When it's time, you know...

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MonaL
Posts: 479
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 2:42 am

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby MonaL » Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:29 pm

With Grace.

Those are the words I think of when I think of the path that you have traveled and continue to travel.

I wish you continued peace, acceptance, and strength, and hope that you surprise us all, including yourself, even in this last phase of the journey.
Dad, stage IV CC, mets to liver, 2007-2008
surgery, Xelox, and IP-6
NED summer 2009
surveillance stopped summer 2014, due to age
died 1/2018 at age 88, from Parkinson's and respiratory infection
(Parkinson's triggered by one of his cancer surgeries and/or chemo)

jens22
Posts: 1013
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2010 9:26 am
Facebook Username: jspirio
Location: Long Island, NY

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby jens22 » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:53 am

You have touched me in ways that you will never know. Getting Colon Cancer Sucks...and there is no it and or butts about it. You took your disease and let it make you an advocate, teacher, supporter and friend. Like brith we have no control over death, but some are lucky in that they can navigate their destiny. As you enter the Hospice part of your care I pray for comfort and the ease of knowing that chemo is over. I pray that angels like you wil lbe taking care of your every need. Thank you for everything Pat.
Colonoscopy 3/10 for ? hemmorrhoid.
Diag Colon Cancer 3 days later
Colon Ressection 3/30/10
Stage 3B 5/14 Nodes positive.
Power Port and 7 months of Chemo
Port removed 11/11
8 negative Cat Scans..... 10 years cancer free and Discharged from Sloane Kett!!
Diag age 47 , now 57 Mom of 3 boys.

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chrissyrice
Posts: 1171
Joined: Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:44 am
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby chrissyrice » Sat Mar 31, 2012 10:27 am

Blessings for sharing this part of the journey. Thank you, Pat.
DX 10-31-09 Surgery 12-1-09 Sigmoid Colon
Stage IIIb T3,N2,MX; Chemo Feb 2010-Aug 2010; 4 rounds Folfox; 8 rounds 5FU +LV
12/2010 PET/CT Scan, Cancer Free
7/2012 CT Scan NED 2 years
10/2013 NED 3 years
8/2014 NED 4 years
Recurrence 6/2015: iliac lymph node(s)
8/2015 Surgery: 3 cm tumor removed+iliac artery graft
3/2016 CT Scan Stable
6/2016 Stable
9/2016 Stable
12/2016 Stable
3/2017 Stable
Recurrence 6/2017
12/2017 Surgery removed all cancer w/ clean margins
07-27-2018 Cancer-free for 7 months

Surroundedbylove
Posts: 3126
Joined: Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:43 am
Location: Seattle

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby Surroundedbylove » Sat Mar 31, 2012 10:39 am

Gaelen,

I was reflecting on this thread this morning. As you know, so often we have threads like this after someone passes away. I love that you have shared your journey in such a way that YOU get to read all of the wonderful ways that you have impacted others. I hope that you realize how much of an impact you have had on the lives of others; the advocacy for screening, prevention, and research regarding this disease; and the example you have set with how to truly live with this disease.

Strongest thoughts to you in this next phase.

SBL
Surroundedbylove

Rectal Cancer @ 43, '08
Clinical: T3,N2a,MX (IIIB)
6 wks XELOX & radiation
LAR, colonic j-pouch, & temp ileo '09
Surgical: ypT3,ypN0,ypMX (0 of 20 nodes)
FOLFOX; XELOX
Ileo Takedown ‘09
LARS for 10 years before learning it is finally being studied
InterStim Sacral Nerve Neuromodulator 2019

triciah
Posts: 92
Joined: Wed Nov 09, 2011 8:10 pm
Location: Canada

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby triciah » Sat Mar 31, 2012 11:11 am

Gaelen,
You are such an inspiration for so many. You have accomplished so much during this journey. May you have peace as you continue your journey.

