II wasn't sure about whether I wanted to make this thread, but I found out that my brother who is in the Navy has cancer. :( I'm in shock.

I never expected to hear this. My mother, sister and my mother's financee went to Florida to visit my brother and family, when I asked how it went, I was shocked and saddened to learn that my brother has cancer.

My brother has cancer in his left top part of his foot on the shins. There is a large area that is partrudging from his foot. He may He has had x-rays, a CT, a MRI, etc. He may have to have surgery and if the cancer can't be remoed he will then have to have his leg amputated. The hope is that he will survive the cancer. I don't know what stage of cancer he has. He is now in a wheelchair. He was on crutches at the beginning of the trip to Disney World. He has pain in his foot where the cancer is.

Depending on how it goes he might have to be discharged from the military which would cause him to lose his job and health benifits. He has been in the Navy for 15 years. My mother said it was very hard to watch my brother suffer.

I am sorry to hear that.

However, if he is discharged from the Navy honorably, then he would still be eligible for health benefits from the VA.

Sorry to hear that, Jenny.

Praying for healing for your brother, Jenny, and peace-of-mind for you. My thoughts are with you.

Sorry to hear this news Jenny. You, your brother, and your family are in my prayers.

I'm sorry to hear this news Jen. Can't even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through, but if you ever need to talk about it, my phone is always open. God bless both your brother, and your entire family.

Jenny, I am so sorry to hear this!! You have been through so much - and I pray that God will give your brother (and yourself!) the strength and peace to withstand this disease. :bighug:

Jenny, your brother is in both my thoughts and in my prayers. I have a gut feeling that your brother is going to be okay. Mean while, stay strong and positive. Being diagnosed with cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was. A lot of people survive from this disease, and continue to live a normal life.

:hug:

My prayers go out to you and your family, Jenny. Be sure to take care of yourself and, as difficult as I know it is, try not to stress out so much that it affects your own health. Please keep us posted, we're all happy to support you.

Thanks Brian, ProudGleek, both Brad's, Marvo, Monika, Tara and Retro4life. I'll try to stay strong.

Something else my mother mentioned sounded odd. She said that before she and my sister, Becky, left to go to Florida that my sister had a dream that my btother came home on crutches and had cancer. The fact that the dream came true is scary.

My sister-in-law thankfully has stuck by my brother, along with everyone except her parents (his mother-in-law and father-in-law). They were also at Disney World. After two days they decided to go home because they couldn't handle seeing what was happening. I can only imagine that must have made my brother feel bad.

Janice, thank you for the phone call. I feel better. I'm still sad, but it helped having someone to talk to about it. I really appreciate it. :hug: :)

I am so sorry Jenny. :( You and your family are in my prayers. I've had a few family members have cancer. I hope everything turns out okay for your brother. Stay possitive and remember that you have alot of friends here who are thinking of you. God bless.

I'm sorry. I know God is with both of you through this journey.

Janice, thank you for the phone call. I feel better. I'm still sad, but it helped having someone to talk to about it. I really appreciate it. :hug: :)
Jenny, you know how I feel about you, and our friendship in general. I'm here for the long haul. That's how it's supposed to be. Your brother and all of your family is in my prayers. It's the fear of the unknown which has you in its grip now. Once you have some answers, you'll feel better; especially if it's positive news.

:bighug:

Very sorry to hear this Jenny - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother.

Thanks to everyone who has posted. It's really appreciated. :) I'm still trying to absorb the news.

I am so sorry Jenny. :( You and your family are in my prayers. I've had a few family members have cancer. I hope everything turns out okay for your brother. Stay possitive and remember that you have alot of friends here who are thinking of you. God bless.

Thanks Sonny. Sorry that you have lost a few family members to cancer.

Jenny, you know how I feel about you, and our friendship in general. I'm here for the long haul. That's how it's supposed to be. Your brother and all of your family is in my prayers. It's the fear of the unknown which has you in its grip now. Once you have some answers, you'll feel better; especially if it's positive news. :bighug:

Thanks Janice. :) Your friendship means a lot to me. Thanks for always being there for me. :) That's true, the fear of the unknown is scary.

you and your family are in my prayers jenny

Sorry to hear about your brother Jenny.

Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
Stay positive.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2u56wd0.jpg

^ Yes, Jim, I've seen some very impressive commercials from The Cancer Treatment Centers of America. It probably cost a fortune, but you can't put a price on a loved one's life. I'd fly to the moon for good treatment if I had cancer.

It's worth checking out, Jenny.

http://www.cancercenter.com/

The cancer that my brother has is called Osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Everyone in my family has had cancer, including me and my dog. I have never heard of foot cancer but I hope everything turns out okay for your brother :)

Everyone in my family has had cancer, including me and my dog. I have never heard of foot cancer but I hope everything turns out okay for your brother :)

Thanks. I don't know how common this type of cancer is.

prayer here from me also sorry to hear.

At the risk of sounding like a complete idiot :( I was wrong as to where the cancer is located. The cancer is in the bone in the shin on the lower left leg. I was thinking the shin was where the ankle was and got it confused. My mother probably thinks I'm so dumb. She asked me on the phone where I thought the shin was located. I guess the only thing I can say in my (pathetic) defense is that I wasn't in Disney World to see it. I had to mentally picture it. Granted I'm not sure how much of it I would have been able to see if I had been there.

At the risk of sounding like a complete idiot :( I was wrong as to where the cancer is located. The cancer is in the bone in the shin on the lower left leg. I was thinking the shin was where the ankle was and got it confused. My mother probably thinks I'm so dumb. She asked me on the phone where I thought the shin was located. I guess the only thing I can say in my (pathetic) defense is that I wasn't in Disney World to see it. I had to mentally picture it. Granted I'm not sure how much of it I would have been able to see if I had been there.

You're not an idiot. It's very possible the reason you made a mistake in describing where you thought the cancer was is because your mother may not have described it clearly to you, or even more probably, you were simply nervous and stressed out by the shock of the news and did something everyone on the planet does, every day. You made a mistake. It happens. :)

Thanks. :) That's probably what it was. It was such a shock. So much to take in at once.

I spoke to my mother a few minutes ago. She told me that my brother had to have open surgery today to do a more invasive biopsy. :( They had to cut part of the bone and take it so they can test it. Last we heard that he was in the recovery area. It will take probably a week she said to get test results back.

The previous biopsy (the needle kind) wasn't enough of a sample to make a definitive conclusion regarding the extent of the cancer. We don't know which or both treatments [chemo, radiation] my brother will have to undergo.

I spoke to my mother a few minutes ago. She told me that my brother had to have open surgery today to do a more invasive biopsy. :( They had to cut part of the bone and take it so they can test it. Last we heard that he was in the recovery area. It will take probably a week she said to get test results back.

The previous biopsy (the needle kind) wasn't enough of a sample to make a definitive conclusion regarding the extent of the cancer. We don't know which or both treatments [chemo, radiation] my brother will have to undergo.
Your brother is my prayers Jenny. :(

Thanks everyone.

I talked to my brother an hour ago. He gave me more news. It's so hard to accept and stay strong. It was sad to hear and I started to shake while listening to him. He had to have a open surgery biopsy yesterday. The previous needle biopsy that took a sample wasn't enough to make a definitive answer. Yesterday they had to cut into the bone and remove part of it for the sample. It's definitely bone cancer. It will probably be a week before we get results from yesterday's surgery. He said that it doesn't appear as though the cancer has spread, but the concern is that cancer in the bone likes to travel to the lungs, so we hope that doesn't happen

My brother will have to have lots of chemotherapy and probably radiation as well. The tumor that has the cancer in his leg has unfortunately eaten away most of the Tibia part of the bone. My brother has been having pain for a while, but assumed that it was shin splints because he has had shin splits before. He will have to have surgery and it sounds like most likely they will have to amputate because of the amount that the cancer in the tumor has done to the bone and nerves. There's still a small, but unlikely, chance that they can try and save the leg. He's going to be "out of commission" as he puts it for a long time. He said the recovery is estimated at a year, but could be longer. He said that the Navy will have to determine if he can still be in active duty or if they will insist on him leaving. He has been in the Navy 15 years. He said that you have to be in 20 years to get a pension. He hopes that perhaps they will give him retirement since he has been in 15 years, but he might not be able to get that.

