Jatoo

[nyc lady]

My thoughts are with you and Melody.  I was very sorry to read on Dr Goodman's forum that Melody isn't feeling well.

I hope they clear the C-dif and they find the right chemo to keep her strong.

Good luck to you both.

[Diane B]

I hope Melody will continue to well.  Doxil didn't do anything for me it just kept the cancer from growing and then the topoteacan worked for two treatment and then stopped for me.  So far the Taxol also worked for a few months and then the cancer started growing again.  I just hope the carbo/taxere will continue to work for me.  I also know that my husband and I have found out you have to look out for yourself because no one else looks out for you.  Everyone is different and I don't think they know how to treat some patients.  We also found that out the hard way last January.  But only God knows when it will be our time and in the meantime we have to keep fighting this battle.  I will keep everyone in my prayers and hope for a cure real soon.

Diane

[Jatoo]

Thanks again for all your concern. Here's an update:

1. We just came out of the hospital last night (stayed there for four days) and she was given PPN (peripheral like TPN) so it gave her some strength. She is now on liquid diet, but Diane thank you for that info. I may ask for TPN at home. I don't think liquid diet is good enough for our next chemo.

2. Complete bowel obstruction was ruled out since she ws passing gas and had bowel movement. There was also no nausea and vomitting. So no ileostomy or colostomy.

3. We have a schedule today with Cedar's Sinai (I think one of the best) for her next treatment option. If you have read my note with Dr. Goodman, Doxil can be an excellent choice for her since she responded excellently a year ago which almost cleared all her tumors to a thin film strip. Her last dosage then was reduced to almost half because of low counts. Doxil was also a very easy chemo for her, just mouth sores but easily cured. We have also learned our lessons. She should have taken Neupogen then, immediately right after the chemo.

4. The lesson for me is to say ,"Never say never." There are doctors who will intimidate you and would go for the easy way out without trying all the means possible to fix a broken leg. Sometimes one will give you a general prognosis without even knowing your specific case. You also wonder whether they know the clinical trials going around. Nobody can also predict the future except God. He is only asking for us to use the human means. After all he has given us the brain. That means we need all your prayers so that we get the right guidance.

Again thanks for all your prayers.

Jatoo

[Diane B]

Jatoo and Melody, Has your doctor thought about putting Melody on TPN?  I know it worked for me when I couldn't eat and I was lossing a lot of weight.  I really did not have to be on TPN for very long, but it gave my body all the stuff it needs to help build your immune system back up.  I know it took my doctor a long time before she agreed to do the TPN and I almost had to be put in the hospital she waited so long. It can be done at home and you get hook up at night before you go to bed.  It is protein, mineral and vitamins, everything her body will need to build her back up again.    Again I wish you both the best.  Diane

PS Also just wanted to let you know that the Carbo/Taxere is still working, my CA 125 is down to 81 after 10 treatments they will do another one on Monday after the 12th treatment and I am hoping this one will drop into normal range.  Also the chemo is starting to make me sick but I am sure with all the chemo I had in the past year it is no wonder.  I am looking for a small break in treatment soon.

Good luck and again I hope Melody is starting to feeling better.

[Diane B]

I am sorry to hear that Melody is not feeling well.  I was so hoping and praying that she was getting much better with her current treatment.  Keep up the battle you have come too far stay positive things will turn around again. I will keep you both in my prayers.  Diane

[rmarie]

I too have been thinking of your and Melody's courageous fight I reading a book that talks about abandon ourselves completely to our maker, and it is hope.  My prayers and thoughts are with you, may you win the battle,   You are strong for your wife and and your children as well as finding time to help us.  Thank you, we are here for you, I will be praying for you both.  Marie

[Hazel30]

I hope your wife starts feeling better after your next treatment choice, and that will be able to give her her strength back.  Please keep us posted.  I pray for you guys.

[Jatoo]

Thanks for your concern and please continue to pray for her. Just like any disease and we being as mortal as we are, it is always good to abandon ourselves completely to our Maker, the author of our lives.