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Larissa (larissa)


August 29, 2009


California


Colon and Rectal Cancer


September 28 2004


Stage 3B


05


Yes


Colorectal Surgery, Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy, Hysterectomy, Lymph Node Removal


Irinotecan (brand name: Campto)


That affects more than just me.


That I have more strength than I ever imagined.


left with mild neuropothy and balance issues


Cedar Sinai in Beverly Hills California


two 6 month bouts…one 2004 to 2005. next March 2007 to Sept. 2007




Biography

I began this journey as a 39 year old wife and mother of three. Now at 44 I praise God for every minute I have been allowed to share with them, and look forward to every opportunity I can to share with those I love. I have learned that to battle this disease takes more strength than anyone on the “outside” would ever know, and the only way to get through it is to…Live every day like it is the BEST day of your life!

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

from Oct. 2004 to July 2009 I have had 3 colon surgeries, now there is nothing left, a total hysterectomy and my gallbladder removed. I have had more colonoscopies than I can count…and have had two port-a-caths in and out.

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

two 6 month bouts…one 2004 to 2005. next March 2007 to Sept. 2007


Comments:

I am looking into why that last link didn’t work. I think it is something on my end that I need to fix. Sorry about that. Jill

Hey there Larissa,

I received an email saying:

Your friend, larissa, has posted a new weblog post, ‘Smiles in the “pit”.... journal entery January 2004’, for you to view.
http://larissa.blogforacure.com/weblog/2010/03/02/0001

However, when I try to access it, I receive the following message:

Page Not Found
We’re sorry! We can not find the page you were looking for. Please visit the Blog for a Cure homepage, or use the search box above to find what you are looking for.

Thought you should know.

Greg

Larissa, For some reason the last post you made about Tigger wouldn’t let me comment, so I went to your sight and am doing so here. I was most likely too impatient as it took over five minute and then just gave me a black box.

I love your posts, and the joy you find in even the darkest of times. Only those of us that have been through this realize that a simple check up is a dark and scarey time. After performing a lupectomy at the local hospital and then waiting 7 days for the results, 6 years ago I was sure there was nothing wrong because if there was they would have known before 7 days and would most certainly have called me rather than made me wait in a waiting room for a few hours. After he came in and with a surgeons manner, quickly told me I had a very large tumor that was cancer in my breast, he then said we are going to do a double masectomy and then follow w/ chemo, then he walked out. Talk about shock, and now even though I changed my medical team, I can’t help but worry. I think it is safe to say all your blog friends are with you and we get it.

Please let us know as soon as you can and know you are in my daily prayers. love, Sharron

Thank U Thank U.

Its weird but I recently converted from a Roman Catholic Church to a Christian. And I’ve learned that Christian people are just so warm and friendly. I never look upon them as strangers. They greet me, hug me, kiss me and they do it with such sincerety. Im so honored to meet people like them. In the Catholic Church it was much more quiet and serious and not like a family.

So when they speak and pray with me I feel they actually care. When I mention the very word “C” they scream and say ITS NOT TRUE LOL they refuse to admit sickness…they encourage you to rebuke it in Jesus’ name. Its ALL GOOD!

xoxoxo
Elena

Hi Larissa,

Yes a “cold” must run its course. So do get your rest. You will be back in action B4 U know it. And Charlottes Web…my favorite. Enjoy it—hope it turns out GREAT!

The Healing School is given thru my Church. We meet 2X a mo and our anointed Leader prays upon us and the Presence of GOD is awesome. I believe she is Blessed with the Holy Spirit. She reads healing scriptures from the BIBLE. She pays alot of attention to me and calls me up constantly. Yesterday was extremely special bcuz I was awaiting my results from my 3 mo PET

When I got home Doc emailed me—IM CLEAN!! YAY
I will post that shortly.

Thanks for being a friend….I truly enjoy speaking with you. You are my inspiration!

