SueRae1

Hi, SueRae1! I saw your posting that you teach at a senior center. I do, too - in Carroll Gardens. I teach painting, although I think of it more as "presiding" rather than teaching. Anyway, just had to post this. Best, Carol

Thanks SueRae!

Hi SueRae, thank you for the welcome! I've started following you.

Thankyou for your kind thoughts. My X went from making custom fishing nets, fishing and hunting to hospice in less than 5 months. The MD Anderson doctors are surprised that he's still alive.

It's Mesothelioma. He spent 2 years on a tincan, and every time it was in rough seas asbestos sprinkled down from the overheads and bulkheads. It was the last ship in Viet Nam. They cruised along the coast after the American troops left, firing broadsides for hours in support of the South Vietnamese troops. Then it was like a blizzard. They had puffs of asbestos when they walked. The quarters were small and didn't have any ventilation-they slept in asbestos covered racks. After the divorce, he returned to his family home, and I stayed here. My drove there Tues. I told him that he shouldn't wait until there's a funeral.

My son and I are so mad. They let him chew sugarless gum-small pieces, and with somebody watching him. The doctors said that he can't chew nicotine gum, because it has long-term negative health issues. My son blew up at a doctor's visit. He told them that his father is dying-the doctors keep saying that he'll die any day. So why in mad sailor cursing can't he have some nicotine gum? Why does he have to suffer nicotine fits too? Just how stupid are they at MD Anderson? When they said that no responsible doctor prescribes nicotine gum, he pulled out a box of prescribed nicotine gum-and he told them that they could check it out with his VA doctors. They are now saying that my X can have the gum, but the rest of the family just aren't helping the old man.

I'd go through the gates of Naval Bases and Air stations, and often the base security would ask if my husband had been an advisor to the VN Navy. That when they went to advisor training, they were told about my husband and his exploits in the Delta on up into Cambodia, and my husband was their hero-and these 2 bit civilian punks in Texas think it's good to have him jonesing for a small piece of gum. He deserves more dignity and compassion than what they were giving him. They were screamed and shouted and cursed at by a sea cook about how stupid and cruel they are.

My husband didn't smoke or chew until his 30s, when he was in the Mediterranean. He quit, but he became addicted to the gum. That's not as dangerous as being on old asbestos filled ships.

How are you doing Sue Rae?

Thanks for your input! On a side note, your name is SueRae; I'm Karen Rae. My best friend's 1st name is Rae. I guess I'm in good company! I hope.you are doing well. Stay strong!! ;-)

Go Sue, you are a inspiration to me. I wa just diagnosed and I am scared like crazy but hearing stories like yours gives me hope.

SueRae, good to hear your news about remission. You have been through so much.

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Absolutely over-the-moon happy for you!!! Celebrate! Grace

Hi SueRae just checking to see how you are doing. I had been getting better & better but lately my "chemo brain" seems to have regressed and I am still losing my balance, walking into walls a bit, etc. Am supposed to see a neurologist and got my appointment today--for July 21! Yeah, that'll help me get better right away! Yd

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Hello SueRae1, about to cut my hair . Having my 2nd treatment of A/C this Thursday. My side affect we're very slow but I did experience some. My husband is more problematic than helpful. How have you handled family members that can not or will not face the full story of what it is like to live with cancer?

Hiya SueRae1! Howrya doin'?

Thanks SueRae1! I tried to find a caregiver's support group in my area but the closest is about 40 miles away. I'm too tired to make that trip after a full day of caregiving plus we just moved to a smaller place a week ago. I was doing some research on Stage IV when I found this site. Lots of info and support. Hugs back at you!

Just had to look you up after you responded to my question. You sure are a youthful looking 61 yr old... you go, girl!

SueRae1 just read some of your postings. You are truly a strong person. I meditated in the past and find myself returning to meditation again. I am 4 weeks post surgery and start chemo on
Thursday next week. A bit nervous but looking towards the finish line. You are so welcoming and sharing in your thoughts and good will. I hope to inspire people as you have done for me.

Two years post stem cell transplant and a little anxious. How do you deal with the dark thoughts? I am not doom and gloom but thoughts do come along.

Your replay was so helpful. Just what I needed. Absolutely agree with it all. I do need to do more meditation. Sometimes I feel that meditation is just more focusing on the disease. Well, there is a problem just identified. I need to change the focus of my meditation to not be disease centered but maybe just happiness/being. Thanks so much.
I go for my 3 month check up Tuesday. It usually gets me anxious too. Waiting for the labs which take a week drives me crazy. I asked to move to less frequent visits. No every 3 months it is.

thank you so much for your encouragement. My husband has bladder cancer. Was suppose to have surgery this coming Tuesday, March 25th, but when we went for pre-op, he told them he had been having some funny feelings in his chest, like needles stabbing him in the muscle over his left breast. We are now waiting for him to be able to get in to see a cardiologist. If we can't get in by this Friday, the surgery will be put on hold for at least 2 months. Keep us in your prayers please, and I have you covered in mine. GOD BLESS

Hi Hope you are good..
I am good..taking it day at a time

Hi Sue, Appreciated your answer on Afinitor. There using it on me for Stage IV Breast Cancer. Could you tell me if I will loose my hair eventually? Would prefer being prepared. It's crazy how I can't find answers to these questions. This is a great site. Thank you and God Bless

congrats im happy for you canwe have chat with messenger?

hey SueRae1,

I hope that you are doing well. I wanted to say hi! I see where you answer a lot of questions and I really enjoy your answers. It is good to see a lot of us getting involved with others on this website. We know how they feel especially when you first hear the words "you have cancer". It is something you hope you never have to hear and when it does it can slap you off your feet.
Keep up the good work in answering a lot of the others questions. Good luck and God bless you with your journey!

I was diagnosed with clear cell renal cancer at age 39. Was told it was stage 1 and that no other treatment needed. It was a 2.5 cm mass, and this is one of the 3 cancers that I was diagnosed with in a 10 month period. Best wishes to you!

I wish you all the best in your own courageous struggles with cancer. You are an inspiration...

Thanks, SueRae for your helpful response. She has an appointment with her surgeon tomorrow and we have a long list of questions for him. She is being treated at the Cleveland Clinic and has an excellent team. I was a hospice volunteer, so I have a slightly different outlook on the situation than my sister does. I do want to do what my mother thinks is best for her, but I want to make sure she understands the risks and reality of her situation so she can make the best decision for her.

SueRae1, I just want to wish you a clear scan on Thursday. Please let us know how you are. Best, Carol

Thank you

Hey SueRae1 -- just wanted to say "how you doin?" You are an inspiration to me, as always. Thanks for your kindness and the time you take to post an experienced, meaningful answer; you are much appreciated. Love, hugs and health to you!