I hope your brother recovers.

Best wishes go out to you and your brother, Jenny. Remember that modern medicine can do a lot of things they never used to be able to; dire diagnoses are not as dire as they once were.

Having said that, I'm sure it's stressful for your whole family. Praying for strength for all of you.

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jenny. Please try and stay strong.

Jenny, you know that I'm always here for you. I'm just a phonecall away. I know it's hard to remain upbeat, but you've been through a lot in your life. You're one of the strongest people I know.

:bighug:

I'm very sorry to hear this Jen. Sometimes life can be so incredibly unfair. Iv'e said a prayer for your brother, as well as for your entire family. I will continue to pray. I'm here for you! :heart: :hug:

Thanks.

Jenny, you know that I'm always here for you. I'm just a phonecall away. I know it's hard to remain upbeat, but you've been through a lot in your life. You're one of the strongest people I know.

:bighug:

Thanks so much Janice. :hug: I appreciate it. :)

I talked to my mother on the phone. She talked to my brother. He told her that he has to start chemo sometime this week. He will need at least 42 weeks of chemotherapy. That's almost a year worth. The cancer is large and aggressive. :( The thought is that perhaps the chemo might shrink the cancer or at least hopefully keep it from spreading. Then go in and do surgery. The larger the cancer the harder it is.

I wish the news was better, Jenny. That's a lot of chemotherpy, so hopefully, it will kill the beast within his body. I meant to ask you again, is it osteo-sarcoma? You weren't quite sure before.

Also, any word on how the Military is going to handle this? I mean, 15 years has to count for something. If he loses his leg and can't fly, I'm sure there's plenty of other things he can do. Maybe even teach the newbies or something along those lines. He dedicated his life to the Navy. Let's hope they treat him right. With a family of seven, he doesn't need the added stress of worrying how to feed everyone and put a roof over their heads.

I know that scary feeling of wondering what's going to happen. When my parents got cancer, at the same time, I was a wreck. It's the uncertainty of it all. The doctors can't give any definitive answers because they don't even know what's going to happen. Every case is different. The big plus is that your brother is so otherwise healthy, so that may help him withstand all that chemo.

You know this already, but I'm always here for you, even if just to listen to your fears. :hug:

I'm very sorry to hear about your brother, I hope the treatments will help & that he will make a full recovery. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Thanks Janice I really appreciate it. :) Thanks for listening and being here for me. You're a great friend. :) You're right the uncertainity ofthe cancer outcome is so hard. I hope the military does the right thing. It would be awful if they don't.
Thanks Ann.

Here is the latest this is from today. I talked to my brother a little bit ago.

He said he has Ewings (I think that's how he said it was spelled) sarcoma bone cancer. It's so rare and so hard to identity that type of cancer. It's not categorized into stages because it's not well known. He will have to have a bone marrow biopsy this week. He said that' going to be very painful.
He will have a port line put into the blood vessels for chemo Chemotherapy starts Monday (25th) and will take over a year

Some of the cycles will be in patient chemo staying in the hospital for a few days at a time. Other cycles will require daily trips to the hospital for chemo..
He might suffer short term memory loss. He will have loss of white blood cells due to massive amounts of chemo, which isn't good. After two to three months of chemo he will have surgery, most like for amputation below the left knee. He said he will lose all his hair and be in a wheelchair. He doesn't know yet if he will need radiation. He will have to see a radiologist about that.

