I am not trying to inundate you, Martha. I couldn’t get my first message to post, and then when I gave up and wrote another, they both appeared.
Andrea

Hi Martha,
Thanks for the idea to take straight melatonin for sleep. I can try that before I try the Rx to see if the OTC does the trick. Is there a brand of melatonin you recommend?
Be well.
Andrea

Hi Martha,
Thanks for the info about melatonin.Is there a brand you recommend? Perhaps I will try straight melatonin before the Rx stuff, and see if that does the trick.
Be well,
Andrea

Martha- thanks for the help on Michelle’s blog about the hip pain and bone density test. I am small framed as well, and my mother has osteoperoris, as did her mother before her, so I will definitely get tested once I’m through all this.
I have a friend who is about 24 months out from winning her battle with ovarian cancer, and recently had a bone density test. She unfortunately had a bad reaction to the test… have you heard of anyone having a bad reaction before? Could this be because of her prior chemotherapy? She’s going to talk to her oncologist, but I thought maybe you may have some input on this…
Have a great day!

Kim

Hi Martha,
May I use your response to Michelle regarding her last treatment? You brought up some very good points about bone density and the mixed emotions that go along with the last day of treatment.

Thanks,
Theresa

Hi Martha,
Thanks for your reply about my question. It’s ok about the use of abbreviations. I used to be a unit clerk in critical care and am familiar with most medical terminology, but just couldn’t remember that one.

I’m having a quiet weekend and am looking forward to attending worship service for the first time in about 3 months. I just have’nt felt up to it until now. It’s going to be wonderful to see my friends.

Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend, too.

I’m working on the ebook and would love a “story from the heart” about your cancer experience if you have one you’d like to share.

Hugs,
Theresa

Martha,
What does DRE stand for? I’ve seen the abbreviation and it’s probably very simple but I can’t think what it means.

Maybe there should be an abbreviation key somewhere.

Thanks,
Theresa

hi, martha. i just wanted to let you know that when i was watching nancy grace tonight she had a spot on her show about a teenager from ?alpharetta, georgia named trey who is battling cancer. she also said there is a running event coming up in his honor. is this your trey? when i saw it i told my husband that must surely be the young man that martha has told us about. i wanted to let you know that he is getting some national attention. and attention from me also. i pray for him and ask God to please find a cure for him and spare his young life. God bless you also, martha, for being the kind and caring person that you are. debby

Hi Martha,

Thank you so much for the warm welcome to this forum. You just don’t know how happy I was to find the site yesterday. I’m lookinng forward to communicating up here as this road block has been quite challenging for me. I’m already feeling the love!
It is frightening being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age. I was at a point where I felt my career was finally starting to take off, ready to buy a house and planning to have kids and then wham, life threw me a curve ball! I did not list what stage cancer I have b/c I’m honestly not 100% sure. For some reason, my docs have been vague on the subject. Stage 3 was thrown around but my oncologist didn’t want to write that in stone. It is however, localized. They only found a small spot on one of my lymph nodes. My surgeon said that it is “on the larger side of anal tumors” that he’s seen. If my treatments are successful my colostomy will be reversed – praying that is the outcome!

Thank you so much for the support :)

Angela

Hi Martha,
Thanks for your latest comment. One of the most helpful things about this site is the suggestions from everyone who has experienced treatment. The support is great, too. I just want to share what is working for me so it may help others.
Love,
Theresa

Martha,
Once again, thanks so much for your kind words and for all the throat cancer people—Let Them Eat Cake!! :-)
Anna

thanks again for your kind words. you’re in GA? I came here from Atlanta. I understand ya’ll have been having winter this year.

Hi Martha,
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate your time. I read your blog about Mark and his wife. My prayers go out to them. I was heading to Church that evening I read your blog and prayed for them immediately. When and where is the “CURE” for this….its too common. Anyways, Be well!!
Love,
Elena

thank you Martha! for the information about Larry.

Hi Marhta!
I hope this response finds you!! Thanks for the info. It seems like a double edged sword…more exposure to radiation to make sure you do not have cancer!! It is the deal with the devil truly!! Well I know you will do fine and let us know. Love, Lori

Hi Martha,
Thank you for the encouragment. I’m taking each day and the experiences it brings and be grateful I’m here to “enjoy” them.

