waiting on the tulips and buttercups
Good morning everyone, It is a beautiful day in North Carolina. The sun is shining and all is well.
Steve has gone visiting with the "preacher", that is what we call them in the south. We rarely say pastor or reverend we just call him preacher. Steve is doing well and said he wanted to go. Of course I said no nursing homes or the hospital. Do you think for one second he will listen to me? No he will go right along and not once think that I don't need to go there! I have given the preacher the evil eye more than once and he will usually take him to shut-in homes.
Steve saw his onocologist on Wednesday for blood work. We talked about how NORD is now giving help to patients that are on Afinitor. They have helped us with the initial co-pays in January for the last 4 years with Sutent. But now its Afinitor. He drew a chart telling us how he treated his patients. He always starts them with Sutent. If that fails he goes to Nexavar. If that fails he goes to Votrient. They all treat the cells in a similar manner. If that fails he tries Afinitor or Torisel. He actually drews us a chart describing how each drug works. Each set of drugs works differently.
If any of you are on Afinitor you may get help from the NORD Foundation. Just type it in the computer and you will get directions on how to apply. We are not rich by any means nor are we poor and they were willing to help us. That first month the co-pay was close to 5,000.00 last year so if you need help call them. Most people apply in January.
The other night I woke up up to hear Steve softly crying coming up the hall. I was already sleeping. I tried to get him to talk to me but he insisted he was ok. I hate cancer and what it does to the ones we love. He tries to be very brave and most of the time he is. But living with cancer is HARD. Say a prayer for my Steve. I love him so much and he knows that. I will always admire his courage!!!
Steve has gone visiting with the "preacher", that is what we call them in the south. We rarely say pastor or reverend we just call him preacher. Steve is doing well and said he wanted to go. Of course I said no nursing homes or the hospital. Do you think for one second he will listen to me? No he will go right along and not once think that I don't need to go there! I have given the preacher the evil eye more than once and he will usually take him to shut-in homes.
Steve saw his onocologist on Wednesday for blood work. We talked about how NORD is now giving help to patients that are on Afinitor. They have helped us with the initial co-pays in January for the last 4 years with Sutent. But now its Afinitor. He drew a chart telling us how he treated his patients. He always starts them with Sutent. If that fails he goes to Nexavar. If that fails he goes to Votrient. They all treat the cells in a similar manner. If that fails he tries Afinitor or Torisel. He actually drews us a chart describing how each drug works. Each set of drugs works differently.
If any of you are on Afinitor you may get help from the NORD Foundation. Just type it in the computer and you will get directions on how to apply. We are not rich by any means nor are we poor and they were willing to help us. That first month the co-pay was close to 5,000.00 last year so if you need help call them. Most people apply in January.
The other night I woke up up to hear Steve softly crying coming up the hall. I was already sleeping. I tried to get him to talk to me but he insisted he was ok. I hate cancer and what it does to the ones we love. He tries to be very brave and most of the time he is. But living with cancer is HARD. Say a prayer for my Steve. I love him so much and he knows that. I will always admire his courage!!!
Replies
Dear Wanda, I will surely keep Steve in my prayers and you too! You are such a sweet person.
Love & hugs,
Lois
Dearest Wanda,
The bravest of the brave are those who engage in battle with the monster cancer. I pray for your Steve and for all who face this on a daily basis. We all soldier on hoping for the day the cure will be discovered - or at least a way to treat it that is kinder and gentler on our loved ones. Tell me, are they taking Steve off the Sutent? It is good that your physician is so thorough in his explanations. It is helpful in inspiring confidence in his recommendations, isn\'t it? We go on Tuesday to see the next plan of attack. I know that the oncologist is high on this new trial, but as usual I have a lot of questions. Tom tried Votrient but never the Sutent. I know that they work in a similar way, and I am wondering why he couldn\'t just try the Sutent. So many here have had success with it.
God bless Steve for reaching out and helping others. That is super.
Lvgloria
Hi Gloria, No Steve is staying on the Sutent. It has worked so well for him that the doctor will not try anything else unless it stops working. I think Steve is somewhat of a record for being on it the longest. I so hope they will try something else on your husband. I will keep you both in my prayers on Tuesday. Wanda
Thank you Lois for your prayers and kind words. I hope you and your husband are doing well. Love, Wanda
Wanda...it must have broke your heart to hear him crying...my Buddy use to keep a lot in but then sometimes he would just let it all out and it would help him. I am so happy that your doctor is so thorough..I am sure it gives you confidence in him. I can\'t tell you how much I hate cancer and pray for a cure to all cancers...it destroys so many lives not just through death but also financially..I have been lucky that I am able to stay in my home and maintain it on just my pay..I hope the blood work results come back good and things stay as is...thinking of you and Steve ..Hugs Ellen
Thank you sweet Ellen, I think of you often and hope you are feeling a lot better. Prayers for you, Wanda
Dear Wanda, There is nothing more heart-breaking than hearing our beloved husband cry. Besides hugging your Steve and trying to reassure him, is there something special you can plan such as a mini weekend trip? It used to help M and me to plan small trips....getting our minds off of the dreadful cancer at least for a little while. I pray that Steve doesn\'t lose his hope or positive spirit. Love to you both, Linda
I am praying for Steve. I can NOT imagine how it must feel to know one has cancer in his body. My heart and my prayers go out to him.
Hugs, Linda
Sweet Wanda,
Your precious Steve has been battling this monster for such a long time. I\'m sure it\'s only normal that he would have an occasional \"melt-down\". Lord knows, I have them from time to time.
It\'s wonderful that he wants to go out and visit others with your preacher. Steve is an amazing man...and you are an amazing woman! Do think about dear Gloria\'s suggestion of a little \"get away\" for the two of you.
I will also be praying for good results from the upcoming bloodwork. I HATE CANCER!!!!!
Huge Hug,
Ingrid
Wanda,
I am with msgrace on this one I will be praying for you and I HATE CANCER! I too hope you both can get out and spend some time together...~Christi
Praying, Wanda, for you and Steve. Cancer is hard, I agree. Your Steve sounds so tender hearted, and a blessing for others.
Karen
Dear Wanda - I missed this when you wrote it. Cancer is vicious, and yet, somehow, you and Steve have managed to NOT let it run your lives. That\'s a wonderful thing.
Lots of love to you, a dear pair of stalwarts, both of you.
Meriel x x x x
Like Meriel I missed this, too Wanda. I will, as always, be keeping you and Steve in my thoughts and prayers. It must have broken your heart to hear Steve crying. It is better for him that he can cry rather than keeping it all inside.
You both are amazing people. I know we all pray for the day when doctors are able to control cancer if not find a cure.
Love and hugs to both Steve and you, dear Wanda.
Angel