Chemo has failed, and is now over

freeio · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: Chemo has failed, and is now over

Yesterday's trip to Kirklin Clinic (Birmingham, AL) was full of diagnostic tests, and then a visit with Dr. James Posey. All indications are that the chemotherapy (combined Gemzar, Tarceva, and Oxaliplatin) have failed to slow the spread of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The CT scans show continued rapid spread through the lymph nodes in the lung area, and also throughout the spine, ribs, illium, and sacrum. The CA19-9 is now at 908, and is doubling about every 43 days.

Chemo has been halted, and we have an appointment several weeks out to see what the other potential treatments are. For the bone cancer, strontium-90 was suggested, which is really a desperation measure at this point. Dr. Posey says that there may be a study to try, but that does not hold out much hope.

I still feel good enough to keep writing and blogging for the time being, so I will enjoy that while it lasts.

Best wishes to all of you!

Marty
_________________
-------------------------------------------------
whipple procedure, Oct. 21, 2004
28 days of radiation
56 days of Chemo using Xeloda
diagnosed as progressive recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Stage IV) Jun. 20, 2006
was treated with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and tarceva, which all failed.
Cancer blog: http://diehlmartin.com/cancer.html

brainman

Marty, I just read your post so forgive me if I am not able to write what I am really feeling Sad

. My heart is breaking and the tears are flowing. I have read your posts and come to admire your courage and compassion for others on this site.

This is really hard news for me to accept. I cannot even begin to know how hard it is for you.

As always, you are in my thoughts and my prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Big Sister · Experienced user Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 68

Good Morning, Marty --

Just yesterday my neighbor was taken to an ICU facility in Burlington, Vermont. He is a small, wiry man who, in his 52 years, has been to the doctor's office twice: once when he broke his leg, the second time when he had his teeth replaced. He is a vigorous man, a construction worker, an antique tractor aficianado, always busy with heavy jobs and endless activity. He is also a smoker.

The diagnosis is not good: the lower chambers of the heart no longer function as they should, creating great fatigue, pulmonary edema, and general loss of vitality. Beyond the dx, he himself is going crazy, lying there in another state, away from his horses and dogs, away from his workbench, away from the family who adores him, instead surrounded by strangers poking at his vitals, knowing in his damaged heart that life will never be the same again.

I say this today because of your most recent post and the uncertainty you also face in the days ahead.

Marty, there is a huge gap between what you've endured with patience and acceptance for the past several years and what this man is shocked to face in his near future. You, who have bravely pursued all options, placing your final trust in God and the medical people who tend you; you who inspire(d) all of us in our days of uncertainty; you who have stroked us through this forum during our months of anguish must know that without your cheers and atta girls, we would not have been as strong as we needed to be for our people - and afterwards.

No one can ever say for sure what really goes on behind the veil of words on a page, but your written message has been clear and selfless: Things are the way they are and we must make the most of the days allotted to us. Period.

I send cheers and "Atta boys" to you today with particular thanks for keeping us all on track. I wish my neighbor peace of mind and you the joy of uncluttered days.

Fondly, Pat

Cassiel240 · Regular Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 12

Marty, I'm pretty new to these forums, but I wanted to let you know how much help you've been to me through your past posts, both to me and to others. I've also really been helped through reading your blog. Like Pat said, your messages of peace and resolve are tremendously comforting. Peace, comfort, hope and my best to you, and thanks,
Cassiel
_________________
There's a crack in everything - that's how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen

In

Hi Marty, Just a note to say that you are so appriated on here. For all and any advice. (as you can see from earlier replys, you are muched loved, and looked up too)

I have just read your blog, and it's amazing what stregth you have had, and a rolemodel to all. You have faith, strength, love and humour.