The lessons I’m learning far outweigh the struggles with side effects. There are so many spiritual benefits and of course, I wouldn’t have consciously chosen to go through this, but now that I’m here I’ll squeeze every last ounce of lessons I can from it.

Going forward,
Theresa

Hi Martha,
Thanks for the kind words. I hate to complain….but my hair is like a
brillo pad!! I swear I can go without washing it for a week….it is quite
curly so I wash it once a week and then straighten the heck out of it!! I
got it cut hoping I could cut the curl out and then it would be straight
again..but not to be…I am happy to have any hair at all that is for sure!!
I lost all of mine. But other than that I like your analogy …it is not a
sprint…awesome analogy coming from our resident runner!! I will keep that
in mind!! Take care yourself as I know we are really close in terms of
diagnosis!! Love, Lori

Hi Martha – thank you for your encouragement . . . I had no idea that I was going to stumble into politics on this cancer journey but it does seem that we have an inherently political cancer (and of course since I am of an age, I do acknowledge that the personal is the political anyway – so I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised).

I think what annoys me is the lack of pick-up on potential for publicity / public education around the celebrity element of Farrah Fawcett’s illness. Usually there is a feeding frenzy around this type of story which is both repellent and useful. The prime comparison from recent history (in the UK) is the one the journalist makes in the article I posted a link to – that of Big Brother “star” Jade Goody who died at 28 of cervical cancer. The publicity which she created in the weeks before her death made a huge impact on the number of young women presenting for cervical screening and hopefully for that generation the lesson is learned and they will pass it on to the next. How sad that some bright journalist did not make the link between Farrah and Jade and HPV . . . in Britain bottoms are still embarrassing, funny or rude so perhaps the association would have been perceived to undermine the feminine tragedy of Jade’s story.

I would love to receive links to any and all useful information that you have found, Martha as I feel the need to spread the word in the UK. I was talking to a gay male friend the other evening – my age and a London-based university lecturer / musician so both smart and very aware of gay health issues – and he had never heard of anal cancer. My long ago ex-husband (who also happens to be gay) has also happily treated his own haemorrhoid without getting it checked out . . . if these smart urban gay men don’t know the risks then who does?

I may revisit my facebook page – reading it back it does seem a little ferocious!

Best wishes, Janet

Martha – hello – and thank you for your message of welcome. I have learned so much reading your posts and replies to others. What an amazing resource you are . . . and very welcome. I had my bleed and therefore my treatment in a non-english speaking European country so this is one reason I am short on “detail” about my illness – exchanges were not fluent on either side but were adequate and encouraged me to simply trust (secure in the knowledge that I was receiving treatment at a radio oncology department which opened brand new in the autumn of 2008). From your photos it seems that you are doing very well in your recovery – you look great. May I ask how soon you recovered energy and stamina enough to work / exercise as before?

with best wishes, janet

Martha – You are welcome. I am so glad that your group is growing strong supporting each other. The more people that join the more the search engines show us as a source for anal cancer and the easier it becomes for more people find us. Thanks so much for all you do. The site has become so busy I am spending most of my time keeping the site up and running and answering all the technical questions and feel like I haven’t been able to support as many people on the personal side.

Going for a CAT scan next Tuesday for a lung thing. ;-( Send some good vibes out there for me. I hope I don’t have to go with round three. But you know us, we always freak out before scans. ;-)

Hi Martha,
Thanks so much for responding on my blog. Our alltime “ANGEL” Ron has informed me he had it 3X within 18 mo and he doesnt even recall a sore throat. He eased my mind. Thank U for the word of encouragement and Best Wishes. Hope all is well.
Love,
Elena Cuomo

totally agree Martha. We all have to do what we feel is right for us and the belief in what we choose is important. When the vaccine first came out (when I was going thru my stuff) I really wanted my daughter to get it. Over time, I’ve changed my tune on it for many reasons. But this information is important to have out there. thank you for all that you bring to each of us Martha.

HI Martha
Thanks – I will get a prescription this week when I see my oncologist.
I thought I was doing ok today but then the diarrhea kicked in and more bleeding. I thought that was finished and wonder how much longer it may continue.
Thanks again for your support and encouragment.
Hugs
Marcia

Hi Martha,
Hope you had a good holiday. I’m freezing here! My husband and I spent 10 days in San Diego over the holidays and now its even harder to be in the snow and cold! But no worries, I’m off to go teach in Mexico for two weeks soon…. Loved your pic from New Years!

