Re: Introduction

[Guest guest]

By attending some local support group meetings, I was able to figure out

that people with CF seem to fall into two categories once they're

ineligible for coverage as a dependent. Either they are healthy enough

to have jobs with benefits or they are ill enough to qualify for

disability and Medicaid.

In the first case, it's good not to have a lapse in coverage but not

absolutely essential. There's a formula for the pre-existing conditions

that depends on how many days you were without coverage. Also, it's

important to note that the Health Insurance Portability and

Accountability Act passed in 1996 guarantees insurance coverage (at a

reasonable rate) to those without a lapse in coverage. So it's

possible to purchase a health insurance policy even for someone with CF

that would cover pre-existing conditions as long as there is no lapse in

coverage. For more info about this issue check out

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fshipaa.html

and http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.

Hope that helps a little.

Jane Lindrum

Mom of Kate, 4 yowcf

Re: introduction

Tina,

My understanding on the medical insurance is if she goes without

insurance

for even 1 day she can be denied the rest of her life because she will

no

longer be covered under the pre-existing clause....Please check into it

before your coverage on her elapses.

mother to Amy 14yowcf/cfrd

introduction

Hello! I wanted to send a short message to introduce myself. I am

mother

of Steph who will soon be 18 in November. She was diagnosed with CF

when

she was 5. She also has episodic arthritis and asthma. She is a very

active girl. Until last year at this time she had been involved in

dance(tap,ballet,jazz,point and competition team). She also is

involved

in

drill team at her school. Last year was a bad year for us. She had

to

give

up her dancing except for point class because she just wasn't able to

keep

up.

She thought that this was the beginning of the down hill of CF. She

was

sick allot with colds and coughing and her arthritis stuff.

She just went into the hospital for her first tune-up in June. We

found

out

when she was in that all of these problems were asthma related. She

has

been feeling a little better since then but is still struggling with

getting

the asthma in check. We really are to very lucky and I find it hard

sometimes to see her struggle. All these kids want is to just be like

all

the rest of the kids. What they just don't know is that those kids

have

something they are having to deal with also. Just different. I am

looking

forward to being a part of this group. I know in the next few years

it

will

be a change for us. The not having medical insurance, if she chooses

not

to

go to college, and can't be on my insurance, scares me to death.

Thanks

for

listening.

Tina

[Guest guest]

Welcome Tina. I love to hear from new people. This is a great

group. I agree that insurance is pretty scarey.

Gale

>

> Hello! I wanted to send a short message to introduce myself. I am

mother

> of Steph who will soon be 18 in November. She was diagnosed with

CF when

> she was 5. She also has episodic arthritis and asthma. She is a

very

> active girl. Until last year at this time she had been involved in

> dance(tap,ballet,jazz,point and competition team). She also is

involved in

> drill team at her school. Last year was a bad year for us. She

had to give

> up her dancing except for point class because she just wasn't able

to keep

> up.

> She thought that this was the beginning of the down hill of CF.

She was

> sick allot with colds and coughing and her arthritis stuff.

> She just went into the hospital for her first tune-up in June. We

found out

> when she was in that all of these problems were asthma related.

She has

> been feeling a little better since then but is still struggling

with getting

> the asthma in check. We really are to very lucky and I find it hard

> sometimes to see her struggle. All these kids want is to just be

like all

> the rest of the kids. What they just don't know is that those kids

have

> something they are having to deal with also. Just different. I am

looking

> forward to being a part of this group. I know in the next few

years it will

> be a change for us. The not having medical insurance, if she

chooses not to

> go to college, and can't be on my insurance, scares me to death.

Thanks for

> listening.

> Tina

[Guest guest]

Tina,

Do you go to the CF Center in Iowa City? That sounds like a great

center. I grew up in Iowa. The people are all friendly there.

Gale

> We live in Iowa. I would have to agree with you that insurance

sucks.

> However, the insurance that I have here at my job has been great.

We have

> been extremely lucky and if something is denied I give them a call

and

> usually it is because of the way it was submitted. They cover it!

