Gasping for breath

[Cyber Liberty]

Kick its ass, @sneakypete!

[Applewood]

The old goat is always in my prayers, whether he wants them or not. 

Be strong @sneakypete

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Hi @sneakypete

Prayers up for you. I'd appreciate it if you'd ping me when this subject comes up, since I have a stake in the Big C game too.

Always trying to learn Something.

And a link to the "Lymph Diet" I remember you mentioning.

Thanks.

[mystery-ak]

Hi @sneakypete

Prayers up for you. I'd appreciate it if you'd ping me when this subject comes up, since I have a stake in the Big C game too.

Always trying to learn Something.

And a link to the "Lymph Diet" I remember you mentioning.

Thanks.

I am praying for both of you....

[Lando Lincoln]

@sneakypete
@To-Whose-Benefit?

My most heartfelt prayers for both of you.  Sincerely.

[Smokin Joe]

@sneakypete
@To-Whose-Benefit?

Keeping you both in my prayers as well.

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

@mystery-ak
@Lando Lincoln
@Smokin Joe

And I can't Thank all of you near enough, and return your efforts.

[Sanguine]

@mystery-ak
@Lando Lincoln
@Smokin Joe

And I can't Thank all of you near enough, and return your efforts.

Prayers to you @To-Whose-Benefit? and @sneakypete.     

[Applewood]

@To-Whose-Benefit?

You are in my prayers too. 

[Victoria33]

@sneakypete

Went to church today - took you with me in thought and said a prayer for you.

[sneakypete]

@Right_in_Virginia  @EdJames  @Victoria33  @Freya  @Bigun  @SZonian  @Cyber Liberty  @roamer_1  @Sanguine @truth_seeker @RoosGirl @DCPatriot  @To-Whose-Benefit?  @BassWrangler  @Lando Lincoln  @mountaineer  @Elderberry  @GT Hawk  @berdie @Sighlass  @Applewood

UPDATE  7 Apr 2019

Yes,boys and girls,there really is such a thing as "Chemo Brain". Unfortunately. I figured I would give a short update while I still have enough mind left to do so. Some people claim it goes away after a few months,and some others say it never goes away. I don't know which is the most common outcome,but I will tell you it is real and not a fun thing or a pleasant future to contemplate. I like to read,and sometimes will read a whole page from a good book now,and not remember a damn thing from that page as I start the next one,and have to go back and read it again. Truth to tell,if it weren't for spell check,I am not sure how much of what I am writing would be understandable.

I have moments during the day when my mind seems as close to normal as it has ever gotten,and am dumber than a damn fence post a few minutes later.  Had chemo 4 times now and have 8 treatments left,assuming I agree to keep taking it.

So far I have lost 40 lbs of fluid weight,and need to lose more. The good news is this greatly lessened the pressure on my diaphragm,and it is MUCH easier for me to breath now.

The chemo played hell with my appetite at first. Everything had all the flavor of cold oatmeal. I would find something with some flavor,and after eating it two or three times it would have no taste,either.

Getting my taste buds back,but still don't have much of an appetite for regular meals. Had a craving for french fries this week and ate them 3 times in two days. First time I had eaten french fries in probably 3+ years. Might eat some again today when I go feed the stray cats behind the grocery store.

Went to get the results from my latest chemo blast a couple of days ago,and the surgeon gave me a big smile and said I was doing MUCH better than expected. Going to do a PET scan soon (can't remember when right now) to check the cancer level in my body,and maybe adjust the chemo blast. Seems like I have at least 3 or 4 doctor or hospital appointments every week,and every one of them is 25 or more miles from home. Given that I have virtually no energy at all anymore,even that wipes me out.

Then again,one more treatment and I am half-way trough the chemo treatment,and may even start getting lighter doses if the PET scan comes back favorable.

I just hope I have a mind left when it is all done.

I will update again in a few weeks if there is anything to report,and I can remember to do it.

If you want to be added to this ping list,PM me and I will add your name.

If you want to check back in on your own occasionally,my best advise is to copy and paste the URL above. That was the only way I found it last time.

[Elderberry]

That sounds very positive @sneakypete.  I've always heard how brutal Chemo is, but it sounds like its having a positive effect on you. Keep working on finding foods that appeal to you, so you can keep up your strength. If french fries are appealing, then try other fried foods to see if they are flavorful to you as well.

If we don't hear back from you, we'll pester you until you do.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Sounds like good news @sneakypete

I know you don't necessarily believe in the power of prayer, but I do ... and will keep praying for you.     BTW, about this "chemo brain" that's concerning you, I have not noticed it --- and I read every post of yours I can find.  Your posts are as wickedly witty and spot on as always.
 

Keep fighting, Pete ....   

[EdJames]

Thanks for the update, sounds like it is working well!!

I agree with RIV, your posts still look like the old SneakyPete posts!!  Concise and spot on!!

 

[Victoria33]

@sneakypete

PM later today.

[DCPatriot]

@sneakypete

Love you, brother!  Keep up the fight. 

 
 

[DCPatriot]

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Yes, please do check in if you're able!     

[mountaineer]

Your update is encouraging, Pete. Glad to hear a positive report.

[Applewood]

@sneakypete

Your brain must be all right if you can bitch at me and call me a Bush Bot.  LOL

Seriously, thank you for the update and for keeping me in the loop.  Sounds like there is some positive and/or hopeful news on the health front.  Like @Right_in_Virginia and other prayer warriors here, I'm praying for you whether you like it or not.  Stay strong, you old goat.

[truth_seeker]

@sneakypete

It is good to hear, that you have come through it this well, so far.

[roamer_1]

Stay strong, you old goat.

@sneakypete
Strong smellin anyway... 

Don't worry the brain fog too much... When you stop exposure to all the medical poison and can get your chemical equilibrium back (which may take steps the doc don't have, but your Apache heritage will), acuity will return.

Sounds like a good report
Hang in there!

[Smokin Joe]

@sneakypete

Good news, bro.

Now get a little notebook and write the important stuff in it, if you don't have one already. Keep in in a shirt pocket or where you won't lose it. You are probably already doing that. Use your phone if you have one that fancy.

Keep getting well, and I'll keep praying for your ornery ass. 

Don't worry so much about losing a little cognitive function, you can cut a few percent and still be way ahead of most of the planet, even if it's permanent. Besides, there's plenty of folks around who'll tell you if they think you got something wrong...

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete
Strong smellin anyway... 

Don't worry the brain fog too much... When you stop exposure to all the medical poison and can get your chemical equilibrium back (which may take steps the doc don't have, but your Apache heritage will), acuity will return.

Sounds like a good report
Hang in there!

@roamer-1

I am reading and hearing mixed reports about that. It all depends on your health when you got the cancer,what type of cancer it is you have,and the chemo mix you have to take.

It was real minor with me at first. Wasn't even sure it was a real "thing". Then it got worse and remained with me longer. I have spells where I am normal for me,and then I will get hit with several hours of confusion before going back to "normal" again,but very,very tired.

What worries me is I am only a fourth of the way through my projected treatment,and everybody says the last couple of chemo treatments hit you  the hardest.

I never expected this to be fun,but I was expecting stuff like throwing up,not confusion.

Due for a PET scan soon,so maybe the chemo mixture will be changed a little after the results are in,and it won't be so bad.

I can even deal with "bad". What worries me is permanent "bad". That seems to be a hit or miss thing and unpredictable.

[Applewood]

@sneakypete

Have you spoken to your oncologist or other doctor(s) about your mental issues from the chemo?  Perhaps he/she/they can give you the definitive word on the prognosis for this condition and/or suggest a treatment that might help.  The internet has a wealth of information, but not all of it is reliable.  When it comes to my health, I will usually ask the doctor about what I see online.  I trust him before I trust some website.

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Yes, please do check in if you're able!   

@DCPatriot

Hi;

Responding is possible, but the chemo involuntary nerve and muscle twitchings make it quite a Pavlovian exercise in frustration.

