wont go away

[bstonmike]

Hi I have a question about my wifes cancer.
it has been 4 yrs since her original diagnosis, and this stuborn thing keeps coming back !!!! She was recently informed of more tumors in the abdomen. They are  always there. but this time is different. They reach latteraly across her mid section numbering 5, the largest being 1.7 cm X .08 cm. Is she going to have deal with this for what feels like every yr? This is her 3rd go round and feel helpless. I am a steady oak tree for her to lean on, talk to even yell at. But I wish I could do more. My question is: Will this demon continue to rear its head?  Is there a point where it will come back the last time & I'll lose her?

                        Mike

[jlock]

Hi ...I so admire your being an oak tree for your wife..she is very lucky to have you..and to shave your head is a sweet thing to do.  What chemo is she on?? I'm not sure she will lose her hair while Etopiside??  I am also having my 3rd go around with this beast..and have to treat it as a chronic illness,I also have the same fears and doubts as you have...but I've got to stay strong and accept the chronic disease and on going treatment as part of my life....not the life I dreamed of having but my life just as well!!!  Stay strong,your wife sounds like a trooper!!(((Hugz))~~~Joanne

[vegas2cr]

Mike make sure your wife drinks lots and lots and lots of water as etoposide can be very damaging to the kidneys... have her walk around with a bottle of water at all times... some slight naseau is to be expected but not near as bad as IV chemo.  What a great tribute that you shave your head... best wishes to you both.. Ronni

[bstonmike]

PS>>


             She starts etopicide orally monday the 10th. I hope her side effects arent too bad, plus now I have to shave my head again .(Ihave shaved everytime she went on chemo. 2 cue balls are better than 1 !!! ).... just got back to ponytail length from last time!!!   hehe


      Peace and luv 2 you

          

          

[bstonmike]

ty so much 4 your replies I had no idea this was to be treated as a chronic condition. WHAT A PAIN THE .@%%^^@$$&*. Again ty all

Peace and luv 2 you

[vegas2cr]

Mike very good advice given.. I am only 18 months since diagnosis and also hope for a long time to come.. my oncologist also said that she treats this as a chronic disease juggling chemos to keep us alive... I am grateful to be alive... I will think best wishes for you both... Ronni

[JC145]

Mike .. I agree with Pam.  This pretty well is a chronic disease.  Hopefully, one drug will give a longer remission than another .. and each woman is different.  I am only 2+ years away from diagnosis and you better believe I intend on having many more.  God bless you both.  Judy

[nyc lady]

Mike - your wife sounds like  a trooper....this disease is relentless.  It usually does recur and is then often treated like a chronic condition,  switching from one form of treatment to an other.  Many women live long productive lives on chemo living with this disease.  
I don't think that anyone can tell you when the time will come when the fight is no longer worth it, your wife will know herself.  Until then, keep fighting....you never know which chemo might work.
Best of luck to  you both.
Pam