I am

> very thankful I even have insurance. I know there are many out

there that

> don't.

> Tina mother of Steph 17 wcf

>

> Re: introduction

>

>

> Welcome Tina!

>

> I have a really hard time dealing with all this issues of insurance

> in our country. I can't believe that we are one of the richest

> nations in the world, but insurance sucks. We are heavely taxed,

> our public schools stink and public health does not exist, go

figure.

> Well, one thing is that there are a lot of people on this list that

> if they can help they will help you, so hang in there.

> By the way what state do you live in?

>

> mom of a 10 wcf, Venanzio 7 nocf, Pepe 3 nocf

>

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hello! I wanted to send a short message to introduce myself.

I

> am mother

> > of Steph who will soon be 18 in November. She was diagnosed

> with CF when

> > she was 5. She also has episodic arthritis and asthma. She is

> a very

> > active girl. Until last year at this time she had been

involved

> in

> > dance(tap,ballet,jazz,point and competition team). She also is

> involved in

> > drill team at her school. Last year was a bad year for us.

She

> had to give

> > up her dancing except for point class because she just wasn't

> able to keep

> > up.

> > She thought that this was the beginning of the down hill of

CF.

> She was

> > sick allot with colds and coughing and her arthritis stuff.

> > She just went into the hospital for her first tune-up in June.

> We found out

> > when she was in that all of these problems were asthma

related.

> She has

> > been feeling a little better since then but is still struggling

> with getting

> > the asthma in check. We really are to very lucky and I find it

> hard

> > sometimes to see her struggle. All these kids want is to just

> be like all

> > the rest of the kids. What they just don't know is that those

> kids have

> > something they are having to deal with also. Just different.

I

> am looking

> > forward to being a part of this group. I know in the next few

> years it will

> > be a change for us. The not having medical insurance, if she

> chooses not to

> > go to college, and can't be on my insurance, scares me to

> death. Thanks for

> > listening.

> > Tina

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

WELCOME,

I JUST LOVE THAT NAME ANDREW. SO GLAD HE IS DOING WELL NOW. HOPE TO TALK TO

YOU SOON.

KAREN (CONNECTICUT, USA)

CODY 16MONTHS W/CF

Introduction

Hi! My name is Margaret and I'm Mum to who is 4 and has CF, as well

as a wicked sense of humour and an answer for everything!! We live with

's dad, Simon, and a cat called in Glasgow, Scotland.

was dx'd last year at the age of 3.5 despite having been trotted to

every consultant we could get access to since he was born - asthma, ENT,

allergy, etc -. We had an incredibly hard 3.5 years prior to dx so we had

mixed emotions when we discovered that he had CF. We were obviously appalled

and frightened but were amazed that within days the pale, exhausted, cranky

little boy we knew was blossoming into a bright, energetic and funny little

person - friends came to visit us in hopsital and were so surprised to see

him jumping up and down on the bed when they had hardly ever seen him run or

jump around.

We now do physio twice a day, nebuliser and inhaler twice a day,

antibiotics, vitamins, enzymes and 2-monthly IV which we do at home.

has been showing pseudomonas since dx and is now on zithromax - after a long

series of discussions with very hesitant Drs. He hates the long line

insertion and always seems to encounter problems so he will be getting a

portacath over the next few months - I will be picking your brains very soon

about ports for small people!! 's late dx has obviously taken a toll

on his body but at the moment he is happier and healthier than he has ever

been - he has sprouted up, is piling on the pounds (favourite dishes being

beefburgers and chips and pancakes, bacon and maple syrup!) and doesn't look

as though there is anything wrong with him. I am also piling on the pounds

and have about a tenth of the energy he has!

I have been a member of Cystic-l mailing list since 's dx and have

found it really helpful and made some good friends there - tho recent flames

there have prompted me to join this group. I really look forward to getting

to know you, learning more about CF and helping other CF parents if I can.

