My Mom

As some of you know, my mom's cancer came back. It's in her lymph nodes in her lungs and on her spinal cord. Well, she was going to start chemo, but it's been put on hold because she got inot a clinical trial at Duke Universtiy! They only were taking 20 people. She was #20. How lucky can that be! Well, this new treatment is supposed to help make chemo more effective. They will inject her with radioisotopes of a new drug for the next week. Then she will do chemo til March and go back to Duke for another couple of weeks for the second phase of the clinical trial. To tell you how important this is, her type of cancer is not curable. She had a very rare adrenal cancer. Paraganglioma of the abdominal aorta. Usually only found in the neck and chest area of men between the ages of 25-30. She's a 60 year old woman. So that's rare. The cancer almost always comes back .She cannot have anymore surgery either. It's too dangerous. So this is her last shot at beating this thing. I dropped her off at the Airport yesterday with a feeling of hope. Something I haven't had in a long time. It's a good feeling. I know they say everything happens for a reason. It can bedifficult to sometimes figure out what that reason is, but maybe by her cancer coming back now, right when a clinical trial is going on for her specific type cance is the reason. Maybe it's a cure for her. I have to believe that. So, yes, I've had one of the most difficult years of my life. Bad things tend to happen to me and my family, but there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me and my family, I truly believe that there may be something to it. I get discouraged alot. I have days when I don't want to get out of bed, but I feel that things may finally be looking up. Hugs, Jane

Jane- Glad to hear the update on your Mom. I understand how draining this can be (my Mom has been fighting Cancer for several years. She keeps winning, but not sure for how much longer). Anyways.....sending you hugs and prayers! Jill

thank you Jill, prayers are also needed in this family! Hey, we should meet for lunch someday.

Jane - that is such good news! You both need hope and here it is! I am thinking about you and your family at this time of the year. I know it is difficutl for you so this is a positive piece of news. Stay strong Jane - you are a very couragous woman! Heck I am not sure if that is even how you spell the word but you know what I mean! Jackie

Hey Jackie, yes this time of year is tough. I was doing o****il Saturday and I broke down when I came across some stuff that was Joe's. Hadn't done that in awhile. I try to stay strong and posistive but somedays you just have to let it out and let go.

Jane, It is healthy to let it go - better than bottling it up. How is your son doing? I lost my father when I was 12 so I know how hard it can be. Hang in there - you have many many friends and a lot of support on this board! Jackie

Jane What good news! You are always in my prayers, as you said, you have had one of the most difficult years of anyone I know, and if you need to get out of town for a few days, you know how to reach me....Keep your faith.... Dianna

Hey woman, So glad mom got off ok. I know you are happy that she got into the trial study. Hopefully things will turn miraculously around for her. I'm so glad you have a glimmer of hope after sending her off.. Keep the faith woman! You've had such turmoil in the past year, I know how hard it has been for you. You are such a strong, caring individual. I wish for you, some peace, and stressless months ahead. I'm so glad to have gotten to see your mom again at Joe's last week. She really did look and sound wonderful. Its hard to believe the challenges she faces. My love to you all. Wendy

Jane: Great news about your mom's treatment. Remember that Tim is in the area and may be of assistance. Take care and take time. Dave