CancerCompass message board discussion started by Babybarney on 7/27/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,2583,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My dad finished with his radiation and Chemo about 1 month ago. He went for a pet scan last week and found out today that the tumor was still around the aorta. The surgeon said he didn't want to operate. So the doctor wants to send him to get a second opinion. He said he's sending him to the best in Anarbor Michigan. Has anyone out there ever had a surgery of this type? what are my dad's chances of beating this? If the doctor in Michigan says he won't operate then what other options will my dad have??? any advice from anyone would be so helpful and so greatly appreciated. P.S. If nothing can be done for my dad will that tumor just continue to sqweeze his heart till he has a heart attack? Looks like there could be something that could be done to help him. Babybarney Wed, 27 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT My wife has similar situation with her cancer near the heart attached to the artery, they have her on tarceva, she is doing remarkably well after faily 2 different chemo treatments, she is stage 3 for a year now, my recommendation to you is to exhaust and search all option available, they have told us that hers is inopertable, and no one in Oklahoma will touch her. But as long as the tarceva is showing signs of improvment there is hope. please let me know how his visit turns out, I may want to send my wife there also. Tonyr Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT My dad's second opinion from the doctor in michigan came by a phone call. See in Toledo, Ohio they said my dad had, had all the Chemo and radiation he could get. But, the specialist in Michigan said he wants to start another round of radiation on my dad. He said it appear'e that the radiation is burning the cancerous tumor up. I'm not sure what kind of radiation my dad is receiving but the specialist there said about 30% don't have to have surgery because the radiation burns it all up. He said he didn't want to do surgery at this time but he wants to wait and see what the radiation does. In his pet scan we saw were the tumor is. In the scan you can see gray area and then a thin flashing red line they say that's were the cancer is and the gray is the parts that are beeing burnt up. we are all praying for my dad. we are all so scared and are praying this works. I have told my mom about the Tarceva. She hasn't heard of it. Is it a pill. I'm sure you and your family are going throug what we are going through. The fear of losing someone you love so much. But one this that's true.... Your wife needs to keep a positive attitude and high faith!!! I will find out what kind of radiation they are going to give my dad and I will let you know. He goes on Monday August 1st for radiation. Thankyou so much for writing me please keep in touch!!! and let me know how your wife is doing. God Bless you and your wife and family. Babybarney Sat, 30 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT Thanks for the reply, yes, Tarceva is a pill taken once a day with little or no side effects, it is not a cure however, but it has been know to assist in putting the cancer in remission. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments, but it is expensive a 30 day supply run near $2500.00.we have been on it nearly 4 months with very good results so far, we have a cat scan( my wife can't do PET scans as she has a clip in her brain from a anurysum several years ago) btw she is just 43 yrs old, and her next update is Tuesday, if she still shows signs of improvement we hope to continue the treatment. please find out what kind of radition your dad is taking as I would like to discuss it with my wifes doctor. thanks and prayers, tony Tonyr Sun, 31 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hello Tonyr, My dad his appointment with the radiation doctor today. they did the markings. My parents got told they was going to start Chemo up again as well. Here's what I know about my dad........ He has a non small cell cancer it's type is squamous cell carcinoma the type of radiation he has been getting and will be getting is called Protons(small bursts of radiation) he will get it 5 days a week for 5minutes a day for 12 more visits only. His last session he receieved 25 treatments of radiation. the doc's have said if this doesn't do it then he can receive no more radiation or Chemo. I'm not sure what kind of chemo he has had and what kind he will be getting as soon as I find out I will let you know. In about 2 1/2 weeks we should know if this will work for my dad. Cancer shows no murcey on age. your wife is so young!! My dad is 66. That's still young. It's so sad. My thoughts and prayers go with you guy's when you go on your trip tomorrow to see her doctor. I pray you guy's get good news. Your wife truly has a purpose on this earth. She survived a brain anurisum. I had a friend that died from one. She was in her early 30's. She came home from work and died in her bathroom. tell your wife to hang in there. God bless all of you!! Teresa. o. Babybarney Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Not good news her cancer has spread from her heart to her adrenal gland, we go in thursday to talk to the