Tricia
Dx Stage IV 12/09
Ileostomy 1/10
Rad 2/10
Surgery 5/10
FOLFOX + Avastin 8/10-11/10
Iri 4/11 and 6/11
Vect 8/11-9/11
Multiple lung mets
03/12: swollen lymph nodes, possible liver met, 3 bone mets
"I am His and He is mine"

disco nap
Posts: 992
Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:45 am

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby disco nap » Sat Mar 31, 2012 3:48 pm

I get you. Earlier this year, my mom asked me a question: If I were to die in the near future, would I be OK with that, and I immediately said yes because I had done more in my 38 years than most people do if they live to the ripe old age of 90.

I know you have been through a lot, done a lot and lived a lot, and I am guessing you feel as I do. Life isn't about quantity.

I hope that when my time does come that I remember your post here, and can take a page from your book and handle it with graceful calm and serenity, as you have.

Thank you.
DX July 2 '10 CC Stage IIIC, 11/18 nodes+
Right Hemi July 6 '10
Folfox: Aug 17'10 - Feb 17'11
Mar 2012: Lynch Syndrome MLH1
"Declared well" and been well ever since.
Update: Jan 2023 - still NED.

lorrainem
Posts: 819
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:34 pm
Facebook Username: https://www.facebook.com/lorraineaminogue
Location: NY

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby lorrainem » Sat Mar 31, 2012 4:11 pm

Wishing you continued peace G.
Chemorad/Surgery/Chemo
Stage II, no mets, no nodes NED 05/08 again 08/08 again 11/08
Ileostomy reversal 10/16/08

sailbd
Posts: 53
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:58 am

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby sailbd » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:58 pm

Hi Gaelen:
My wife and I have been lurkers for almost 2 years now. She was diagnosed at 42 with stage 4 cc. We found this blog and immediately obtained the value of you knowledge and experience. You are an incredible and sophisticated advocate against this disease, and your efforts are and will continue to be greatly appreciated. Our hearts and thoughts go out to you.

Bob

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JanC09
Posts: 174
Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2009 1:01 pm
Location: Northern California

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby JanC09 » Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:00 pm

With grace and dignity you are moving into the next phase of your journey. Thank you so much for all the knowlege you have shared. I wish you peace and comfort in your coming days.
Jan
JanC09-Age59-Feb'08 Stage IIIc
Folfox,12 tx.
recurrance March'10
Folfiri, 10 tx
Radiation on pelvis, 28 tx
SBRT July '11
Folfiri March'12-June'12
Avastin only July'12-Feb.'13
Xeloda+Avastin- Feb'13-Oct'14
Irinotecan/Avastin- March'15 -4tx then scan

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live2jett
Posts: 762
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:36 pm
Facebook Username: debbie jett
Location: San Diego, Ca. www.live2jett.com
Contact:

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby live2jett » Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:11 pm

Hi Friend,
After reading all the responses...I had to smile...I'm smiling because you have many peeps who truly care, respect and love you. I hope you feel that LOVE coming your way.

You have always had a place in this forum as a very informative person...there have been people that have not always agreed with you..and I know there had been times when you were bombarded with people not being too happy...but I have always thought that "Hey this chick always sticks to her beliefs"..I admire that.

I remember the first time I came on the board...the two names that stuck out was yours and Justsing...I feel like you guys were the old timers and wow.. you gals knew your stuff.
I want to thank you for all that you have shared...to know that one day a newbie will come to this forum to find answers and information....and they will see your post...your words are etched her forever...

I'm a simple girl with not a lot of medical information to share and educate..I could be known as a emotional supporter with a whole lot of LOVE to share...
This is why Colon Club is so special...we are all different...different values...different personalities....we are one big family... we all appreciate you friend!!

May your next chapter be the one that you desire...you have given your all on this cancer journey...with much respect and a whole lot of MUSHY LOVE:)

Your are a valued person who will be missed but never forgotten....Deb
Age:51
DX 10-21-08 Advanced stage IIIC T3 N2 M0
10/20 nodes pos.
Colon resect surgery 11-03-08
chemo 12-03-08 Folfox4 3 rounds
Xeloda 5 rounds(due to leucovorin shortage/severe reaction with oxi)
Carpe Diem NED Update 2014

deb1223
Posts: 65
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:36 am

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby deb1223 » Sun Apr 01, 2012 8:40 am

May you continue to have peace and comfort has you go into your next journey. I will truely miss your wisdom on this site.

