Thursday, May 20, 2010

ONE YEAR DOWN

I don't know that I will be able to convey my thoughts very well with this post today. For starters, I went to the new oncologist yesterday. This is what I got from the appointment: I have a type of cancer that is fast-growing. The IV chemo didn't do any good and evidently the IPHP chemo isn't even recommended for this type of cancer. So, did I go through 2 effin' surgeries for nothing? What I'm dealing with is peritoneal carcinomatosis. Yeah. Look that up. A terminal condition. It's not anywhere near good. Typical survival time is 2 years after diagnosis. Here I was whining about only having 4 years. Little did I know... But again, I hear the echo "You're not the typical case." Whatever.
Basically the cancer gets on your bowels and liver and shuts it all down or blocks your intestines... That's how it kills you. And it can happen at ANY time.

So what's in store for me now? A CT scan ASAP and FOLFIRI chemo for however long is determined, then more CT scans, then clinical trials. I'm so beyond pissed right now I can't even see straight. At least give me a fighting chance.

11 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry Rachel. Sending prayers.

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  2. I'll name you in my rosary tonight, Rachel.

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  3. Wow...Rachel I can't even begin to wrap my head around this news. Please know that you can reach out to me anytime. Appendix cancer sucks the big one. Scream, kick and holler as loud as you can...then go get those tests and keep on keepin on. Easy to say but hard to do I know but try giving it a whirl...

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  4. After I talk to Dr. Cawley I will be going to Cleveland Clinic and/or Johns-Hopkins.

    Cheryl- I'm wishing I was close to a beach right now so I could scream at the top of my lungs for as long as I wanted.
    Instead- I have walking shoes. Baby steps, right?

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  5. Likely you're ticked enough already, but I'm ticked for you too. That majorly sucks, blows big time, etc. Keep your head in the game, and if you're looking for that beach, I'm 15 minutes from it here in Charleston. You're welcome anytime.

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  6. Wow. I don't even know what to say. If you wind up coming up to the Clinic, I'll take you out for lunch--on me.

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  7. Wow Rachel....I am so sorry you got news like this. My heart breaks for you for having to go through such a hard fight. I am really at a loss for words...I just want to offer my prayers and let you know that you are in my thoughts as is your family <3

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  8. Rachel, I am so sorry for the news. There is nothing I can say to comfort you, so I am sending prayers and a cyber-hug.

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  9. Wait a minute...you were diagnosed a year ago and you are just NOW being told this? I was still coming out of surgery and I googled it and learned that DAY ONE. The only "cure" is the Complete Cytoreduction and the HIPEC, as done my Drs. Sugarbaker, Bartlett, Sardi, and a few more. JUST NOW you are hearing this?

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