doctor, but she has already decided that there will be no more chemo with harsh side effects...the carbo-taxol was probably the worst...gonna explore all options...until then prayers are needed. catch up with you then. Tonyr Tue, 02 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT I am so sorry. My prayers are with you guys. My mom wanted to know if insurance will cover the tarceva? She also sends her prayers. Please keep me up to date with your wife. I pray for a healing for her. god bless you Teresa. Babybarney Tue, 02 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Don't give up!!!!!!! PRAY!! PRAY!!!!PRAY!!!!!! Babybarney Tue, 02 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT I highly suggest that you check into The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. It is considered one of the top hospitals in the US for heart surgeries and cutting edge treatment. They do the heart surgeries that others say can't be done & are excellent at it.This is the place doctors choose for themselves, for treatment-it is the #1 place to go, according to healthcare insiders.They have a well-respected cancer center also. God's prayers & blessings to you and your father.... Magic Thu, 04 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Magic, Thank-you so much for the info you gave me. I'm going to tell my mom about this. My dad says he's not giving up. He's gonna fight fight fight. All info that is given to my family is deeply appreciated. I know we have to put this in Gods hands but it helps that people like yourself care enough to take the time to help family's like mine. We just want to make sure that my dad get's the best and a chance at life. You're information gives us more hope. thank-you for your prayers and blessings. I will let you know at a later time how things turn out for my dad. If you have any more information and have the time it would be appreciated. Thank-you!!!!!! Teresa.O Babybarney Fri, 05 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT We talked to the doctor and he advises us to continue on Tarceva for another month since it is having good affect on the cancer around her heart and on her lung, if he feels that since this is the most crucial part of the cancer we will get checked more fequently and hope the tarceva has a effect on the one on the adrenal gland as well, in 5 weeks we will go back in for a cat scan,our insurance approved tarceva, but it had to pre approved by our insurance due to the cost. I didnt get to go to this appointment with her as I had complications with a root canal and it absessed and dang near killed me( j/k hurt like nothing I ever had) so I was pretty out of it when the doctors finally started treating the infection, I just couldnt make this appointment btw it was the first appointment I have ever missed with her treatment since we started her cancer treatment, I am a firm believer that family support is critical and I am determined to be by her side through it all, even though I didnt make it to her appt I went back and talked to the dr about some concerns I had, like possible multiple treatment at the same time ect...hope this helps Keep me informed on your end as well we are praying for your father and all those with this horrible ailment. God Bless and take care Tony Tonyr Sat, 06 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hello Tonyr. My mom will be glad to hear that, that Tarceva is covered by insurance. They just couldn't afford the 2,500 a month for the stuff. so how is your wife feeling? My dad is tired alot but he looks good and says he feels good. Also, my mom is checking into foods that are suposed to heal cancers and other diseases. that's great that you are suppotive of your wife through this. My mom is the same way by my dad. hope your mouth feel's better. abscest teeth are nothing to mess with. My dad started his radiation and Chemo so I pray this does the trick. I will also tell mom about The Tarceva. thank-you for the info and keep in touch and let me know how this are going for your wife and I will as well with my dad. Bless you and your wife. take care Teresa.o Babybarney Sun, 07 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hello Tonyr, They (the doctors) have put my dad on Tarceva. They said his cancer is contained. What does it mean when it is in Remission? What is the difference between contained and remission? Also, my mom is starting my dad on a High anti-oxidized diet. she had mentiond something about cancer foods. Have you guys heard anything about it? My parents said the Tarceva without insurance would have cost them $3,000.00 . Is Tarceva that good? How has it worked for your wife? What side effects did she get from it. My parents don't know one day from the next. One doctor says one thing then another doctor tells them something different. It gets pretty stressful for them. I'm sure you guys go through the same thing. How do you cope? I just had to ask that question because my mom is having a tuff time. she is so afraid of losing my dad. I know my brother told them they should go to a cancer suport group. what do you think. How is your wife doing? I pray all is good with her. Maybe soon they will come up with a cure. Please write back and let me know how things are. god bless you guys!! Teresa.o Babybarney Thu, 18 