kimmytoo

I had indifferent news.  there are two tumors showing in the liver, that didn't image the last couple of times, but I have a fatty liver so that could have been hiding them.  ((But, a year ago there were innumberable tumors -- so I see this as 'whatever' news.  Onc wasn't too concerned, so we're going to wait until scans in Jan to see if they grow.))  The bones are stable, but a little more 'bright' on the bone scan in the pelvis and left femur.  Staying on the same chemo for now.

 So, all in all cancerland is fine -- if I could just get rid of the 'normal person' sicks that I've been having.  Bladder infections, ear infections, colds, etc.....  Hopefully it will be all better soon.  Looking forward to going home to see my family in WV for Thanksgiving and 2 weeks at Christmas...  I think I'm just in a funk and having a hard time getting on myspace or here to post much.....

 Thank you guys for the concern.....

will get results on monday.  worried as usual, just asking for prayers....

seriously guys, I think we've gotten it handled.  I appreciate all the offers for help, I really do.  I have money on the way and some offers of help that are just perfect.

I was really scared and overwhelmed yesterday, we always seem to be in money crisis mode because I can't work (yes, I get SSDI, but my claim started when I was 31 -- I didn't have too many work credits, so my check is about 40% of what my income was...)  We just struggle to keep the  lights on and vehicles on the road and our roof over our head -- this was just yet another shock to the budget and I snapped.

Deep breaths, everything will be just fine.....  I'm not crying, people have it much worse than we do - but it really stresses me out sometimes...

I kept the shots, if they can stay at room temp for a time....  ((I'm going to call Amgen where they're made and find out))  My dad sent me some money to buy some and my church is willing to chip in some and I can buy a couple.

My onc had no luck with the insurance company.  However, I am going to call my homeowner's policy and check into that one.  What a great idea.

I am just really stressed out and upset about it.  I can't believe I lost that many shots.  I know that no one left it open intentionally.

However I have prevented it by happening again.  Target has a mini-fridge that holds only a 6pack of soda, plugs into the car and wall.  I'm picking it up tomorrow and plugging it in on my nightstand.

I'm good for this next cycle and have a little time.  My PCP said that I can come over and get my counts checked every day if I want, they do it in-house and he's literally a mile away from my home.  I'm working on a game plan here and you guys had some great suggestions  - thanks a million (or at least several thousand, huh?)

Someone at the house left the refrigerator open last night and my neupogen shots were in the door.  They were not the least bit cold.  The onc said that I could use one now, but that the others were bad now.  My counts drop way too much to not use them.  I called my insurance company and they won't pay for more until next month - I still need 12 to get through this cycle.

They said that I could purchase them at the insurance discounted price, but that is still $2700 and we don't have it.  I know I could ask my family for help - but I am so tired of doing that - it sucks.

My doc can get me 2 as samples, but I've called Amgen and the compassionate whatever program will take too long to get started, and financially we don't really qualify since the insurance usually covers them - this is our fault in their eyes.

I'm just sick with this and wanted to commiserate.  I am so tired of being broke and having bad things happen that I'm overwhelmed with it.  Makes living so long with this not so appealing sometimes....

its navelbine (or as I call it 'navy bean')  its not too bad and I get it weekly.  mine is paired with avastin.  its not too major weekly, but its not lots of fun.  i don't have anything really weird other than stomach pain the day of treatment and the day after, and it makes your counts drop.  still have my hair with the weekly plan.  i also have neuropathy now and don't know if that is the navelbine or the avastin... oh yeah, how could I forget the constipation?

it should be easier than the xeloda though.  from what i've heard, its tougher to handle -- but I haven't taken it.

 good thing is that its held me stable for a year (so far) and has shrunk the liver mets enough that they don't see them on the PET/CT anymore....

I've had it happen as well.  Mine told me that she didn't want me too overwhelmed all at once...  Nice, but misleading.  I also can pull up my scans and bloodwork and stuff online, which I think is FABULOUS!  Wish they would post them sooner (a week delay), but I guess I can't have everything....

I'm sorry and it sure does stink.  I know that I felt totally betrayed by my onc and seriously began searching for another (however, I had chosen her for a reason, so I stayed.)  I did tell her that I wear my big girl panties for appointments and wanted nothing less than all the facts from that point forward.

Hope you can come up with a solution that works for you....

no, the weightloss is entirely the navelbine/avastin -- but I had plenty to spare, so I'll take it....

I found a sleeve that I got once upon a time that I never could wear because it was too small -- it fits pretty good. (It was mediven and I liked the fit of the jobst ones)  If I could just  find a gauntlet it would be great (I know I have them somewhere....)  Plus, the jovipak still provides enough compression.  It is already not tender to the touch anymore, so I think I may be able to skip the therapist this go-round.  I'll give it another week and see how it goes....

 I could swim, but it would have to be the indoor pool and then I'd be all cold - I'm just not a pool person in the fall/winter. 

I'm already babying the arm and lotioning it up and doing the exercises again -- but it sure was nice to have it gone for a while.....

will definitely add you to my prayers, tamantha. 

actually geeta75 had it present as bone mets in her elbow....  weird spot, but it sure went there on her....