Back Again

wife diagnosed in 2005 w cc .had one half of liver removed,told chemo doesnt work just wait and see.march 06 two nodules in lower abdomen removed followed w gemzar , which ended her up in hospital twice.cancer returned in summer of 07 told to just watch as surgeon didnt want to operate  all of doctoring at fox chase. in fall of 07 move to u of penn for third opinion. told options limited , as recurrence is back in regenerated part of liver .chemo suggested . 6 treatments later cancer has grown in liver and mets to pelvic area w spots on colon and who knows where? met w gyno surgeon on 2/20/08 shes hesitant as much scar tissue from previous surgeries .  my beautiful wife now 46 yrs young must now meet w gastric surgeon to see if he will consent to operate w gyno. I knew almost 3yrs ago most people w this dont survive 1 yr if inoperable as i have read the posts for quite a while. i guess I just needed to  get this in print to see how fortunate we have been to have as much time as we have had.  many hard decisions will have to be made as this surgery will buy more time however at what cost?  I really cant complain as shes has been otherwise somewhat healthy . DAY  AT A TIME

Dear Bob,

I am deeply sorry to hear the terrible story about your wife's brave fight against this terrible cancer. She and you have gone through a lot. Hope again and again was destroyed. There are illnesses that not only the patient suffers from, but also the people close around her. I know this, because my wonderful, allways so extremely healthy husband was diagnosed with this cancer in April 2007. They tried surgery, but stopped it allmost immediately when they saw how far it had gone. Verdict: a couple of months, 3 at the most. Chemo not possible.

This is more than 9 months ago now. He has stents to get the bile flowing and is doing extremely well. Has no pain, no itching and is very active. We don't know how long this can go on. Every day, every week, every extra month is a gift. Especially when he feels so good. But I know your struggle, pain and fear to lose your wife.

I sincerely hope that you will still have some quality time together. Use it. And to empty your heavy heart, talk to people.

I wish you and your family all the best and will you please keep is us posted?

Iris (the Netherlands) 

 

    What a long road you & your wife have been on.  Yes, love each other every day that you have together.  This disease is very tricky.  You feel good one hour & then suddenly......you are so sick & weak without any warning.  Let her do whatever she feels like doing.  Being there with her & sharing each moment is the most beautiful thing you can do for her.  My husband & I have found so much more love with my illness (bile duct cancer with metastases to the liver & pancreas) than we ever dreamed possible!  We laugh & love & pray more now than we ever did over the past 37 years!