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Teresa, Glad to hear they put ur Dad on Tarceva, as for cancer being contain or in remission I am not sure there is any difference other than being contain may mean the patient is still on medications and not showing any growth and remission is when there is no growth and no medications. Tarceva with my wife has had minimal side effects, a little rash, some acne, on occasion diarehha (sp) but nothing like we have had with some other treatments, it seems to be doing the job, if we can just keep it from speading, my wifes cancer is very fast moving and hard to contain. As far as coping, we keep everything above board, heck I have gotten into arguments with my wifes doctor because he wanted to sugar coat the result of an ct scan, I personally am a very strong person both spiritually and in my demeanor, even with that said, I come in here and do posts to gain a patients and family perspective and to share knowledge. Cancer support groups are great, I sponsored a Cancer fun walk last month thru my business,had good turn out. The hardest thing is to try to maintain a normal life, you cannot let cancer control you, I used to feel guilty leaving to go to work when I needed to be home with her, however, it is thru my job, we pay bills, eat,afford the house ect... Especially with 3 teenage children in the home.. Hectic yes, but mangeable. I could go on for ever.. but I wont..(lol) we go in on the 31st for another CT scan, ( we cant do PET scans as she had a stoke at the age of 27 and has a clip in her brain, MRI's are out as well) so we track ours by CT scan. She is a tough cookie, I will update after the check up. Prayers ad wishes, your freind Tony Tonyr Mon, 22 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hello Tony r., this is babybarney on my mom's computer(her screen name is missy) this is 8 months later since my dad was diagnoised with non-small cell lung cancer wrapped around aorta. they sent my dad to cleveland clinic same as all other answers form the doctor's---- can not operate. Started on Tarceva 2-months ago also- all the anti oxidents plus greens plus 12 per day, v-8 juice all he can drink and walking slowly 1/2 hour per day(he had to work up to it) last pet-ct-mri I amproud to say the doctors have said that the cancer is gone- dead- burnt up or what but is not there anymore. He is still on Tarveva and all the rest. They are checking him about every 3 months. next time will be March the 18th. I and my family are very interested in how your wife is doing? i pray she is doing good and that you all will have a happy holiday. please when you have time answer back to my mom using her screen name , Missy god bless you and your wife Teresa.o Missy Sat, 10 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hello Tony it is me Teresa using my moms computer since mine crashed. was just wondering how your wife has been doing. I'm praying that everything is good and that you guys had a wonderful holiday together. hope to hear from you soon. my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. (my dad is doing great the tarceva has worked a miricle for him. doctors say that the tumor looks like it is gone, but he still has to be checked every month) thank-you so much for the infor on the tarceva. Please write SOON take care Teresa. o. and family god bless you Missy Sat, 07 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my cousin has the same problem as you dad. My cousin was diagnosted with cancer (tumor) between his heart and his long. Doctos had geve him pills to try to make the tumor smaller, but it actually got bigger, and now we don't know what to do. We live in Mexico nad we are thinking in the possibility of my cousin to go to America to see Doctors and determind what is appropiete to do, I will realy apperciaty all your information. Ozielaranda Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Dear Tony. R. it's Teresa. O. Havn't heard form you in a long time. My family has been wondering how your family is?? as for my family..... They said my dad no longer has lung cancer. the cancer has located it's self somewhere else.. his pancrease. the doctor said he doesn't want to call it pancreatic cancer just yet. he said though it was inoperable (can't do surgery). we are ALL praying that it hasn't spread to other places. the doctor took my dad off of the Tarceva yesterday. He has started chemo once again. In hopes that it will slow the cancer down. Tony R. we (the family would give anything to hear from you. good or bad. You and your's are held in all our prays. we just wanted to know how things have turned out for you. god bless you Your friend . Teresa. O. Missy Fri, 31 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Teresa, Sry, I haven't been on in a while, my wife's cancer has progressed. It has reemerged in her brain, now on both her adrenials and her liver, still on her heart atery and around her left brochial tube as well as a spot on her right lung, to say the least a real mess, Tarceva didn't work , we are doing radition for pain therapy only, we are within 6 months of her certained death as by the doctors estimates, but our faith is still strong even thou I fear the outcome will not be good, we are currently in a catch 22 situation, no radiation to the brain and certained death n 2 months, radiation to the