Martha – Happy New Year! You can email me anytime or call. I am always happy to hear from you. I tested the “forgot password” page and tried to reset mine and never got an email. Yikes! Looks like you are right and it is broke. I don’t have access to the passwords but I emailed my programmer to see if he will fixes this right away. I don’t think he is working today, but will email you as soon as I hear from him.

Thanks,
Jill

Martha – Your words are so true. Thanks for your comment. We must stay strong and we will win in the end.

Dear Martha,

I just had my porridge and thought of you. I am thinking of bringing out my own brand – what do you think of the name “Martha’s Oats”?!

My business is coming on, thanks. Did I give you the website? www.firstsilicon.com

Have a wonderful – and yeah healthy yeah! – Merry Christmas!

Sean

Thanks Martha. I know, like you I didn’t have a forum…it was trial and error….self discovery in a sense…my docs didn’t have any advice except for the shower spray…that was a good one! As you might know, I am looking to eventually get someone to fund a book we can put together so, i appreicate being in touch with you on all this. happy holidays martha, nova

Hi Martha, thanks for posting to my post. Do you have any items you’d like to add to list? I know you have lots of knowledge and good advice so please add whatever you have….thanks much, Nova
you sound like you are doing so well…i’m so glad. By the way, i’m in touch with someone who just had vaginal surgery…so far so good….i’ve asked her to keep me posted.
nova

Hey Martha!

Just had to let you know that I took Besse (still haven’t named the car but Besse will do for now) out for the Big Perfect Drive Sunday. The sun finally came out, perfect blue sky, 73 degrees, so I took the top off and took her to Ranch Road 2222….a winding, hilly road that hugs the hills and has lovely views of the lakes.

What a CAR! She drives like a dream and yeah, I’ve gotta watch the speed. I’m driving in 3rd at 60! She hugs the road and is a joy. When I got back after an hour, my hubby was outside washing his motorcycle…I waved to him with a big s*** eating grin on my face and mouthed, “thank you!”

Would love for Besse and Ramona to meet sometime.

Hugs!
Teresa

Hello Martha,
I had a hemmoroidectomy about 18 months ago or so. I am 46 years old. Some
tissue was sent to pathologist and came back with high grade dysplasia (HSIL) excised with clear margins. My question is, if any of you know, should I be concerned with it coming back? The high grade AIN? Does anyone know if there is a high risk of recurrence? I’m concerned about it coming back obviously, and not knowing until it is too late. I don’t have insurance right now, so I can’t go to a doctor. Is there anything I can do on my own to know? Any advice would be
appreciated.Thank you, and God bless all of you. You guys are so courageous and an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to write in this blog. It sure does help.
thanks again
dottie

Hi Martha,

I’m glad to hear you say that you are rationing your time and energy and being more selective: that’s a GOOD THING and means you’re graduating back to normal life…. truly!
Have a very merry, emerald green Christmas with your family xxx

sean

Martha, I just saw a post that moved me to comment and I saw that you are there too – youn are EVERYWHERE on this site, wonderwoman! God bless you, helping so many people. You make me feel optimistic for mankind, Merry Christmas one and all (and yes, It’s a Wonderful Life is a favourite movie of mine and I’m proud to say it)

sean

Martha,
Thank you for your sweet comments. All the best to you!

