Thank you so much for your kind words, Diane, on behalf of my sister Ellen. I'll just note one tiny 'correction' that meant the world to Ellen: In fact, her daughter Lirit turned 6 last week. She and Ellen spent a tremendous amount of time planning a birthday party for her and I was so pleased that ...

Hi Dianne, My response to folfiri was much better than to folfox. I found it easier to tolerate physically and it did a good job of fighting my cancer for about a year (unlike you, I was unable to tolerate folfox for nearly that long.) I hope that your results are as good--or BETTER! In the meantime...

just thought I'd say "hi" to the other non-sleepers out there! I tend to wake up for an hour or so around this time most nights, and here I am. The days I'm not in pain (I actually am in pain right now) it can be kind of pleasant to have a peaceful house and a little time to myself. Yet mu...

You know I am thinking of you and sending you all my best. I wish I had words of wisdom to share. Instead I have tears. I know from all of our emails what a thoughtful person and mom you are, and that you will find whatever answer is best for you and your beautiful family at this time. Separate emai...

wish I had an answer--I'm having the same problem! Lots of abdominal swelling, too. Ugh!!

Good luck!

That's great. Hope the "eventulness" comes when the new regimen starts WORKING! Until then, here's to some uneventful, boring times!

Best,
Ellen

Hi John, So glad your back is clear AND that you have an understanding and thoughtful onc. As you may remember, I, too recently returned to folfox for a bit, despite lots of concerns about side effects. I was on a 50 percent reduced dose, and the dreaded side effects were kept at bay. Unfortunately ...

I hope you have a wonderful trip and that it is a complete distraction from the world of the big C!

Best,
ellen

I send all my best energy and prayers that you get good results showing the chemo is knocking that cancer clear outta your body. The waiting--before and after the scans--is always so difficult. I hope you find some fun ways to distract yourself.

Best,
Ellen

Hi Amy,

Just sent you an email to your "regular" account. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Wishing you and your family all the best,
ellen

Hi, One other thought: steroids can affect personality...or at least ability to control temper. At one point when I changed chemo regimens they gave me a much higher dose of dexamethasone and I found myself doing/saying and, quite frankly SCREAMING things that I felt "popped out" despite m...

Hi, I just had my second dose of Mitomycin C last week. I am also on Xeloda. The first dose was uneventful in terms of side effects--the usual: fatigue, diarrhea etc. Similar to other chemo regimens that I've been on but perhaps a little more severe. I had scans last week (6 weeks after dose 1) and ...

Hi, I'm the one that was on this trial over the summer. I live in Portland OR and traveled to Swedish Cancer Center in Seattle to be part of it. I was among the first participants.Travel is pretty challenging--getting there for treatment weekly for the first 6 weeks (I believe) and then every other ...

I'm sorry to hear about that met, but I certainly agree with the other posters--with your track record, I see a DEFINITE favorite it the war of you against the met. Go get it outta there!! YOU will be the winner.

Sending strength for the continued fight!

Ellen

So sorry that you have to move into "high gear" again, but I know you will do so with your usual strength and positive attitude. So...get on with it, kick some ass, get that PET light out, and show us all how to keep moving forward.

All my best to you,
Ellen