He told me that "I'll be pretty much stuck in the da*n hospital for the next year to year and half." He told me that he's never going to be the same because of this cancer. :( I feel bad that the last time I saw him was a year ago and that's when I was sick. I think it would break my heart to see him sick. My brother and sister-in-law told the kids last night that he has cancer.

Sounds like a rough year to year and a half for your brother, Jenny. I'm so sorry that this is happening to you and your family. I'm sure that he is appreciative of your concern and you're doing what a sister should; provide moral and spiritual support for him.

Try to maintain an even keel emotionally, if you can. I KNOW it's very hard to do so, though. This looks like a long haul and it would be very easy for your own health to be negatively affected by it all.

You have lots of friends at SO, as I'm sure you know. Don't be afraid to utilize them to unload or decompress or express yourself however you need to.

God bless and take care.

I wish you and your family nothing but happiness. You deserve it! :)

Sorry, Jenny. I wish you and your family didn't have to go through this. It sounds rather agonizing. You continue to be in my thoughts.

II wasn't sure about whether I wanted to make this thread, but I found out that my brother who is in the Navy has cancer. :( I'm in shock.

I never expected to hear this. My mother, sister and my mother's financee went to Florida to visit my brother and family, when I asked how it went, I was shocked and saddened to learn that my brother has cancer.

My brother has cancer in his left top part of his foot on the shins. There is a large area that is partrudging from his foot. He may He has had x-rays, a CT, a MRI, etc. He may have to have surgery and if the cancer can't be remoed he will then have to have his leg amputated. The hope is that he will survive the cancer. I don't know what stage of cancer he has. He is now in a wheelchair. He was on crutches at the beginning of the trip to Disney World. He has pain in his foot where the cancer is.

Depending on how it goes he might have to be discharged from the military which would cause him to lose his job and health benifits. He has been in the Navy for 15 years. My mother said it was very hard to watch my brother suffer.
http://i56.tinypic.com/15qvwqo.jpg

Today my brother will have:
A PET Scan (it's different from a CT scan). They will put raidioactive dye in there and take pictures. He also will have to drink barium.
Then after that he will havea bone marrow biopsy.
Then after that a eco-cardiogram test. One of the chemo medicines could stop his heart, which is scary. At least they do the test ahead of time to know. He has to pass the eco-cardiogram test before he starts chemotherapy next Monday.
The port line was put in yesterday (Wednesday).

I'm going to try and get some sleep if possible. I've been awake since yesterday.

You, your brother and family are definitely in my prayers, Jenny.

Thanks. :)

I'm sorry to hear this news Jenny. I hope that your brother can make a full recovery and beat the cancer. It sounds like it will be a big battle, but I hope that he can remain strong and fight it. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Your brother and family will ALWAYS be in my prayers Jen. I pray for the very best for both your brother, as well as for your entire family. May God Bless You All ALWAYS!!! :)

:bighug:

Thanks TJ and Brad.

http://i56.tinypic.com/15qvwqo.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/2n0q13o.jpg

My brother was given the first chemotherapy medications yesterday afternoon. This first round is in patient at the hospital. I'm not sure what day this week he will go home. I was told that he is tolerating the chemo. so that is good. I know he has a long road ahead of him and I just hope that it will turn out alright.

Your brother is young (I'm assuming) and strong since he is in the military, those are two things that should work in his favor, both in tolerating the chemo and battling the cancer.

Keep your chin up!

Your brother is young (I'm assuming) and strong since he is in the military, those are two things that should work in his favor, both in tolerating the chemo and battling the cancer.

Keep your chin up!

Yes, he's young. He's 34.

I'm glad that your brother is tolerating the chemo, Jenny. His wife and kids must love that he's back home.

So sorry to hear this, but glad to hear the initial stages of chemo are going well.

Jenny, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I will keep you, your brother, and your family in my thoughts.

Thanks Janice and Seth. :)

I'm sure the kids and my sister-in-law are glad to have him home. I believe today he was supposed to go in to an outpatient facility to have a shot to build his red or white blood cells back up. I'm guessing more chemo next week.

http://i56.tinypic.com/ezqr2d.jpg

Thanks.