Best wishes

Margaret - Mum of 4yo wcf

[Guest guest]

Hello Margaret,

I just wanted to drop a line of greeting to you. I had a long day

with my little guy so tired but I will properly introduce myself and my

amazing family soon

Ashauna mother to 2 boys Maxwel 5 years in process of Ambre test and

Colgan 7 months with CF.

[Guest guest]

Hello Tina,

I also would love to introduce my family to you and yours. My

little one is going through some tough times right now so I am just

reading posts for the most part. I will chat soon though. I hope you

enjoy this group. There are amazing people on it. I have only been

here for about a week and I love all that I have met.

Ashauna mother of 2 boys Maxwel 5 in the process of getting Ambrey test

and Colgan 7 months with CF.

[Guest guest]

Margaret.

Welcome to the group. My husband is from Scotland. His sister and

brother-on-law just moved back here (Australia) from Dunfermline. I

have a daughter, Eilish who is 6 on Saturday.

(Australia)

Introduction

Hi! My name is Margaret and I'm Mum to who is 4 and has CF, as

well

as a wicked sense of humour and an answer for everything!! We live with

's dad, Simon, and a cat called in Glasgow, Scotland.

was dx'd last year at the age of 3.5 despite having been trotted

to

every consultant we could get access to since he was born - asthma, ENT,

allergy, etc -. We had an incredibly hard 3.5 years prior to dx so we

had

mixed emotions when we discovered that he had CF. We were obviously

appalled

and frightened but were amazed that within days the pale, exhausted,

cranky

little boy we knew was blossoming into a bright, energetic and funny

little

person - friends came to visit us in hopsital and were so surprised to

see

him jumping up and down on the bed when they had hardly ever seen him

run or

jump around.

We now do physio twice a day, nebuliser and inhaler twice a day,

antibiotics, vitamins, enzymes and 2-monthly IV which we do at home.

has been showing pseudomonas since dx and is now on zithromax - after a

long

series of discussions with very hesitant Drs. He hates the long line

insertion and always seems to encounter problems so he will be getting a

portacath over the next few months - I will be picking your brains very

soon

about ports for small people!! 's late dx has obviously taken a

toll

on his body but at the moment he is happier and healthier than he has

ever

been - he has sprouted up, is piling on the pounds (favourite dishes

being

beefburgers and chips and pancakes, bacon and maple syrup!) and doesn't

look

as though there is anything wrong with him. I am also piling on the

pounds

and have about a tenth of the energy he has!

I have been a member of Cystic-l mailing list since 's dx and have

found it really helpful and made some good friends there - tho recent

flames

there have prompted me to join this group. I really look forward to

getting

to know you, learning more about CF and helping other CF parents if I

can.

Best wishes

Margaret - Mum of 4yo wcf

[Guest guest]

Gale,

We actually have a CF Center here in Des Moines. It is a great center with

good staff. My only complaint is that when Steph is sick, whether to call

our family doctor or call the nurse in charge of the cf clinic to get a hold

of a doctor on call. It is nice that our family doctor and our cf doctor

and our rhumatologist all keep in contact and confer with each other to make

the right decisions when it comes to Steph.

We are truly blessed.

Tina, mother of Steph, 17 w/cf

Re: introduction

>

>

> Welcome Tina!

>

> I have a really hard time dealing with all this issues of insurance

> in our country. I can't believe that we are one of the richest

> nations in the world, but insurance sucks. We are heavely taxed,

> our public schools stink and public health does not exist, go

figure.

> Well, one thing is that there are a lot of people on this list that

> if they can help they will help you, so hang in there.

> By the way what state do you live in?

>

> mom of a 10 wcf, Venanzio 7 nocf, Pepe 3 nocf

>

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hello! I wanted to send a short message to introduce myself.

I

> am mother

> > of Steph who will soon be 18 in November. She was diagnosed

> with CF when

> > she was 5. She also has episodic arthritis and asthma. She is

> a very

> > active girl. Until last year at this time she had been

involved

> in

> > dance(tap,ballet,jazz,point and competition team). She also is

> involved in

> > drill team at her school. Last year was a bad year for us.

She

> had to give

> > up her dancing except for point class because she just wasn't

> able to keep

> > up.

> > She thought that this was the beginning of the down hill of

CF.

> She was

> > sick allot with colds and coughing and her arthritis stuff.

> > She just went into the hospital for her first tune-up in June.

> We found out

> > when she was in that all of these problems were asthma

related.

> She has

> > been feeling a little better since then but is still struggling

> with getting

> > the asthma in check. We really are to very lucky and I find it

> hard

> > sometimes to see her struggle. All these kids want is to just

> be like all

> > the rest of the kids. What they just don't know is that those

> kids have

> > something they are having to deal with also. Just different.

I

> am looking

> > forward to being a part of this group. I know in the next few

> years it will

> > be a change for us. The not having medical insurance, if she

> chooses not to

> > go to college, and can't be on my insurance, scares me to

> death. Thanks for

> > listening.

> > Tina

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/12/2003 8:12:21 AM Central Daylight Time,

woosley@... writes:

> We actually have a CF Center here in Des Moines. It is a great center with

> good staff. My only complaint is that when Steph is sick, whether to call

> our family doctor or call the nurse in charge of the cf clinic to get a hold

> of a doctor on call. It is nice that our family doctor and our cf doctor

> and our rhumatologist all keep in contact and confer with each other to make

> the right decisions when it comes to Steph.

>

> We are truly blessed.

>

> Tina, mother of Steph, 17 w/cf

>

We just got back from Des Moines!! We went to the State Fair and to

Adventureland!! Deb A

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/11/2003 6:52:09 PM Central Daylight Time,

gale.harris@... writes:

> Tina,

>

> Do you go to the CF Center in Iowa City? That sounds like a great

> center. I grew up in Iowa. The people are all friendly there.

>

> Gale

OF COURSE WE ARE!!!! And the University of Iowa is GREAT!!! DEB A

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Margaret! This is a great group, and I'm sure you will love it

here. I also left Cystic-L due to a flame war (actually, multiple flames

all at once!!) between several members, and chose to leave before I became

part of the flame war (I was beginning to get quite irate with some!). I

also much prefer the loose, informal atmosphere here, and the ability to

post as often as we'd like. Some days I have lots to say, and other days, I

don't even have time to read my e-mail!

Hope is doing well!!

S., mom to Cody (7, pwcf, nissen for severe reflux, malnutrition,

ADHD), DJ (9, nocf, asthma, ADD), and a (14, nocf, ADHD)

Introduction

> Hi! My name is Margaret and I'm Mum to who is 4 and has CF, as well

> as a wicked sense of humour and an answer for everything!! We live with

> 's dad, Simon, and a cat called in Glasgow, Scotland.

>

> was dx'd last year at the age of 3.5 despite having been trotted to

> every consultant we could get access to since he was born - asthma, ENT,

> allergy, etc -. We had an incredibly hard 3.5 years prior to dx so we had

> mixed emotions when we discovered that he had CF. We were obviously

appalled

> and frightened but were amazed that within days the pale, exhausted,

cranky

> little boy we knew was blossoming into a bright, energetic and funny

little

> person - friends came to visit us in hopsital and were so surprised to see

> him jumping up and down on the bed when they had hardly ever seen him run

or

> jump around.

>

> We now do physio twice a day, nebuliser and inhaler twice a day,

> antibiotics, vitamins, enzymes and 2-monthly IV which we do at home.

> has been showing pseudomonas since dx and is now on zithromax - after a

long

> series of discussions with very hesitant Drs. He hates the long line

> insertion and always seems to encounter problems so he will be getting a

> portacath over the next few months - I will be picking your brains very

soon

> about ports for small people!! 's late dx has obviously taken a toll

> on his body but at the moment he is happier and healthier than he has ever

> been - he has sprouted up, is piling on the pounds (favourite dishes being

> beefburgers and chips and pancakes, bacon and maple syrup!) and doesn't

look

> as though there is anything wrong with him. I am also piling on the pounds

> and have about a tenth of the energy he has!

>

> I have been a member of Cystic-l mailing list since 's dx and have

> found it really helpful and made some good friends there - tho recent

flames

> there have prompted me to join this group. I really look forward to

getting

> to know you, learning more about CF and helping other CF parents if I can.

>

> Best wishes

>

> Margaret - Mum of 4yo wcf

>

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone- I tried to post yesterday, but I never saw it come through,

so I try again.

I am 10 months post -op, (RNY) down 135 lbs (343 to 208), off all blood

pressure meds and no longer looking at back surgery. I have energy and

stamina that I never thought possible. I have had no major side effects

except for hair loss from about month four or five through month nine. My

Dr. prescribed zinc sulfonate 220 mg 3x a day, but I am not sure whether it

was the zinc or the passage of time that resolved the issue. I lost hair

after I gave birth, and while I was losing 100 lbs on a low carb diet

several years ago, but it grew back fine after both.

My biggest adjustment has been not drinking while eating or for 30 minutes

after. I just can't seem to do it. I also have problem taking pills at any

time other than morning and evening--always seems to slip my mind.

My greatest moments: having my GP finally admit that the surgery is a GOOD

thing after I passed out in his office from too much bp medicine; wearing

high heels and short skirts; keeping up with my 4 year old;being able to get

more involved in everything!

I am not having a problem with wanting to eat all of the time. I can only

eat smalll amounts, but I want to do it all day long.... in ither words, my

" hunger " has come back. Hunger is in quotes because I don't believe that it

is real hunger. I think it is the re-activation of the hormone that

supposedly goes dormant for a while after the surgery.

If anyone has any insight or suggestions, I would really appreciate hearing

them!

Thanks in advance.

H

343/208/165

RNY 6/23/03

_________________________________________________________________

Express yourself with the new version of MSN Messenger! Download today -

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[Guest guest]

Hi :

No one has even mentioned the word radiation to me. I am on chemo (as you

sister) but have it every other week for 12 weeks, not 4. I am not sure about

the use of radiation with this disease but others are the board will surely

have some experience with it. I am just curious -- is radiation used with

certain stage of colon cancers and not others?

Welcome to the board and let us know how your sister is doing.

in California

> maryhohman <maryhohman@y...> wrote:

> Hi -

> My name is and my sister, , was diagnosed with Stage III

> (two lymph nodes, no obvious mets) colorectal cancer in June of

this

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I've noticed from reading some of the archives on this forum that there seems to

be a lot of variation when it comes to treatment, even within the stages. Her

protocol was surgery, then 4 rounds of chemo every two weeks, 5 weeks of

radiation with 5-FU constantly during that time, then more rounds of chemo every

other week. If I remember correctly, she's thinking she may be finished with

treatment by January if all goes as expected. One doc (I think he was one of

the oncologists) with whom she met wanted to treat her with chemo and radiation

first, then do the surgery, so I guess it just depends upon the oncologists

preferences and experience. She was T2N1, with 2 lymph nodes involved.

brencolinmom@... wrote:

Hi :

No one has even mentioned the word radiation to me. I am on chemo (as you

sister) but have it every other week for 12 weeks, not 4. I am not sure about

the use of radiation with this disease but others are the board will surely

have some experience with it. I am just curious -- is radiation used with

certain stage of colon cancers and not others?

Welcome to the board and let us know how your sister is doing.

in California

> maryhohman <maryhohman@y...> wrote:

> Hi -

> My name is and my sister, , was diagnosed with Stage III

> (two lymph nodes, no obvious mets) colorectal cancer in June of

this

[Guest guest]

,

I still deal with the diarrhea nearly every day. I am 34 yrs old, a mother

of 3 ages 15 1/2,14, and 10,and have had to even resort to the depends! But am

so thankful I am alive!!!!!

