The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

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juliej
Posts: 3114
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2010 12:59 pm

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby juliej » Thu May 21, 2015 1:59 pm

Frenchie wrote:The cane thing bugs me a bit. I will look disabled. I pride myself in not looking sick. No one can tell at the moment, I look perfectly normal.

Frenchie, you need a James Bond type of cane, something with class and a little mystery. They make all kinds of "gadget canes" that hide or hold different things.

This one has a secret compartment with a flask for holding brandy!

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/80144.html

This one has a sword inside!

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/91906.html

And this one is just badass... It has a silver-plated chrome skull handle!

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/80842.html
Stage IVb, liver/lung mets 8/4/2010
Xelox+Avastin 8/18/10 to 10/21/2011
LAR, liver resec, HAI pump 11/2011
Adjuvant Irinotecan + FUDR
Double lung surgery + ileo reversal 2/2012
Adjuvant FUDR + Xeloda
VATS rt. lung 12/2012 - benign granuloma!
VATS left lung 11/2013
NED 11/22/13 to 12/18/2019, CEA<1

Kiwi Debz
Posts: 167
Joined: Fri Aug 22, 2014 9:42 am
Facebook Username: Deb Goldby

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Kiwi Debz » Thu May 21, 2015 4:41 pm

Frenchie, am bummed for you that you are having so many issues.

I had to have a cane when they messed up and cut my artery ... Felt a bit the same but then went and bought a funky bright red one with flowers ..... It actually became a bit of a talking point and I met quite a few people through having it. There is an upside to everything!

Take care, in my thoughts, warm hugs

Deb
6/14 DX mCrc stage 4
7/14 R. hemicolectomy; 4/17 LN; liver res. peri met; repair to illiac artery
8/14 FOLFOX
10/14 PET recurrence LN; liver ? Peri met Continue FOLFOX
12/14 PET: stable .Liver only! FOLFOX
02/15 Liver resection. NED
03/15 foundation One testing - BRAF mutant
05/15 progression; Hilum node; both lungs?
08/15 NED !!!!
Age 51 Mum to Tom (RIP) and Jose 18
KIA KAHA - Be strong!

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Frenchie's Wife
Posts: 959
Joined: Sat May 04, 2013 1:01 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Frenchie's Wife » Thu May 21, 2015 5:34 pm

That scull cane looks pretty cool. I may order that one if I can't find anything original.

Deb, did you get your pet scan results today?
Caregiver to DH 59 yr, male, Stage IV at Dx
Dx Sept 2009
Liver,bladder mets, 5 surgeries
Lots of chemo
Inoperable lung mets nov 2013
Stopped all treatments in February 2014 due to QOL issues
I am in God's hands now !!
Feb 2015 - too many new mets to count !
At peace July 9, 2017

Kiwi Debz
Posts: 167
Joined: Fri Aug 22, 2014 9:42 am
Facebook Username: Deb Goldby

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Kiwi Debz » Thu May 21, 2015 5:36 pm

Yeah Frenchie I di. Posted on a thread. Crappy news :cry:
6/14 DX mCrc stage 4
7/14 R. hemicolectomy; 4/17 LN; liver res. peri met; repair to illiac artery
8/14 FOLFOX
10/14 PET recurrence LN; liver ? Peri met Continue FOLFOX
12/14 PET: stable .Liver only! FOLFOX
02/15 Liver resection. NED
03/15 foundation One testing - BRAF mutant
05/15 progression; Hilum node; both lungs?
08/15 NED !!!!
Age 51 Mum to Tom (RIP) and Jose 18
KIA KAHA - Be strong!

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Frenchie's Wife
Posts: 959
Joined: Sat May 04, 2013 1:01 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Frenchie's Wife » Fri May 22, 2015 6:52 am

Beware, Frenchie is venting today.

When I was first diagnosed 5 1/2 years ago, they gave me 6 months to live. I was already
stage 4 with multiple liver mets.I was 59 at the time and in perfect health.

