new chemo would be that the neuropathy in
the feet would get worse and I would also get neuropathy in the
hands. Give these, and some other minor side effects, I decided
to give chemo away and let nature take its course. To that end
I had the chemo injection point removed last Friday and it is now
healing.

The endo understood why I made this decision - he half expected
it. His current guess on my longevity is 9 months - i.e. mid
next year. Time will tell where I fit on the bell shaped curve.
<grin>

I am now able to let the four legged friend take me for walks and
these are getting longer by the day. They started off at 20
minutes but am now up to 1 hour and seeing a lot of the suburb
close up. I hope to get back to the gym in another 2-3 weeks.
--

Cheers . . . JC

On Oct 14, 4:56*pm, JC <j...@invalid.net> wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:03:33 -0400, J <xewsnswex@nalid;"no>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >>JC wrote:
>
> >> That leaves only 2 problems - how long before the pain stops when
> >> I cough etc and how long the original stoma hole will take to
> >> finally close.
>
> >> I expect that the pain when I cough etc will go in a week or so.
>
> >> At the moment the stoma hole is about 10mm diameter and 20mm deep
> >> and is being packed with a ribbon-like material to soak up any
> >> blood. * I was told that it was left open so that it heals from
> >> the inside towards the skin so that I don't end up with a hole
> >> under the skin. * I have no idea how long that will take.
>
> >Me either. Sounds like a busy week for you.
> >I think coughing makes our muscles tense or the reverse; we tense up to
> >cough.
> >Does it hurt less if you're lying down (or inclined)?
> >Just a thought in case it helps in the interim.
> >I'm so pleased to hear from you, JC.
>
> >Keep in touch as you are able.
> >Sending good thoughts for a quick healing.
>
> It has been almost 2 months since I last wrote. * Too long!
>
> The stoma hole is slowly healing. * It still has a long way to go
> but is no longer painful to the touch. *I didn't expect it to
> take as long as it is to heal.
>
> The CT scans showed that the tumours on the liver had returned
> and the shadows on the lung had been confirmed as tumours.
> Despite the chemo these had quadrupled in size. * The endo
> advised that the chemo obviously wasn't working and he wanted to
> try another.
>
> A side effect of the new chemo would be that the neuropathy in
> the feet would get worse and I would also get neuropathy in the
> hands. * Give these, and some other minor side effects, I decided
> to give chemo away and let nature take its course. * To that end
> I had the chemo injection point removed last Friday and it is now
> healing.
>
> The endo understood why I made this decision - he half expected
> it. * His current guess on my longevity is 9 months - i.e. mid
> next year. * Time will tell where I fit on the bell shaped curve.
> <grin>
>
> I am now able to let the four legged friend take me for walks and
> these are getting longer by the day. * They started off at 20
> minutes but am now up to 1 hour and seeing a lot of the suburb
> close up. * I hope to get back to the gym in another 2-3 weeks.
> --
>
> Cheers . . . JC

JC, I'm sorry