Hi Anna,

Thanks so much for your encouragement. It means alot to me. You are right, Im worrying for nothing. I cant imagine WHY?? the tech said that to me.. I thought maybe she saw something in the video that lead her to say that… and then of course by the time you get to see the docs.. time makes you think the worst. But once again ALL MY WONDERFUL FELLOW BFAC FRIENDS ALWAYS CALM ME DOWN.
Thank you Anna—you inspire me—
I see that your scan went GREAT!! Thats awesome. I also see you mention you have to go for the swallow eval as well. Good Luck to you!!

Take care,
Love,
Elena

Posted on February 6, 2010 at 3:47:28 PM by elenacuomo

Hi Anna….

I’ll be thinking about you on Feb 1…...I’m sure all will be well…...

Posted on January 26, 2010 at 8:14:42 AM by jeanne

Hi Anna…

I can’t tell you how happy your email made me….so thrilled to read you are feeling and doing well…......it truly is an inspiration to know that you are doing well…...

Hopefully 2010 is the best year ever for both of us

Your Tucson neighbor..

Jeanne

Posted on January 16, 2010 at 7:23:27 PM by jeanne

Hi Anna….

Just wanted you to know I’ve been thining about you during the holiday season…......Hopefully you are doing great and enjoying time with your family…........

Wishing you a happy and very healthy new year!

Your Tucson Friend….

Jeanne

Posted on December 30, 2009 at 10:40:15 AM by jeanne

Hi Anna,
Thanks for getting back to me. You are a sweetheart. Yeah I was in a FUNK on Sunday. I just want my “LIFE” back. Saw my ENT today and I told him about my funk. He asked WHY??? So I said ahhhh I would like to get back to work, have a cup of coffee in the a.m and run around with my teenagers. AND he said thats a GOOD sign that this is a slow process and I already conquered the most imp…NO MORE “C” I am grateful for that OF COURSE GLORY TO GOD…but I want to get on with tit…Well you take care have a wonderful holiday.
Best Wishes,
Elena CUomo

Posted on December 16, 2009 at 2:35:16 PM by elenacuomo

I was just checking in with you to see how things are going. How are you feeling? Are things getting better? I had my neck Disecction 3 weeks ago, they took out the remainder of the lump since rads didnt get it all. Doc says He got all The cancer and things are looking good. However, Im in another healing process. Anna, when you finally began to heal, how did it feel. What I mean is today I felt freaky like I had cold sweats and the mucus is pouring out—-in a good way. Ihave energy, but Im confused as to maybe Im getting a COLD or is it actually healing. After your dissection how long was it til U swallowed ANYTHING. Its been 3 weeks and I havent swallowed anything. Im gaining weight with the Tube Thank GOD! Im on a mental roller coaster with all this.
I dont know how to feel anymore. Did you push your self to talk. The other day I did and I was doing OK. I heard my voice (horse of corse but it was there) and now today I feel a possible set back. If you have some time, maybe you can let me know the timing of all this.
Thanks a bunch,
Elena

Posted on December 13, 2009 at 5:07:06 PM by elenacuomo

So you’re a Bama girl? Well honey, I just hope ya’ll don’t kick our boys butts too bad! I’m a UKy grad and know how tough the SEC teams are. Of course, I’ll have to root for UT but just because I don’t want it to get out that I think Alabama is the better team…I’d get strung up!

Take care and Go Horns!
Teresa

Posted on December 6, 2009 at 7:22:18 PM by tmay

hi waiting to hear from you..hope all is well
you are one of the only ones i know that had
just erbitux with your radiation, did you get the
rash right away and weekly? one week of rads done
and 5 more chemos.. please help me to what to expect? cant wait till i am eating burgers again..
thanks again for all your insite.
diane w from wisconsin

Posted on December 5, 2009 at 1:29:33 PM by dianew

had my first erbitux and i too got the bad headache, what else did you do for that? is there
anyone that had these headaches and what to do for it.. start rad and chemo together next monday and not looking forward to that.. happy turkey day to all
diane w at rlwcpa28@yahoo.com

Posted on November 24, 2009 at 5:28:45 PM by dianew

Hi Anna how are U? Hope all is well.

My name is Elena and I have followed your blog. You have been aN INSPIRATION TO ME. Your courage and dealing with this discustinug disease has helped me. However, Im having a huge setback. I cant think the positive anymore Ive been in so much pain and I just cant begin to heal.