Although I love to gamble, I would not have taken a bet that I would be around to
celebrate my 65 birthday coming up in 3 weeks. It seemed impossible at that time.

I did persist on finding a doctor willing to tackle my multiple liver mets and it saved my
life that time. I have had some other tricky operations since then and more predictions
of gloom and doom. Things worked in my favour every time. I started feeling invincible
and still do to this day.

I can honestly say that I never felt depressed about my situation. I have always looked
at cancer as a challange to be overcome. Well, these challenges are coming in waves
these days. They are wearing me out. It seems that almost every day now, something
new pops up. Some small ones, but mostly big ones. I don't know how much more I can
take. Things have to level out for awhile. I need to be able to catch my breath.
My body can only take so much. My superman powers are gone.

Now, I have to change all my eating and drinking habits to avoid daily injections. Even
that may not work.

Everything seems to be coming to a head at the same time. Cancer is circling the
wagons around me now. I may never leave these mountains this summer. I would be fine
with that. What a beautiful place to die.

I am still not depressed but my spirits are low. I just can't catch a break. Not even a
little one. Vent over.
Caregiver to DH 59 yr, male, Stage IV at Dx
Dx Sept 2009
Liver,bladder mets, 5 surgeries
Lots of chemo
Inoperable lung mets nov 2013
Stopped all treatments in February 2014 due to QOL issues
I am in God's hands now !!
Feb 2015 - too many new mets to count !
At peace July 9, 2017

Danieljt
Posts: 309
Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:32 pm

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Danieljt » Fri May 22, 2015 12:34 pm

Frenchie, my heart goes out to you. I hope you get some comfort soon. I wish there was an explanation for the suffering of man, but so far I haven't heard one. I believe the hand we were dealt is what it is. Take care an enjoy your camper n beautiful surroundings.
All the best
Dan n jackie
70 male stage 3b cc
Dx 5/9/14
Resection 7/1/14
dx 9/14
65 yr wife DLCl
Sct 3/21/19 Ned last 8 mo.

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juliej
Posts: 3114
Joined: Thu Aug 05, 2010 12:59 pm

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby juliej » Fri May 22, 2015 12:48 pm

Frenchie, your attitude is amazing!!! You have overcome so many challenges and I pray you get your superman powers back. What I love most about you is that you do not live in fear. This is Frenchie's life! Not cancer's. Sending lots of good energy your way!
Stage IVb, liver/lung mets 8/4/2010
Xelox+Avastin 8/18/10 to 10/21/2011
LAR, liver resec, HAI pump 11/2011
Adjuvant Irinotecan + FUDR
Double lung surgery + ileo reversal 2/2012
Adjuvant FUDR + Xeloda
VATS rt. lung 12/2012 - benign granuloma!
VATS left lung 11/2013
NED 11/22/13 to 12/18/2019, CEA<1

justin case
Posts: 4269
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2011 8:26 am
Location: Katy, Texas

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby justin case » Fri May 22, 2015 7:40 pm

Frenchie wrote:Beware, Frenchie is venting today.

When I was first diagnosed 5 1/2 years ago, they gave me 6 months to live. I was already
stage 4 with multiple liver mets.I was 59 at the time and in perfect health.

Although I love to gamble, I would not have taken a bet that I would be around to
celebrate my 65 birthday coming up in 3 weeks. It seemed impossible at that time.

I did persist on finding a doctor willing to tackle my multiple liver mets and it saved my
life that time. I have had some other tricky operations since then and more predictions
of gloom and doom. Things worked in my favour every time. I started feeling invincible
and still do to this day.

I can honestly say that I never felt depressed about my situation. I have always looked
at cancer as a challange to be overcome. Well, these challenges are coming in waves
these days. They are wearing me out. It seems that almost every day now, something
new pops up. Some small ones, but mostly big ones. I don't know how much more I can
take. Things have to level out for awhile. I need to be able to catch my breath.
My body can only take so much. My superman powers are gone.

Now, I have to change all my eating and drinking habits to avoid daily injections. Even
that may not work.

