The Big C! RIP Kim, see pg. 218

[OTTBs]

I’ve been reading from the beginning of the thread but haven’t posted before. Kim, have you talked to the oncologist about any other options, hopefully one that won’t have such side effects? I went to cancer.org, searched colon cancer and found this:

Most people with stage IV cancer will get chemo and/or targeted therapies to control the cancer. Some of the most commonly used regimens include:

• FOLFOX: leucovorin, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
• FOLFIRI: leucovorin, 5-FU, and irinotecan (Camptosar)
• CAPEOX or CAPOX : capecitabine (Xeloda) and oxaliplatin
• FOLFOXIRI: leucovorin, 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan
• One of the above combinations plus either a drug that targets VEGF, (bevacizumab [Avastin], ziv-aflibercept [Zaltrap], or ramucirumab [Cyramza]), or a drug that targets EGFR (cetuximab [Erbitux] or panitumumab [Vectibix])
• 5-FU and leucovorin, with or without a targeted drug
• Capecitabine, with or without a targeted drug
• Irinotecan, with or without a targeted drug
• Cetuximab alone
• Panitumumab alone
• Regorafenib (Stivarga) alone
• Trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf)

I'm a pharmacist but I'm not super familiar with chemo side effects. To my knowledge though, monoclonal antibody drugs are usually well tolerated, those are the ones ending in -mab.

Hugs to you no matter what path you take.

[OTTBs]

Did my long post really go poof? Will wait a bit before reposting.

I’ll try again now. Kim, did you talk to the oncologist about other chemo options? I went to cancer.org, looked up colon cancer and found this:

Most people with stage IV cancer will get chemo and/or targeted therapies to control the cancer. Some of the most commonly used regimens include:

• FOLFOX: leucovorin, 5-FU, and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
• FOLFIRI: leucovorin, 5-FU, and irinotecan (Camptosar)
• CAPEOX or CAPOX : capecitabine (Xeloda) and oxaliplatin
• FOLFOXIRI: leucovorin, 5-FU, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan
• One of the above combinations plus either a drug that targets VEGF, (bevacizumab [Avastin], ziv-aflibercept [Zaltrap], or ramucirumab [Cyramza]), or a drug that targets EGFR (cetuximab [Erbitux] or panitumumab [Vectibix])
• 5-FU and leucovorin, with or without a targeted drug
• Capecitabine, with or without a targeted drug
• Irinotecan, with or without a targeted drug
• Cetuximab alone
• Panitumumab alone
• Regorafenib (Stivarga) alone
• Trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf)

I'm a pharmacist but not super familiar with chemo side effects. I believe the monoclonal antibody drugs have low side effects though, those are the ones ending in -mab.

Hugs to you whatever path you take.

[CanadianTrotter]

@SCM1959

I did drop a hint and wondered if anyone noticed!

SCM1959

What goes around, comes around…it may take awhile but it always does.

Good things happen to good people, thank you for being you.

[CanadianTrotter]

@SCM1959

ZuZu, you are another Schoolmaster that I have “admired from afar” … just trying to keep up with you and the fabulous coffee! I hope @Sannois might enjoy one of the tasty muffins with your good coffee.

SCM1959

Zu Zu is “the bomb”!

[KBC]

@CanadianTrotter

Zu Zu is “the bomb”!

when it comes to BLT’s she’s not.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Only you know what you want, what risks you want to take, what direction you want your life to take.

Maybe we don’t agree or accept your choice but we all support the choice you are making for yourself (or at least I hope so ).

I wish I lived closer to be there in person when you needed something. Know we’re all there in spirit (in case you couldn’t tell ).

{{Kim}}

[Alexie]

Here is to the simple perfect pleasures in life, perfect coffee being one of them.
You’re a classy lady, xx

[stryder]

Kim, my work world is about community newspapers. Used to be, a community was a geographic area. It usually had a newspaper that told the stories about one’s neighbors. People cared about people they knew from the neighborhood, their church, their kids’ schools, who got the blue ribbon for tomatoes at the county fair.

The interwebz changed much of that. We were able to make a community around a commonality of interests. The COTH forum is a perfect example: we share a love of horses and have made a community around them, even though we’re geographically dispersed. This thread is one of the finest examples around about how a commonality of interests reached back to the original understanding of community - people caring about people.

We’ve pulled together to try to support you, just as we would have come over to drop off a casserole or mow your lawn.

[jetsmom]

@Sannois

Okay MORE cards!!! IT is like Christmas, although not one I ever had. LOL
First off, how will I ever be able to thank all of you for your sincere words, and generosity.
You are making this time, bearable. I really do not feel alone. I forget when I feel good that this is real.
that is the sad part, and the scary part.
I think there may be some of you that do not agree with or understand why I quit the Chemo after only one round, and I get that I do. But I had to weigh the odds, and I know how bad this is, and that I will not be “Cured” only bought some time, but at what cost?? To feel like shit for months on end, only to break my sick body down more.
Here is something I learned today, I went to my mechanics so Ex could get his Nissan back, I adore this man,
and his wife, he is the most honest amazing mechanic I have ever had.
They both know about my cancer. We were chatting, and looking at a Hot Rod he was working on for a close friend,
I asked who it was, he said oh this is one of my best friends cars, He is Dying from MFK Lymphomia.
Want to know what MFK stands for, Mother Fruitin Killer.
he is 42 yrs old has two young children and a wife, has been doing Chemo and Stem cell for over a year, and he now looks like a 70 year old man. he got to spend no quality time with his kids, was too sick, and he maybe has a month left if that.
Okay I get why people try, having a family and being young, hell yeah. But that is the ugly truth about a lot of the chemo treatments. And I wanted no part of it, having had just one taste of it. and even a week later I am not totally over it. The nurses and Nurse practitioner both had told me, no it will not get easier, it weakens your body each infusion, and it is harder to recover after each one.
Yes it has cured many patients, many who were stage one or two, even 3. and some 4. For some time.
But I was not willing to go down that road. I have never been good at not feeling well,
Never. And while I have no clue what is to come, I am going to take it, one day at a time, and with all your love and support you are making it so much more bearable. you will never know what this means to me.
Okay, Crying again. Love you guys! Kim

Kim, get the books “We are not forgotten” and “We do not die” by george Anderson. .I promise you, they will lift your spirit and give you comfort. Everyone I’ve given them to has said that they really helped them be comforted.