How do you do it? Do you have any words of encouragement? Ii just had my neck disecction and I feel like the Bride of frankenstein. My begininning fight I had trouble with the Feeding tube and that came out. Now last week I was onto my 11th week of healing—-I developed Pnemonia and was fading away of malnutrion. tube is back in but now Im so angry that I lost so much healing time…HELP Im sick of being sick
Besst regards,
Elena Cuomo

Posted on November 22, 2009 at 7:03:16 AM by elenacuomo

Hi Anna How far out are you on your end of treatment now? I was just curious as to what other foods you are now enjoying besides those yummy sounding hamburgers! I can’t wait to enjoy some food again! They say like in three weeks some taste starts coming back…after that horrid incident I had with the Milky Way I think I may be a little hesitant when I finally can eat again!LOL
Hugs,
Trice :-)

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 9:47:49 AM by patrice

anna did you lose any hair on erbitux?

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 6:32:08 AM by dianew

Would you do the erbitux for chemo again? i start on monday am of course afraid after reading all these comments.. any hints.. thanks keep me in your prayers diane w at rlwcpa@execpc.com

Posted on November 18, 2009 at 6:34:41 PM by dianew

Oct. 26th is when my tonsil was removed with 2 lymph nodes that were cancerous.. did you end up getting a feeding tube.. i am of course scared to death reading all these blogs on what is coming.. any advise.. did you have a pet scan first, dentist first..yours was the good idea about the mask taking the eyes and mouth out.. thanks and be well
diane w

Posted on November 2, 2009 at 12:51:16 PM by dianew28

Hi Anna…thank you for commenting. It’s so nice to have someone who has been there. Hon, what do you mean by the white coating? My salvia is so very thick that I keep a spit cup by my side…it gags me to try to swallow it…is that it? Oh what lovely conversations we cancer patients have..LOL!
Hugs,
Trice :-)

Posted on November 2, 2009 at 5:01:09 AM by patrice

Hi Anna,

I didn’t expect so many people would be so quick to reach out with words of support. Another of the many blessings in my life. Thank you for your well-wishes. I’m going to keep all of them in my pocket and pull them out one-at-a-time when needed. Read your latest blog and it appears by the tone that you are healing emotionally as well as physically. Keep your oars in the water and do your best to steer clear of the rocks.

Posted on September 23, 2009 at 8:57:07 AM by greg

Thank you Anna and i am doing better. Did your flem eventually see flem go away? Any taste issue still?

Glad you are doing well.

Posted on September 21, 2009 at 8:21:01 PM by kwillis38

Anna,

Thanks and great to hear taste is back. I was told to use the trays. I have lost all taste though. Still eating and working on keeping weight up. I am having this tube checked today as it has been a pain since it went in and seems unstable.

Keep staying strong you sound good. Mark

Posted on August 5, 2009 at 2:11:02 AM by kwillis38

Anna,

My wife posts as part of your fan club/supporter. I wanted to share a story with you about my collge friend I see once a year for golf. He lives in Seattle and has a (to me sick but funny sense of humor or tumor humor). You would have to know him in order to get the humor so I won’t share, but I laughed with tears.

I am coming out of the nausea casued by Tuesday’s first dose of cisplatin. Third week of radiation starts Monday. Do you use trays to soak your teeth at night? I started them two days ago. Just loosing some taste now. Will try to be outside and get to work a lot this week.

I hope you are feeling well. Mwillis

Posted on August 2, 2009 at 5:01:35 AM by kwillis38

Thanks Anna,
Your words are a big boost for me. I appreciate it. Thank U
Elena

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 7:45:00 PM by elenacuomo

Hi Anna,

It’s good to hear from you. Having a spray bottle of water close by at night is a great idea…thanks for sharing this info.

Keeping my eyes on the prize for sure… although some days it can be a bit challenging. :) Next week I’ll be half way through my treatment…so I’m starting to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel as they say.

I’m not using my PEG yet. I’m still eating things like pasta, eggs, yogurt, pudding, etc by mouth. Although I can’t eat anything too abrasive anymore like bread.

How are you doing these days? Have you felt some relief with your throat yet? Seems like our journey to healing can be very long sometimes. I hope that you’re feeling better. Take good care.