Everything seems to be coming to a head at the same time. Cancer is circling the
wagons around me now. I may never leave these mountains this summer. I would be fine
with that. What a beautiful place to die.

I am still not depressed but my spirits are low. I just can't catch a break. Not even a
little one. Vent over.

I figure 65, will just about do it for me. I gambled, I had fun, I worked my butt off, and at 65, when I'm supposed to retire, and live in foreverland, my body will be all ffed up, and still have to mow the grass :roll: :roll:
7/11 diagnosed Stage 2 colon and rectal cancer
chemo/rad
lar/temp ilio
Reversal & port removal
21 round of chemo Folfox 9tx, 5fu 12 tx
Last treatment July 2012

User avatar
Frenchie's Wife
Posts: 959
Joined: Sat May 04, 2013 1:01 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Frenchie's Wife » Sat May 23, 2015 8:37 am

Well folks, now my lungs have decided to give me trouble. I thought it was because
of my pot smoking so I quit cold turkey.
I think I waited too long or my lungs just have
too many mets. I have practicely no lung
capacity left. Just walking slowly has now
become a chore. My body is giving up on me.
The lack of proper oxygen to my brain is
causing me confusion. I am having trouble figuring out simple things like basic math. One of my best subjects.

I don't think I should be on the road in the
shape I'm in anymore. Things are happening
to me at lightning speed. I can barely get around
now. My left leg won't support me properly
and I walk like a drunken sailer.

I have to take a break. I will take a break
posting as well, my mind is too cloudy, I can't
think properly. I think I have pushed myself
to the limit of my endurance.

I will now have to decide if I'm ready for
Palliative care. I am too ill to be on my own.
My nephew has been delayed and may not
be able to come down until July.

No matter how stubborn I can be, I have to
face reality. I don't want to endanger anyone.
I will post occasionally if I can.

I love you guys. We are all one big family.
Sorry if I'm disappointing some of you but I have
reached my limit.

Happy Trails Frenchie
Caregiver to DH 59 yr, male, Stage IV at Dx
Dx Sept 2009
Liver,bladder mets, 5 surgeries
Lots of chemo
Inoperable lung mets nov 2013
Stopped all treatments in February 2014 due to QOL issues
I am in God's hands now !!
Feb 2015 - too many new mets to count !
At peace July 9, 2017

peanut_8
Posts: 2340
Joined: Sun May 25, 2014 1:31 pm

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby peanut_8 » Sat May 23, 2015 8:50 am

Your post saddens me Frenchie. Best wishes to you
Love, peanut
female, diagnosed Jan 14, RC stage 2a, age 56
MSS
April 14, 28 chemo/rad with Xeloda
June 14 adjuvant Xeloda 6 rounds
currently NED

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Bev G
Posts: 5856
Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:19 pm
Facebook Username: Bev Golde
Location: Quechee, VT

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Bev G » Sat May 23, 2015 9:23 am

We're here for you all the time, Frenchie. I'm sure all of us are incredibly sad to read your post, but are surely with you in spirit. You are very well-loved here.

((((Frenchie))))

Love,

Bev
58 yo Type1 DM 48 years
12/09 Stage IV 2/22 nodes + liver met, colon resec
3 tx FOLFIRI, liver resec 4/10
9/10 6 mos off chemo, Neg PET&CTC CEA nl
2/11 finished total 10 rounds chemo

9/13 ^17th clean PET/CT NED for now

skypup
Posts: 2598
Joined: Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:12 pm

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby skypup » Sat May 23, 2015 9:48 am

Dear Fenchie,

I am saddened to read your post, just like so many others here who care about you. I know you wanted to spend your last days in the mountains, and I'm sorry if that is not to be. Yet as I was thinking about this, it occurred to me that it is a strong person who has dreams until the end, and you have that strength in spades. Some of us (I include myself here) don't get to beat cancer, but we sure can do our best not to let cancer kill us off before we die. So I say, "Bravo, Frenchie!"