Second round of chemo starts next week. This week there are tests and blood work.

^ That's a wonderful signature, Jenny.

Best of luck to always to you and your brother.

Continued thoughts and prayers for your brother Jenny. I hope everything turns out okay. :)

^Thanks.

Round two of chemo started this morning. My brother is tired, but the latest update a few hours ago was that he was doing well with handling the chemo. Since they have added another chemo. medicine he might feel more tired or sick over time. This week is eight hours each day of in fusions of chemotherapy for five days.

I just said a prayer for your brother, and I will keep them coming. You are such a strong person Jen. I know this is tough, but just remember that you have many many people here who are here for you, and who care for you. May God Be With you, your family, and especially your brother at this difficult time!! :heart: :hug:

The side effects are starting to really affect my brother. :(

My mother said that "my brother has patches of his hair that are falling out." She said that by next week his hari will be gone. :( She said that she's trying to "get the courage up to tell him that he will lose his finger nails because the chemo. medications he is on are so toxic." My brother sent a picture of himself to my my mother and she said that he "looks very gray." :( She said that "she might e-mail the picture to me, but that it would depress me." I'm sure it would because just hearing it, is sad.

It worries me that after only two rounds of chemo. that he's already having side effects. Next week is round three. I don't know if he can survive the cancer. :( My mother said that "he went from being a strong person like superman to someone who is in a wheelchair and is weak."

He is already getting looks and having people question others about him. My youngest nephew who is only seven was in the store with him recently and some guy kept questioning my nephew. My brother tried to intervene, but the guy wouldn't look at my brother and wouldn't acknowledge him. It's sad esp. since my brother is in the military and has served his country.

Your brother and your family are in my prayers.

I'm so very sorry to hear this Jen. Please know that I won't stop praying for him. God Bless your family, and mostly your brother during this difficult time!

I'm sending postive vibes and prayers to your brother and family.

I'm sorry that your brother is starting to feel side effects. I guess he has to go through all this to get to the other side, which is feeling good again. He's a brave man, a Navy pilot; he'll kick this cancerous monster's ass. We're all here for you.

Chemo is really rough. My own brother had it years ago and he went completely bald and lost a lot of weight. The good news is that he survived and his cancer (Non Hodgkins Lymphoma) was beaten. After he recovered from the chemo, they gave him pills to stimulate his appetite, and boy did he eat. Like six times a day...he got pretty heavy.

As everyone has said, we're all thinking of you and pulling for you and your brother. Keep a good thought; and keep us all up to date.

Thanks Jaince for being there for me. You're a wonderful friend. :)

Thanks ponytail, retro4life and marvo.

My brother called my mother while we were in the grocery store. He has had a setback. :( My mother said that his "blood count is low and he will need a blood transfusion in the next few days." She said that "it's not good that his blood count has dropped this soon into treatment." She said "the problem is that if the blood count drops to low he can stop breathing and/or have a heart attack." She said that it is depressing, which it sounds like.

I'll continue to pray for your brother Jenny.

My brother called my mother while we were in the grocery store. He has had a setback. :( My mother said that his "blood count is low and he will need a blood transfusion in the next few days." She said that "it's not good that his blood count has dropped this soon into treatment." She said "the problem is that if the blood count drops to low he can stop breathing and/or have a heart attack." She said that it is depressing, which it sounds like.
I'm so sorry that your family, especially your brother, is going through this nightmare. This does sound like a major setback. Your brother is a strong person, both in mind and body. He also has a lot to live for, with a wife and five kids; and of course, your mother and his two sisters. That all counts for a lot. Never forget that I'm here for you, Jenny.

Thanks.

I'm so sorry that your family, especially your brother, is going through this nightmare. This does sound like a major setback. Your brother is a strong person, both in mind and body. He also has a lot to live for, with a wife and five kids; and of course, your mother and his two sisters. That all counts for a lot. Never forget that I'm here for you, Jenny.

