Amber, As You Requested Here Is Rick's Progress

Amber,

Thanks for the PM reminding me to get back to posting. Sometimes we are so busy living life and traveling, I forget. I promise to keep posting for those following behind us (but if I get lax, holler).

Original diagnosis Feb 2007. Gastrectomy not possible in March, Chemo started in April, no mets via CT scan, Stage IV, this sucks.

16th chemo treatment was on March 21, 2008. At that time we found out about low platelet counts. He tested at 69K against a range of 150K to 400K. Had the chemo treatment that day, and our doc wanted us back before another upcoming Mexico trip. She was worried about him cutting himself diving, snorkeling, or shaving and having a clotting issue. (We are always learning about new things medical with this disease, isn't that special?). Went for the next test and it had dropped further to 55K after that last infusion. Wants us back again the next day to do another CBC (this is now the day before we are leaving). Go in for another test, up to 60K so at least it has bottomed out and is heading back up after the chemo had killed off a bunch more platelets. Now the great doctor is under no illusions that we would cancel our trip (Not gonna happen, it might be our last one for Heaven's sake), so she said we didn't get low enough to need a transfusion of platelets and just be careful. See ya doc, after we get back. lol  (Another great trip to Cozumel)

I have not read any issues here that dealt with platelets. Anyone have to infuse some and how long does that take?

Anyway, Rick is still feeling great, although now a little tenderness pain at the bottom of the stomach, just past the end of the ribcage. Doctor palpated it and said she could feel some additional firming up in the area. Scheduled the next CT scan for the 14th with results appt on the 15th. She is thinking about changing the chemo drugs as they might be getting smart to the Oxaliplatin, Epirubicin, and Xeloda. As we do expect some changes on the CT scan, she is thinking Taxotere and Cisplatin as a new regimen to start on the 18th. That one will be his 17th chemo infusion.

While it is so hard to wait for the other boot to drop, we really try to just focus one day at a time. Tomorrow can worry about itself. Rick is maintaining weight and feeling great and spring is arriving. Mother Nature and the gardens is Rick's passion and it is very healing, I am sure, to have his hands in it. It is now dark and he is still out there pruning, go figure. Everyone needs something to be passionate about. We will see where we go next week.

I am so sorry you had to join this forum due to your father's diagnosis. It is a offensive word removed of a disease, HOWEVER, we are now at 14 months from diagnosis, quality of life has been EXCELLENT, he is still feeling GREAT, we have traveled EXTENSIVELY, we have loved INTENTLY, we have been BLESSED, and we are GRATEFUL.

You can have a decent life, just have faith, turn it over to God, and let go, live life, love everyone, and enjoy the rest of the show. There is a lot of good info from experience here, use it. (Steve, I am glad to see Lisa is still in remission. Prayers to you and the kids)

If you have any questions that I haven't answered here or my previous posts, please feel free to ask. Good luck to all of you as you begin this journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Warmly,  Scott

My wife has lung cancer and received a platelet transfusion 3 weeks ago.  It only took about an hour to do the transfusion, but it took several hours to get the platelets and get it done.  Her platelets were in the teens and she was sent directly to the hospital which is attached to the cancer clinic.  They did not give her the treatment.  The following week it was the white blood count plus she was dehydrated so they hydrated her with a transfusion, and last week it was red blood count so they gave her 2 units of blood.  She was in the hospital from 9 am until 10pm and she got a bone scan inbetween units of blood.  They are trying to find out why she has terrible pain in her right leg.  We are hoping she gets her treatment this week.  At least her platelets are acceptable.

 I have never participated in a forum, but your comment on Mexico caught my attention.  We have been to Progreso which is about a 4 hour drive from where you go.  We were going to go back in December, but she was in the middle of radiation so we had to cancel.

We have been married 40 years and have traveled quite a bit.  Even though she is struggling we talk about our next trip.

It was refreshing to read your positive comments.

Gaeke,

Thanks for the info on transfusions, very helpful. We just haven't been down that path yet. It's nice to see someone else bitten with the travel bug. We have been able to get away just about every 3 weeks in between chemo treatments. Had to pass on a few too though. Friends went to India in January and were really bugging us to go. The one we should have done was a month in Italy at the beginning of our cancer journey. We let our wonderful oncologist talk us out of that one. Hindsight always being 20/20, that is the only thing we would have changed. Other than that, we have had no issues while away from home aside from the G-tube falling out of his stomach in California. He was thrilled it was gone, I was horrified that something terrible was about to happen. Ha, it started healing right away and we haven't had to clean it in about 12 months, what a blessing. We can always put in another when the time comes (They didn't think he would still be here. Little do they really know).

Hang in there with your wife, although after 40 years, there is no questions about that. She is lucky to have you. Take care of each other.  Scott

Scott, please keep posting.  It is so wonderful to hear your upbeat messages. 

God bless you,

Diane

Scott, thanks for the update and the kinds words for my fair Lisa.  She remains in remission and in great spirits.  We are continuing on only 5fu for the next 3-6 months post a full year of more toxic treatments.

You and Rick ROCK!  The kinds words and prayers are sent right back at ya both.

Steve (Lisa)

Hartford, CT