1st, it's Stage 4. Started in prostate, went into my blood, lymph, and bone mets. Got plenty of different doctors. Mostly same opinion. "Forget about getting out of this alive. NOT going to happen. Looked up plenty of online test results. Same Diagnosis.

@sneakypete

Started me on a JNJ drug/against my better judgement and ALL over my protests. That POS quit working on me in 15 weeks.

I wouldn't trust a 6 pack of robotic Pinschers against 3AM guests from those people. Too many lawsuits, baggage and evidence already.

Next up was Docytaxel/Taxotere. That quit in 11 weeks. I'm off to another consulting oncologist at another address now, for yet A third drug.

@sneakypete

My chemo brain is the stuff wrecking all Hell on all of my senses. Had a restaurant open faced baked potato.

I could Not smell the phony toppings on it.

But I Could smell the effing Chemical Plant greases, aromas, and cruds individually comprising it. It Stank like Vitalis Hair Oil!

What I can hear is all frequency dependent. Which makes TV and movies with visitors a PITA.

Thank God the meat was real, and not Star Trek Replicated! I can only Imagine "shudder with revulsion" what That would have tasted and stunk like!!

Needless to say, my Primary Oncologist concludes Every appt with his offer to scrape me Off his day and onto Hospice's.

I got one assurance after another, earlier, they had LOTS of different drugs, but now after failing 2, they're all out? Nothing else?

As For Effing Hospice:

There is NO Serial number and expiration date tattoed on the bottom of my feet, signed God.

There is Also no Expiration date signed Doctors at large.

Motto being, If God hasn't tossed in the towel on me, then human Doctors with an MD License haven't got any business quitting on me Either, Since, They can't promise any of us will even make it out the front door!

@sneakypete

FWIW:

My Hair has started back in about a month after the 2nd chemo, so, most of this whole body scramble May reverse itself, and they warned me about Blood not drying and hardning right but That's coming 'round now too.

Hope it comes out OK for you.

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete
 
Don't worry the brain fog too much... When you stop exposure to all the medical poison and can get your chemical equilibrium back (which may take steps the doc don't have, but your Apache heritage will), acuity will return.

 

@roamer_1

Half Greek,1/4  Tuscarora,1/4 Scots-Irish. The Tuscarora are a branch of the Mohawks.

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete

Have you spoken to your oncologist or other doctor(s) about your mental issues from the chemo?  Perhaps he/she/they can give you the definitive word on the prognosis for this condition and/or suggest a treatment that might help.  The internet has a wealth of information, but not all of it is reliable.  When it comes to my health, I will usually ask the doctor about what I see online.  I trust him before I trust some website.

@Applewood

Not yet. Just got bad this week. I will speak with her about it after the PET test.

[sneakypete]

@DCPatriot


My Hair has started back in about a month after the 2nd chemo, so, most of this whole body scramble May reverse itself, and they warned me about Blood not drying and hardning right but That's coming 'round now too.

Hope it It comes out OK for you.

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Your situation sounds MUCH more serious than mine,although the hair growing back seems to ME to be a very positive sign.

I wish I knew what advise to give you to help you,but all I can offer is a suggestion to check various cancer research hospitals,with a focus on the ones most focused on the type you have,and see if you can get yourself in on their drug trials. The good news is it will be free,and that seems to be your best hope for a cure. No one in any of them is going to promise you a cure,but we all know there are effective drugs being developed that can be used right this minute by research schools that might not be available on the open markets for several years.

[roamer_1]

@roamer-1

I am reading and hearing mixed reports about that. It all depends on your health when you got the cancer,what type of cancer it is you have,and the chemo mix you have to take.
[...]
I can even deal with "bad". What worries me is permanent "bad". That seems to be a hit or miss thing and unpredictable.

Brain fog has been an epic part of my illness @sneakypete , so I know where you are coming from.
What it is is still incidental at this point, because if your bid is unsuccessful, you won't need it anyway...
So for now it must be go-with-the-flow, no doubt.