Thanks Janice. :hug: He does have a lot to live for and I hope that his body and mind can beat this awful cancer. It's just heartbreaking. Setbacks are hard and hopefully there will be more improvements than setbacks. The short term survival rate (1 year) for this kind of cancer is good, but the long-term survival rate (5+ years) unfortunately isn't good. Hopefully he will beat the odds.

As Janice said, I'm sure your brother is very strong. He's got a tough enemy right now but don't ever underestimate the will to live. I pray that things turn more positive for him.

Hang in there, Jenny. You have a lot of people who care about you.

^Thanks. :)

This is the latest update I received on my brother. :(

"This is turning out to be a longer week than expected. Due to the later admission yesterday treatment did not start until much later than last time. We are now looking at a Thursday discharge instead of Wednesday evening. He is feeling the cumulative effects of the chemotherapy in that he appears a bit more fatigued and is experiencing his loss of appetite much earlier with this round. Lab results are also reflecting the effects of the treatment - resulting in the a couple units of blood being delivered to help with those results."

This is the latest update I received on my brother. :(

"This is turning out to be a longer week than expected. Due to the later admission yesterday treatment did not start until much later than last time. We are now looking at a Thursday discharge instead of Wednesday evening. He is feeling the cumulative effects of the chemotherapy in that he appears a bit more fatigued and is experiencing his loss of appetite much earlier with this round. Lab results are also reflecting the effects of the treatment - resulting in the a couple units of blood being delivered to help with those results."
Continued prayers Jenny. :(

http://i54.tinypic.com/9u6xpj.jpg

I called and very briefly spoke to my brother a few minutes ago. He sounded very tired. They had just given him something for the nausea. I'm sure the chemo. and blood transfusions have made him very tired. I let him know that I was thinking of him.

I'm sorry to hear this. Just said a prayer for both your brother as well as your entire family, and will keep them coming. Asked him to surround your brother with His Heavenly Angels. Hang in there Jen.

This is the latest update. It doesn't sound very good.

"We were back at Mayo today for lab work and a visit with the oncologist. Chemo for next week has been postponed due to some of the labs. Pushing back treatment will allow for him to recover a little more from this last round. Delaying treatment does not give us a completely free week. We will be back in for labs on Tuesday morning followed by an MRI so the doctors can determine what effect the chemo has had on the tumor. We will meet with both the oncologist and orthopedic surgeon following the MRI. Looking for some progress."

I'll be praying, Jenny.

My brother had an MRI yesterday and the results of that show that the tumor has not shrunk since the previous MRI. The doctor believes that during the five weeks after the previous MRI which was prior to any chemo. the tumor grew. It appears now that it's a little larger than before, but the chemo. may have helped the tumor. Three more rounds of chemo. starting next week before they look at doing surgery to either amputate or try to salvage the leg. The procedure that could try to salvage the leg could do more damage than good because of what's involved in trying to save it. There are still several rounds of chemo. left.

It's sad that the tumor hasn't gotten smaller. :( The hope was that it would. Perhaps with continued chemo. it will.

I will continue to pray for your brother and your family.

Hang in there, Jenny. I think you guys have a long battle ahead of you, and you'll need strength to deal with all the ups and downs, which are likely to be numerous. Again, it sounds like your brother does have options...obviously, it would be wonderful if his leg could be saved but even if not, he could live a long and fruitful life.

Keep us posted, and prayers go out to you and yours.

Thanks Gene, Marvo and Retro4life (your name is Michael right? Sorry, I'm trying to remember)

He still has much more chemo ahead of him, Jenny. A lot of good can happen between now and when the chemo is over. It could go either way. Try to have a more positive outlook. I've been there, and I know it's hard when things seem so bleak. You'll drive yourself crazy with worry. He's going to get through this. The chemo will shrink the tumor. This cancer nightmare will be one bad memory one day. You know I'm here for you. We all are.