brain and certained death in 6-8 months either way it doesnt look good, glad to hear that your making progress with your dad, never give up, be strong, pray. God bless you and yours for thinking of us during these difficult times. Tony R. Missy Fri, 31 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Teresa, Sry, I haven't been on in a while, my wife's cancer has progressed. It has reemerged in her brain, now on both her adrenials and her liver, still on her heart atery and around her left brochial tube as well as a spot on her right lung, to say the least a real mess, Tarceva didn't work , we are doing radition for pain therapy only, we are within 6 months of her certained death as by the doctors estimates, but our faith is still strong even thou I fear the outcome will not be good, we are currently in a catch 22 situation, no radiation to the brain and certained death n 2 months, radiation to the brain and certained death in 6-8 months either way it doesnt look good, glad to hear that your making progress with your dad, never give up, be strong, pray. God bless you and yours for thinking of us during these difficult times. Tony Radosevich Tonyr Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hello tony my family and I was so glad to hear from you. Even though it was not good news. But ya know God is the only one that can messure the time of some one's life. The doctors can say anything that they want, miracles do happen. with life we need to put things in gods hands. he knows what is best for us. Tony I'm so sorry for you and your family. I wish i could send words of comfort to make you feel better. I'm sure your wife must be so afraid and not wanting to let go. My mom and all of us are going through the same thing with my dad. the doctors have said that it is no longer wrapped around his heart. the cancer is gone there. But we recently found out that it is in his pancrease. they don't know if it has mestisized. He is doing chemo therapy once again. the doctor said he may have a few more tricks up his sleeve. we just have to wait and see he in a month or so what the pet scans reveal. The one thing my dad wanted to do more than anything was to go to yellow stone, so i'm going to check in on the make a wish program. Is there any place you and your wife would like to go? Make a wish isn't just for kids. P.s. My computer broke completly down so I'm using my mothers. She goes by missy and her e-mail is --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----. Please keep us informed on how she is doing and you too. we will keep you and her and your children in our prays. And please keep us in yours. concerned, And God Bless you' Teresa.O Missy Fri, 21 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT  On 8/1/2005 Babybarney wrote:Hello Tonyr, My dad his appointment with the radiation doctor today. they did the markings. My parents got told they was going to start Chemo up again as well. Here's what I know about my dad........ He has a non small cell cancer it's type is squamous cell carcinoma the type of radiation he has been getting and will be getting is called Protons(small bursts of radiation) he will get it 5 days a week for 5minutes a day for 12 more visits only. His last session he receieved 25 treatments of radiation. the doc's have said if this doesn't do it then he can receive no more radiation or Chemo. I'm not sure what kind of chemo he has had and what kind he will be getting as soon as I find out I will let you know. In about 2 1/2 weeks we should know if this will work for my dad. Cancer shows no murcey on age. your wife is so young!! My dad is 66. That's still young. It's so sad. My thoughts and prayers go with you guy's when you go on your trip tomorrow to see her doctor. I pray you guy's get good news. Your wife truly has a purpose on this earth. She survived a brain anurisum. I had a friend that died from one. She was in her early 30's. She came home from work and died in her bathroom. tell your wife to hang in there. God bless all of you!! Teresa. o. Teresa,I just found out my husband has a tumor in or near the heart.  We are still in the prelimanary stages of tests.  Ultrasound could not pick up the tumor because it is too deep in chest.  Waiting for nuclear study.  Doc says not sure if it is in lung.  I am scared. He sleeps most of the time and has about 3 months prior to this medical discovery. I knew something was wrong with his health but never dreamed this was the problem. What symptoms did your Dad have in the begining?  I pray everyday that it is not cancer.  I need moral support by hearing from people in my situation.  I can't imagine life without him.  He is only 53.  Any suggestions on what I need to do to take a pro-active roll in this with the docs. God Bless you and your Dad.Marcy Marcelene Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT hello Tony, it has been a long time since I wrote you last. My mother  and I was wondering how your  wife  has been?  My dad  passed  away Feb.28th at 12:03p.m. with all of the family by his side at home. we prayed all the way up until the end, But God wanted him home(his special angel). he did beat  the lung cancer but it  it  had spread to the brain the size of  a gulf ball on the right side of his  head. he got to were he couldn't walk anymore and then couldn't move the left side of his body. He  had  alot of seizures.. The doctors  had tryed raidiation but the tumor came back with  a vengance. My mom is doing the best she can. I will always miss my dad, forever.  