I am a survivor of stage 4 colon cancer with mets to the liver and if

statistics were the rule, I would not be alive today. I am approaching my 1 yr

anniv. of cancer free Oct 30. I am not sure what your sisters story is but let

her

know this IS a beatable disease and to stay as positive as she can. God will

lead the way. I know you will be a big help to her when you get there, have a

safe trip.

Averi

[Guest guest]

Hi :

It sounds like a tough treatment for her. 5 weeks of constant 5FU - wow. I

wouldn't be able to cope with that. I can hardly stand my chemo and it is

Folfox + Avastin (so 48 hour chemo pump following one day of infusion). I am

sickest on the 3rd day which is the day they take me off the 5Fu pump. I was

diagnosed in May with surgery May 18 (stage 4). Then chemo began about 11

weeks ago. I know that they chose surgery first for me because they were

hopeful that there was only one tumor in the liver and wanted to get it out

before it grew. But I also understand that sometimes they choose to do chemo

first to shrink the tumors so that less surgery is necessary. I hope to be

finished with my 12 rounds of chemo in February - 7 more to go.

My best to you and your sister. Please keep in touch.

Hi ,

I've noticed from reading some of the archives on this forum that there

seems to be a lot of variation when it comes to treatment, even within the

stages. Her protocol was surgery, then 4 rounds of chemo every two weeks, 5

weeks

of radiation with 5-FU constantly during that time, then more rounds of chemo

every other week. If I remember correctly, she's thinking she may be

finished with treatment by January if all goes as expected. One doc (I think

he

was one of the oncologists) with whom she met wanted to treat her with chemo

and radiation first, then do the surgery, so I guess it just depends upon the

oncologists preferences and experience. She was T2N1, with 2 lymph nodes

involved.

brencolinmom@... wrote:

Hi :

No one has even mentioned the word radiation to me. I am on chemo (as you

sister) but have it every other week for 12 weeks, not 4. I am not sure

about

the use of radiation with this disease but others are the board will surely

have some experience with it. I am just curious -- is radiation used with

certain stage of colon cancers and not others?

Welcome to the board and let us know how your sister is doing.

in California

> maryhohman <maryhohman@y...> wrote:

> Hi -

> My name is and my sister, , was diagnosed with Stage III

> (two lymph nodes, no obvious mets) colorectal cancer in June of

this

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Guest guest]

Hi :

You are an inspiration for me. I am stage 4 with mets to the liver and I am

encouraged to know you are hanging in there. My youngest son is only 10

also and I want to see him grow up. What treatment did you have? Were the

liver mets removed?

,

I still deal with the diarrhea nearly every day. I am 34 yrs old, a mother

of 3 ages 15 1/2,14, and 10,and have had to even resort to the depends! But

am

so thankful I am alive!!!!!

I am a survivor of stage 4 colon cancer with mets to the liver and if

statistics were the rule, I would not be alive today. I am approaching my 1

yr

anniv. of cancer free Oct 30. I am not sure what your sisters story is but

let her

know this IS a beatable disease and to stay as positive as she can. God will

lead the way. I know you will be a big help to her when you get there, have

a

safe trip.

Averi

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Guest guest]

HI Averi,

I'm sorry that your treatment was so difficult and glad that you've finished it.

It sounds like radiation can cause a lot of problems based upon your experience

and some of the posts I've seen. I guess that the side effects depend upon a

lot of different things but it sounds like it can be worse than the chemo alone

based upon what I've seen so far. This is so hard for us because my lives

in DC and I live in Ohio. I want to be there for her but can only go out every

once in a while because I have two girls in elementary school. I'll be with her

in early November, but it sounds like she'll need more help toward the middle to

end of her radiation. Do you have any lasting side effects from the radiation?

Thanks to you and (and everyone!) for their kind and helpful words!

AveriRN@... wrote:

,

Seems like my experience was right on track with Jans husbands side effects.

Initially first 2-3 wks was piece of cake but then extreme exhaustion came.