:bighug:

Thanks Gene, Marvo and Retro4life (your name is Michael right? Sorry, I'm trying to remember)

Yep, that's my name. :)

I know it's hard Jenny but stay positive. These things take time. I'll continue to pray for your brother. :)

He still has much more chemo ahead of him, Jenny. A lot of good can happen between now and when the chemo is over. It could go either way. Try to have a more positive outlook. I've been there, and I know it's hard when things seem so bleak. You'll drive yourself crazy with worry. He's going to get through this. The chemo will shrink the tumor. This cancer nightmare will be one bad memory one day. You know I'm here for you. We all are.

:bighug:

Thank you Janice. I'm not sure how my family and I will continue to get through this, but somehow we will. It's hard not to worry, but I try not to. My mother booked a flight last week for 11/23-11/29 to go to FL. I'm the only one who hasn't yet 'seen' my brother since he's been diagnosed so I hope that I can be strong enough to hold it together for him. I know it's important to be brave. There's no way to know for certain if going out there is a good idea, but at least we will get to see him.

I know it's hard Jenny but stay positive. These things take time. I'll continue to pray for your brother. :)

Thank you Sonny. That's true, things take time. I wish that my family and I will see only improvement rather than deterioration, but I realize that's not realistic. Hopueflly, more of the former than the latter.

Wishing your brother a speedy recovery.

Be strong and positive.

God bless you and your family.

^Thanks.

I just read this.
Latest update: 9/8/2011 at 8:09pm Eastern Time

"This week has left us with a bit weighing on our minds. We are down three cycles of chemo with three more to go prior to surgery. He had an MRI on Tuesday morning and the doctors are convinced that the chemotherapy is doing it's job, just not as rapidly as we had hoped. We met with both the oncologist and orthopedic surgeon following the MRI. This next week we will back on the chemo schedule. Following these next three rounds will be a few weeks of recovery to ensure he is ready for surgery. The exact plan for surgery will determined over the next few weeks. Once he has recouperated from surgery chemotherapy will resume."

I just got a new update. Another setback unfortunately. I don't know if having to postpone the chemo. again means that he is too weak right now for it. :(

"We have taken another small diversion this week. Chemotherapy has been cancelled and is scheduled to resume on Monday. A couple more tests were run this week with follow-up appointments. We are really just ready to get back on track and forge forward. Ready to knock this thing out."

Thanks for keeping us up to date Jenny. I'll keep praying!

My mother told me that my brother is having neck pain. The neck pain he is having is the reason the chemo. was canceled for this week. He started having neck pain Saturday and the worst was on Sunday. He had an ultrasound and CT or MRI which were inconclusive. More tests will be done and he will see more specialists this week. He was given Motrin. Chemo. will resume next Monday.

Keep your chin up, and keep us posted, Jenny. Thanks, too, for the information. You guys are in my prayers.

Hang in there. xxx *positive thoughts*

Thanks Michael and mystery daisy.

Chemo. started back up yesterday for my brother.
A tribute on my brother's website was nice, but a little heart wrenching as it mentioned that it was in honor of my brother and in memory my great-grandpa [who passed away from lung cancer in 1990].

Thanks Michael and mystery daisy.

Chemo. started back up yesterday for my brother.
A tribute on my brother's website was nice, but a little heart wrenching as it mentioned that it was in honor of my brother and in memory my great-grandpa [who passed away from lung cancer in 1990].

You're welcome, Jenny.

Two things to remember: one, your grandpa was almost certainly much older than your brother is when he got his cancer, so he wasn't as strong or able to handle the treatments. Second, lung cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer, and the survival rate past five years isn't usually too high. (My mom died of it a little over six years ago). I know that your brother has a different form of cancer.

I can understand how the connection would be bittersweet, though.

Hang in there!

^True. My great-grandpa was nearly 86.
My brother has bone cancer.

Here is the latest update. Hopefully he will be strong enough to have the next two rounds of chemo. and then surgery. If not that will delay things again.

"All done for the week. He was not feeling well around mid week but now it is just fatigue that is problem. We have a few appointments scheduled for next week and chemo the next. Two more rounds of chemo to go and then surgery. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for November 14."