I know now the pain is never going  to  go away.   I pray your wife is doing  better but if she  is not and you have lost her , I am so sorry and  my deepest sympathy to you and your children and family.    your friend always,   Teresa Oehler       Missy Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Marcy,  my dads first symptoms ..... He coughed ALL the time.  a cold he couldnt get rid of.  What sent him to the doctors (emergency room) he was coughing up blood. He foud  out then fter  a  x-ray that it was lung cancer. tumor wrapped  around the heart.  He did  beat the lung cancer with Gods help  and radiation  and  chemo. but  it mstizied  and went to his brain. I still do not understand why the doctor  wasn't giving him full body scans. of the brain too.  . It was too late when the brain tumor was found  It  was the size of  a gulf ball. radiation to the brain shrank it. but it came back fast and even bigger..  and took his life.  make sure that the doc.s do full body  scans (brain too). I pray it is not cancer that your husband has.  such  a scary and awful thing to go through.. prayers are with you.  god bless you and your family Missy Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Marcy,  my dads first symptoms ..... He coughed ALL the time.  a cold he couldnt get rid of.  What sent him to the doctors (emergency room) he was coughing up blood. He foud  out then fter  a  x-ray that it was lung cancer. tumor wrapped  around the heart.  He did  beat the lung cancer with Gods help  and radiation  and  chemo. but  it mstizied  and went to his brain. I still do not understand why the doctor  wasn't giving him full body scans. of the brain too.  . It was too late when the brain tumor was found  It  was the size of  a gulf ball. radiation to the brain shrank it. but it came back fast and even bigger..  and took his life.  make sure that the doc.s do full body  scans (brain too). I pray it is not cancer that your husband has.  such  a scary and awful thing to go through.. prayers are with you.  god bless you and your family Missy Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi Teresa,   First I am truly sorry for the loss of your Dad, may he rest with the angels and the good Lord himself, may you always keep his memory alive and learn from all he had to offer.   As for my wife, well she passed away a short 2 months after I last wrote you, on the 4th of July of 2006, with the 3 children and myself, I would be lying to say we are doing fine, everyday is a struggle to regain yourself but we are up to the challenge.   I had talked to her on the saturday prior for the last time and on monday we had a morphine pump put on her to ease her pain, she passed on tuesday the 4th of july at 5:17 pm, with all of us around her bed quitely and without pain. Teresa, i have a my space page, pls visit it, just search my name and you will see my family and myself and my late wife, leave a message if you like,http://www.myspace.com/mcalestermattressman take care and know you and your family are in my prayers! Tony Radosevich Tonyr Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/28/2007 Missy wrote:hello Tony, it has been a long time since I wrote you last. My mother  and I was wondering how your  wife  has been?  My dad  passed  away Feb.28th at 12:03p.m. with all of the family by his side at home. we prayed all the way up until the end, But God wanted him home(his special angel). he did beat  the lung cancer but it  it  had spread to the brain the size of  a gulf ball on the right side of his  head. he got to were he couldn't walk anymore and then couldn't move the left side of his body. He  had  alot of seizures.. The doctors  had tryed raidiation but the tumor came back with  a vengance. My mom is doing the best she can. I will always miss my dad, forever.  I know now the pain is never going  to  go away.   I pray your wife is doing  better but if she  is not and you have lost her , I am so sorry and  my deepest sympathy to you and your children and family.    your friend always,   Teresa Oehler      Teresa,   Wanted to make sure you got my response..Take care and God Bless. Tony Hi Teresa,   First I am truly sorry for the loss of your Dad, may he rest with the angels and the good Lord himself, may you always keep his memory alive and learn from all he had to offer.   As for my wife, well she passed away a short 2 months after I last wrote you, on the 4th of July of 2006, with the 3 children and myself, I would be lying to say we are doing fine, everyday is a struggle to regain yourself but we are up to the challenge.   I had talked to her on the saturday prior for the last time and on monday we had a morphine pump put on her to ease her pain, she passed on tuesday the 4th of july at 5:17 pm, with all of us around her bed quitely and without pain. Teresa, i have a my space page, pls visit it, just search my name and you will see my family and myself and my late wife, leave a message if you like,http://www.myspace.com/mcalestermattressman take care and know you and your family are in my prayers! Tony Radosevich Tonyr Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT