Not a Maudlin Post - My Cancer Treatment Plan

[molly]

Many of you know that I have been diagnosed with the same cancer as Elizabeth Edwards. I probably would have let the big lump go if my husband weren't divorcing me. I decided to get it checked before I lost his TriCare. My lump is at least 2 inches. I wasn't surprised - just "what else can happen?".

Well, my very-very-very WORST nightmare has occured - unless we can fight like hell, W will be our pResident in chief for another 4 years. Hopefully, I will be alive to keep fighting. I know that I will fight the DEM fight until I die or someone tells me to shut the fuck up. It upsets me like a rocket to read posts here of people that say JK and his staff have not done enough. When I ask "WHAT THE F WOULD YOU DO?" I am accused of being HOSTILE? Well, put your money where your mouth is.

If I could give my life tomorrow for JK to be President, I would. I have lived a full good life and fought many battles. I spoke with a friend of mine who does not have cancer and she said the same thing. There are many of us that would lay down our lives for the future of this world. AMEN!!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------

As of today, it looks like this......altho Dr.Pahnke may yet decide to do the surgery first.

Sometime between now and 11/19 I will need to get the cath inserted into my chest - that will be outpatient.

11/19, 12/03, 12/17, 12/31

I will get chemo with both Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) and Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)

Then......

for the next 8 weeks - 4 times....

I will get chemo with Taxol (onxol)

Then....

I will have surgery

Then...

I will have radiation treatment

Then...

I will be on hormone therapy for 5 years

[southernlad]

1. I hope you get healed 100% back to perfect health.

I wish you all the best and know God will bless you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.

[UrbScotty]

2. Oh no. Oh no, molly.

Think positively, dear.

Think positively.

Meanwhile, I will be praying for you.

[NMDemDist2]

3. oh molly! with your fighting spirit you'll get thru this too......

if you are having trouble with nausea on chemo, I had a couple friends who had good luck with their tummies by drinking aloe vera juice. You can get it at any good health food store. My understanding (from those who tried it) the chemo makes your stomach lining irritated and it's hard to eat. the aloe vera soothes it and makes it easier to hold food

be sure to rent lots of comedy films and laugh a LOT!! it really does wonderful things for your immune system :-)

you are in my prayers and keep up the good fight :pals:

[patdem]

4. Molly..I do NOT want you to give your life for a Kerry presidency...

please, like my SO said. I am more passionate about this election than even the candidates..and I think from what you just posted, he is correct. Please, live another day to fight the good fight.

I will follow your progression..and will pray for your recovery! :hug:

[caledesi]

5. Oh Molly! I thought I had problems...Geez.

I hope all goes well for you.

I fell exactly like you do about this *moran* being "elected."

I am seriously ill as well (probable MS), course in the middle of going from Neurologist to Neurologist and get lots of MRIs, I have now lost my insurance. My husband lost his job after 20 years and is now working at a temp job (no insurance) for $9/hour.

These are hard times.

My prayers go out to you.

[molly]

14. How horrible! Goes to show that there are always those with

worse problems! I am not sure where you are located, but try to contact some help group. My prayers are with you too!

[caledesi]

18. Thank you. I live in Tampa Florida and

I have gone to the "free clinic" but it was absolutely humiliating! Now I know why they make it so hard for people when dealing w/ the "system."

The clinic had all this paperwork just to be approved. The social worker was mean as hell. Asking me questions such as "Why do you have $2500 in your checking account?" Hello? They are called bills. Not only that but I have to pay hundreds of dollars per month for prescriptions. I was so sick of this. I never went back. Her whole demeanor was "you are trying to scam the system." I cried when I got home and I am not a crier.

Am waiting for my appeal on disability. We have gone from middle-class to working poor under this misadministration.

:puke:

[MaryH]

6. My Mother had breast cancer when she was 42 and

the nurses thought she was still asleep and said "ell, this one's a gonner!"

Made her so mad she lived. I think there is something to be said for plain old oneryness. Mother is now 90. Still just as mean as hell.

[JuniperLea]

7. fight molly, fight!

you sound like a survivor to me!!! keep it up woman! get cocky about it! believe in yourself! try to stay positive and keep the stress level down.

holy cow, woman. wish i could do more than just cheer you on. but that's all i have right now. and it's yours...

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

8. Molly..really sorry for all that is on your head right now

I'm pretty much in agreement with you. I was angry that kerry conceded so soon, but I still think he was an excellent candidate and don't believe other candidates could have weathered the shit storm that was thrown at Kerry...once again we came within inches and divisive hateful politics as played by Repubs was our downfall.

Take care of yourself ... if it's any consolation, the woman in the office next to mine just got a clean bill of health 5 years after going through the same treatment program.

[villager]

best to you, Molly

Keep us all posted as you heal -- and continue fighting!

[Imalittleteapot]

9. With 5 friends who have suffered the same

perhaps I can offer encouragement. Two are cancer free after 5 years since surgery, chemo, etc. One is cancer free after 2 years. One is cancer free after 1 year. One is cancer free after 11 years.
I wish you the best.

[Old and In the Way]

10. Keep your spirits high and your attitude positive, Molly!

I've had cancer, so I can relate a little. We'll be the saying our prayers for you. I admire your fighting spirit!

[Mandate My Ass]

11. Wishing you a speedy recovery

You're a brave soul, molly. Please do all you can to be good to yourself and concentrate on healing.

[WarNoMore]

12. Bless your heart...

Your treatment plan is very similar to mine. That was in 2002. I'm now 2 1/2 years on Tamoxifen. I really have to say that it truly wasn't as bad an experience as I expected. You'll come through this with flying colors. (I was pretty much dazed at the beginning of it all, but going through all the tests actually helped me until I was past the shock)

[molly]

16. My surgeon called 5 minutes ago - he said that he agreed

with me. If I had surgery before the chemo, I would lose my entire breast. This way, maybe there is a chance that I can save it. Well, I doubt that I will ever get naked in my entire life again - it's just that losing part of my body is not on my agenda.

[meti57b]

13. Molly, may G-d bless you.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[JVS]

15. I hope all goes well

[CornField]

17. Molly, just want you to know I'm sending my best wishes

You be strong and you fight.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

19. Take care of yourself first.

We understand.

:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

20. *hugs and prayers going out your way* Be well!

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. Molly, I wish you the best.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. :grouphug:

[smbolisnch]

22. Take care of yourself Molly....

We all know how much you love this country and that you would do anyting to fight for it. Right now, you MUST stay positive and focused-on you! :hug: :pals: :grouphug: