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• Living with cancer

• February 7, 2010 7:39 a.m.

  I am reading through this blog and am surprised at how many people feel frustrated and looking for information....All of you who are touched by cancer should contact the American Cancer Society and google your cancer types to get information. Find the largest cancer treatment centers in the world and see what they are treating there. There is help and support available--I promise.

  - Vivienne

• February 7, 2010 7:32 a.m.

  This is for Nora the breast cancer patient. I am a 3 year survivor of breast cancer. Having chemotherapy and related surgeries will rock your world but, you need to surrender and go with the treatments. Yes, you will be nauseous, make sure your doctor addresses that before your treatments. Let them know if you are having a difficult time tolerating the treatments. Don't make any plans, take everything a day at a time. Express yourself in artwork, writing, baking, put your house in order one room at a time; whatever distraction you need. Someone gave me a stray chihuahua after my first chemo and as silly as it seems, it was a blessing, the little dog was there 24/7 and forced me to take a walk even when I felt totally miserable. Just a thought as it worked for me. I ended up buying the dog from its owner. Enjoy the love of your family and friends, don't be too proud to ask for or accept help. You can give back later. I have side effects from chemo--dry eyes and scars on my body from reconstruction but, they are my battle scars and I wear them with pride. My hair fell out but now it is back. Finally make sure that you are comfortable with your doctor, if not, change. It is a long haul and you need to be able to trust them. Hey--you are a sister in the journey--and there are many of us out there.

  - Vivienne

• February 5, 2010 1:41 p.m.

  I made it through Chemo (Xeloda pill form), Radiation treatments and 2 surgeries to remove rectal cancer stage T2/T3. Every side affect that was predicted I got - and then some; although I did not lose much hair. I too had problems with the skin on my hands and feet and found a way to deal with it that was tolerable. There is an ointment that is common in rural areas where dairy farming is a staple. It comes in a square green metal container. I applied it morning and night to my hands and then put on synthetic gloves. On my feet I would apply it to my soles and place a moisture barrier between my feet and socks to keep most of the ointment from being absorbed by the socks. It has been a month since my last surgery to remove my ostomy. Although some days can be a real challenge to deal with my new bowel habits I really am not that far from living a "normal" life considering I appear to have beaten colorectal cancer. I would be glad to share what I learned in tolerating the side affects of both chemo and radiation with anyone. If I have to deal with any of it again - which I hope I never do - I will be much better prepared. I should not have tolerated diarrhea for as long as I did or let it get as intense as it did. Blood clots in my legs definitely caught me by surprise the last few days of treatment. By God's grace and much family and friends support I am here to write this.

  - Bruce

• February 4, 2010 5:48 p.m.

  In November 2003 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I've with Gods grace been cancer free for 5 years. I'm not without long term side affects. I read many of the articles submitted , none of us know what to do. I discovered a 3cm breast tumor. The doctors GUESS by the results of the blood tests and CT scans, and tumor rating, what chemo to use. BIG MISTAKE! After removing 13 lymph nodes, 2 had signs of cancer. I was given dose dense treatment (every 2 weeks-for 5 months). The first two chemos Epirubicin and Taxotere didn't work, the cancer grew 3.5. They had to wait to let the tumor grow without chemo, then removed the tumor and sent for testing (synergy) for the right chemo. There are too many kinds of cancer to guess. ALL CANCER SHOULD BE TESTED! My cancer was not hormone related. Doctors don't like you using vitamins or supplements, some hamper chemo. The lasting side affects are terrible. 5 years later I have half the hair I used to have. My ears are damaged and ringing, and I live daily with terrible foot neuropathy. The drug neurontin, made me suicidal. My teeth moved all over from the first chemo which softened bones. My hearing and bad neuropathy of my feet came from second chemo. I was healthy otherwise before chemo. Chemo brain lasts about a year. The two final chemos after synergy were Cisplatin and Gemcitibine. If you get through chemo without after-effects your lucky. Your alive that's about it, as your life is never the same.