Feel Better girly!
Love,
Elena :)

Thanks, Larissa, for your thoughts. You said exactly what I needed to hear. I just couldn’t seem to get myself there alone.
Andrea

Hi Larissa,

I LOVE YOU Thank you so much for the encouraging words. You certainly put things in perspective for me. You are absolutely right. I made a promise to myself after I was diagnosed—that I was going to Fight This Battle and come out the “Winner”—Sometimes the journey sets me back, however I can always count on all the great people in this blog that remind me of my strength. You are my inspiration. Thank U.
LOve,
Elena xxoxoxoxoxo

Hi Larissa, I hope that you are well. So I tried the massage for the adhesions and I must say that it worked great, I hardly feel it anymore…. : ) ....hugs,

Eli

Hi Larissa, thanks for your positive commnet on my blog….how are you doing these days?

Thank you so much for your kind words! I both applaud and admire you for your strength, determination and perseverance in going through this odyssey. To be honest, I started a blog on my own before I discovered Blog For a Cure. I found writing about my journey very therapeutic. But I will post additional chapters in the next few days. I’m happy to have discovered the site, it’s very supportive and great to know that I’m not going through it alone.

I am blessed as are you, thanks for the kind words. Sharron

Hi Larissa, good windy morning to you.
It’s good to know that there is someone nearby that I can relate to, now I don’t feel like I’m alone out here.
Thank you for all the suggestions on the food, it gives me a start.
I was a big Pepsi drinker before the hemi, but now it’s like blah! I’ll have a sip of Sprite now and then, but other than that no sodas.
I did retain my sweet tooth, however only a taste or a very small portion will do and I’m good for a few days. When I was released from the hospital I had a mad craving for orange juice, I could just not get enough of it. Did that happen to you?
I had oatmeal and creme of wheat in the hospital and they both held well. I did have some scrambled eggs and bacon not long ago, they were too greasy and it upset my stomach. So now I nuke my eggs, it takes a little time and practice to get them right, but so worth it not to have the fat. If you have any ideas food wise for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday please let me know, I’d hate to miss out…...lol

Eli

Hi Larissa, good to hear from you. I had my surgery at Hanford Community. I had a horrible recovery while in the hospital, I think my body was in shock over it’s new piping so to speak.
As for now, I’m doing well, still learning what my body can and can’t handle food wise. I’ve yet to try dairy, I’m afraid to.
I’ve lost like 30 lbs., at least two pants size and my belt needs more holes….lol. But all in all, it’s going well. I hope and pray that you are doing well…..Eli

Hi Larissa,

Thanks for your kind words. Today is much better. I think I was just overwhelmed yesterday. It felt good to vent somewhere. Thanks for listening. I know we have so much to be thankful for. You have been through a lot and you are still helping others. You’re an angel!

Thanks Larissa. You make a lot of sense.
Jerome

Larissa—
Thanks for letting me know that you have been in contact with Wendy. I’m glad she has someone to be in touch with who is dealing with her same situation. I can not relate, but am willing to try to help her in whatever way I can. I know she will have a good supporter in you! I hope you are doing well too. I think after cancer, we all have our issues that are ongoing, some worse than others. Thanks again for letting me know about Wendy.

Martha

Wow, Larissa, I really like reading your posts. They are profound and inspiring, “I have decided it is worth fighting my way back, for I want to again be part of that ripple. I want a chance to spread that good onto others so they too can feel the wonder of being blessed!” Here’s one that has been touched by your ripple.

I am new to this blog and look forward to spending some time reading more from your journal. Thank you for the diversion.

Hi Larissa,beautiful name by the way. Thank you for your uplifting post and the support. Even though I hate knowing others are going through this with me, it is nice to know that someone understands the feelings, frustrations, and fear that I have. I wish you the best and hope that you have been able to kill the beast for good.
hugs,
amy

Larissa,
You very lucky girl. Doesn’t matter, I am adding you to my prayer and thought list!! Yeah for you..

Kim

When you begin they carefully check out every abnormal spot and it is scarey but you could have scar tissue or the like from anything, after the chemo and radiation hits and it doesn’t grow or shrink they will write it off but I agree it is ominous. Happy day, sharron

Aren’t we blessed to have such strong children???

You have said it all.

My youngest child Hilary likes to carry me through! She has been my cheerleader from the beginning…Capt. of Team Miracle for Relay for the 4th year. My kids are a blessing!

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