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Friday, May 01, 16:32:47 [ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, [4], 5, 6, 7 ]
Subject: NEWS I THINK YOU ALL SHOULD KNOW


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 13:10:21 06/08/05 Wed
 Are you sitting down? Of course you are, you're in front of the computer.

As of this passed Sunday I have taken a turn for the worse. I started feeling funny last Tuesday then this passed Sunday I had a seizure. Thank GOD my friend, Bonnie, was here at home with me. She was absolutely incredible getting my family and the ambulance here for me.

I went to Good Samaritan Hospital where they admitted me and sent me for a CT scan of my brain. I stayed all night and had an MRI on Monday. Both the CT scan and the MRI confirmed that the cancer has spread to my brain. I have a total of four masses in my brain. Three are in the back of the brain (the cerebellum) and one (the largest) is right in my forehead. Think of the Indian women that put that red dot on their foreheads. That's where it is and it's 3 centimeters large. Although the doctors are saying that the cancer is small.

The doctors put my on Dilantin, an anti-seizure drug and another drug that is a very potent anti-inflamatory. All the pressure and "straining" feeling I've been feeling since Tuesday is from the brain swelling from the cancer. I don't feel that way anymore, thank GOODNESS!! But the anti-seizure drug makes me very "lupey". In other words... stoned. I will say it is a good stoned though. At least it makes me feel happy and giddy. I will have those drug levels checked on Thursday to see if they need to reduce the amounts but I will be on that drug for the rest of my life.

THANK GOD the cancer in my brain is in places that will NOT affect motor skills, speech, eyesight, hearing, or anything major!!!!!!! I may have balance issues but I'm not sure if that's from the drugs or the cancer. The doctor said my emotions and feelings may be affected from the mass in my forehead but I'm not sure how. I'm feeling pretty happy right now. You can't beat that, huh?!?!?

My short-term memory has been really bad since the seizure but I think that's from all the drugs. Hopefully that will improve.

I will receive radiation treatments to my brain for 20 working days starting today. I will get weekends off. I will NOT be on any chemotherapy during the radiation treatments. Dr. Hahn will start me on a new chemotherapy protocol immediately following the end of radiation. I will have another MRI after the radiation to see if it got it all.

Legally, I cannot drive for 6 months because of the seizure. THAT INCLUDES MY SCOOTER!!! BIG TIME BUMMER!! Thank God my aunt moved up here from North Carolina. She will be my transportation to my doctors appointments.

Please keep me in your prayers, I could really use them right now.

Oh yea, the doctor did say that he expects to get the cancer with the radiation and I should be able to go back to living the good quality life that I've been living.
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Replies:
[> Subject: Thinking of you


Author:
Jenn
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Date Posted: 14:40:54 06/08/05 Wed
Hey there Stacy. So sorry to hear about what happened. Sounds like you are feeling a little better though! Stay Strong & I know you know you can kick this things butt!! Listen I know you have lots of friends & family that will help you but please remember that your friend here in Cecil County is here if you ever need ANYTHING including a ride to the drs please do not hesitate to call me 410-658-0409 I would be more than happy to help you any way I can. Take Care & our prayers are with you!! Sending "HUGS" your way hope they reach you!!!
[> Subject: Sorry


Author:
Ray Snyder
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Date Posted: 12:04:14 06/09/05 Thu
I am very sorry to hear the bad news. I'll always be praying for you. God bless you and good luck.

Love Ray
[> [> Subject: MORE UPDATES


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 12:33:42 06/09/05 Thu
I had my second radiation today. Everything went well. I will be losing my hair again and it should come out next week.

I asked my doctor about the balance and emotional problems I could have. He said the balance is definitely from the swelling around the cancer. But the anti-inflammatory drug should help that. Also as the cancer reduces in size it should help. My emotional/feelings are affected the most right now from the cancer. That should improve. It sounds as though the only side effects from the drugs are fatigue and lupiness. Everything else is from either the cancer and/or the swelling.

Due to being on the anti-seizure medication, I cannot ever have alcohol again. I usually only have one drink a week if that, but now I can't have any.

I will have my blood levels checked weekly since radiation can lower your blood counts. I will have the anti-seizure levels checked once every two weeks. I actually SEE the radiation doctor every Monday unless I need to see him more than that to answer questions. He showed me my MRI today. The largest tumor is about the size of a golf ball and it's towards the back of my head. Kind of behind my right ear. The second largest is in the middle of my forehead. The other two are real small and they are in the back of my head. He still says he expects to get it and I should be able to go back to living a good quality of life.

I don't care WHAT anyone says, I have every intention of beating this and living a long, quality life. I love my life and plan on living it!!
[> Subject: My old Friend...


Author:
Mike
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Date Posted: 15:57:05 06/09/05 Thu
Darn Stac... Really sorry to hear the latest. You are such a strong girl. You are in my prayers. Hope you're back on the scooter soon!
[> Subject: i sure hope and pray everything works out for you stacy you can still beat this stuff don't give up and keep your faith just remember a quitter can never win so if you don't quit you can beat this


Author:
Curtis_Racing
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Date Posted: 17:23:22 06/09/05 Thu
[> Subject: Stacy- I must confess, I have been a bad man.


Author:
danersmiff and Suzy too!
[ Edit | View ]
Date Posted: 20:51:32 06/09/05 Thu
I haven't visited for a while in fear that too much good happening to one or 2 people,(me and Suzy) can somehow produce a negative effect on some one else who may be struggling/? as bizzar as this sounds, i really did not want to be overbearing on your site, out of respect. That being said, We still pray for you. Now, to learn of this recent turn of events, I have to speak.
Have you tried walking around your chair? My mother does this when she is losing at cards, and it works 50% of the time...
Have you tried blowing your nose and farting at the same time? be careful, this may soil yer britches!
Have you tried lying on a bed of nails? I have no EARTHLY idea...?
Have you tried sniffing snuff? YYAAAACCHHHOOOOO! (me neither)....
Green Tea perhaps? (if nuthing else-you may learn chinese..)
Spending the night at Marks'- ( i read you did !) --not smart, as he has a BAD reputation, especially in Texas, what with parking his truck with the left rear wheel hiked up an Oak Tree and all...
HORSE FEATHERS? (again I am LoST?)
IF you soak yer feet in HOT WATER, it won't do much, yer feet will feel good, and you will probly have to pee...

Hang in there Kid ! the Tough Bastards Just left Town!-? that just leaves you! the Meanest Bitch on Broadway!!! love d---
[> [> Subject: AUNT NANCY, FAMILY, and FRIENDS


Author:
Stacy
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Date Posted: 05:09:31 06/10/05 Fri
I just want to send a VERY SPECIAL thank you out to my Aunt Nancy. She will be my transportation to my doctor's appointments everyday. I REALLY appreciate everything she is doing for me.

I hate putting people out and asking them to do things for me but it seems as though I am going to be needy for a while.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to my neighbors Bonnie, Deana, Frank, Vicki, Carrie, Karen, Gail, and Norma for all you've done and your care and concern. I couldn't ask for a better group of people around me. Boy, if you ever need anything in a pinch in this neighborhood, they are RIGHT there!!

Also thanks to the paramedics for being so wonderful and compassionate with me. I've never had to have an ambulance crew come to my house. It's quite amazing when they do and the compassion they have for the patient. I found out they didn't run the sirens or the lights on the way to the hospital but that's okay.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to my family and friends for spending all that time in the hospital with me. It is truly humbling when people are there for you like that. I know my short-term memory isn't good right now so I appreciate everyone answering my questions over and over again.

I've gotten a little emotional over finding out about the cancer spreading to the brain but most of my tears have been for all the ABSOLUTE and OVERWHELMING gratitude I feel for everyone. It is so amazing what everyone is doing for me. I promise I will not take it for granted. God has blessed me in so many ways, especially with the people I have in my life.
[> [> [> Subject: Thinking positive thoughts


Author:
Cliff
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Date Posted: 22:23:14 06/10/05 Fri
Hey Stacy

I'm glad you still have your usual Stacy attitude! You certainly know how to inspire confidence. It sounds like those little f***ers in your brain are treatable--so they're just a temporary detour from your other treatment. Hang in there! Your invitation for dinner and a car cruise still stands! I suspect it will have to wait a while, but the offer will not be revoked!
[> [> [> Subject: We love you


Author:
Nancy Buscarino
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Date Posted: 08:29:39 06/11/05 Sat
You are wonderful Stacy. We are all here for you because you are always here for us. You have a way of making us feel at ease and letting us say to you anything about your cancer. You always worry about others. You are always in my prayers. Love Aunt Nancy
[> Subject: Hangin in!


Author:
Bev
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Date Posted: 18:29:29 06/14/05 Tue
Hi Stacy! I was soooo glad you all stopped in to see me the other day...You look wonderful...I think you're faking....u dont look sick at all!! Just wanted to let u know that Mom went back to the doctor today....her bone marrow came back negative, so we are all relieved. She still has to finish out what they originally have planned for her, but now that she knows what to expect each time, its made her feel better about the whole thing. She'll probably be having some questions for you! She had to have that red blood injection today because the count was low (her white ones were up though which was good). Anyway, she took it in the arm and said to tell you to stop being a wimp, it didnt hurt at all!!! HA....I told her some of the things u said and for her to just know more about the process is really a big help. Thanks for sharing the knowledge... you're a walking encyclopedia of info on this stuff! How are you feeling by the way....still lupy?? :) I know you're going to come thru this whole thing with flying colors....I have no doubt....Keep hangin.......Talk to ya soon......
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