Hello Martha,
Thanks for the comments. And I couldn’t agree more with you on both counts. I needed physical therapy so bad. They didn’t even tell me that it would be extremely difficult to walk up and down stairs after treatment. I couldn’t figure out why it was so painful. I was never told anything until you just said that now. My physical therapist did liken the radiation to my pelvic being stuck in microwave nd turned on high…just like bread. It doesn’t come out as soft and flexible as it went in. And I also agree about the sunburn analogy to describe the radiation. It would have been more accurate to say it was like one gping open wound or multiple open sores inside and out. At it’s worst, nothing cut the pain for me. You just got through it.
thanks for your comments. I really do believe that they treat the cancer and not the whole patient. I was prime for learning new relaxation techniques to relieve stress, meditation, or other spiritual healing for my mind, body nd soul. I wish they had asked me more about my fears and what my thoughts were about life and death, and if I wanted an outlet for any of these thoughts. I wish they had suggested books, or asked about what I felt I needed mentally or emotionally. I have met with them since and told them all this. They were very receptive and interested in discussing it at my last appointment. They are asking me to come in and speak to the nursing staff in the radiation dept about my program. I just wht as many opinions of others as possible. I’m just one person with one experience. I’m interested in what everyone’s experience was. If healthcare could get closer to treating the whole person and not just the cancer, I think it would take alot of the fear and anxiety out of it, and offer possibly more peace. That’s really what we all want I believe.
Good night Martha. Talk soon.

Hi Martha:

I’m doing well, thanks! Check-up #2 is scheduled for Nov 30 but I’m hoping all continues to be on track. Must admit I overdid it initially going back to work so have cut back. I start a medically supervised personal training program in early Dec which will hopefully have me in fighting fit form for rowing May 1, 2010! There is so much to be thankful for year…especially cheerleaders like you! The Blogforacure community wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it is without your compassion and wisdom. Hope all is well with you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and we’ll talk soon.

Thank you Martha you are a blessing to me!!
I’ll keep you posted have a great Thanksgiving.

Love,
Eva

Hi Martha,

I am doing well. The doctor says things are healing well so I trust that he is right. Still having some issues. Dealing with the vaginal problems my primary doctor put me on some premarin cream then I developed a bacterial infection so now we are treating it. Be glad when that area heals. Finally getting the bowels strait not totally there but will be before long. My doctor has scheduled me for a ultrasound of my left breast found a small hard spot underneath. She seems to think it is just a fibroid cyst I pray to God it is they do run in my family. She thinks if this was cancer it would have shown up on the pet scan. So now its just the waiting for the next pet scan. I believe the Lord is giving me a lesson in in patients! :) Thank you for thinking of me as I continue to pray for everyone here. I continue to read everyones post and offer encouragement to the new folks. Sounds funny not to be the newbie anymore. But this site sure helped me and hopefullly I can help others like you all have done for me.

Love,
Eva

Hi Martha, Sometimes we do just have to give in and take drugs for those things we cannot change. I know I’ve resisted taking any medications but I have to take the tyroid meds and I’m glad I do….they make me feel so much better. I’m resisting the statins because I know for most they cause muscle pain (not good for a yoga teacher!) and of course are hard on our livers .. .and after this chemo….well I’m sure my liver is tired…..however, sometimes it is necessary and can keep us healthier in the long run. Mine is also hereditary but right now this works for me and soon I’m going to off the red yeast rice and see if I can keep it low myself. Like you, my diet which was always healthy got even way healtier after this disease….

Hi Martha,
I wanted to comment on the post you left on my site to Leanna regarding high cholestrol. Following treatment, many of us have experienced sudden increase in bad LDL. I also have genetic factors (did you have a Berkely panel done?) but I think it is our bodies response to the treatment. Basically when you’re body is starved for nutrition, your arteries become floppy and your body will increase cholestrol to try to firm them up. This is good in a way. As we begin to regain health and add in more exercise, the numbers will drop. I have resisted getting on medication for this reason but have used a special form of red yeast rice (from china) given to me by my naturopath. Eventually, maybe very soon, i should be able to get off this again. My numbers were near 300 and are now down below 180 and I do not have to suffer the side effects of statins…which include muscle pain and more damage to our already damaged livers…...
Keep eathing like you do and exercising and your numbers will also decrease….it has worked for three of us that i know of.
One of these days when I’m not so busy I hope to get in touch with you ….we need to put all this info. together in one spot.
thank you so much for all the people you inspire and inform.
namaste, Nova

We do have good taste in clothing don’t we? Yes..I got mine at Steinmart also!

Good to see the profile comment back up and running.