  - Leanna

• February 4, 2010 4:26 p.m.

  Today I am celebrating a Cat Scan that showed no cancer. May of 2009 I was diagnosed with Ovanian Cancer Stage 3 C. After surgery,24" incision the appendix was the only thing not cancerous. I got Mirsa in my incesion and after my first chemo treatment was hospitalized 8 days with colon blockage. I was then switched to chemo every week for 3 weeks and one week off. This made chemo just an "inconvience" not a problem. I gained weight, kept a reasonable level of energy and kept active. Three days a week I exercise one hour and one day I take Yoga for 1 1/2 hours. When I was first diagnosed I was given 2-4 months to live. Now I have a 43% chance of making it 5 years. Someone has to live lots longer then 5 years to average out those odds, it might just as well be me. Keep up your faith, your are ultimatly responsible for your health, develop great support.

  - Marilyn

• February 4, 2010 3:45 p.m.

  Judy, I too was treated for endometrial cancer (06). After hysterectomy and 3 radiation treatments all seemed well until Sept 07 when I mentuioned to my Oncologist that sometimes I have lower abdomen pain. After a CT, PET, Broncoscopy and biopsy, it was determined the endometial cells had matastized on my lungs. I have undergone 6 chemo treatments (Nov 07-Feb 08) Got an all clear then in March 09-Pet scan again showed activity and 4 more treatments of chemo. In Sept 09 biopsy showed no cancer cells, however after a PET in Dec then another biopsy in Jan, I am now undergoing another round of chemo. I have always tried to remain very upbeat and positive and I must admist I have always felt very good even through treatment, but this time I am worried since I feel this is my third strike. My family is great and I never want them to worry, but I do have my moments alone when I just ask "WHY". I am a fighter and I do hope a day comes when Cancer becomes a disease that can be done away with.

  - Mary

• February 2, 2010 6:17 p.m.

  This is in support of Crystal, with CLL, and in a quest to find out how to deal with the damaging side effects from treatment. Try Gamma Globulin treatments if your doctor agrees- Mom has CLL, but has been under various chemo treatments for 4 years. Cellulitis was the side effect of Rituximab and Cytoxin, but that was positively resolved with monthly gamma globulin treatments. It worked for a year. Then the CLL came back and the doctor tried Treanda. Since starting Treanda in June 2009, a persistent reddened and burning eyes sensitivity is seemingly untreatable. Gamma treatments are not working. A local eye doctor prescribed an eye drop that swelled her face and eyelids. The eye doctor at Manhattan Eye Hospital said it was dermatitis- caused by the eye drops- but the eye infection came first- and started after the second chemo treatment with treanda. We don't seem to be getting anyone to seek the reason for her eye problems- She is getting some relief from a Prednisone eye drop, but recovery is slow, and that is only treating the symptom. Any thoughts out there?

  - Scotti

• January 30, 2010 7:50 p.m.

  Hi Fran; I too am a survivor and suffer fatigue. I have found that taking potassium (K-Dur, 1.5gm) helps. I take half in the a.m. when I get up, and half in the late afternoon (after my nap). I can really tell if I miss it!

  - Beverly

• January 28, 2010 10:55 p.m.

  I have stage IV colon cancer and have been on Xeloda for over a year. I am having a lot of problems with hand/foot syndrome. Any suggestions??

  - Carol

• January 20, 2010 1:40 p.m.

  This is in response to Barbara. I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2003 and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

  - Donna

• January 19, 2010 9:13 a.m.

  l was DX ILC & DCIS multi focal 7cm tumor, l had lumpectomy Dec 07, in Jan 08 l had mastetomy could no take tamoxifen because l have risks of having blood clots lhave factor 5v leidon and on warfarin and l took arimidex but had to come off them as l had severe nerve damage in both hands, and had carpol tunnel sydrome, was the put on extereme tablets, l had bilateral diep reconstruction nov 08 and it was the best thing that could have happened to me, my plastic surgeon Mr Jonathan Staiano listened to what l wanted and provided it, and it is incredable l have a cleverage and feel rebourne, just praying now it does not return, 5 siblings and a mother all had different sourecs of cancer, & we all have survivedl had the gentics brac 1/2 test done and there was no mutation, which ment it was not passed on through the genes, what are the chances of that, l was told coming from a large family was to just a co-insidence, but l was not prepared to take any chances that is why l had both breasts removed and know l made the right choice,

  - janet

• January 19, 2010 9:11 a.m.

  l was DX ILC & DCIS multi focal 7cm tumor, l had lumpectomy Dec 07, in Jan 08 l had mastetomy could no take tamoxifen because l have risks of having blood clots lhave factor 5v leidon and on warfarin and l took arimidex but had to come off them as l had severe nerve damage in both hands, and had carpol tunnel sydrome, was the put on extereme tablets, l had bilateral diep reconstruction nov 08 and it was the best thing that could have happened to me, my plastic surgeon Mr Jonathan Staiano listened to what l wanted and provided it, and it is incredable l have a cleverage and feel rebourne, just praying now it does not return, 5 siblings and a mother all had different sourecs of cancer, & we all have survivedl had the gentics brac 1/2 test done and there was no mutation, which ment it was not passed on through the genes, what are the chances of that, l was told coming from a large family was to just a co-insidence, but l was not prepared to take any chances that is why l had both breasts removed and know l made the right choice,

  - janet

• January 18, 2010 4:47 p.m.

  I would like to chat with anyone about their experience with Esophageal cancer.

  - Barbara

• January 9, 2010 11:30 a.m.

  I had last stagesNHL and had a bone transplant then I had breast cancer. Today I am cancer free and grateful. tHE ONLY THING WRONG IS i HAE TERRIBLE FATIGUE. gUESS IT'S BETTER THAN CANCER

  - Fran

• January 1, 2010 3:59 p.m.

  My mother in the last two years has been through a lot with many different doctors. She was in Washington state where she was diagnosed with stage II lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This was Novermer of 07. At that time they had decided not to treat her because of her over all health. She also has COPD. This also prevented them from doing a biopsi. Several months passed and there was no progression of the cancer, as well no treatment. In September of 09 I convinced her to move to Minnesota and see different docors, Being there she still hadnt seen an oncologist. She was not given a referal, She was told that it wasn't needed becuse there was no biopsi. She was in to see an oncologist 2 weeks after she was here they did Xrays CTs and tons of blood work all said and done in October she was told that she was cancer free. She did have a tumor in her lung but in comparison to her CTs and petscans in Washington it had not grown a mm in 2 years, there for could not be cancer. November 17th she was called by the oncologist and asked to schedual a new pet scan. That was done the following Monday. December 7th she was told that she has stage 4 mastetic bone cancer. With no known origin. Still no cancer in the lung, lymphnods, or any other organs. She and I are at a loss I have never heard anyone going through anything like this before. I am open to any helpfull comments, or opinions.

  - Renee

• December 31, 2009 9:40 a.m.

  I am a 48 year old woman and two months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My surgery was on December 18 and all went well, I thought! I just found out yesterday that the cancer spread into two of my sentinal lymph nodes. The dotor removed 6 nodes altogether and 2 had cancer and 4 did not have cancer. My tumor was only 1.2 cm. My doctor told me that he is going to remove the remaining lymph nodes under my arm. He also told me I will have to have chemotherapy. I am a very positive up beat person but this news has really set me back. I have a lot of support from my family and friends but my fear is very real. I am scared about getting lymphodemia in my arm. I hear it is very painful and hard to deal with. I am also very concerned about the chemo. I have been a fairly healthy woman and this has surely been a life change for me!

  - Nora

• December 30, 2009 1:10 p.m.

  Novemeber 9 2009 I was diagnosed with CLL after the bone marrow biopsy was told I also have small bcell Monocolonal Lymphositosis would like to hear from others who have similar disease. I am using all the supports I can find however my world is still currently spinning? I am on a watch and wait treatment( I refer to it as a "smile and wave" treatment) anyone out there the same as me or similar? Apparently some of the patients have gone 10 20 even 30 years without treatment. It confuses me but I know I have to get through this...everything happens for a reason right?

  - Chrystal

• December 30, 2009 12:28 p.m.

  A close family member has been battling cancer for about a year. Chemo was not effective and the tumor is growing quickly. I try to stay positive but its getting more and more difficult. I think he is now getting depressed but is trying to put on a brave face for the family. He is scheduled to start treatment at a top notch facility next month. I hope and pray that its a success.

  - Bianca

• December 27, 2009 9:10 a.m.

  Was dx in Oct 2008 w/metaplastic breast cancer. Had bilateral mast then A/C & taxoter. Local recurrance 1 yr later. Lesions spread far apart on Avastin & Ixempra then more surgery. Not much info on metaplastic b/c. Would like to hear from some suvivors or any info you have.

  - Fran

• December 26, 2009 3:04 p.m.

  My son was just diagnosed w/ a rare brain cancer (low grade). He's only 17. They can't operate because it's all along his spinal cord and around the base of his brain. No Chemo & No radiation treatment....nothing! We must wait and watch. No good treatment available for low grade cancers. Not sure what to do.

  - Roberta

• December 18, 2009 7:17 p.m.

  I was just diagonised in Aug. 2009. Im 40 year old Woman with two children teenagers. Im devistated and was at to a local ER to find, 4 stage brain Glioblastama.For some reason I cant find someone to chat with this, diagnosis and find survivors. If anyone pleeeeaasseeee...Its the first time im attempting this. Ann T

  - Ann

• December 12, 2009 4:59 p.m.

  my mother was diagnosed with a reoccurance of endometrial cancer in Feb. 2009. Since then we've had abdominal surgery and 5 sessions of chemo ( 5mths in total). By the 1st week of December she started to complain about pain in the back and her oncologist suggested they do a CT scan, unfortunately the chemo was no longer effective. The oncologist said she had a couple of other chemo drugs that were still an option. As a family we're so overwhelmed and frightened by the prospect of loosing the options that still exist. Is there someone out there who has been in the similar situation and can share their experience with me?

  - Amy

• December 11, 2009 6:09 a.m.

  For Lorian;: What type of thyroid cancer did you have? I have been diagnosed with papillary, tall cell and anaplastic for which I am being treated now. I had radiation but my cancer reappeared and am now in a clinical trial, taking pills and chemo. The prognosis not very good but we won't know how I am doing on this until my first CT scan.

  - janet

• December 10, 2009 8:56 p.m.

  My husband is in the second week of chemo and radiation. He has had bladder cancer for a few years but now has colon and rectal. He has been told not to eat too much fiber while he undergoes radiation. We usually eat "healthy foods" fruit to start the day whole wheat bread, more veg than meat. How do we continue to eat healthy food yet stay away from Fibre?

  - susan

• December 10, 2009 1:28 p.m.

  In 2005, I lost my mother to cervical cancer and in September 2005, my husband was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer, he underwent 18 sessions of intensive chemo., which was very very hard on me because I had just just dealt with the lost of my mother and had not come to grip with that lost. My husband was sick, angry at first because he was thinking "why me". We got beyond that and after chemo thought we were home free until he started having stomach pain, in short they did a hernia repair and in 2008 he was still having pain,he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, they removed part of his stomach and he is undergoing chemo at this time. We are blessed and grateful for each each day.Without my faith, I don't think either of us would have made it this far. This is the second round of the big "C" but we will prevail. For everyone and every family member that is dealing with this and other diseases, love each other as if is the last day because it could very well be. Be blessed

  - Kathryn