[olgreeneyes]

Terrific news!

[Polar Bear]

Wonderful. Let's keep it up!

[raynitsche]

Praying for a quick recovery!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I just thought I would pass along my results from my last doctors visit. To say the doctors are ecstatic is an understatement. The CA19-9 cancer antigen number is at 78 down from 160 last month. people without cancer have a number between 0 - 37. Let's hope I can hit that range next visit.

The chemo seems to be working but I still get tired very easily. Also the few days after the treatment I seem to be more worn out from back when I first started. I asked the doctor about that and he said that is normal.

Great news! Stay strong -- many people are praying for you.

[graciegirl]

If anyone wants to write him directly or PM him, contact me and I will tell you who he is on TOTV and his address, if I know a little about you, just for his own safety. Due to the efforts of an angel named Elinor who brought a bunch of cards and stamps to the Christmas brunch we had, John received a lot of mail. I am sure he would enjoy more now.

[graciegirl]

Short Update




Hello Gracie

Jut a little update so you don't get worried. Last weeks chemo was put off for one week because of one blood number being .2 points from being accepted. That is not uncommon and the doctors decided that because of the way chemo compromises the immune system and all the colds and flu running around to move things back a week. I an still waiting for a firm date for the battery of tests and want to give you a full report then.

One can really tell how the chemo effects the body now compared to last year. The more you get the worse it is.

John

[Lpierleo]

Many prayers are said for John each day. So sorry to hear the chemo gets harder each time. Thinking positive thoughts and good wishes.

Linda

[CFrance]

I got a PM from John last week that I haven't been able to respond to yet. It sounds like he is doing okay, just having a little difficulty with the chemo aftermath. He sounds upbeat and connected and alive and alert! My prayers are constantly with you, John, and I will PM you soon with some stupid stuff or other just to give you something to laugh at. Hugs and love to you.

[Taltarzac725]

Wishing John the best.

[graciegirl]

Veteran member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 612


Another Update
Hello Gracie
Well last week on Thursday I had my latest chemo treatment and it was basically uneventful. Things were good until about Friday afternoon when the nausea started to kick in. From there until I had the home chemo pump disconnected on Saturday I felt like I was run over by a train. Nothing major but just feeling like doing nothing and no motivation. I did a lot of resting on Saturday and then again on Sunday. Things fell in line and when I got up today I really felt good. I did have an oncology appointment today so that went on with no hitch. The doctor still remarked if it were not for the "Do" he would not even believe I was being treated. He is really pleased with my progress and I asked him about long term. He stated that I will have thins for life and it all depends on the severity. They are getting the CA19-9 numbers down from 1813 back in September to 78 last month. He already wants that blood test to be preformed on my next blood draw / chemo on March 20. Normal range for someone that does not have this type of cancer is 0 - 37. The doctor said just because I may get into that range it is not an all clear sign. It dose mean things are a lot better but still needs to be watched.

I asked him about going to Florida and we got into a discussion about that. He asked when did I go and I told him for 4 months starting December 1. He then just rolled his eyes. I do believe that if the blood numbers improve and a CAT scan comes out clean then he may give me 3 or 4 weeks. I think the decision about a CAT scan will be decided after the next blood work.

How screwed up is our health care system just get sick and you are in for a rude awakening. I have to give my self a shot in the thigh every night to thin the blood. Per the doctor this is better than the pills for someone with my conditions. Well last year I never had major prescription charges and the script was costing $10.00 co - pay. In January I go to get a script filled and the cost to me is $1,100. out of pocket. Today I get a refill and it is $975.00 for a 30 day supply. Who knows what it will be next time.

I received a phone call this evening and the person mentioned they were sitting on the lanai in shorts and a t-shirt. Temps were nice today and sunny. Here in Ohio we won't be seeing that for 2 1/2 to 3 months.

Take care and say hello to the entire family. Also you may want to pass this on to Cyndy and others of the posy.

John

[lovsthosebigdogs]

John is in my prayers for strength through this whole ordeal.

[CFrance]

PM'd you, John. My prayers are with you, friend.

[graciegirl]

Several of us have heard from John in the last couple of days and his chemo has been suspended for awhile due to not favorable blood counts. He says he is not depressed, just tired, and is so brave in the face of this setback. Please PM me if you want to send him a personal PM, I will tell you the name he uses on TOTV. He is a single guy who loves this place and his dream is to live here, he has visited every year for the past many but hasn't been able to sell his house and last year was diagnosed with cancer..


Or you can send him a message here on this forum, or just send a silent prayer during this holiest time of the year.


We love you John. We care and we wish you were here with us in The Villages where we could pamper you a bit.


Hugs from all of us G's

[mikeandnancy1112]

Gracie, We will be praying for your friend as long as it takes.

[kittygilchrist]

praying...by His stripes we are healed...