Debbie
52 Yr. old Female, DX July 2010
Stage IV CC, 21 mets to liver, 1 to lungs
12 Rounds Folfox
To date no surgeries
Enlarged spleen
Been on Avastin only since Mar. 2011
I WILL SURVIVE WITH GOD'S HELP!

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Guinevere
Posts: 3358
Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2011 4:19 pm
Location: NE TX

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby Guinevere » Sun Apr 01, 2012 9:35 am

Gaelen,
Thank you for letting us know where you are in your journey now. I just want to let you know that you have made a huge and positive difference in the lives of so many people, myself included. Thank you, too, for your advocacy and sharing the information you have with us here on the forum. It's been invaluable and has also served to kick me in my Barbie butt to get the rest of my affairs in order.
I did have to laugh a little at the bickering family and hope they realize that this time isn't about them but, even if they don't, it's good to know they love you.
I hope this part of the journey is as pain free as possible and that someone will keep us posted when it's too difficult for you to do it yourself.
Prayers for peace and comfort ~
Gwen
Hrt atk - Feb 11
CRC4 DX - Apr 11
APR liver rsct, procto - Jul 11
Folfox/Avastin - Sep 11
Xeliri - Nov 11
Iritux - Jun 12
Break - Jan - Mar 13
Iritux - Mar 13
Stivarga - Aug 13
Folfiri - Oct 13
Exhausted treatment options - May 14

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Canadianmom
Posts: 603
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:29 pm

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby Canadianmom » Sun Apr 01, 2012 3:03 pm

Thank you Pat. Thank you for letting us know where you are in your journey. Thank you for always being the voice of reason on this board. Thank you for the countless hours of research and translation into layman's terms. Thank you for your objectiveness. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, education and experience. Thank you for always being true to yourself and others. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for being an advocate and for teaching us how to advocate too. There are so many more things I'd like to thank you for....
I have often wondered why you kept coming here, what you were getting out of visiting this board? After all, you know ALL the information and you do not care for platitudes. I believe it has been for the intrinsic value of knowing you were disseminating knowledge and power. And for that I THANK YOU my friend.
I wish you comfort and peace and hope you know how much we value and care for you.
With respect, admiration and love,
Wafa
30/09/10 Dx mCRC/ 39 yrs old
08/11/10 liver met; Stage IV
23/11/10 PET 2 lit LNs
25/11/10 RFA to liver met
13/12/10 Folfox 6 plus Avastin.
15/03/11 After 7 rounds. NED. No further tx. 2014 still NED
Praying for patience and strength.

Peteswife
Posts: 218
Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2009 2:45 pm

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby Peteswife » Sun Apr 01, 2012 3:24 pm

Thanks Gaelen! All the best on this part of your journey. I have read your post to my children (20 and 24), to let them understand how the patient feels as Peter is basically at the same place as you are. After 8,5 years! You were in this together! But he can't put it in words like you do, and I read your post to them, to understand how he also feels!

Peace for you in this time, and painfree! That is what I want most for you and others in your situation.
Lots and lots and all our love!
Ilse and Peter (and Kids)
After 8,5 years living with CRC, Pete passed away on 17/4/2012. We had lots of quality time, we said our goodbyes! I am at peace because he doesn't suffer anymore! He is now better off with the Lord! We will surely miss him very very much!!

Seriously, WTF?
Posts: 602
Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2010 10:48 pm

Re: When it's time, you know...

Postby Seriously, WTF? » Sun Apr 01, 2012 6:49 pm

Just a bunch of hugs and kisses being sent your way!! xoxoxoxoxo. Always thinking of you!!
ALWAYS IN MY HEART!
5/7/2013


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