6 weeks and two days ago…
See… I have been trying to write.
Well, I have been trying in my head really really hard
and it all sounded perfectly fine… Somehow it just didn't quite make it onto the paper, or
well, because we do live in the modern days, on my perfectly fine purple
laptop…
Now I have so much to tell you that I don’t know where to
start!
First: I missed you all very much!
Second: We got more news last Tuesday (six weeks ago), and yes my
plan was to write this down all nice and fuzzy, reason being everything seems
much harsher on paper… like, if you tell a person that is sitting across from
you, you can tone things down with good facial expressions or smile even more
bright when you deliver sad news. When you write things down you can smile a
comforting smile but no one is there to see, and thus… much harsher…
Not that it is really bad, it could be worse, but it was
not what we have been hoping for either.
So, here we go: rib, breast, spine, lung and liver area are
still stable; this means nothing got bigger, and nothing got smaller. The spot
in my small intestine got smaller, which is good news and this might indicate
that the IL-2 is working, but the spot around the ovary got a bit bigger, so
were back to square one, more or less.
Because the scans don’t really indicate what it is they are seeing (they
just see something there that should not be and is bigger than a month ago) we
need to do more testing next week.
New doctor, new procedures, new nurses, which I am sure
are going to be wonderful (the doctors and nurses, I don’t know about the
procedures…), but still it is a bit scary. We were hoping the IL-2 just would
have done its job and made everything smaller (or made it disappear all
together) but maybe it is just a bit slow and needs some more time.
And well, time is a bit of an issue
Not that I don’t have time, I have plenty (or so I like
to think) but this “giving it time” thing is really stressful!!! And thinking about being sick 24/7 doesn’t
really make you feel better or makes you go back to work, writing, riding or
relaxing… So… it is even more stressful
to be stressful.
Trying to be stress free is hard work.
But my sweet friend told me in a very stern voice
yesterday, that I better get my act together and be a little selfish for a
change, stop worrying about everything that I like to worry about and GET
BETTER! She said; everybody would understand if I took a little break every now
and then to fight this nasty fight because if I didn’t, they (as in my family
and friends) would be a whole lot more upset if I didn’t take these little
breaks and not be here not more because I wasn’t a bit more “selfish” and take
the time to heal and kill some nasty cells…
Oh well…. that was a bit of a rambling thing, but I think
you get the picture, right? Less stress, more cancer kicking in the butt and
getting to meet lovely new people (nurses in this case)… hehe...
Today it has been over six weeks since I wrote this post above...
I had to go into surgery the next day after writing this.
They took out my left ovary.
We did new scans.
All the tumors grew since January.
The IL-2 did not work.
This Monday, and yes with this Monday I mean Monday the 5th
of March 2012 we are going to start with the new drug, recently approved by the
FDA, Zelboraf. And I am going to try my
hardest to keep writing, just because I love it. Because I love life, and
because I love you all. Yes this sounds a bit creepy, but it is meant well…
Third time is the charm, right?
...
96 comments:
It's so good to hear from you again! I'm sorry the news wasn't what you had hoped for! I'll be thinking of you and still praying that this new drug will be successful! ((Hugs to you from PA!))
oh, leontien. so good to hear from you. i am sorry the IL2 did not work as you had hoped! i hope the new drug will be your 'knight in shining armor', riding in to save the day. dearie, please take time for yourself.
Leontien...thank you so much for writing today. We have all been thinking about you. Yes, let that third time be the charm! Hope you will continue to keep us informed.
Big hugs from Skoog Farm...to you, your family and every one of your critters.
I'm so glad to read a post from you.
You have been on my mind.
During hard times when things don't quite make sense I like to remember this, ~If nothing ever changed, there would be no Butterflies~
I will keep praying for you!!!
Power to the panties!
Good to hear from you, Leontien.
*hugs* ♥
God bless. Third time will be a charm.
If you enjoy writing, then please do it when you have time.
Even if it's just a line.
Think of you a lot and keep you in my prayers.
I have been wondering how you have been doing. Thanks for the update. :( I hope that this new drug will be the miracle you need. And I will pray for the other kind of miracle too. Do what you love, sweet lady. Prayers and hugs to you.
Ah Leontien! I wish I was their to hugs those stupid cells right out of your body. You have been through so much.
I hope the nurses are treating you well. It's a good thing they have such an awesome patient to work with. Be sure and let the docs know who is boss.
Ya, that's right you! The cancer butt-kicking ninja!
I love you.
Ah Leontien! I wish I was their to hugs those stupid cells right out of your body. You have been through so much.
I hope the nurses are treating you well. It's a good thing they have such an awesome patient to work with. Be sure and let the docs know who is boss.
Ya, that's right you! The cancer butt-kicking ninja!
I love you.
I have been wondering how you have been doing. Thanks for the update. :( I hope that this new drug will be the miracle you need. And I will pray for the other kind of miracle too. Do what you love, sweet lady. Prayers and hugs to you.
I have been wondering how you have been doing. Thanks for the update. :( I hope that this new drug will be the miracle you need. And I will pray for the other kind of miracle too. Do what you love, sweet lady. Prayers and hugs to you.
So glad to see you on here, and it is so good to hear your written voice again. Great news about your Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year Award! What a great achievement for you and your family! Let this be the first of many good moments to come. Hugs to you, and you will be in my thoughts and heart on Monday!
Then you see, everybody is expecting your coming back.
We all miss you.
Third time is always a charm.
Cheers!!!!!
Hi Leontien, I am sorry you had a set back and hope this new drug will work wonders for you. My fingers and toes are crossed and prayers will be said.
I have a 37 year old niece that is fighting cancer much the same as yours.
Take care.
Leontien
I pray for you every morning and will keep up the prayers. You take care and I hope your new drug is good to you and works God bless you
There is nothing that could have made me happier than reading from you tonight Leontien. Absolutely the third time is the charm. Fight hard and take time for you. You are always on our mind and in our prayers.
Have faith, it is the one healing medicine you can give yourself.
Dear, Sweet girl...as happy as I am to hear from you, and I am, you take all the time for yourself to kick that ugly cancers butt! I think of you so often and pray for you all of the time and want good things to come your way. Sending you prayers and hugs. Think of us as your cheerleaders...all waving our pompons high in the air...just for you!
we love you Leo, give 'em hell baby!
Oh my dear Leontein - THIRD TIME IS THE CHARM! Absolutely. I have been praying and trying to check on you. I am glad to hear from you. Now you put all your worries away and get that cancer!!! sandie
I've sent emails back and forth with another blogger about you these past weeks. Worried, worried, worried..and I don't even know you.
I was so excited to see your post on my feed. A lot happening but, nothing great? Well, pull your panties up and give it hell.
All of us are praying and thinking of you everyday.
So glad to hear about what is going on! I have missed your sweet self.
Still praying for you over here in Maui. The other day, I thought, what is going on with Leontien? Then you posted! YEAH!
I have also been thinking of you. I will continue to pray for you. The third time is the charm!!! Smudge sends her love and hugs. Still chewing the chair and everything else. Love and hugs...
I've been thinking of you, hoping you're doing OK. You're in my prayers.
We've missed you!!!
Dear Leontien, you don't know how happy I am to know that you are still with us and fighting. My first reaction tonight when I saw your post on my blog roll was
" O MY GOD".
Have you heard about Father Fernando Suarez, he is a Catholic priest who has the gift of healing. He heals in the name of Jesus Christ. I met him in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada at a healing mission and I was healed from a back problem that I had for over 30 years.
You can find out all about Father Fernando Suarez on the web.
You can ask for healing prayer by typing Youtube #1 Healing Prayer fr Suarez Cyber Healing Center.
You have nothing to loose by checking him out. He heals via the phone or cyber space
He's from the Philippines but was ordained priest in the Order of The Companions of the Cross in Ottawa, Canada.
I'm keeping you in my prayers. May you receive the healing of Christ. Love & hugs. Julia
Leontien, I am so glad to see your writing just venting is good for you. Sometimes when I am processing something very difficult I isolate myself a little and get my bearing ready for the next major stress. You have such a grace about you Leontien were all praying for positive outcomes. One day at a time, Super hugs Cheri
Your bravery is amazing, your courage is inspiring and your spirit will be what helps the new medicine heal you.
Thank you for this update and please put yourself on the top of your list of things to take care of. I will be praying for the best possible results for you.
Thank you for posting your thoughts, fears and hopes. This journey is best remembered in writing, for all of us. Life is such a struggle and seems so unfair at times. But I know you are not left alone in this journey, and there are those that love you on the other side of this veil of life. My prayers go out to you and your family. Being a Mormon (much in news), I believe in prayers and faith. I will add your name to our temple prayer roll -- hope you don't mind some Mormons praying for you (the names are kept private, no one knows who they're praying for -- just that they need help). So sorry for the set back. Lots of love.
I've been checking and checking for updates on your recovery. Yes, I said recovery...we're praying this new drug is going to do the job and rid your body of those nasty cells.
Yes, be selfish..... take care of you. You have so many friends who love you and keep you in our prayers.
Continued prayers for you my friend and all of the doctors and nurses who care for you.
Oh sweetheart,
Are the drugs doing anything at all but making you feel sick?
I think oncologists just make lots of money selling hope and delivering - nothing in the way of 100% healing.
You do what you need to do to take care of YOU with the precious time that you have.
Thank you SO MUCH for posting and keeping us connected to you.
Wishes of kindness and care sent your way, dear Leontien.
My heart goes out to you. You are a valiant and loving soul, and I am so sorry.
Cancer is random and inexplicable and it sucks.
((many hugs)
Thinking of you.
((hugs again, Leontien - one for every minute of each day))
Love you too, Leontien! Will keep praying for you, too!
Be selfish. Kick butt.
Leontien -- I am so glad to hear from you!!!!! I've been so concerned. You will continue in my thoughts and prayers daily. Hugs to you. Keep fighting.
Thanks for the post Leontien. I know you don't have tons of energy and I have been wondering and worrying... and now I am, and will be, praying and praying and praying for you. Hang tough (like you always do). Hugs. Big big hugs to you.
glad to get an update. praying for you. much love.
There is an eloquence with ones writing that always adds some charm.Thought of you the other day and it is so nice to hear from you. I have a tiny recorder to organize my thoughts while driving, and if I had Dragon Speaking could plug it in to print my words.
i will continue to pray for you, leontien! we are all missing you too! but you should keep being as selfish as you need to be. hugs!!
Well, poop on the bad part, but I'm SO glad you took some time to update. Third time will be the charm! I'm praying!
God bless you!
Dear Leontien, it's so very good to hear from you! We've been thinking about you and wondering how things were going. I'm sorry the IL-2 didn't eradicate those old nasty cells, but I pray that the new drug will be the charm! Think positive and take care of you. Concentrate on being strong and healthy and kicking the yucky cells to the curb! Hugs, Cheryl
It is so nice to see you post, we all have so missed you. I keep you in my prayers and Yes, third time IS the charm!! Dios te bendiga (spanish for God Bless YOu!) <3
Linda Montes
linelu55@yahoo.com
sending lots of prayers and hugs. Yes, the third time will be a charm! It has to!!!
Hey Leontien!
Thanks for sharing! And you're are right to be 'selfish'. I hope so much the new medicine will do some serious cancer butt kicking!!!
Joost
Hi Leontien, it is so good to hear from you, you have been in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry you have had this setback. Third time WILL be a charm. You be as selfish as you like and take time for yourself.
Sending you lots of hugs.
Lieve Leontien,
Ik heb echt je schrijven gemist. Af en toe even gekeken of je wel geschreven had! Maar nee ...
En nu je geschreven hebt voel ik me toch wat moedeloos door je bericht.
Je bent een strijd aan het leveren op afstand en ik hoop dat je de kracht mag krijgen de volgende kuur te doorstaan.
Heel veel sterkte!
Veel lieve groeten,
Gerreke
I love your "voice;" despite what you may think, I think your intentions always come through. I never feel down when reading your posts. They are so honest and real. Stay that way! Using a drug recently approved sounds good to me -- new technology! I will be praying for you (as always). Congrats on the dairy award. How wonderful! MOO to you and your family!!
Cindy and I have come to love you so much, as you have touched us in a deeply meaningful way. Much love to you, dear leontien.
Oh, Leontien, I can't tell you how excited I was to see your comment this morning on my blog and race over here to see if you had done a post. I have missed you so much. WE have missed you so much, as you can already see. I hate this stinkin' cancer. I am praying for your healing, for your comfort, for your peace. You are amazing and I am sending you HUGE hugs from Texas!! blessings and love ~ tanna
I'm so glad to hear from you. I'm sorry that the treatment did not work. I hope that this new stuff will be your miracle drug.
And it's never selfish to put yourself first for health reasons!
Good luck on Monday. I'll be thinking of you!
Dear Leontian, please don't feel that you have to visit my blog. Just knowing that you are still alive fighting is plenty of grace for me.
Even a little note on your blog that says I'M STILL ALIVE is all we need until you are strong again.
Just hang in there sister. Much love and prayers. Hugs. JB
I was so happy to see your post! I think about you and your struggle every day. No, I don't think it sounds creepy, it sounds honest. I'm as disappointed as you are, that the treatment didn't work, we're praying that this new one will do the trick.
XXX
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King Jr.
Keep on taking care of you and be selfish! Do whatever it is that gives you solace and peace in this time. Sending you healing thoughts and positve energy.
Love and Hugs!
Leontian,
Thoughts and prayers and care bear stares from Kansas as you continue your fight. I am a firm believer in the power of 3's...and your situation is no different. Keep being selfish, keep kickin butt, and keep healing...and we'll keep praying!
Prayers and love from Kansas,
Lori
I missed reading your blog and I missed you. Glad to see that you are hanging in there. Your friend is right. A little selfishness never hurt anybody. Concentrate on getting well. We'll still be here cheering you on. I really pray that the meds will work this time around. I'll keep praying for you to get well. Big hugs♥
Good to hear from you! I'll be praying for you! Blessings and much love ~ Dawn
Dear Leontein
Sorry this medication didn't do it's work, but keep faith and as you say third time lucky.
Sending a gentle [hug] across the pond.
Rose H
xx
Ik ben zo blij wat van je te horen......pfff meissie toch....heb je kaart hier vandaag op tafel gezet....omdat ie zo gezellig bij mijn voorjaars hoekje past !!....met de vlinders.....wel bijzonder dat ik dat juist vanmorgen heb gedaan......en nu je post lees...ik ben er verdrietig om dat het allemaal niet goed gaat......ik voel pijn......en oh ik hoop zo dat de volgende kuur aanslaat.....ik laat de kaart lekker staan en ga vreselijk voor je bidden...en aan je denken......en ik blijf echt geloven in een wonder........liefs van mij...xxx...
My Dear Leontien I want you to be selfish everyone that knows you wants that. We want you to fight with everything you have and not worry about us.
I am praying as hard as I can and I know so is everyone else, miracles do happen my dear friend do not give up.
You can write on your blog if you want I know it helps to get it out and to hear all the people that love you sending comments to make you smile can only help. Do what makes you happy.
I wish I could do more I, like all of us who love you, feel so helpless so you have to be selfish and think of yourself and not worry about anyone else this is what you have to do.
All my love and hugs Leontien. Hug Baastien and your family they want you to be selfish too. Third time is the charm.
xxoo HUGS B
Sorry to hear the drug did not work for you....Sending you thoughts and prayers from Tennessee. God bless you Leontien...he is with you every step of the way.
Leontien, I am so sorry #2 did not work, so perhaps #3 will do
the trick!! I've been thinking and
praying for you. I miss your posts
but I'd rather not have them if it
means you're focusing on YOU!
Many blessings and hugs,
Annie
mysandycat@aol.com
Hello dear Leontien.So sorry to hear this news.I cant even begin to image how that sounded to you.God Bless you and keep postitive,I know its difficult,you get angry and sad and cry.But let it out and then begin again.All my prayers this Easter season are with you.HUGS!
Dear Leontien: I have been wondering about you. I was glad to see you wrote. I am so sorry things aren't working out the way you hoped. I hope with all my heart that this new medicine works wonders! Please take the time for you. Even if it's to stomp your feet and yell "it's not fair!" Love and hugs coming at ya.
Susan
I am so glad that you filled us in with what's been going on. And you are right... words don't convey the inflection and sometimes don't 'say' what you want them to, the way you want to!
I am keeping my fingers crossed, sending you (((((hugs))))) and praying that the new drug kicks butt!
Bless you! May good things come your way! It's about time!
Thanks for posting, I've been worried about you. I'm still worried but it's nice to hear from ya!!
Hang in there and know that we're hanging with you!!
Dear Leontien, I've thought of you often. I'm so sorry to hear things haven't gone as planned. I completely agree that you need to take time to heal yourself. You have to be rested so that you're strong to kick butt! Thank you for taking time to let us all know how you are doing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marie
Lieve Leo... ik denk aan je
I have had my eye out for you and have kept you in my prayers. I was so pleased to see a new posting and just sorry some of the news is iffy. I am really hopeful for this new drug however and hope once and for all it kicks your cancer to the curb.
Please let us know every now and then,if only a line or two.
You stay in my prayers.
Thank you for your comforting thougths about my friend.
Not the news you want to hear but glad you took the time to tell us what was going on.
Yes, the third time's the charm...you just have to find the thing that works with YOUR body chemistry and then hopefully be able to enjoy life in a new way!! Hugs and prayers, Leontien.
Sweetheart, I know it's not what we all hoped to hear, but I just know you're going to get through this. Please stay upbeat, and keep that beautiful spirit.
I think of you each day, and I've been checking both here and your Facebook page for any news.
Please know that I am praying real hard.
xo.
It was great to see you online, posting and commenting. I'm sure we all wish you success with the new treatment and have been, are are remembering yo daily in our prayers and our heartfelt thoughts.
Dear leontien, I have thought of you so often and keep you in my prayers.I do think third time is your charm.I know it is so hard to keep your focus but it is so important to focus on you and healing. I will keep you in my prayers and continue to post.
Cathy
Oh Sweet Leontien.... As much as we love hearing from you, we don't ever want blogging or writing to be a stress on you. Just do what you can --and concentrate on getting well...
You are truly in the fight for your life --and with your great attitude, you can keep winning....
God Bless You.. You are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.
Hugs,
Betsy
I am glad to read an update from you, even if it's not the news we're hoping & praying for. Continued prayers for your healing. Lots of love from France.
Beaut to hear from you, but sad that the IL-2 didn't work. That's good there's another drug to try. Third time is the charm - yes!
All the best Leontien, and, until you feel like writing again - at your own pace. Susan xx
I'm writing with a sigh of relief to see you comment and question. Barb is recovering well from her second bout and surgery. Mayo's pronosis is good. Thank you for asking. And so disappointed to read you treatment has no lived up to you hopes. Now round three. This will be your lucky charm. I feel it. It must be. And all our prayers to make it so.......
Really, really good to hear from you. Sending continuous prayers your way.
I've been away from my blog for a week and I know how guilty I feel. But, I should feel guilty because I'm just lazy.
You, however, should let the blog rest and save your energy for kicking butt!! ;-) Prayers, prayers, prayers!!
I have been thinking of you over the last few weeks, I pray that the new drugs will work for you. Sending the very biggest big virtual hug that I can, we are all here for you xxxx
Please take the time you need Leontien! Still praying on this end. Jesus we trust in You.
In England we say "Third Time Lucky" and I'm sure that will be the case for you - you deserve a break by now!
I am so glad to hear from you again! I'm so sorry the news wasn't what you had hoped for - praying that the third time will be the charm and that the new drug will be successful! Take your time and write when you feel like it - concentrate that energy into kicking some cancer ***!
So good to hear from you ...
sorry for the delay in response.. the prayers keep coming your way..
and we have something in common.. Love matchbox 20!!!! saw them years ago with U2
Please take your friend's advice and be selfish! Third time's a charm, you have much positive thoughts and prayer going your way! Hugs!
Don't ever feel bad about taking a Blogging break Leontien! We all take breaks for little to no reason at all. You are fighting a battle that takes every ounce of energy and then some so we do understand. I also understand you missing the writing part of Blogging. Sometimes I ramble about nothing just because I feel like Blogging, LOL!!
We all love you too Leontien and I pray for you. I was so happy to see your post today.
Love Di ♥
Oh darlin' I hope so. I'm prayin' for God to shower a heap of miracles over your life right now. Bless your heart.
Please, take it easy. Take all the time you need to fight this thing. It's too important.
Your too important.
God bless ya and have yourself a beautiful stress free weekend.
Hugs and prayers .....
Praying for you!!!
You were on my heart today...prayers comin' your way!
God bless ya sweetie! :o)
It's so good to hear from you and I'm so sorry the treatment didn't work. Trying to not be stressed must be very stressful for you and I hope there is some way for you to find the peace you need to fight this nasty disease. I hope the new treatment will work and I will keep thinking of you. Sending hugs -- Inger
I see baby calves and I think of you :)!
I did something crazy last week - I know you would approve ;) I am living life big time while I can, while I feel good - I drove a 1000 miles round trip by myself (but not in the stupid truck lol) to visit and stay with my daughters in Missoula MT - and we went out on st. patricks day and I drank some green beer and danced at a college union hall with them and their beaus - jitterbug and more :D - although i had to rest inbetween dances...I forgot about being sick and I forgot about the what ifs and I laughed and laughed the whole time. I lived, and it was a gift - I needed that more then anything...
So as long as I took my time I did okay :) -i know you know this..! Heal well my friend, Spring is still waiting for you always :) !!
I can just pray and say that i hope God bless you.
My husband had intestine cancer; he had surgery last year and apparently he's ok. May the LORD Help you...
I'll pray!
Hugs
Isabel (from Portugal)
Wishing you well my new friend , it's good to see you .I do hope all goes well for you , healing thoughts are coming your way.
Best Wishes Sheila
Leontien
You are still in my prayers, my friend. May the Lord give you the strength you need to get through all of your treatments.
Please keep us posted.
Hugs-Kimberly
Thinking of you and sending prayers and hugs for you xxx
You're in my thoughts and prayers!
Big hugs x
Eva
Dear Leontien,
You are never far from my thoughts and heart. I hope that you were with your loving family this Easter weekend and that you are still fighting although I'm sure that you are VERY TIRED by now. I just want you to know that you are still being prayed for.
Wishing you strength courage and lots of healing in this battle. BIGS HUGS sister , love Julia
Hugs and prayers for you young lady. God bless you, your family, friends, and beautiful blog.
Can anyone out there share an update on Leontien? I do not have Facebook or Twitter so cannot check up on her. I am worried. I want her to be well. Thank you.
Hi Leontien, I'm thinking of you and I hope that you are doing well under the circumstances. I'm sending you healing thoughts and prayers and I hope that you are at home with Bastien and family.
Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
JB
I have been wondering how you have been doing. Thanks for the update. :( I hope that this new drug will be the miracle you need. And I will pray for the other kind of miracle too. Do what you love, sweet lady. Prayers and hugs to you.
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