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Pen
Colonial Settler
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
February 03 2003
Status: offline
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 Posted - December 21 2004 : 2:15:25 PM
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WW,
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I'm sending good energy/vibes for both of you and will keep you in my prayers. Take care.
Pen |
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Jo
Sweetser 4 Rep
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 05 2005 : 01:06:53 AM
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WW,
My prayers and best thoughts are with you and your hubby.
Jo |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 09 2005 : 09:31:34 AM
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Hi friends,
Well, it has been nearly a month since my post to give you the news, so it is about time for an update.
Gary has been in treatment for 4 weeks now. It has not been easy. He has received 18 radiation treatments and 3 chemo treatments. Last Monday and Tuesday he was hospitalized because the stent that was placed into his common bile duct in October had clogged and was causing him to have jaundice again. Because of that, he was forced to miss 2 radiation treatments, and his oncologist opted to skip the chemo treatment to give his liver a chance to recover. The missed treatments will be tacked onto the end of this course.
At the end of this course, he will be given another CT scan to see if any progress has been made in shrinking the tumor. We were told the tumor was unresectable (that's doctor-talk for inoperable) because the tumor had wrapped itself around some major blood vessels that run right next to the pancreas. The hope, slight though it may be, is that the treatments will shrink the tumor away from these blood vessels enough to allow surgery.
He is very weak and tired, caused by a combination of the radiation, the chemo, and the jaundice and his appetite is greatly diminished. He has lost 40 pounds since this whole terrible journey began in October. Much of my time has been spent trying to come up with good, nutritious and tasty foods that I can tempt him with. My recipe for "power shakes" seems to have helped a great deal.
I have been spending a lot of time on the internet, reading about pancreatic cancer and educating myself so that I can advocate for Gary. I have joined in a PC discussion board on the Johns Hopkins University website. It is a very moving and scary place to visit, as nearly daily someone comes on to post: "We lost Dad (or Mom, or my sister, or my husband) today."
The one constant I have learned is that this monster -- this pancreatic cancer -- is one of the most deadly cancers one can contract. The chances of survival are only about 15 - 20%. And yet... still we have hope. Gary could be within that small percentage because his was caught fairly early, which most of the time is not the case. PC has no symptoms in its early stages. His began with a nagging backache, due to his blocked bile duct. Such a simple little thing...
So, that's where we are right now. Still praying... still hopeful... still laughing at the inconsistencies of life. And why do I come here to discuss seemingly trivial things like why Alice jumped? Because it is my escape. It's a place where I can come to move this horrible struggle to the back of my mind, if only for a few moments. So keep things hoppin'! I need it!
Thanks, again, to all of you for your kind words, your thoughts and your prayers! I love you all! 
Joyce
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Kate
Ariel's Cabin Caretaker, Retired
United Kingdom
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
June 10 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 09 2005 : 1:09:02 PM
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Hi there, Joyce,
Thank you for the update. If *I* am anything to go by, then I'm sure that MANY of us have been wondering how things were going with Gary's treatment. I'm sorry to hear of the 'Clogging' setback but... nothing is EVER straightforward when it comes to Medical issues, is it??? *exasperated sigh*...
Please know, though, that we continue to think about and send out those positive vibes and prayers that all will work out for Gary - for you. And you WOULDN'T BELIEVE just how potent the prayers and thoughts of Mohicanites can be!!!! I know there have been MANY folks here who would tell you that the positive thoughts and prayers of all here have gotten them through some pretty tough situations! BELIEVE ME - I know. And I'm prayin' hard that the same kind of magic works for you and Gary.
It's hard, Joyce, it's really hard to get through all this but it sounds like Gary has one heck of a good woman behind him, finding out, asking questions, discussing various options...
With a great medical team, a wonderful partner and the Mohicanland cheering section, he has a VERY STRONG 'back-up' support system... That HAS TO BE a winning team!!
While you fight this together, know that we're behind you, still praying, still sending the positive thoughts.
GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.  |
Kate
"Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu." (Remember the people from whom you came.)