Teresa

Amen Martha,

You win today….I think you may have endured more quality postions than I lol…u have to laught don’t you. Otherwise all we have is to curl up in a hole and hide. The hole is not the correct choice!
Sending you love,
Larissa

hi, martha. i just wanted to say hello and let you know i am thinking about you and praying for you, as always. i also wanted to tell you that i live in a small town not far from peoria, illinois, called chillicothe. i was born and raised much of my life in canton, illinois. while in the military, i lived many places, but decided to come back to illinois to settle down where my roots are. plus most of my family still lives here… brothers, sister, cousins. i hope you are doing well. keep the faith. debby

Martha,
Thank you for your kind remarks. It feels good to be supported.
Jerome

Dear Martha,
I have contacted Wendy and given her alot of info. I too have no rectum and also no large intestine, because my surgeries were xs 3 I also have a very short small intestine and yet NO bag. My small intestine was fashioned into what is known as a J-pouch and it works like a storage place just above the anus. Not always well I might add, but through diet and just plain working at it I see improvement. I have shared that with Wendy but thought I would share more should anyone else cross your path and need info. Praying you are doing well!

Larissa

Martha,
Again thank you so much for your comment. I just can’t express in words how much your encouragement and advice has meant to me. You and everyone hear has been a God send!

Love,
Eva

Martha,
thanks for your great support. I actually just left you a post commenting on your comment but left it on my blog…..but what i wanted to say is that this journey has enhanced my life so much that what i am doing to celebrate is doing what i love most….teaching yoga all weekend. I will be surrounded by many great spirit…..and, I know you will too because of all the support you bring others.
namaste,
nova

I have meant to mention this but keep getting side tracked. I love the new picture! Absolutely beautiful

Love,
Eva

Martha,
thanks for the comments on my photos….it feels good to be feeling good. You won’t believe how great you are going to feel in three years

Martha,
Thank you so much for the welcome and your comments. I read your blog and was happy to hear that things are going well for you. You are so right, there is no substitute for early detection and no need to be shy about something this important.

I have been looking around for a long time to find a place where I can write and vent about everything that’s going on, so I’m reassured by your comments that this a good place to do so.

Thanks again,
Jolinda

Hello dearest Martha,

I got a lovely card in the mail the other day from a very special lady. Thank you for caring, and for being a support for me. Means more to me than I even knew it would. All the thoughtful comments and kind words have carried me far and lifted me up more times than I can count. I have been very blessed to have so much positive energy around me.
Your one of my many angels and I truely can’t say thank you enough. God Bless. Big hugs, Cheryl

Martha,

Your comments are always so lovely and so supportive. Thank you for being there and thank you for your perspective. I always look forward to hearing from you and I am always sending you warm thoughts of strength and health!

Jill

Hi Martha thanks for the comment. Yes it was great getting that pump off. The last 2 days seemed the longest. One week down and 5 more to go. So far so good. I had a little bit of nausea but the medicine took care of it. And I have had some cramping the last couple of days. But nothing to bad so far. Just have been really tired the last couple of days. I’ll keep you posted. I’m looking forward to the long weekend. I hope you have a wondderful weekend! Thanks again for caring. I always look forward to your comments.

Love,
Eva

Hi Martha,

well I went home last night and told me wife about your irish friend Derek Dailey – “Derek Daley, you mean Carmel’s brother in law from down the road?” were her exact words…! What can I say, I am stunned! Carmel lives about a mile from us, her husband (no longer with us unfortunately) was a big name in racing cars in Ireland for many years, hence the link.

So there you go, it IS a small world!

best

sean

Martha – I have to agree with Kim and give you a big hug. You are such a wonderful supporter on this site. I don’t know what we would do with out you. Thanks so much.

Hi Martha…sorry i’ve been so out of touch. when I look at your blog I am so happy to see how many women you have been helping. You are a fantastic support. Two things
1) at some point I did have a posting here with all kinds of info….I don’t know where it is can you help?
2) I am working with another survivor, Ellen and we are finally getting things put together for the survey and web site. I hope that you can be involved.. You will be a great resource.

I’ll look forward to connecting with you more.
many blessings,
Nova

should have said go back at 3 this afternoon for my chemo. My computer or me one is acting goofy. Sorry

Eva

Thanks Martha. Got my first dose of Mitomycin this morning. They gave me decadron and zofran IV prior to it to prevent nausea. I’ve now got my pump and my 5FU for the week. So far so good not problems. Thank you for caring i’m glad I found this site and all of you it has made the start of all this much easier for me! I’ll keep you posted. Go back this afternoon for my get it scheduled around the same time.