I'll miss your posts and will look forward to the times you are able to check in. One request: will you make sure someone knows your real name? I sure don't want to miss reading the doubtless very interesting obituary that you took care to craft the way you want!

May your troubles ease.
Skypuppy

Kiwi Debz
Posts: 167
Joined: Fri Aug 22, 2014 9:42 am
Facebook Username: Deb Goldby

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Kiwi Debz » Sat May 23, 2015 10:48 pm

I am really sad for YOU Frenchie that you will not be able to spend your last days where you wanted to be BUTT you did get to spend some time up there near the mountains enjoying your motor home and taking the opportunity to be a free spirit. Something is always better than nothing.

Frenchie, you have given me, and I am sure many others, so much inspiration, your tenacity over the past six months has amazed me. You are the one who has made me appreciate I am not dying, yes I will die, but I am living and will continue to do so until my last breath.

I wish you peace Frenchie ....

We all love you

Deb
6/14 DX mCrc stage 4
7/14 R. hemicolectomy; 4/17 LN; liver res. peri met; repair to illiac artery
8/14 FOLFOX
10/14 PET recurrence LN; liver ? Peri met Continue FOLFOX
12/14 PET: stable .Liver only! FOLFOX
02/15 Liver resection. NED
03/15 foundation One testing - BRAF mutant
05/15 progression; Hilum node; both lungs?
08/15 NED !!!!
Age 51 Mum to Tom (RIP) and Jose 18
KIA KAHA - Be strong!

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Sharon Brent
Posts: 288
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 5:19 am
Location: London England

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby Sharon Brent » Sun May 24, 2015 12:11 am

My dearest Frenchie,
It is with great sadness I read that your health has deteriorated to the point that you cannot enjoy your last moments the way you wish, but at the same time I am truly greatfull that you have the clarity of mind to know that it's best to stay close to the hospital were you can get help asap.
Guess What Frenchie, we got your Post Card this Morning the kids were so excited Thank You very much, they are looking out for the post man with the Parcel now :)
I will miss your posts and pictures and hope that you are pain free and as happy as you can be considering your hard journey ahead.
You are an inspiration to many of us on here and even though I have never met you face to face I know that, it will be well my Dearest Friend.
I Pray you find peace and eternal happiness, and please say Hello to my Husband when you reach Heaven, you can't miss him, he's a 6 foot 3, Black Nigerian Man called Golden (like the Colour, 24 Carat as I always say) he will be very Happy to see you as your posts and strength have helped me get though the past months.
My Love always Piyagarn (Sharon)
DH, 47yo, Dx Stg IV, mCRC, lvr, lng 1/14, Tx Capeciabine 9 rnds
Children 5 & 1
DH 48th Birthday 6 November in Hospital
Home palliative care on 12 November 2014
Called back to Jesus 4pm 15 November 2014
Life Celebration in Nigeria 8 January 2015

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pollo65
Posts: 1564
Joined: Thu May 20, 2010 3:11 pm
Facebook Username: pollo2
Location: central valley, calif

Re: The Grim Reaper took another swipe at me !!

Postby pollo65 » Sun May 24, 2015 1:46 am

Frenchie, Totally sorry to hear your news but you sure as hell can't say you didn't try. I kept wishing that I had your guts and chutzpah but just getting to beach and back knocked me out for a couple days. Do you think you would be able to cut back and cut down a bit?
I have given up driving because the methadone steroid combo seems to make me a bit volatile. I am still doing daily everything including yard and house and planning trips which I intend to take.
So my friend stay in the mountains if you can but remember that life can still be what we make of it. And you have the caring and love of everyone on this forum.
Pollo65
CC 1/6/09
r. hemi-colectomy 1/7/09
32Ln biopsied, 28 positive
met to aorta
chemo 12 rounds
done 9/09 3 scans clear
1/11 1 met to aorta
micro cluster to peritoneum
4/11 / 9/11 scan clear
4/12 scan clear
10/12 scan clear
Iri+avastin
chemo break


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