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Wife Beat Breast Cancer and Now Beating Brain Cancer (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Chadstroma
- Start date
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
The magnets work with each other for the spacers. They would deflect the radiation from its target. They gots to go.
Glad you got to spend a lunch together. Hospital food has improved, thank goodness.
It sounds like you are all doing pretty well, all things considered. I hope Christmas will be merry and uneventful.
rockaction
Footballguy
Chad, I have no words. Just thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
The radiation crew had no idea about there even being magnets in those (they told us). Apparently no one really did other than the MRI people.... well, I am sure the plastic surgeon did but she wasn't really in the loop of this all starting with the original MRI order and then canceling to the CT scan. No one mentioned the impact to the radiation but they really need the MRI for targeting from what I understand and then also for better view of how they are doing... I forgot the numbers but the scans pick up something like 20 cm and then the MRI is like 1 cm for resolution.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
Are you sure that isn't 1mm resolution? ! cm is pretty big. 20 of them is huge.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
This is why Americans will use anything BUT the metric system.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Mostly touched base with all the Dr's over Friday and Today. She still needs to connect with the plastic surgeon though.
The good news is that all of them like her progress and seem to believe that she is in a good position after surgery. She will get radiation soon but it will be over a week or two week time period (much less than the breast cancer was) and then after a week or two they will start with some oral chemo and meds and then infusion treatments every three weeks. The very good news about this is that these drugs are seen to be well tolerated. Side effect are rather mild along the lines of upset stomach and diarrhea type stuff that can usually be controlled with over the counter stuff, potential for some joint aches and tingly feelings.
The previous meds, though they were very effective, don't penetrate to the brain much or at all. So, likely the 'seed' was planted before she went into treatment before. Of course, all these meds do penetrate the brain barrier as well as the rest of the body. She will be on this stuff for about a year with MRI's and CT Scans every three months. Towards the end, we will reevaluate what we want to do.
One thing I would say for anyone you know that may go through with this... encourage them to tell their doctors everything. My wife almost did not tell the Doctor about the headaches she was having which is how we found it and found it relatively early. If she didn't.... well.... it would not have been good.
She is in a lot of discomfort now but it really isn't from the surgery and more from side effects of sitting/laying down so much like sciatica and other stuff. At the Doctors, she stood up (she is using a walker for now) and I looked at her... she said she couldn't sit anymore.... but then she wouldn't be able to stand long either. We laughed. I mean, what else can you do?
I changed the title.... because she is beating it.... and I believe that, I believe you beat it and not survive it. And she looks to be well on her way to being a two time cancer beater.
The good news is that all of them like her progress and seem to believe that she is in a good position after surgery. She will get radiation soon but it will be over a week or two week time period (much less than the breast cancer was) and then after a week or two they will start with some oral chemo and meds and then infusion treatments every three weeks. The very good news about this is that these drugs are seen to be well tolerated. Side effect are rather mild along the lines of upset stomach and diarrhea type stuff that can usually be controlled with over the counter stuff, potential for some joint aches and tingly feelings.
The previous meds, though they were very effective, don't penetrate to the brain much or at all. So, likely the 'seed' was planted before she went into treatment before. Of course, all these meds do penetrate the brain barrier as well as the rest of the body. She will be on this stuff for about a year with MRI's and CT Scans every three months. Towards the end, we will reevaluate what we want to do.
One thing I would say for anyone you know that may go through with this... encourage them to tell their doctors everything. My wife almost did not tell the Doctor about the headaches she was having which is how we found it and found it relatively early. If she didn't.... well.... it would not have been good.
She is in a lot of discomfort now but it really isn't from the surgery and more from side effects of sitting/laying down so much like sciatica and other stuff. At the Doctors, she stood up (she is using a walker for now) and I looked at her... she said she couldn't sit anymore.... but then she wouldn't be able to stand long either. We laughed. I mean, what else can you do?
I changed the title.... because she is beating it.... and I believe that, I believe you beat it and not survive it. And she looks to be well on her way to being a two time cancer beater.
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
BOOM!
Great update! **** Cancer and have a blessed Holiday, New Year, fantastic 2025 Chad, wife and family!
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
Dude, I could spot a 20cm something from here.
ProstheticRGK
Footballguy
@Chadstroma
Brother, just saw the thread title- so sorry to hear you all have to wade back into the fray. Sounds like you both have the right attitude and a strong relationship, so I know you got this. My prayers for grace and peace for you all as you fight.
Sounds like you have all the medical stuff covered, and sounds like you have a good support network. Lean on people when they offer- don’t be too proud. And take care of yourself as much as you do her and the kids.
Brother, just saw the thread title- so sorry to hear you all have to wade back into the fray. Sounds like you both have the right attitude and a strong relationship, so I know you got this. My prayers for grace and peace for you all as you fight.
Sounds like you have all the medical stuff covered, and sounds like you have a good support network. Lean on people when they offer- don’t be too proud. And take care of yourself as much as you do her and the kids.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
I still don't know what either is. How any oranges is it? Give me a real size and not some made up metric nonsense.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
20 cm = bowling ball
20 mm = the width of your thumb
1 mm = about one pencil lead
(All measures approximate.)
If the doctors can't spot a bowling ball stuck in her head, that could be a problem.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
You and your wife are an inspiration
Thoughts and prayers go out to both of you
Thoughts and prayers go out to both of you
Chadstroma
Footballguy
She is. She has the hard part and is kicking butt.... I have the easy part and barely treading water.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
In for an outpatient surgery to remove the spacers so she can get MRIs. Should be a breeze compared to the other surgeries but there is always a little bit of anxiety for any procedure (at least for me). Having it done at UofC at Hyde Park (HATE being at this location). Some extra prayers for smooth operation is appreciated.
Beef Ravioli Part 2
Footballguy
Going to pray right now!
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Radiation is kicking her butt... more so than the doctors thought. Another round earlier today and yesterday so she is out of it sleeping and throwing up but she is home (first night staying at home since she was admitted).
My daughter is helping pick up some of all the stuff my wife normally does that I suck at like wrapping and cooking some of the normal stuff she does for Christmas. Going to have to wrap my daughter's presents though... that should turn out less than pretty.
Kind of doesn't feel like Christmas because I have been on auto pilot really just doing stuff that needs to be done.
Just got home from grocery to get all the stuff for Christmas dinner etc.
Putting on It’s a Wonderful Life. Then will go through White Christmas. Maybe Scrooged and then A Christmas Story.
Merry Christmas to everyone... your support and prayers have been and are very appreciated. Do me a favor and just really appreciate your time with your family... you never know when things can go sideways.
My daughter is helping pick up some of all the stuff my wife normally does that I suck at like wrapping and cooking some of the normal stuff she does for Christmas. Going to have to wrap my daughter's presents though... that should turn out less than pretty.
Kind of doesn't feel like Christmas because I have been on auto pilot really just doing stuff that needs to be done.
Just got home from grocery to get all the stuff for Christmas dinner etc.
Putting on It’s a Wonderful Life. Then will go through White Christmas. Maybe Scrooged and then A Christmas Story.
Merry Christmas to everyone... your support and prayers have been and are very appreciated. Do me a favor and just really appreciate your time with your family... you never know when things can go sideways.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Merry Christmas Chad. Thinking of you and came to check this thread. Your whole family is so strong and resilient, it’s amazing. Hope your wife continues to see progress. T&P for her and all of you.
Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
She's home and you're all together- the best gift of all.
Joyeux Noël
Joyeux Noël
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
2.54cm=1inch
3C's
Footballguy
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Sorry to hear this. Hang in there man. Can you ask someone in your support network to help wrap the presents (maybe too late now)?
Chadstroma
Footballguy
If I was smart I would have thought about that but I am not.... so my daughter got some the ugliest wrapped presents ever, a few gift bags and the a couple of big presents that I just didn't wrap and left out.
Drunken knight
Footballguy
Chadstroma
Footballguy
She finished radiation. Gong to PT and had a scan today. She graduated from a walker to a cane last Thursday so that shows how she is improving but still has a ways to go. An MRI upcoming that if all is good then they will move on to the infusions every 3 weeks and pills for the HER 2 meds.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
GLLLLLLL Mrs. Stroma
Chadstroma
Footballguy
She is continuing to make progress. Finished PT though she is still in need of a cane as she can get off balance at times. Mostly in times like standing up too fast. Her neck is still super stiff. Pretty much her whole digestive system is screwed up. Throws up a lot and has issues going the other direction too. She ran out of vacation, sick, short term disability so no income on her side which is hurting on top of it being slow lending time. She is going back to work in two weeks... basically ready or not.
The trip to the CFB Championship was good for me. Even though I drove 1500 miles in basically two days it did give me a break from the whole running her around for appointments, the kids for their stuff, my own PT and Dr appointments and try to get some work in there at times too. I didn't realize how much of a mental break I needed until I got it. It is what it is though, like I tell others all the the time... I got the easy job. I sure as heck am not going to complain. If the roles were reversed she would knock it out like she is now while I would be curled up in a ball in the corner crying half the day.
The trip to the CFB Championship was good for me. Even though I drove 1500 miles in basically two days it did give me a break from the whole running her around for appointments, the kids for their stuff, my own PT and Dr appointments and try to get some work in there at times too. I didn't realize how much of a mental break I needed until I got it. It is what it is though, like I tell others all the the time... I got the easy job. I sure as heck am not going to complain. If the roles were reversed she would knock it out like she is now while I would be curled up in a ball in the corner crying half the day.
bigbottom
Footballguy
You are doing an awesome job man. And getting a break now and then is not only deserved, it is necessary. Caregivers need care as well.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Glad to hear she continues to have progress. Glad you got a mental break.
Be kind to yourself Chad man. You are doing such an amazing job of supporting everyone. I hope you continue to give yourself grace and find chances to get a break too.
And thanks for sharing this journey. Many people in here are going through their own stuff - I’ll only speak for myself but you give me strength through your experience.
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
You’re a good dude Chad keep on keepin on. Glad she’s improving!
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Newest of new updates
In short... going great.
We had a doctor appointment with the oncologist today going over all the scans and MRI's etc. No sign of anything and the areas of 'keep an eye on it' type things all were gone or stayed the same size etc.
Inflammation around her brain is less which I can tell as she is slowly making progress with walking. She is still walking with a cane but her ability to walk for longer, faster and less reliance on the cane is noticeable.
So, as the Doctor put it, couldn't be better.
My attention is starting to shift to address our financial situation which is absolute poo after three years of fighting cancer and my income not being as much with lending being less. We have a ridiculous amount of debt now so I will need to restructure it and then hopefully start making progress on it.
In short... going great.
We had a doctor appointment with the oncologist today going over all the scans and MRI's etc. No sign of anything and the areas of 'keep an eye on it' type things all were gone or stayed the same size etc.
Inflammation around her brain is less which I can tell as she is slowly making progress with walking. She is still walking with a cane but her ability to walk for longer, faster and less reliance on the cane is noticeable.
So, as the Doctor put it, couldn't be better.
My attention is starting to shift to address our financial situation which is absolute poo after three years of fighting cancer and my income not being as much with lending being less. We have a ridiculous amount of debt now so I will need to restructure it and then hopefully start making progress on it.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Oh and yesterday her boss offered to move her to a new position which they essentially created for her at same salary but would let her work from home almost all of the time and less stress. But on the other hand, she would lose out on bonus potential which obviously we kind of need. Not sure what she will do. It is a cool thing though that they basically went out of their way to try to create a position she could laterally move to in order to make it easier for her to recover.
Atomic Punk
Footballguy
Awesome news man, especially her work being so amenable to working out something for her to keep on working.
Keep on keeping on and good luck with the $ side of things … you’ve got some good karma coming your way.
Keep on keeping on and good luck with the $ side of things … you’ve got some good karma coming your way.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
It will start with restructuring our debt using equity..... luckily I know a guy that knows about those kind of things.
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
Exceptional people are hard to find in the work environment these days. Her employee definitely sees this. Awesome news!
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Yes, my wife is a GREAT employee. She takes her role seriously, works hard, always tries to do a good job and is very competent. As a regional manager who leads a team, she is a very good leader. She doesn't play games or make decisions on emotional fluff but it honest, upfront and direct. She cares about her people but also is no where near a doormat. Her team likes and respects her and work hard for her. She works for a bank that is not a community bank but also not really a small regional either. If she worked at a 'BofA' or 'Chase' it would be a different experience for sure.
My suggestions to her was to clarify the role and shape it into what she wanted it to be since the basically went around saying "what do we need help with?" to try to fill the role up. The way it was first proposed to her was really a hodge podge of different things from sales, training to operations. I told her ask to clarify it more and help them define it more in what you want to do and are interested in.
The second thing I told her was to see if she could get a bump in salary as she would not have any incentive bonus income in this role as she did with the previous role.
She did both and they basically told her to shape the role as she likes with some outline of things that they want to improve and as well as they did give an increase in salary.... not quite what she could make if she maxed out her bonus income but more than a token increase as well and it is part of her salary so she knows she will get it.
She accepted. She told her team today. She told me that as she was telling them, all of a sudden most of them were turning their cameras off and she was like 'WTF'. Then some turned their cameras back on and she could tell they were crying. Then her boss came on and started talking about how this was good for her etc and the cameras went off again. After the call, she got immediate phone calls, texts and messages that basically all were some form of "happy for you but this sucks for me"
So, it works out well for her. Works out well for the family. We will have more flexibility as she will not be tied as much to a set schedule and will be working at home. A lot less we have to pay in gas so that is a big bonus as well we very little commuting time other than an occasional meeting. Overall, a good thing for her and the family. I am also wondering if this will end up positioning her for future career movement as this will expand her experience and skillset beyond her fellow regionals will have. But the bad thing about being at a smaller organization, upward positions do not open up very often.... but if something does.... I have to think this would give her an advantage in the long term to get it.
Chadstroma
Footballguy
Ok... things have been going well for a while but there is a note of worry now.
She had some sort of scan (echo I think?) yesterday and the immediate reading was that it was good. Today she got a call that there was some detection of water around the lungs and that is a possible sign of spread of cancer. She said they don't think it looks like something but they want to make sure with an x-ray tomorrow.
I Fing hate this crap. I have had a low couple of days (things seem to be bothering me more than usual) and then this hits me. As much as try not to go dark.... it is hard as hell.
Prayers please.
She had some sort of scan (echo I think?) yesterday and the immediate reading was that it was good. Today she got a call that there was some detection of water around the lungs and that is a possible sign of spread of cancer. She said they don't think it looks like something but they want to make sure with an x-ray tomorrow.
I Fing hate this crap. I have had a low couple of days (things seem to be bothering me more than usual) and then this hits me. As much as try not to go dark.... it is hard as hell.
Prayers please.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Thinking of you all Chad.
Phil Elliott
Footballguy
Praying for the best!
FarFromHome
Footballguy
Oh my. Damn scary buddy. As someone that has went through that phone call numerous times it's just a brutal spot to be in. Wishing you good news soon man.
Cowboysfan8
Footballguy
Best vibes sent your way Chad
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Thops bro
BroncoFreak_2K3
sucker for Orange
steelerfan1
Footballguy
Prayers that is nothing Chad.
STEADYMOBBIN 22
Footballguy
I am sending only the best, most positive vibes, prayers and wishes her way Chadius Maximus !
Kuz
Footballguy
Prayers to you... Hope your wife gets some good news soon
Chadstroma
Footballguy
XRay came back looking good.
Damn good news but this hit me hard. Not as hard as hearing confirmation of cancer the previous two times but harder than the first two we need to look at this in the past. I am relieved but I am feeling a little 'thin' emotionally in the aftermath.
My wife is a warrior. It doesn't seem to have phased her at all which makes me feel even worse... like what a wuss am I?
Ok, back to the normal day to day thing.
Damn good news but this hit me hard. Not as hard as hearing confirmation of cancer the previous two times but harder than the first two we need to look at this in the past. I am relieved but I am feeling a little 'thin' emotionally in the aftermath.
My wife is a warrior. It doesn't seem to have phased her at all which makes me feel even worse... like what a wuss am I?
Ok, back to the normal day to day thing.