[Sannois]

@stryder

Kim, my work world is about community newspapers. Used to be, a community was a geographic area. It usually had a newspaper that told the stories about one’s neighbors. People cared about people they knew from the neighborhood, their church, their kids’ schools, who got the blue ribbon for tomatoes at the county fair.

The interwebz changed much of that. We were able to make a community around a commonality of interests. The COTH forum is a perfect example: we share a love of horses and have made a community around them, even though we’re geographically dispersed. This thread is one of the finest examples around about how a commonality of interests reached back to the original understanding of community - people caring about people.

We’ve pulled together to try to support you, just as we would have come over to drop off a casserole or mow your lawn.

I know!!! And you are all simply AMAZING!!! I do not think I ever felt so cared about!!:sadsmile::yes:

[Sannois]

@jetsmom

Kim, get the books “We are not forgotten” and “We do not die” by george Anderson. .I promise you, they will lift your spirit and give you comfort. Everyone I’ve given them to has said that they really helped them be comforted.

Thank you Jetsmom I will look for it!!

[Sannois]

Well rainy Wed. Good because it was getting a bit dry.
Dex wear off let down. I can take another one this afternoon. I am going to make an appointment with my primary care doc, who is great, and very down to earth. Ask him what he thinks about continuing on the dex.
This morning, I remember that I have this rotten disease.
I have frozen all the goodies that were sent, I have to be super careful about what I eat and how much.
And and for the record, Senecott S is Potent. yikes, I only took one last night, and well, Like giving a horse a good oiling!
Oh boy. I try to only eat 2 meals, I eat a good breakfast and then something for lunch /Dinner around 4.
Friday is Farmers market day around here. And I am going on the great Tomato and fresh veggie hunt.
I really hope I have not forgotten to mention anyone that has sent me such wonderful things.
If this was not virtual, I would have my doorbell ringing and my counters filled up and friends over to visit and drink coffee, chat, mow, weed. whatever.
Stryder, that is something that is very sadly amiss today in the internet age. But COTH is a huge exception, and I am so thankful for you all. Off to make some breakfast.

[Sannois]

Just a random thought, I wonder when I am gone, if this thread will make it to the archives?
Not that I want or need the recognition, but it is such a shining example of how people are still so caring and supportive, and also maybe that people will read it and think, Yea, I am going to get the TEST.

[CanadianTrotter]

@KBC

when it comes to BLT’s she’s not.

Yep, she bombed on trying to improve the classic BLT. :lol:

But has made up for it with perfect coffee and her penchant for genuine kindness! :yes:

[IndysMom]

I’ve been reading along but not posting much. However, I encourage you to take advantage of hospice at home if it’s available in your area. It’s not just for the last few days. My dad has been on it for six months and the people have been wonderful!!! He’s actually feeling lots better.

[Sannois]

@IndysMom

I’ve been reading along but not posting much. However, I encourage you to take advantage of hospice at home if it’s available in your area. It’s not just for the last few days. My dad has been on it for six months and the people have been wonderful!!! He’s actually feeling lots better.

Thanks Indys mom, But not in the budget.
I have a plan in place I think. But time will tell. Thank you for thinking of me. :?)

[Bluey]

@Sannois

Thanks Indys mom, But not in the budget.
I have a plan in place I think. But time will tell. Thank you for thinking of me. :?)

Hospice and the human help of doctors, nurses, counselors, volunteers, etc. and any supplies they provide to you, hospital beds, bedding, hospital pads and gowns and medications, all that, here, there is no charge for any of it?

People with means give donations to hospice, but hospice itself is paid for by the non-profits or government services that run those.
Many obituaries request any donations please to the relevant hospice that helped the deceased.

Have you checked with them in your location?
They may be like here, no charge to the patient at all.
At least that is the way it was here, years ago, when we used their services.

[stryder]

Kim, I found this:
https://www.midmichigan.org/locations/profile/?id=2850

And as Bluey said, they collect if possible, but many people do not pay. We did in-home hospice, but could have gone the in-patient route if I couldn’t have been able to manage. I go to grief counseling at the hospice facility. It’s a beautiful, restful place, and everyone is wonderful.

Just something to think about.

[Callista17]

I’ve said this before, but definitely think twice about hospice- we had a VERY bad experience, and a few remaining lives of regret.

I think you are aways from this talk though!!! Important to always have thoughts and plans, but not for COTHers to decide! Your choice only.

Just curious- have you had a bucket list? I have things on my list, but never seem to have the time or money:-(

[rubygirl1968]

That was so sweet of scm1959. You are my new sleuthing hero and I bow down to your intrepetude. I thought I was decent at googling but cothers put me to shame!!!

Kim, I hope your regular doc says it’s ok to stay on the dex. I dont like taking a lot of medicine but there’s no point being miserable if it helps. Good days are a blessing.