~ Celtic Wisdom
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
February 10 2004
Status: offline
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Posted - January 09 2005 : 5:55:03 PM
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Dear Joyce,
Thanks so much for letting us know how things are going for you and Gary. Kate is right, we've all been wondering -- and hoping and praying. Not a day has gone by that you and Gary were not in my thoughts and prayers. I know this monster all too well, as it's the disease we lost my father to, in 2001. As you said, it's very difficult to diagnose. My poor dad suffered through six months of CAT scans and MRIs, and by the time they (the big medical THEY) were able to put a name to the problem, he only had a few weeks left. But he was 83, and grateful (and a little amazed) that he had had 82 relatively healthy years (except for the bouts of malaria while serving in the China-Burma-India theater), so he was at peace with the outcome. My reason for injecting my story into yours is to emphasize that if Gary has been diagnosed early, then he's not the usual patient, and the odds are surely much better for him than for most. Don't know that that makes the treatment process any easier to take, though -- thank God for those power shakes of yours! And if it's entertaining posts that you need, we can do that! May God be with you and Gary during the days, weeks, months and years ahead. |
Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 10 2005 : 4:50:44 PM
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Hang in there WW!!!! We are all praying for you and Gary...
Your Most Humble Servant,
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 27 2005 : 12:58:30 PM
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Dear Friends,
You have all been so kind, so loving, and so concerned. It is with great difficulty and heavy heart that I post today to tell you of the news Gary and I received this morning.
Gary had another PET scan taken on Monday of this week. The reason for this was to check, again, to see if the cancer has metastisized. The oncologist told us that it has, indeed, spread to his liver, in several places. This happened even while he was undergoing radiation and chemo treatments.
This monster is a terrible, terrible thing. It has incredibly sharp teeth and a voracious appetite. It is so aggressive that it usually evades all drugs known at this time. It can be slowed, for a while. It can rarely be stopped. And so, we are told that Gary has no chance of being cured. His life may be prolonged. For how long? We don't know.
On Tuesday, Feb. 1st, he will begin a series of chemo treatments using a combination of two drugs that will undoubtedly make him very, very ill. How he will handle this, neither of us knows. But he is willing to try.
Gary has been trying to continue working through all of this. Last evening, he had an appointment with a small village fire department about an hour away from us, to take orders for their dress uniforms. He was so weak that I went along as his driver. I had to sit and watch him be outgoing and jovial as he measured the guys and wrote down their information. And I knew how horrible he was feeling. I really had to pinch myself and clamp my jaw firmly to keep the tears from welling up and spilling down my cheeks. If I know Gary, he will keep working as long as he can sit in his chair and hold a pen.
Well, that is pretty much it for this update. I don't know what is down the road for us, but I know that it is going to be pretty full of big rocks. I hope we can avoid ramming the rock wall that sits at the end of the road as long as possible.
Please don't let this be a damper on things here, as that is not at all what I intended! Please! I may be a bit scarcer again, but I will be in the background... lurking! So watch out!
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 27 2005 : 1:27:19 PM
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I know this is a very painful time for you Joyce. You and Gary have been and will remain at the top of my prayer list!
<<<Hugs to you both>>>
Diana |
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caitlin
Bumppos Tavern Patron
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 27 2005 : 1:34:19 PM
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Oh my goodness, WW, I am so very sorry to hear about this turn of events. I am sure it is difficult, but try to keep up your faith. We are here for you! You both are in my prayers....  |
Jack McCall: "Should we shake hands or something, relieve the atmosphere. I mean how stupid do you think I am?"
Wild Bill Hickok: "I don't know, I just met you."
"A nation with no regard to it's past will have little future worth remembering."
A.Lincoln
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things"
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Doc M
Great Quack Healer of the Frontier
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 27 2005 : 1:55:05 PM
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Both you and your husband are in my thought and prayers, WW.
You hang in there!
Doc M |
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Kate
Ariel's Cabin Caretaker, Retired
United Kingdom
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
June 10 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 27 2005 : 3:18:27 PM
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Dear Joyce,
You and Gary are ever in my thoughts... so, sooo sorry to hear this news. Like everyone else here, I shall continue to pray for you both.
Big Hugs,
Kate. |
Kate
"Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu." (Remember the people from whom you came.)
~ Celtic Wisdom
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 27 2005 : 5:58:24 PM
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| WW, some years ago one of the General Managers at work developed cancer in his stomach. He went to Duke University, and they found that the cancer had spread to his liver. The doctors started talking about "quality of life" and "time remaining". Well, his wife (my boss) went ballistic! She actually grabbed the doctor by the collar of his coat and told him that everything that could be done would be done. They removed major portions of his stomach and put him on chemo. To date, there has been no re-occurance of the cancer, and he looks and seems to feel better that he did before it all happened. So, things can work out OK. Don't give up! |
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Chris
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 25 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 27 2005 : 8:57:01 PM
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oh, Joyce, that news really stinks! I'm keeping both of you in my prayers.
Love, Chris |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 28 2005 : 12:15:35 AM
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As Fitz noted, sometimes doctors only refer to 'worst-case' scenarios. Their have always been more than a few times when the "1%" proves them wrong. Hang in there...
Your Most Humble Servant,
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - January 28 2005 : 05:26:11 AM
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I echo all the sentiments expressed here, Joyce, and want to remind you of Sophia. Nobody at that hospital thought she would live, and she was right at death's door several times. Now, she's a fairly "normal," and very thriving little bundle of energy running around - happy as a lark. Keep on praying Joyce - don't stop - I will do the same.
Don't worry about here - someone else will step up.
Love you - |
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Jo
Sweetser 4 Rep
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 28 2005 : 1:45:47 PM
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Joyce,
My also great thoughts, prayers, and good spirit with you and your hubby!!! Be strong; and my prayers will hopefully help you....only think the best; and that will happen!!!
Jo |
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securemann
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 08 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 28 2005 : 4:51:14 PM
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| Dear Joyce,Stay strong and I will be praying. |
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Pen
Colonial Settler
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
February 03 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - January 28 2005 : 6:02:55 PM
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WW,
I'm keeping you both in my prayers. Take care of Gary, and especially, take care of yourself.
Love,
Pen |
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Carter
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
August 28 2003
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 29 2005 : 7:45:08 PM
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I am so sorry to hear this Joyce! I wish there was something I could do or say to make it better...we are are here for you both!!!
Blessings,
Carter |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 13 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - January 29 2005 : 8:15:49 PM
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Dear Joyce,
You know that you and Gary are in my prayers. Remember that we are all here for you whenever you need us. Okay? Love ya!!!
Love,
Kay |
~ An Infinite Zephyr~
Some things never end
As long as goodness exists
Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Christina
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - January 31 2005 : 11:34:13 AM
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| Joyce, you and Gary are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I'm asking God to hold both of you in his healing hands... |
See this face? This is the face of a woman on the edge.
Whoopi Goldberg, "Jumping Jack Flash"
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
 Posted - April 14 2005 : 7:13:53 PM
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Dear Friends,
Well. You have no idea how difficult this is. I have another update on my husband Gary.
On Monday of this week (April 11th) Gary had another PET scan to determine whether the horrible, heavy-duty chemo treatments have had any success in slowing the growth of his cancer. On Tuesday, we got the report. They have not. In fact, the cancer in his liver has increased by 75% since his previous PET.
Our oncologist recommended that Gary and I discuss whether to continue the chemo or to discontinue it and enter Comfort Care. He and I had already talked about it and he remains adamant that he will not continue. The main reason for this is the quality of life factor. The chemo, in combination with the disease, has made him so sick and so weak that he cannot function.
As difficult as it is, I honor and respect his decision. I have watched this big, strong, vital (even at the age of 64) man be reduced to a thin, gray-faced, weak, sick one who can no longer walk more than two steps... in the short span of 6 months. It has been horrible.
I am taking time off work to be with Gary as much as I can, and to care for him and make him as comfortable as I can. We have contacted our local Hospice for assistance. As difficult as this is going to be for him and for me, this is going to be a very special time for us.
The rock wall is looming very close now. We have looked in vain for a route around it, but there is none. Soon we will hit it. Soon........ |
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blueotter
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 10 2004
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - April 14 2005 : 7:21:38 PM
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| There is nothing I can think of to say except God Bless You Two. Many of us here are holding you in our hearts and prayers, even those of us who do not know you well, and will continue to do so. ~Rose |
Rose Dupre
AKA/Órelindë Tinehtelë
AKA/Polly Gamwich
Gordon's 60th Royal Americans
Detroit French Marines |
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Dillon1836
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - April 14 2005 : 9:53:58 PM
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Joyce,
My prayers are with you and your husband. I'm sad to hear the current update, but having known you as long as I have...I have a feeling your strong spirit will allow him and you to fight through it...for as long as that fight lasts. You've been a friend to me and everyone else here and I wish you the best during these hard times.
God Bless,
Wade |
www.alamosentry.com
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - April 15 2005 : 12:19:00 AM
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Joyce, I think of you and Gary every single day (and say prayers of course). I am so sad to hear this wicked disease is moving so rapidly and so unremittantly. You have many friends here that are holding you two close in our hearts. I am so sorry you and Gary have to go through such an awful time! I will pray that the brick wall, if it will not go away, at least let it be padded!
Please let us know if there is anything we can do in the days to come. I know where you are and I am a seasoned traveler!
Much love to Gary and you! - Diana |
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