All the Best,
Kim

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 5:17:46 PM by kim951

Hi Anna,

Thanks for your mysterious wig lady comment. I loved it and the comment really made me smile! You’re right…who needs hair…it’s over-rated! :)

Posted on July 27, 2009 at 7:38:31 PM by kim951

Hi Anna,

Thanks for the input on the “Ethyol” I didnt see many folks on here using it and I was curious WHY my docs were persistent about it. I absolutely cannot tolerate it, its nasty..lol yeah money makes the world go round—they say—-$600 per shot per day/7 wks…and it only made me sick. So no more… Thanks again I will let it rest and do what I need afterwards. I wish you well…STAY STRONG it will all be good. My love and prayers are with you always.
Elena

Posted on July 23, 2009 at 10:45:14 AM by elenacuomo

Hi Anna,

Just wanted to drop by and thank you for all great feedback you’ve shared regarding PEG experiences….it really has helped alot. It’s a huge help to receive information from those who have been down this road already. Now I’m just hoping my PEG incision heals up ok, it’s been “angry” the last few days….eep eep!!

Lots of Hugs,
Kim

Posted on July 8, 2009 at 10:58:41 PM by kim951

Anna,

Wow! What a difference in your posts today. I’ve read them all and you’ve really come a long way since the beginning of your rough journey. A true survivor you are.

I’m so impressed with all the help and advice you’ve given Kim. I’ve read all your comments and it’s obvious you’ve really made the beginning of Kim’s journey a little easier for her to understand what lies ahead.

You are a true inspiration for others. Wow!

Hugs and prayers my hero…......

Ron

Posted on July 3, 2009 at 6:58:32 AM by roncancerfree

Hi Anna,

Thank you so much for sharing that info on the PEG, driving to treatments, etc. It was very helpful.

May I ask—were you very sore after PEG placement? My abdomen is still pretty sore and I had mine inserted on Friday (6/26). It was initially in too tight and the doc had to adjust it from the outside by placing his hands on my abdomen and manipulating the device from the outside…it was pretty painful to go through the adjustment. I’m still pretty sore, however, I guess that’s to be expected? My gastro doc said there shouldn’t be any pain, afterwards, however, I thought that perhaps some pain would be normal after placement?

I’m doing Cisplatin along with radiation. It sounds like my treatment plan is similar to yours, yes?

I’m so glad to hear your doing well. I bet it’s such a relief to finish treatment. I’m sending lots of good thoughts and hugs your way.

Kim

Posted on June 28, 2009 at 10:44:41 PM by kim951

Hi Anna,

Thank you for the nice welcome! I really do feel lucky they caught it at Stage 2…seems like most of the time this type of cancer is caught in later stages….which seems to mean even more intense treatment.

I bet you’re relieved to be done with the treatments. :) Are you feeling better with the treatments being over? I hope so. :)

Thanks for offering to answer questions…I do have a few for you…

Were you able to drive to some or all of your appointments?

Did you get lots of nausea? (I’m really not looking forward to this part). Doc has prescribed anti-nausea meds for me…hope they work. :)

I need to have a PEG, and noticed you had one, too. How did you like it? How was the insertion process? I’m pretty nervous about getting it inserted. :(

Too many questions floating around in my mind these days…lol. I suppose I’ll know soon enough how my body will react to all these new things. :)

Look forward to hearing from you. Take good care.

Best Regards,
Kim

Posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:07:07 AM by kim951

Hi Anna, Thanks for your support. I so glad that you are done with your treatments. I am thinking about getting a peg this week. Do you have one? Man everything taste like crap!

Posted on May 25, 2009 at 11:12:28 AM by jault

Anna—
You haven’t posted in awhile—how are things going? I hope you are tolerating the radiation okay. Please give us an update when you are up to it. Take care.

You are still in my thoughts and prayers—Martha

Posted on April 19, 2009 at 5:37:14 AM by mp327

Anna,

Haven’t seen you in a while, I pray all is going O.K. and radiation treatment is not getting you down.

I have to apologize for inadvertently deleting your comments on my blog. I was trying (I haven’t a clue what I’m doing) to post The Rest of the Story) I was getting confused and I deleted (they should “Delete” that key from the key board) the original post and lost your comment. I feel bad.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing your next update and pray all is going well on your road to recovery.

All the best.

Ron

Posted on April 8, 2009 at 6:35:08 AM by roncancerfree

Anna,

I posted my story to day, it’s in two parts. Be sure and read “The Rest of the Story” also as there’s some very good information there too.

Warm regards,

Ron

Posted on April 5, 2009 at 7:13:48 PM by roncancerfree

If you want to send me an e-mail or give me your e-mail address I’d be more than happy to send the draft to you.

Ron

Posted on April 4, 2009 at 2:59:11 PM by roncancerfree

Hi Anna,

I’d like to post my experience however, even without my family history/bio, it’s 44 pages long in MS Word. I’m not sure the site owner/moderator would allow or appreciate that.

Ron

Posted on April 4, 2009 at 2:57:28 PM by roncancerfree