I was sleeping from 18-20 hrs a day-some days I could not even pick my head up

off the bed then when I was at the end of 3rd wk beginning of 4th wk of

radiation I developed an ileus causing me to throw up everything I tried to put

down-even sips of water. Also watery diarrhea constantly-finally after trying my

hardest to fight this " bug " at home for 12 days on my own I developed a fever

of over 104, I was admitted to hosp where I spent another 5 days continuing

with the same side affects before I fianlly made the turn towards better. (I

did take an injection for the diarrhea called Sandestatin) It was a SQ injection

like an insulin shot.Anyways, Well Wishes for you,take care and know that

better days are coming.Also Jan the same for your hubby, too. Better Days Lie

Ahead!!!Stay Positive and keep your eyes focused on the Lord.

Sincerely,

Averi

[Guest guest]

I have stage III with one lymph node of 9 involved and it was not recommended I

do radiation.

donna

brencolinmom@... wrote:

Hi :

No one has even mentioned the word radiation to me. I am on chemo (as you

sister) but have it every other week for 12 weeks, not 4. I am not sure about

the use of radiation with this disease but others are the board will surely

have some experience with it. I am just curious -- is radiation used with

certain stage of colon cancers and not others?

Welcome to the board and let us know how your sister is doing.

in California

> maryhohman <maryhohman@y...> wrote:

> Hi -

> My name is and my sister, , was diagnosed with Stage III

> (two lymph nodes, no obvious mets) colorectal cancer in June of

this

[Guest guest]

Whether or not you have radiation has to do with the

location of the cancer. Mine was too far up to

require radiation, but maybe that's why it came back.

I don't know.

Len

--- Donna Wilkinson wrote:

---------------------------------

I have stage III with one lymph node of 9 involved and

it was not recommended I do radiation.

donna

brencolinmom@... wrote:

Hi :

No one has even mentioned the word radiation to me. I

am on chemo (as you

sister) but have it every other week for 12 weeks, not

4. I am not sure about

the use of radiation with this disease but others are

the board will surely

have some experience with it. I am just curious -- is

radiation used with

certain stage of colon cancers and not others?

Welcome to the board and let us know how your sister

is doing.

in California

> maryhohman <maryhohman@y...> wrote:

> Hi -

> My name is and my sister, , was diagnosed

with Stage III

> (two lymph nodes, no obvious mets) colorectal

cancer in June of

this

[Guest guest]

Cathy, I've already had my psyche appt. last week. So it's just hurry up and wait for now. I live in Modesto so it really doesn't matter where they send me I guess. My friend who had the surgery almost 3 yrs ago, went to Richmond & she really liked the docs there. Godspeed on losing your 10%. Cathy wrote: Yes, after the G/B Overview and maybe a short psych appt your PCP can write the referral to the program. Then you wait (seems like forever!) until they respond and let you know you've been accepted. I was referred in late August, got my acceptance letter Nov. 18, had orientation Feb. 7, and now I'm trying to lose my 10%. They'll assign you to one of the WLS centers.

If you go to Santa Clara or anywhere on the Peninsula, you'll probably be in SSF; Santa or the East Bay ususally go to Fremont; Alameda County/Sacramento/Wine Country seem to mostly be at Richmond. . . but it varies.Cathy>> Cathy,> Just think of all the cool tricks you can play on those who don't recognize you. Put as positive a spin on it as you can. Anything is going to be better than this unhealthy way we've been living. My Motto is: Take every opportunity you can to make yourself and others laugh!! We *get *to change. We have a great oppotunity here to make our lives into something we have just dreamed of over the years. I am praying that I will live up to that opportunity I have been blessed to get. At least I hope

I get it. I have yet to be approved. I hope I'm not rambling or not making sense. Did you mean that after this appt that is called G/B Overview, I will get referred by my Doc to the program, receive my approval and then orientation starts. Where did you have you surgery, or have you yet? Is it up to Kaiser where you get to go? I just want time to go faster. My overview class isn't until May 10. Uggh!

Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

[Guest guest]

I won't be far behind. I have three ids in all, eventually, I will have them all replaced. At least I will only have to pay at DMV.