God Bless
Eva

Thanks Martha. I look forward to your comments. Yes I do have someone to drive me most days. And I know I will know when it is time to change to the big guns. Just not right now. What I am taking works. I’m sure a couple of weeks from now that will be a different story. But I know I need to stay on top of the pain. I just want to be the one to decide. My favorite cousin is coming to spend the weekend so we(me,my daughter and my cousin) are have a girls day out. Going shopping. Going to try and figure out what to load up on around the house to eat. Seems everything I like is pretty much not going to agree with my stomach once treatment starts. According to the doctor. I’ve always loved spicey hot foods. But sounds like thats out. Thanks again for the support. I’ll keep you posted.

God Bless,
Eva

Thank you Martha. Once again you and others have lifted my spirits. I really do like my radiation oncologist. It really shocked me that he called me at home and even gave me his cell number in case I had any concerns or further questions. You don’t see that every day. Usually you only speak to the nurse when you call the office. Hopefully treatment will start on Monday. Thanks again.

God Bless You,
Eva

~~~~Dear Cheryl—
I’ve never tried to send someone calming mojo before, but I’ll give it a shot. I’m so sorry you are now having side effects from the steroids. It’s definitely a case of darned if you do and darned if you don’t. I hope you will find that the half-dosage gives you enough of the benefits without the severe side effects. I think of you daily and as always, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Love—
Martha~~~~~~~

~~~~Reply
LOL, well Martha if any one can send some mojo YOU can do it!!

I love you. I think of you all the time. You have been here supporting me from the very beginning and I assure you it hasn’t gone un-noticed. You have bolstered my spirits and held my hand everytime I’ve needed it. God Bless you. I’ll never be able to pay you back in this life time but I will be trying to pay it forward.

You are a very loving soul.
Hugs and more hugs…love you, Cheryl~~~~~

Martha-

Thank you…......I thought with all the new people, they also would enjoy reading this. It gets to me each and every time I read it.

I Wish You Enough!

Love and hugs,

Ron

Thanks Martha for the kind words. Really I am much too skinny but I am working on it. I don’t feel very fit hahaha but what are you going to do I am working on that too. I will have more pictures on Facebook of the animals if you would like to see them I am trying to figure out how I posted the other ones. This brain of mine just doesn’t work like it use to. They should be on before too long.
hugs

Nancy

Again thank you Martha. That is what I figured on the pain medicine. Save the big guns for when I really need them. And so far the norco works pretty well as long as I don’t go over that 4 to 4 1/2 hours I am comfortable. I am blessed to have you guys to get me through this.

God Bless you!
Eva

Thank you ! Where are you getting your tx: and have you read the Life over Cancer the Block Center Program God Bless You Again and thanks again for your encouragement

Martha,
You are such a wonderful supporters of so many people. I admire the time you take to send such nice notes of encouragement to so many.
Hope you’re feeling stronger everyday.
Are your dilation tools glass tubes 3-4 inches long? It doesn’t seem like the best invention. I am looking at creating a better device for this purpose, and am meeting with a couple of doctors next month to discuss it with them. I just wondered if we were using the same tools for keeping the vagina open.
Thanks for your note to me. I enjoy hearing from you. You are a wonderful person.
Erin

thanks martha for your thoughts and prayers. I just wanted to say in the most dire tragedy there’s often some little silly things(like a chipped tooth) that takes the edge of things. and continued good luck with your battle. i know you’ll come through.

Martha,

Thanks for your support. You are there for everyone on this site. I thank you for the kind words and support for all :)
Kim

Martha; Neighbour or not he’s cute and your husband is a pretty understanding kind of guy. Just kidding. It’s nice to have good neighbours, as we also do too. Summer is pretty good up here, even though there has been a lack of sun. August is better than July. I guess the weather is just crazy all over the place. I watch CNN to keep up with everything going on in the U.S. Love your weather watches. Hope you are doing well and that life is giving you lemonade.