Kinda where I was too... Just ceasing all the poisons they were putting into me helped somewhat, but healing for me has come more from exceptional natural nutrition, and natural medicines to purge the poisons and aid in healing.

Get some seriously soluble enzymes, electrolytes, and vitamins... Half of my problem was my ability to assimilate what I needed because my system was so far gone... everything that worked was liquid or sublingual.

Go heavy to forage and garden, native meat and fish. And don't forget the spirit - old school sweat lodge, brother... And mean it.

Chaga tea every day, nettle tea, pine needle tea, Dandelion coffee, (Ojibwe Tea, once you can stand the purge)... essential oils

I think most of the mixed report is in what you do to fix it. Western med will only take you so far. The old ways have value. Talk to a medicine man.

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Hi @sneakypete

Yes I checked the in State/Near By Clin Trials.

Same Story. 1: They ain't gonna cure squat. 

2: They Might get me 2 more years.

But They Do Not Know.

What I Am certain of is I'm gonna continue looking/shopping.

[roamer_1]

My chemo brain is the stuff wrecking all Hell on all of my senses. Had a restaurant open faced baked potato.
I could Not smell the phony toppings on it. But I Could smell the effing Chemical Plant greases, aromas, and cruds individually comprising it. It Stank like Vitalis Hair Oil!

I know what that is @To-Whose-Benefit? ... Restaurant food and store bought food still makes me gag. I figure that is my body telling me something...

There is NO Serial number and expiration date tattoed on the bottom of my feet, signed God.
There is Also no Expiration date signed Doctors at large.
Motto being, If God hasn't tossed in the towel on me...

There is tremendous solace in that - and where my hope was found too! There is a reason he put you on this path. May it be that he has done so to make you an astonishment to those doctors and give you a testimony that changes hearts!

[Smokin Joe]

Hi @sneakypete

Yes I checked the in State/Near By Clin Trials.

Same Story. 1: They ain't gonna cure squat. 

2: They Might get me 2 more years.

But They Do Not Know.

What I Am certain of is I'm gonna continue looking/shopping.

A lot can happen in two years, too.

[sneakypete]

Hi @sneakypete

Yes I checked the in State/Near By Clin Trials.

Same Story. 1: They ain't gonna cure squat. 

2: They Might get me 2 more years.

But They Do Not Know.

What I Am certain of is I'm gonna continue looking/shopping.

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Good for you! It's never over until it is over,and in the last several years cancer has been exploding with new drug treatments that cure formerly "uncurable" cancers. It wasn't that long ago the words "You have Stage 4 lymphatic cancer" was a death sentence. When I heard that sentence a couple of months ago it was accompanied by the words,and "and I think we can beat it."

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

@Smokin Joe
@roamer_1
@sneakypete
@DCPatriot

I figure, not Being a Church goer, Bible Scholar etc, if I haven't asked enough goodly folk who Are, (I'm in the last half of my 60s and I've Still never even lived in America Yet, just 2 Very dark blue Dem/Commie Crap Holes my whole life, . . . . . . .

How much Worse can hell be?

[Smokin Joe]

@Smokin Joe
@roamer_1
@sneakypete
@DCPatriot

I figure, not Being a Church goer, Bible Scholar etc, if I haven't asked enough goodly folk who Are, (I'm in the last half of my 60s and I've Still never even lived in America Yet, just 2 Very dark blue Dem/Commie Crap Holes my whole life, . . . . . . .

How much Worse can hell be?

Well, if all the past Democrats are there, and the no good Republicans, then add in all the worst of the worst around the globe, even one of America's deep blue sh*tholes would be a pleasant alternative.

[Sanguine]

@sneakypete, good to hear from you.  I'd wanted to ask how you were doing, but didn't want to bother you.

@To-Whose-Benefit?, praying for you.  Sounds like you're fighting it.

To both of you, I had some serious brain fog during and after I completed chemo.  I read an article about the efficacy of SSRIs, specifically Bupropion.  My doc let me try it, and I found it very helpful.
 
This was a number of years back, but it has become an accepted treatment now:

Lifting the Fog on 'Chemo Brain' - Cure Today
https://www.curetoday.com/publications/cure/2018/summer-2018/lifting-the-fog-on-chemo-brain

Aug 2, 2018 ... JUSTIN BIRCKBICHLER experienced chemo brain after undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer. - ERIN RAE PHOTOGRAPHY.
Bupropion sustained release treatment reduces fatigue in cancer ...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15065748

Bupropion sustained release treatment reduces fatigue in cancer patients. ... Thirteen patients had minor, expectable side effects, and 10 patients were able to  ...
How to Manage Chemobrain - SlideShare
https://www.slideshare.net/DanaFarber/managing-chemobrain

Aug 8, 2012 ... Audio and slides for this presentation are available on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/ 49JdPPPRFNw Cognitive effects of cancer and cancer ...
Chemo Brain May Last 5 Years or More - Well - The New York Times
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/04/chemo-brain-may-last-5-years-or-more/

May 4, 2011 ... “Chemo brain,” the foggy thinking and forgetfulness that cancer patients often complain about after treatment, may last for five years or more for ...
Potential new treatment found for 'chemo brain' - Medical News Today
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316955.php

Apr 17, 2017 ... New research explains the brain chemistry behind chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction and finds a potential new therapy for ...
Pharmacologic Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue - The Oncologist
theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/12/suppl_1/43.long

Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom in patients with cancer, with a .... In these open-label case series, bupropion SR (100– 300 mg/day) was associated ... Another recent ...
Chemo brain - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060

Mar 22, 2019 ... Learn about the memory and thinking changes that sometimes happen during and after cancer treatment. Find out about chemo brain ...
 

[DCPatriot]

@Smokin Joe
@roamer_1
@sneakypete
@DCPatriot

I figure, not Being a Church goer, Bible Scholar etc, if I haven't asked enough goodly folk who Are, (I'm in the last half of my 60s and I've Still never even lived in America Yet, just 2 Very dark blue Dem/Commie Crap Holes my whole life, . . . . . . .

How much Worse can hell be?

Do you have children of your own, @To-Whose-Benefit? ?? 

[Polly Ticks]

@sneakypete
I'm late to this party, but I'm glad to hear you're doing so well in your treatment.  I will keep you in my prayers.

@To-Whose-Benefit?
I will be praying for you, as well. Hopefully the treatment you need will be announced tomorrow...  but either way, I will pray that your story is ultimately victorious.

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete, good to hear from you.  I'd wanted to ask how you were doing, but didn't want to bother you.

@To-Whose-Benefit?, praying for you.  Sounds like you're fighting it.

To both of you, I had some serious brain fog during and after I completed chemo.  I read an article about the efficacy of SSRIs, specifically Bupropion.  My doc let me try it, and I found it very helpful.
 
This was a number of years back, but it has become an accepted treatment now:

Lifting the Fog on 'Chemo Brain' - Cure Today
https://www.curetoday.com/publications/cure/2018/summer-2018/lifting-the-fog-on-chemo-brain

Aug 2, 2018 ... JUSTIN BIRCKBICHLER experienced chemo brain after undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer. - ERIN RAE PHOTOGRAPHY.
Bupropion sustained release treatment reduces fatigue in cancer ...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15065748

Bupropion sustained release treatment reduces fatigue in cancer patients. ... Thirteen patients had minor, expectable side effects, and 10 patients were able to  ...
How to Manage Chemobrain - SlideShare
https://www.slideshare.net/DanaFarber/managing-chemobrain

Aug 8, 2012 ... Audio and slides for this presentation are available on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/ 49JdPPPRFNw Cognitive effects of cancer and cancer ...
Chemo Brain May Last 5 Years or More - Well - The New York Times
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/04/chemo-brain-may-last-5-years-or-more/

May 4, 2011 ... “Chemo brain,” the foggy thinking and forgetfulness that cancer patients often complain about after treatment, may last for five years or more for ...
Potential new treatment found for 'chemo brain' - Medical News Today
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316955.php

Apr 17, 2017 ... New research explains the brain chemistry behind chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction and finds a potential new therapy for ...
Pharmacologic Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue - The Oncologist
theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/12/suppl_1/43.long

Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom in patients with cancer, with a .... In these open-label case series, bupropion SR (100– 300 mg/day) was associated ... Another recent ...
Chemo brain - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060

Mar 22, 2019 ... Learn about the memory and thinking changes that sometimes happen during and after cancer treatment. Find out about chemo brain ...
 

@Sanguine

Thank you VERY much!

[Sanguine]

@Sanguine

Thank you VERY much!

You're so welcome, Pete.  I hope it can help.

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Do you have children of your own, @To-Whose-Benefit? ??

HAHAHAHA!

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Ladies and Gentlemen, to Have such friends as you, is the truest strength anyone could be gifted with.

Thank You and Bless You One and All!

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

@sneakypete

Don't go putting Too much stock in this one (especially by the Minimal relief from it, But)

I did have a lot of involuntary hand and finger movement when I quit my 2nd chemo.

And it does seem to be going away.

Good luck Pete. At this rate it'll prolly be 6 to 10 months.

[Sighlass]

Prayers for both of you guys... and I want to say thanks for the prayers that were sent on my behalf a year or so ago.

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete

Don't go putting Too much stock in this one (especially by the Minimal relief from it, But)

I did have a lot of involuntary hand and finger movement when I quit my 2nd chemo.

And it does seem to be going away.

Good luck Pete. At this rate it'll prolly be 6 to 10 months.

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Since it is the only treatment proven to work,and since I don't believe in the whole "rebirth in heaven" thing,I won't be quitting my chemo early. Chemo sickness is an even more temporary thing than life itself,but death is the personal end of everything forever.

[Gefn]

@sneakypete I’m so sorry, I had no idea. Of course I will put you in my prayers and thoughts.

@To-Whose-Benefit? Um, you know you are my best friend in real life and I’ll be up in less than two weeks to see you again.

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Since it is the only treatment proven to work,and since I don't believe in the whole "rebirth in heaven" thing,I won't be quitting my chemo early. Chemo sickness is an even more temporary thing than life itself,but death is the personal end of everything forever.

@sneakypete

Just Be Advised:

1 st chemo I had was some watered down crap Hormone blocker to keep testosterone from forming. So that don't really count.

However the Real Chemo which is out on a microtubular Search and Destroy mission (the substandard cappilaries the cancer cells Feed on, is a Real @@s kicker cause its accumulalation Stays in you for Months.) So round 1 ain't near's bad as round 2, etc .

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

@sneakypete

Have you spoken to your oncologist or other doctor(s) about your mental issues from the chemo?  Perhaps he/she/they can give you the definitive word on the prognosis for this condition and/or suggest a treatment that might help.  The internet has a wealth of information, but not all of it is reliable.  When it comes to my health, I will usually ask the doctor about what I see online.  I trust him before I trust some website.

@sneakypete

Bring on the Happy Pills Peddlars!

Same shit heads who are still without a licence, trying to convince us Trump's non fit to serve.

Where is everyone's Memory of Who these Quacks are?

[Sanguine]

@sneakypete

Bring on the Happy Pills Peddlars!

Same shit heads who are still without a licence, trying to convince us Trump's non fit to serve.

Where is everyone's Memory of Who these Quacks are?

Actually,  I've never suggested that Trump is not fit to serve, nor have I ever thought that.

[sneakypete]

@sneakypete

 

However the Real Chemo which is out on a microtubular Search and Destroy mission (the substandard cappilaries the cancer cells Feed on, is a Real @@s kicker cause its accumulalation Stays in you for Months.) So round 1 ain't near's bad as round 2, etc .

@To-Whose-Benefit?

Yeah,believe it or not,but I happened to notice that myself.