"Wow. This really hits home for me. (regarding ryankjb) Approximately six years ago, my wife (then 27) was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She had a colon resection and chemo. About two years later, we learned tumors were growing on her ovaries. She had a full hysterectomy and another six months of chemo. Imagine being ~29 and in surgical menopause. About a year after that, tumors were on her liver and lung. Those were resectioned with another six months of chemo. Fast forward to today. As I write this, Michelle is in the hospital. She just had a tumor removed from her pelvis. Another one, on her liver, was due to have seeds implanted for future radiation (too close to the inferior vena cava for surgical removal). Radio Frequency Ablation was denied by the insurance company as too experimental (maybe a discussion for another thread). Upon further inspection, she has six tumors on her liver. No seeds, no surgery, no radiation. They installed a hepatic artery infuser. In about two weeks, she'll have FUDR chemo. Nobody should have to go through this at such a young age. I feel very fortunate we've gotten this far."
Fogive me for being so bold but I felt you needed a post of your own. We need to focus positive energy into your wife's current therapy now. Where is she getting her treaments, etc.? Are you happy with your cancer center? Best wishes from me always.
I am happy to make some recommendations for top-notch oncologists in the NoVA area, if that would be of use. Sadly, I just had to go through this for my Mother. But, the NIH might be a VERY good place to try and get into. They are doing some things, due to their "experimental study" mandate, that other facilities may not be able to. The other top-notch facilities around the country (Sloan, Anderson, Mayo and, IMO to a lesser extent, Johns Hopkins) are all VERY good. But, travel can be hard on the patient and family. That has to be considered and weighed. There are also plenty (too many, literally) of trials around the area. Go to www.clinicaltrials.gov (IIRC). Check what's available in the surrounding area. VA's big enough that you could be closer to Richmond, NC or DC. Again, thoughts are with you... CW
From what I have heard the Ireland Cancer Center in Cleveland OH is very good. Luckily I have not needed their services. (Knock wood) some friends have had great experiences there. Good luck and hope all goes well.
Damn. That's so tough, especially your wife. She sounds like she's a very very strong-willed person dealing with all of this. She's lucky to have you stand by her side. My prayers and well wishes.
Thanks guys. My wife really likes her team. They have kept her alive this far against the odds. I just wish we could find a cure versus "treatment". I've even had her on alternative therapies like PH balance, IV Vitamin C, limited sugar intake and more. We have inquired about the cyberknife. That looks really interesting. I'm going to look at the clinical trials page. Thanks guys! Michelle is super strong. She's quite a fighter!
Yes, that's the problem right there. Glad to hear she likes her team, and that's important. No doubt. As long as they're up to speed on what's happening, I'm sure they'll give her good care. Two years is a long stretch, and outlook and attitude matter. Hope some things go your way... CW
Anyone have any insight on alternative treatments you've seen work firsthand? Am trying PH balance and IV vitamin C. This is in conjunction with our Oncologist (not a replacement). Steve
I regret to say that I lost my wife last week. She was only 34. She was the rock of my life. Am making it day by day for our four year old, but it's very hard. She was told last Tuesday she had weeks --- she left this world the very next day. Tuesday and Wednesday were great days for us -- until she passed. She passed quickly without much pain, so I am very grateful for that -- but I'm so lost without her right now.
Steve, I wasn't aware of your story before today, just now, when I saw this thread for the first time. I am so sorry for your loss, and the tremendous pain you are feeling now. For what it's worth, all I can say is to take things minute by minute, day by day , focus on your 4 year old, and you will get through in time to a point where it will not hurt so much.
Steve, My sincerest condolences and compassion for you and your Daughter. As your Daughter is quite young ~ this basic summary may help serve as a guidepost to helping her cope. http://www.crmagazine.org/archive/Winter2007/Pages/LosingaParent.aspx
Oh man Steve. I am very sorry to hear this and cannot imagine what you are going through. Let us here know if there's anything we can do for you. RMX
Steve, I'm really really sorry. Wish there was something I could do. My prayers and well wishes are with you and the family. I pray that you find strength from those around you to help you through this time. Jason