Hi Martha, The only thing I know how to do on here so far is find you. I did fill out somewhat of a bio. I will experiment with things. Any hot tips on what to do, let me know. Love ya, Amy

Hi Martha! I added couple of photos of ireland to my blog – just for you!

hi Martha,

I came to this site after days without sleep, feeling afraid and alone. Your support has been priceless to me and Im sure many others like me. The two weeks b4 I found you and all the wonderful people on this site were just unbearable. Thank u

Hi Again Martha
I came through as anonymous WOW not good I’m Rict don’t know why it says that but I’m still here..LOL Ric

Hi Martha ,
Things have been just great for me and I’m doing fine ! I can eat almost everything under the sun and DO :) I have been riding the Harley and I’m getting stronger by the day. I will say it’s about time this fight took me over a year to get to some feelings of normal. I see you are doing fine..Thank God we are fighters.

Hi Martha,

I’m sure glad I check my email for comments left on my blog because they haven’t been showing up on my blog, just in the email. This has only happened twice but I would sure hate to miss someone’s message to me. I email Jill about it.

Anyway I sure am glad to hear from you. We got back from our trip late last Friday, July 3rd. It was a truly wonderful time, so relaxing. But your wrong about the muddy river, the rivers in Missouri are mostly sandy and rocky and most are nice clear. Now the rivers in Kansas, yeah they are muddy.
My dear husband asked me if I wanted to take another trip? I was shocked! He said he’s got 2 more weeks of vacation coming. He is wanting to drive to Oregon and head down the coast to the Red Woods and back. This would intell about 10 days of driving (a lot of which I would be sleeping). We would probably want to spend the day in a few places but mostly driving. I want to go but it sounds a bit daunting at this point. I’m thinking I’d rather go to Colorado and stay in one area. But we just haven’t decided yet. We’re thinking of leaving as soon as this Monday. I really want to do this for as I really think he has been wanting to do this for some time. My only other concern is that he won’t have any vacation time left when we’re done. So he would have to days off without pay when I’m close to passing.

We have a hospice representative coming to the house tomorrow. I want that decision made and out of the way.

I’m so proud of you for doing the walk/run, your a tough lady and you know how to appreciate the small things in life. Your husband seems to be a great support for you as is my fella. We are fortunate in that.

Take care. I’ll update my blog when I know more. I told Ron (dear man) that I’m hesitating to post about my current situation as I don’t want to depress anyone, especially those new to the blog that are just starting their battle with colon cancer. But this is my reality and I have made peace with it. I always admired Leroy Sievers for his blog on NPR. He told it like it was and his was the first colon cancer blog I read. I was also uplifted seeing that he blogged up to two days before he passed.

Love and big hugs, Cheryl

Ron—
Thanks for your congrats on my race! I also wanted to let you know that it meant a lot to me to hear from Tom and I was pleased to include him in the list of names of people who I was running for. Tell him I hope he didn’t feel too tired on Saturday evening from all the pushing he did to help me get up heart attack hill! :)

Martha

I sent you a PM, did you receive it?

Hey Martha! Thanks for the message about the PARP inhibitor. Yes this created a big buzz a few weeks ago at the big annual oncology meeting in Orlando…however, double edged sword here…since I tested Negative for the BRCA genes…(ie. I don’t have these genes) I am not eligible for the PARP studies. It is for those that are positive for these two gene mutations. The good thing is Maggie and Randy’s girls don’t have that gene either!

Randy and his family have been here this week and wouldn’t you just guess…it’s been hotter than Hades here. Today it was 107! My sweet Yankee nieces and sister in law are in shock but we’ve had fun in the water and malls!

Take care and I’ll tell Randy you said hey!

Hugs
Teresa

hahahahahaha to short thats what my Sue says all the time..LOL

Ric—
Thanks for your kind compliments to both me and Ramona. She’s quite a gal! Yes, I know all about boys and their toys, but I must admit, I think I love her just as much as my husband does!

Have a great weekend and go for a ride!

Martha

Thanks for you thoughts and prayers I’ll be fighting hard.. Got to get my Harley ready for a road trip. :)

HI Martha, you asked me what chemo I am on and it is Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin and Fluorouracil. My nurse was the one that told me my hair would fall out by week 3, but doctors said it will just thin. did the nurse mean week 3 from start of chemo or week 3 of chemo (I go every other week). Today is treatment number 3 for me, with 9 to go after today.
hugs,
amy

Martha:

I’ll let Randy know…he mentions you often. He and his family are coming down here to Austin next week and I’ve delayed my new trial in Houston a week so I can spend the whole week with them. Just wish it was cooler for them…over 100 these past 3 days! But want to enjoy the visit and see his girls.

