Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Latest

I have not written since May of this year, but for good reason.  I've actually been living my life.  Jobs are both going well.  I had one of the most amazing summers making wonderful memories with with family and friends.   Great 3rd & 4th of July, visits to the beach, mini-summer vacation on the Vineyard (even jumped off the "Jaws" Bridge), a trip to Washington D.C and my many days just hanging by the pool.  August follow-up with Oncologist was just about normal, no signs of cancer at this time, going to monitor a tiny amount of fluid that they saw in my abdomen but no one seemed overly concerned about this so I wasn't either.  I started working at the  Hospice/Palliative Center full-time in August and I truly felt things were on track; dare I say  things were normal, and I was loving it.  I am finally where I am supposed to be.

Then things started going down hill a little bit.  Working 7p-7a three nights in a row was very taxing on my body, I was having difficulties adjusting to my new eating and sleeping styles, trying to figure out the best way to nourish my body, and get sleep.  So I was loosing a bit of weight but trying to be proactive, seeing a nutritionist and using supplements to try and "bulk" up. 

Now is where a short story can can get very long so I'll do my best to shorten it.  Basically in September I had some issues with my RT Kidney being swollen and  needing to have a stent put in, no big deal, except they could not find the cause for the kidney to be swollen. Week or so goes by and now I'm back in ER due to being ummm lets just say "backed- up" However they find the rt kidney is still swollen and spend some additional time looking into it.  During this they realize that the fluid they saw in August is increasing which is not good.  And this is where the other shoe for me drops....fluid is cancerous and so my Cancer is back rearing it's ugly head again, bastard.

What happens now I'm not sure.  Taking a small breather to figure out how to move forward with our plan of attack.  I want to keep fighting however I also would like to have some quality of life.  I'll update my blog as long as I'm able.  I'd like to keep my FB up and running just so that I can have a fun place to escape to as well and not have to deal with all of this, so feel free to comment on the blog itself in regards to my health and just use FB like everyone else does.  If there is enough interest in the blog I will keep up with it, and if not, not a bid deal.  As always I have been so blessed with an amazing group of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, I mean you name it I've got them and I'm very thankful for each and everyone. 

One question I do have to post if anyone has any insight is I'd like to try and explore lots of avenues of treatment, massage, yoga, acupuncture; perhaps even juicing (if it's not all green stuff to drink) if anyone has any recommendations I'd like to think I have an open mind and every little bit helps. 

Basically I feel like I've been told I have anywhere from 8 weeks to 18 months, which is quite the range....I'm all for sticking around for the 18 months as long as they can be a good 18 months.  I know the rumor mill is already running around.  Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns, I'll be as open and hopefully as helpful as I can. 

So for know know I'm still "FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL FROM HOUGHS NECK!" and I thank you all so much for your love and support. 





18 comments:

  1. Love you. Miracles happen. Nobody is guaranteed any amount of time in this life; you may outlive us all :) I will take every minute I can share with you. To laugh. To cry. To love.
    <3 Debby

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  2. There's no doubt in my mind that you're going to beat the odds. I can feel it, and I think all the people around you would agree. ALways thinking of you and your fight! -- Love always, Nancy Varela

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  3. We love you Barbara. We'll start asking around and researching alternative treatments for you. I actually did some research last week on alt treatment, but for the psychological aspect of what you're going through. We'll talk turkey when we bring Ava to come meet you. Stay strong & positive as much as you can. We believe in you champ! Love Dave, Laura, Ava & Nate Dogg!!

