My goodness, your life looks a bit like Job's, OldFixer! I really admire your attitude towards what has been thrown you and am glad to see you doing all that is possible to help your situation. You think things out very methodically, while I'm sure in a dead panic sometimes. Very smart of you to seek other doctors when you're not satisfied with the first, and for doing your own research. Just wondering, are you considering your diet, or is it difficult to eat? I hope you have support irl as well--you know you've sure got it here! And, as I recall, you had to deal with being snowed in when this last diagnosis was given and couldn't get going on your treatment for several days! Are you spiritual? A lifeline to many. Keeping you in my prayers.

I've been praying daily for you since you first told us. I will continue to do so. Thanks for updating us.

Shirley

O.F., I have a friend who is going through triple cancer, all unrelated right now. As if one isn't enough! Good thoughts, healing prayers and cyber hugs ((((Oldfixer)))) coming your way.

So happy to hear from you, we've been praying and hoping. You sound like you're up to your ears with appts. and medical people. Take some time to enjoy the simple things. I hope you have family and friends in your life, it makes a huge difference. Let someone go with you on some of the visits just to have someone to shoot the breeze with and make the days somewhat enjoyable. Please keep in touch, we all care so much for you and we're here to help in any way we can.

Sorry to hear you are dealing with so much. Will continue the prayers and good thoughts for you.

Sue

My prayers continue for you. If you've never read the poem called "Don't Quit", do a google search for it.

Thanks again.
sjerin - my diet is food! Wouldn't mind 15# more. 1/2 correct, snow did disrupt visits. But it was cancer 3 that that forced canceling treatment for cancer 1, and falling into the rut. Things have changed just enough, and treatment for cancer 1 will resume next week. Yaaaaaay.
georgy - say Hi to your friend. We'll start a club! Meetings will be in the Caribbean. :)
Family. It would take 29 hours travel time to visit my brother. Hmmm, maybe I should try it?

Continuing to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, OldFixer. Sometimes, the drugs given in treatment have an effect on brain chemistry in addition to the PTSD that you are probably suffering from three diagnoses, so be sure to have your doctors watch you for signs of depression and get you on meds for that, too, if needed.

I can't imagine three cancers. I have enough problems coping with one. I love your attitude of "bring it on" (talking about the treatment). I feel the same way. Do whatever you have to do.

We could also form a club to help each other gain weight. I'm down 32 lbs. from when this started but would only like 23 of them back! Ensure and Boost Plus have lots of vitamins, minerals and protein plus over 300 calories in each bottle. You could try them in between meals.

I hope you keep your spirits up and enjoy each day, It'll be better once the weather turns warm again and the sun is shining. Praying for you!

Oldfixer - That's what the Kitchen Table is for - to blab, so carry on. There are a whole lot of ears(eyes) willing to listen(read) when you need to vent.

I'm sending good thoughts your way.

Reading your post, OldFixer, I'm thinking not only is the diagnosis of a serious illness bad enough, but it takes over not only a person's thoughts but their life as well--in the form of countless trips to the doctor and hospital. All those tests and treatments....

It sounds exhausting, and it must be hard to take care of yourself in the midst of all that. I, too, admire your attitude and your good sense. I hope both will serve you well with a happy outcome.

We can at least contribute some cyber-friendship. By all means, take advantage of it!

So...right now you've slapped down the skin cancer; are resuming some meds for the bladder issue; are drawing up battle plans for the blood cancer. It's GOOD to have a PLAN.

patti - the best club sounds like a giant BLT, laden with bacon and dripping with Mayo. We're supposed to fatten up before winter? Warm & sun sound great. The beach is calling soon, and I've got an image to maintain down there, as "King of the Beach".
Chi - the bladder treatment should be only 3 weeks. They infuse a live, infectious TB bacteria directly into the bladder. WHAT?? Most BC don't require external surgery. Let your mind wander as how they get in there with cameras, tools, and other equipment.

You have a fun way with words, o.f.! Let me clarify the diet thing: I hope you can manage lots of fruits and veggies (antioxidants.) I also want to remind you that the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/ offers many services (such as transportation volunteers,) much of it free if you need it.

OldFixer, I have been praying for you & will continue to do so. I was glad to read you have come to terms with this 3rd cancer & are going to fight as hard as you can.

I am a one time cancer survivor so my heart goes out to you. Don't ever give up hope. It sounds like you have some great Doctor's.

Please keep us updated.

O.F. please let me add my prayers, good wishes/thoughts for healing, and of course, lots of cyber hugs.

(((((Old Fixer)))))

The folks on this forum are friendly, caring, and helpful, aren't they?

You sound like a "tough guy", so hang in there, and know that all of us care about you.

(((Oldfixer)))
Blab all you want, I will listen as will so many others here at our table
Good thoughts and prayers for you!

I'm so sorry to hear of all this. You sound pretty feisty, though, which would seem to me the best attitude. I'll be thinking of you and sending you strong thoughts.

Some time ago, when my father became ill and started losing weight, we stocked up on shakes from the fast food places, and sticking them in the freezer. For some reason, they are sooooo good after they've been frozen. He sure did like those Wendy's Frostys! But if that idea appeals to you, Sonic is the place to go.

You too, Patti.

Thanks y'all, a very uplifting cyber-day. Every hug, thought and prayer is appreciated. I just got some old medical records, that will be VERY interesting to the hemo on the next visit. The secret plan will be to attack and kick some ass.
The "Don't Quit" poem fit well. Also saw "Footprints in the Sand". Down in that hole, I only saw one set of footprints. There must have been some help getting out of there.
sjerin - fruits & veggies, are, FOOD. Yes, I'm, scouting other places (ACS, etc.) for possible future needs/advice. Joined an excellent MF forum. Superb information, sometimes beyond my comprehension in discussing the infinite complexities of this damn thing.
mary - every time I walk out of a doctor office, I am a 'survivor'. I'm not dead yet.
rhizo - those shakes sound like a good addition to a sandwich, cheese, chicken wings, chips, stuff you nibble before supper, or after breakfast. But I would starve waiting for it to thaw out. Sorry, no Sonic here.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you hugs. Please keep us updated on how you're doing.

About the shakes....you don't have to thaw them out! Even when stored in the freezer for days, they never get hard, hard. They aren't drinkable but a great after dinner treat, eaten with a spoon, as you would ice cream.