Truly glad your scan went well. Isn’t it nice to have friends there looking out for you? Hang in there and I really want you to do some real fun stuff this summer. You so deserve it.

You are such a big supporter for all of us here. An angel to us all.

Hugs.
Teresa

Was thinking of you Thursday and through the weekend. The waiting is hard. Guess you just try to keep busy. Prayers for you for good results.

Martha,

Just wanted to wish you luck (you won’t need it though) on Thursday.

I’ll be flying down to Cabo San Lucas to bring a large yacht up to San Diego that has been repossessed so I’ll be gone a week. I look forward to reading your good news upon my return.

Love and luck, kid.

Ron

Hi Martha

Thank you for the warm welcome and all of your support. I need to be able to talk to someone that is or has gone through the samething. I wished that I would of went to the doctors sooner than I did and then maybe they would of caught it in Stage I. Although, my oncologist considers me in Stage I because he said my tumor was so slightly more than 2 cm. he doesn’t even consider it more. My radiation doctors on the other hand consider me Stage II. I had to have 33 radiation treatments. This week really has not been as bad as the last week with Chemo. I think because they had me take a break from getting so ill, so I had 9 days without any radiation and just started back this past week. I will tell you that the past couple of days the itching has been hell and keeps me up all night. Did you have itching? Anyway, as you can see I can be long winded too. :) I hope all continues to go well for you also. It sounds like you are doing terrific. I hope I also will continue to recover nicely and most of all I hope that the “monster” is gone never to return. You have my support in your continuous recovery and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nancy

Hi there my favorite inspirational friend,

How are you and how was your vacation? I hope you had a great time where ever you went and you had great weather.

I really enjoy reading your inspirational comments to so many here. With your gift of helping so many with warm and kind words you too should share your experience in a book. You’d be a great inspiration to so many that fear this dreaded decease.

Glad to see you’re back,

Ron

Martha I will take that ride on my Harley and bring you along in my heart. Us fighters have to stick together…Ric

Hi Martha,
So glad you found your cancer early and thanks for the encouraging words.The 5 year mark is huge as is every milestone of Cancer and recovery.The no hair thing quit bugging me after a while. It was that single hair on my chin that WOULDN’T fall out that made me mad!! Ha Hugs, jo

Hi Martha,
I had all kinds of trouble trying to upload pic’s to my site. Sorry but something is wrong on there end. If you can get powerpoint on your computer I’ll send the update I gave to all my friends or e-pals as they are known…Taximan@comcast.net is my e-mail,,,Ric

Thank you for your kind words. You look like you’re in a fight for health. Keep smiling and try to look past the cancer and you’ll see things are not as bad as we think. Good Luck…Rict

Martha,

Just had an opportunity to read all your posts. You are one tough fighter yourself. You have to be one of the strongest inspirational leaders I’ve read about here so far.

You’re inspiration here has given you a lot of readers who are reading and learning and is the reason I’m trying to write a book. To share with others and possibly answer questions they can’t get from the doctors.

If I’m able to finish and afford to publish my book, I’m donating any and all proceeds to the City of Hope. When I was a patient there they never had a co-pay program. They billed the insurance company if you had insurance, and it ended there. So I’m looking forward to paying them back for my life and their continued research and care.

Keep up the great work, we all need leaders like yourself.

Ron

Martha,

Thank you for the kind words, keep up the fight and I look forward to reading your survivors story when it’s over.

Ron

Martha…your story meant a lot to me. I am brand new to Blog for a Cure…I had been writing on HubPages and switched over to find a friend – the “Tanya” I wrote about. We have connected – must be Guardian Angels! I went through my treatment with only my Husband for support and no one to tell me honestly how awful the treatment would be. Radiation is beyond words to describe, but it does end and the memories fade in time. THANK YOU FOR Writing

Hi Martha,

Thank you for your continual support and inspiration.
Larry

Martha- Thank you so much for your encouragement. I have been to several OBGYN’s and Gastrologists and no body seems to know whats going on. I feel like I have this foreign thing in me and everyone is puzzled by it. I will be praying for you during this journey in your life!

Martha – I just have to say again that you rock!