You blog as helped me in many ways, even though i don't suffer from any of those things. It just shows me how to be a better person... THANKS

Take Care- IN
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

JenniferS · Regular Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 15

and pray for you. I read your blog every day and have many cried tears for you and feel like I know you personally. You are such a remarkable person and I am priviledged to have "met" you. I know that you are in the best hands but I just want you to know the impact you have had on me. I will always remember you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

With warm regards,
Jennifer

Wunderchu · Regular Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 29

If you are willing to try any alternative therapies, I would highly recommend trying the following remedies. I am not affiliated with any of the producers of these products, nor do I work in the field of naturopathic medicine, so I don't stand to gain anything from people choosing to use any of these therapies, except for the satisfaction that I may have done God’s work and may have helped at least one person fight cancer. I believe God has guided me to these therapies:

triphala;

not only are there these promising results, http://www.cancerfocus.net/node/390 , http://www.ayurveda-herbs.com/29.htm but CancerCompass member Shemay has posted on numerous occasions, a link to this article:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16484716&dopt=Abstract

which describes, "The long-term survival of a patient with pancreatic cancer". In that article, the authors describe that this survivor took alpha-lipoic acid along with another chemical. Triphala contains alpha-lipoic acid.

the only negative aspect of triphala is the issue of potential heavy metal contamination, to which I refer to this article:

https://www.smileherb.com/article.php?id=65

Also, if one would like to try triphala, I believe God is guiding me to suggest to make sure the patient is drinking enough water and eating enough food throughout the day.

capsaicin;

similar to triphala, there are these promising discoveries:

http://www.pancreasweb.com/pancreas.asp?ak=Detail&zaehler=3615

also, "Dr. Rowen Prescribes Capsaicin

****************************

Most of you know I like Dr. Robert Ray Rowen's "Second Opinion" newsletter. He had an interesting article in the May, 2007 issue. It was called "The Only Safe Way to Burn Cancer Out of Your Body." Here are some excerpts and information on how to get the product he is touting:

"For years, doctors and medical science believed the only way to effectively burn cancer out of your body was with radiation. Of course, they still hold to that dogma. But you don't have to. There's another way to burn cancer out of your body. And this method is completely safe to the surrounding tissues and the rest of your body....

Researchers in two separate studies have found a way to burn cancer cells with capsaicin rather than radiation. Capsaicin is the very hot extract of red peppers....

A British study led by Dr. Timothy Bates has found that capsaicin directly attacks the mitochondria (energy furnaces) of cancer cells. But it leaves the mitochondria of normal cells untouched. The team found that lung and pancreatic cancer cells incubated with the hot extract died from the direct assault on their energy furnaces. Pancreatic cancer cells are particularly hard to kill, so this is great news.

Study after study is showing the incredible healing power of spices and herbs such as red pepper and turmeric....So I have asked Farmacopia (800-896-1484) to carry a dried extract [of the capsaicin] in capsules (40,000 heat units each). I suggest you take seven capsules three times a day, but only for three days a week. If you find this dose is too uncomfortable for you, please contact Farmacopia and let them know."

Would I try this? Absolutely! I trust Dr. Rowen. He is one of the really knowledgeable holistic M.D.'s around. The red pepper extract cannot harm you. If it makes you uncomfortable, just cut the dose or stop. This would certainly be an option I would consider if the standard regimen I recommend in my book doesn't seem to be working for you.

If you'd like to subscribe to Dr. Rowen's newsletter, you can do so by calling his Business Office in Atlanta at (800) 728-2288 or (770) 399-5617. The cost is $49 a year for 12 issues."

[source: http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com/nl107.html ]

the "Budwig diet";

CancerCompass user Jeanniec discusses the "Budwig diet":

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,808,4.htm

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3593,0.htm

Budwig diet testamonials:

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/single,17514,3.htm

http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/prostatecancercuretestimonials.html#Budwig_Prostate_Cancer_Testimonials

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=50130#i

http://www.beckwithfamily.com/Flax2.html (source: http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,1430,1.htm )
_________________
May God Bless all cancer patients and their families and their caregivers.
God is in control. God is the true healer.
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." -Psalm 127:1-3

freeio

They had been considering putting me on a study drug (Ascenta's AT-11) but all of that has stopped, until I can overcome the pulmonary embolism (multiple embola all over both lungs). Until I stabilize not only can I not do the study drug, but I furthermore cannot even travel to try something else.

I can do anything which only requires me to sit here with my computer, as long as I am within the reach of the 50 foot tubing for the oxygen generator to which I am tied. That is not so bad, as I can continue to work (I telecommute) to pay the bills and keep the very necessary health insurance.