Re: Introduction

Bert - Congratulations on keeping up a noble tradition. I'm sure lots of us have had the experience of showing someone our drivers' license and having them squint and frown as they try to see the vague resemblance between the study in circles in their hands and the much-slimmer person grinning evilly at them in person. But since I shaved my head because of the chemotherapy-induced hair loss, I REALLY look different from my DL photo, with a close-trimmed goatee in place of the full beard to boot.Time for me to waste a day at the DMV, methinks...Randy

[Guest guest]

Cathy, dear, please don't be afraid for your shell to change. I have acutually enjoyed running into people that I haven't seen in a long time. They recognize me...after a fashion. I speak to them and out of politeness they speak back, then double take, then realize who they are talking to, then the shock, then catch up on what has been going on.

I went into this with some fears of what I would look like, but not fearing that people wouldn't recognize me. My fear was that I would look sickly and drawn. Compliments are; you look ten years younger; you look so healthy; wow, are you a size three now? My worries are over for that!

Enjoy the change, don't fear it!

Re: Introduction

That's going to be a funny feeling for me, too. I've even begun towonder a bit if I might be subconsciously "holding back" on my weightloss efforts right now because of fear of that exact thing - not beingrecognized for who I am. I've been fat all my life, and I've lived inthis area my whole life, and I'm fairly young-looking for my age (justturned 50!). It's not unusual for me to run into someone I haven'tseen in 20 or 30 years, or sometimes even longer, and have themrecognize me, because I still basically look the same as I did when Iwas in high school. It just happened recently, in fact - I was in thehot tub at the YMCA, when a woman across from me said, "Are you Cathy?" Turned out we'd gone to high school together. I haven't seenher in over 30 years, but she had no trouble recognizing me. But if I lose a lot of weight, that recognition may not be there. Iknow I'll still be the same person, but at some level I wonder ifother people will recognize me as the same person. I'm working on thatfear right now. I know those closest to me will see me changing, sothey won't have that problem. And I have to keep my mind focused onthe fact that I can't afford to stay the same. I *have to* change, I*have to* become that new person.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Bert -

I'm actually not afraid of LOOKING different, at least not

consciously. But something's stalling me; I'm just trying to figure

out how to break through. I've just signed up for Sparkpeople.com so

I can track my food more easily - that should help. And I also

realized I may not be quite as " stuck " as I'd thought when someone at

the Y commented that the scale there seems to have been recalibrated

about 3 lbs. higher since they repaired it recently - her home scale

still reads the same but the one in the locker room is up. So

actually I'm 3lbs lower than I thought, which means my total loss

since orientation is about 12 lbs. Better than I thought I'd done.

Cathy C.

>

> Cathy, dear, please don't be afraid for your shell to change. I

have acutually enjoyed running into people that I haven't seen in a

long time. They recognize me...after a fashion. I speak to them and

out of politeness they speak back, then double take, then realize who

they are talking to, then the shock, then catch up on what has been

going on.

>

> I went into this with some fears of what I would look like, but not

fearing that people wouldn't recognize me. My fear was that I would

look sickly and drawn. Compliments are; you look ten years younger;

you look so healthy; wow, are you a size three now? My worries are

over for that!

>

> Enjoy the change, don't fear it!

[Guest guest]

WOO HOO Cathy! Anything down is excellent. Keep it up!!

Re: Introduction

Hi, Bert -I'm actually not afraid of LOOKING different, at least not consciously. But something's stalling me; I'm just trying to figure out how to break through. I've just signed up for Sparkpeople.com so I can track my food more easily - that should help. And I also realized I may not be quite as "stuck" as I'd thought when someone at the Y commented that the scale there seems to have been recalibrated about 3 lbs. higher since they repaired it recently - her home scale still reads the same but the one in the locker room is up. So actually I'm 3lbs lower than I thought, which means my total loss since orientation is about 12 lbs. Better than I thought I'd done.Cathy C.