Wow

  I have been sitting here for an hour trying to figure out what to type in this little box so here it goes.....I HAVE BRAIN CANCER.....ok that was easy. my name is james ,38 yr old father of 2 wonderful children, braydan and mckenna, and i was diagnosed with a classIV gioblastoma in my right temporal lobe back in aug 2007. the doctors immediatly did the resection and removed 99% of said tumor, i have been through the radiation and temodar and now i take temodar 1 week a month, i have 9 more months to go on that, i also take dilantin, gabapentin and am an isulin dependant diabetic for going on ten yrs now. Believe it or not this is my second bout with cancer. back in january 2006 i was diagnosed with plasmacytoma behind my nose, that type of cancer only needed radiation treatments and so far i have beaten that one. what are the odds?. I guess the reason i am on this site is to maybe talk to people that have the same or similar problems both physical,emotional and monitary, i am reduced to part time at work, drawing ss disability and VA disability but it still is not enough. i have pretty much lost everything including my friends and the woman that was there for me through out all this. i would get so angry at every little thing that she could not take it anymore .

so are there any words of advice that could probably point me in the right direction on all aspects? if there is then i would be greatly appriciated. thank you for the time, writing this kinda helps out.

Welcome, James. I've only been here about 7 months myself, but have found it very helpful at times. I, too, have had cancer twice. Treated for breast cancer 4 years ago, now the GBMIV. It's lonely sometimes to have cancer--particularly the social stigma of brain cancer. And some of the drugs they give us do make us short-tempered. I know I never was before this. My first SS disability check arrives tomorrow and it won't make ends meet, for sure. Helps (I've been without income for months now since I can't work--can't drive) I was self employed so I'm used to not receiving a regular paycheck but this was ridiculous. Thankfully, I still have my people around me, though I'm sure I've p'd them off on more than one occasion. You're so young and such small children. Doesn't seem right somehow but there are many suffering at such a young age.

Some people advocate support groups, others turn to their churches, some do both. Maybe reaching out to people who understand what you're going thru can ease your pain. Scroll thru some of the recent posts here. You may find some answers to your questions. Best of luck, James. Hang in there with the rest of us.

Hi

I am sorry that you had to come to this board,  I am here because my brother has AA3.  Sending lots of prayers to you....

Marilyn56 

I am so proud of you for finally finding somewhere you can talk to people who have cancer too. They can understand better than anyone what you are going through. You know your family stands by you always. Sometimes it is hard for me to except what is happening to you, you are my son & it isnt supposed to be like this. My heart aches for you. You are a wonderful person & a great dad. My heart aches for you all the time. Sometimes I run out of things to say to make you feel better, to know that miracles happen. Maybe some of the people in here can help with that.

Love

MOM

James,

I know this hard, but try to stay positive.  That is what my husband did. He nearly always had a smile on his face, even the worst of times.  It is hard on the whole family and anyone that is involved.  It is a hard battle to fight but you can do it. 

Janice 

James,

I sent you a private reply,

Chris 

James, you will find a lot of support on this site.  Welcome!

You might also check out www.chemoangels.com

They are a large group of volunteers who offer encouragement and support to cancer patients.  They do this with cards, notes, and small gifts.  When friends and familty don't know what to say or do anymore, the "angels" step in with just the right words. 

I have been an "angel" for more than 7 years now and also work as part of the administrative team.  You won't be sorry you checked them out.  This is true for all of you facing cancer.  They can angel to anyone around the world; children or adults with any kind of cancer.

James, the best to you. 

Lorre G.

Hi James

Do you know what sometimes life is Sh....t and it often is hard to find

the right person to talk to, so we dont talk to anyone. this site is a life line

and what it proves is there are so many good people in this world.

You only need a few good people around you whether that be family or friends, and when things get tough those people will be there, only surround yourself with those, and stay away from people that are not good for you.

Its a tough road and we have to go through it because we can't go over it or under it, so stay strong and know that there are lots of people that care about you, as these messages prove.

Lots of love to you

Norma XX

Jamie,

I'm glad you have finally come to a place that is able to give you the support you need with people who have "been there done that".  I can't even begin to explain how that makes me feel, as your sister.  You are such an amazing person so full of love and compassion for others.  It breaks my heart and bruises my soul to watch you go through this, yet again.  But you are strong.  You don't give yourself enough credit when it comes to your strength...and as I've said before, when you feel as if you are running out of strength, take some from your family. You know that we are all here for you, no matter what.  We will all stand by you and do whatever it is you need, or what WE feel you need. :) 

 I love you so much Jamie.  Thank you for coming to this forum and asking for help and support from others. 

Don't ever forget: Whatever It Takes!!!!

All my love,

Your Shelli Bean