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  4. You are the strongest person I know and you still have such a great attitude! We've been praying for you non-stop and I believe a miracle is gonna happen - I can feel it! Stay strong and I'm here for you. Love, Jeanette

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  5. I love you so much Barbara. I know God has mighty plans for you, here in life, and in His kingdom. You are such an inspiration to me, and to many. My heart aches at what you must be thinking about... as this news is delivered. Know this... Doctors aren't always right, but God is. Put your mighty faith in Him and have complete trust. He will never fail you or desert you. I am here you have my number. I will always make time for you, you are that precious to me. You have been a friend, I long for in my life. Our memories of day in the sun on Anna Maria Island and being my roomie at 211 72nd street, I will never forget. Thank you for being so brave Barbara. I want you to know I will pray for you every day, and doing so even on my knees for a healing of this ugly thing called cancer. You are my dear friend, whom I will ask God to raise you out of the myry clay and deliver to high ground!!! love, Amy

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  6. Totally bummed about your news. You might not know it --- but I think of you EVERY DAY - stay strong & do what is best for you. You are an inspiration. Cousin Kathleen

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  7. You are the toughest chick I know. You keep fighting and we will all keep praying!
    XOXO

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  8. Barbara~ Not a day goes by that I don't say a prayer for you and your family! I cannot imagine all the emotions you are going through. We all are behind you 100% at MCC and miss your soft, gentle demeanor. Keep fighting my friend!!!! XOXO Lianna

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    1. And your sense of humor!! You look beautiful in the pics on FB in Disney! I hope you're having a wonderful time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
      Love, Ellyn Dent

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  9. We love you!!! Sending all of our love and positive energy your way.

    This sounds so crazy, but I've heard Suzanne Somers (yes, Chrissy) on a bunch of different talk shows talking about Alternative Medicine. http://www.suzannesomers.com/blog/

    She is a big supporter of this guy's clinic:
    http://www.burzynskiclinic.com/burzynski-clinic.html

    There is also a movie on Netflix's about his fight with the FDA.
    https://www.burzynskimovie.com/

    xxoo

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    1. I have seen her talk too, could be worth looking into. I have a friend in Falmouth that does acupuncture and I'm a big smoothie drinker and have a bunch of recipes. - Ellyn Dent

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  10. Hi Barbara....so there is a Nationa Center for Complementary and alternative medicine at nccam.nih.gov ....they have some information an resources...please let me know if I can help with anything!!!!....my cell is 617-828-5314
    Sue DeGust

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  11. I also think about you every day and I look forward to seeing your beautiful smile soon. I know you are a fighter just keep it up. I am from Dorchester and I am tough but I always backed down when a girl from houghs neck showed up. Keep up the fight I am behind you and I am send healing prayers your way.

    gina

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  12. Hi Barbara,
    The first time I ever saw you fight was in 6th grade against another girl from Houghs Neck named Lisa M. If you have the same look of defiance and determination I saw in you that day, Cancer will run and hide :)
    Your story has reached far and wide, and many people are praying and rooting for you..
    including a couple of old Neck girls and one from (eew) Merrymount.
    So watch out Cancer, here comes Barbara!
    Love, Cindy, Kerry and Lisa

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  13. Barbara,

    I just finished reading your blog. You are AMAZING!!! …. and I wish I could say/do something that would make this all go away. I know we all do! I’m happy that you have such a great support group who LOVE and are PRAYING for you. There is POWER in Prayer. And please know that I am also praying for you. .. And believe that all are Prayers, Love and positive energy put together will give you the strength to shake this thing!
    Love an old school mate,
    Violeta

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  14. Hi! Barbara..I know God put you in my life for a reason. As I sit here writing this I am so grateful to have my daughter cuddled on the couch with me. My daughter who is a childhood cancer survivor of 14 years in February. She is 20 years old and healthy for today. It is hard to believe that 14 years ago we were given the Gift of Make A Wish and my daughter chose Disney! I try to live life one day at a time...none of us know how much time we have here. But I do know that time does go by much too quickly. I am blessed to have met you and I look forward to seeing you soon. God bless! Yvonne

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  15. I read your blogs Barbara and I am so totally in awe of your absolute amazing courage and your ability to stay strong through out all you have been dealt. I know we havent seen each other in sometime but I am so proud of you! You are an inspiration to so many. I wish the best for you and your family. You keep fighting and I'll keep praying always.
    Rob Manupelli

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  16. I am overwhelmed by the strength. You are an amazing woman, and I am so lucky to have shared so many laughs with you...
    Much love and warmth... to your entire family.
    - Scott K.

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