Marty
_________________
-------------------------------------------------
whipple procedure, Oct. 21, 2004
28 days of radiation
56 days of Chemo using Xeloda
diagnosed as progressive recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Stage IV) Jun. 20, 2006
was treated with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and tarceva, which all failed.
Cancer blog: http://diehlmartin.com/cancer.html

CHRISTYO · New User Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

Marty,
I have never posted on here before but felt led to tonight. I have been following your blog since my borther-in-law (age 37!) was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer with mets to his liver on July 31 2007. I have been so insipired by your story and your amazing faith!
You are truly a remarkable man, Marty! I am so touched by the way you have made what God has put into your life a ministry! You are such a testimony to all who see or read anything that you write. I have shared your story and blog with my family and with a number of people at church. You have loaned your faith to me on days that I am not "feeling it". I love the way, no matter what your circumstances, you are praising God!
I have confidence that one day you will realize the impact you have made on many, many people. The way you have allowed God to use this devistating illness in your life is truly inspirational. I love on your blog where you share what your prayer in the midst of this is. Just amazing! My brother-in-law, upon his diagnosis, shared some of those same feelings, he said, as you have also said just recently, that he has the best deal of anyone in this....it is a win-win situation for him...healing or heaven!
I want you to know that I think of you many times every day and am praying for you often. My heart is aching for your family, but what peace they must have in your faith! I have followed you such a short time, but feel I know you, I long to talk to you and share with you how God has been working in our family's life through our experience with this horrible disease. I just know you would be delighted to hear the things He has arranged for us! Truly He is a wonderful God!
Thanks you for allowing so many people to share your journey. You have comforted me many days, reminding me that there are others going through these same things and praising God all the while! Thank you for living for Him! You are a wonderful man! ...I will continue to pray for your and your Beloved! .........Christy

brainman

Marty, you know that all of our prayers and best wishes are with you. You have "fought the good fight" and have helped so many people to be inspired to live life to its fullest. Even now, as restricted as you are, you are still posting and encouraging all of us.

God be with you.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

freeio · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:52 pm Post subject: Hospice called in

The spreading tumors are spinning off clotting compounds, and the blood clots in my legs, back, and now the arteries in my lungs are making life very difficult. I can barely breathe, and am going unconscious occasionally even on oxygen. Dr. James Posey, my oncologist at Kirklin Clinic, referred me to hospice care, and it would seem that there will be no more trips down to Birmingham to see the oncologist.

I am ready to go, but in no particular hurry. When the Lord wants me Home, I will go happily. In the meantime, I will keep updating my pancreatic cancer blog listed below.

Best Wishes!

Marty
_________________
-------------------------------------------------
whipple procedure, Oct. 21, 2004
28 days of radiation
56 days of Chemo using Xeloda
diagnosed as progressive recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Stage IV) Jun. 20, 2006
was treated with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and tarceva, which all failed.
Cancer blog: http://diehlmartin.com/cancer.html

catalina

Freeio

I'm sorry to hear this, and I wish you well. My husband was on the same floor when you had your whipple, Vickers was suppose to do his Oct. 22,2004
again I wish you well and wife too.

Catalina
Cullman, Al.

In

Awwwwww Marty Crying or Very sad

I sound like a scratched CD ( or broken record, for you oldie Razz

)

seriously- you are an amazing person. A truely selfless person, Sharing and giving your story to inspire and help people along their own journey. I have been following all your post blog, even your advice to others.

You are fearless, you are strong, you are mighty.

I wish you peace, friend. And your beautiful Wife- Strength.

Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

brainman

Marty, I do not need to tell you how much inspiration I have received through your story because I have told you before Laughing

. But I will repeat it. You and Monica are truly inspirational people and a wonderful couple. I know that I am hoping against all reasonable hope, but I do hope that you are able to continue to post. If you cannot post but to one place, then make that place your blog. I read it everyday to see how you are doing.

God bless you and be with you.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

KRay

Marty you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. You are my inspiration and I know you have a secure place in heaven. I share your blog with my brothers daily (one lives in Huntsville) and they are all thinking of you. As a PC survivor of 21 months I share God's miracle with all that will listen. You are an awesome individual.
Ken

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