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Sad times ahead

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:04 pm
by mechmagcn
:( Hi folks, haven't been around here much lately. Not much work done on the teardrop either :(
The reason for all of this, Donna's condition has gotten much worse. We went to Houston to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in March for tests and consultation. They sent us back home to try another blend of chemo, well this was like pouring fuel on the fire. Cancer is growing and spreading rapidly.
Our local oncologist has thrown in the towel, said there is no more that he can do. Said to either stop treatment altogether or go back to M.D. Anderson to see if there is something experimental to try. We leave on the 21st for Houston, have no idea how long we will be there or if they can even do anything.
The type of cancer she has is very rare and doesn't respond to chemo or radiation, we are researching alternative treatments, just hope she can hold on long enough for anything to help. :worship:
Please keep us in your prayers, looks like it is in the hands of the man upstairs now :worship:
I'll update after we see the Dr. on the 22nd.
Jeff & Donna

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:44 pm
by iplay10us2
I am so sorry to hear about this, and hope all will be as well as can be expected.

Without knowing what type of cancer it is, have you tried any of the programs/doctors at UAMS?

I know that MD Anderson is a top-notch facility, but there are so many places doing some great things with cancer treatment.

My brother-in-law runs the Cancer registry in Kentucky and might have some insight if you want to pm me.

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:45 pm
by Coca Cola Teardrop
Jeff and Donna,
We have your in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:29 pm
by mechmagcn
iplay10us2 wrote:Without knowing what type of cancer it is, have you tried any of the programs/doctors at UAMS?

The cancer is a leiomyosarcoma, a sarcoma of the involuntary muscles. It originally started as a uterine cancer. The Dr. at UAMS is the one who sent us to the oncologist who we were seeing, he comes here from LR every 2 weeks.
I have read of so many different types of alternative treatments that my head is spinning. One of which is a ketogenic diet along with anti-diabetic drugs which effectively starve the cancer cells. This treatment seems to show great promise and is what we are leaning toward trying. Variations of it are mentioned along with many other alternative treatments that I have read about.
Jeff & Donna

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:37 pm
by madjack
Jeff, I can't even imagine what you and Donna are going thru/feeling...Marlene and I will keep you in our thoughts in all we do...we hope/wish the best for the both of you...keep your spirits up as best you can and know your Td family is here for y'all.............
madjack 8)

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:26 pm
by Todah Tear
Jeff,

I will keep you and Donna in my prayers.

My friend's husband had cancer of the throat and she changed his diet to only organic foods (no chemicals). He did have a dramatic turn around and did not have to have the massive surgery that the doc first recommended. Additionally, many have tried the cancer center in Oklahoma. I think it may be in OK City. I'm not certain. They use non-traditional treatments.

Blessings,

Todah

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:31 pm
by satch
All my hopes and thoughts are with you both

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 10:56 pm
by Gaelen
mechmagcn wrote: The cancer is a leiomyosarcoma, a sarcoma of the involuntary muscles. It originally started as a uterine cancer. The Dr. at UAMS is the one who sent us to the oncologist who we were seeing, he comes here from LR every 2 weeks.
I have read of so many different types of alternative treatments that my head is spinning. One of which is a ketogenic diet along with anti-diabetic drugs which effectively starve the cancer cells. This treatment seems to show great promise and is what we are leaning toward trying. Variations of it are mentioned along with many other alternative treatments that I have read about.


Jeff & Donna--one stage IV survivor to another, I know how very mind-numbing all of this can be. If I can help in any way, please shoot me a PM.
I follow a modified ketogenic diet and have pretty much all through treatment. There's no way to really know for sure how much it's helping my body handle what cancer has thrown my way; I did conventional treatments, too, and they deserve their props. But there aren't many people diagnosed with Stage IV rectal cancer who live five years from original diagnosis...and even fewer are actually no-evidence-of-disease for extended periods. So I won't tell you that the treatment you're considering is a slam-dunk...but it has appeared to help me.

My strongest thoughts to both of you.
Pat
(Stage IV rectal cancer w/extenisive liver mets dx'd 4/2004. Three abdominal surgeries including liver resection, 5 chemo regimens, recurrence on ureter and cervix 12/2007, currently NED since April 2, 2008.)

Again--

PostPosted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:01 pm
by oklahomajewel
Jeff & Donna..... As soon as I read your post, I turned off the tv and closed my eyes and asked God to be with you , give you strength and clear minds and the doctors to be alert and all the things that can possible be done, that He'll be with you no matter what decisions the doctors and Donna, that you make. Even though we haven't camped together, you're part of the South Central family.
I'll be continuing to think good thoughts for you.

Julie

PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:16 am
by mechmagcn
oklahomajewel wrote: Even though we haven't camped together, you're part of the South Central family.

Julie

BUT.... BUT....BUT... Julie, LCGIII didn't count :? Or did the Sat night wine "tasting" give you amnesia.
Just kidding, :lol: we know you were really busy with the gifts and couldn't be expected to remember everyone who stopped by.

PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:34 am
by Nobody
Jeff & Donna - Blessings & best wishes from our house to you. HE knows your trouble & is able to ease your pain. HIS will be done! :worship:

PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:28 am
by tonyj
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna

PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:37 am
by Dulcimer Man
Donna, we will put you on our prayer list at church and expect the Lord to do good things for you. Dulcimer man

PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 10:39 am
by CAJUN LADY
Jeff and Donna, not sure if this will work or at least stop the progression but Apricot seeds and Mung bean sprouts. My friend Alexis (daughter-n-law's mom) has IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) and several cancer survivors told her to ground up the Apricot seeds and eat a handfull of "sprouted" Mung beans per day, either in a salad or just eat them as is. She also went to a full organic diet. She will be visiting her Oncologist today but hopes to see some results soon. It usually takes about 3-4 weeks for it to supposedly work. I am still praying for a miracle for you Donna. :worship:

PostPosted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:57 am
by chorizon
Jeff and Donna,
Our prayers will be with you.
-Joshua and Sarah