Surgery is tentatively scheduled for November 14."
The surgery to amputate his leg? So, it's almost a sure thing or it depends on how well the chemo did or didn't do, in regards to shrinking the tumor?

The surgery to amputate his leg? So, it's almost a sure thing or it depends on how well the chemo did or didn't do, in regards to shrinking the tumor?

It's tenatively scheduled for 11/14. I think it will depend on whether the chemo. has shrunk the tumor or not. It sounds like it will be amputation as the other option of trying to save the leg is more risky. He will have to be strong enough for surgery. I assume he will probably have to have a MRI and/or CT prior to the surgery to see if there has been any success with the chemo. If chemo. gets delayed for any reason, I assume that would push the surgery date back.

Will hold him in my thoughts, and all of you.

My brother has had a couple rounds of chemo. since last month. There have been some setbacks. He had to have another blood transfusion on Oct. 4th. :( This week was supposed to be chemo., but it was canceled for this week because his blood count and platelet count are too low. They hope to resume chemo. next week. Hopefully the levels will come back up.

I assume since chemo. has been delayed again, that will delay seeing the rheumotologist regarding the neck pain. So far surgery is still tentatively scheduled for Nov. 14th. There is one week left of chemo. prior to surgery. Once the week of chemo. is done then there is a few weeks of recovery and scans/tests. They have to make sure he's ok going into surgery.

Jenny, I'm so sorry that your family is going through this, especially your brother. He's fortunate that he has a loving family. You're all in my prayers. I want this to have a happy ending so bad. I'm always here for you.

:bighug:

Sounds like everything is being done to ensure that your brother has all the best medical care, and it sounds like he's fighting, which is great. I have a lot of hope for you guys; as I've said before, this guy is military and they are made of tough stuff.

Hang in there, Jenny and know that the thoughts and prayers of many friends are always there for you.

^Thanks. :)

Jenny, I'm so sorry that your family is going through this, especially your brother. He's fortunate that he has a loving family. You're all in my prayers. I want this to have a happy ending so bad. I'm always here for you.

:bighug:

Thanks Janice. It means a lot. :)

The surgery has been delayed a week. It will be on November 22nd instead of the 14th. Last week was particularly hard on my brother. He was so sick that my mother refuses to tell me about it. That's kind of scary. I wonder if it's better that I not know. Though being left in the dark, so to speak, is worry some. My brother will be in the hospital while we are there. We are flying in the day after his surgery.

I'm sorry it's come to this, Jenny. Living without his leg will definitely take some getting used to, but your brother is a very strong person. I doubt the military will let him go after 15 years. Perhaps he can still fly, considering it's his left leg. I just don't know. In any case, your brother is a bright, educated man, and I'm sure there's a place for his skills in the military. I would lose my leg, arm, anything, as long as I could keep living.

Stay strong for your brother and his family. :hug:

I'm sorry it's come to this, Jenny. Living without his leg will definitely take some getting used to, but your brother is a very strong person. I doubt the military will let him go after 15 years. Perhaps he can still fly, considering it's his left leg. I just don't know. In any case, your brother is a bright, educated man, and I'm sure there's a place for his skills in the military. I would lose my leg, arm, anything, as long as I could keep living.

Stay strong for your brother and his family. :hug:

Thanks Janice for your support. You're a great friend. :)

I'm so sorry to hear about this Jenny. I wish I could make you feel better. Just know that your family remains in my prayers. God Bless you all. :)

Thanks Sonny.

Your strenth through this is amazing Jen. i just said a prayer for your brother, and will keep them coming. i will continue to pray for you each day too. Hang in their my friend. i will always be here for you!! :)

My brother is having surgery on Tuesday. It was decided that the left leg below the knee will be amputated. The tumor has remained the same size throughout the multiple rounds of chemo. I am hoping that the surgery will go fine. I don't know how long the surgery will take. He will be in the hospital for at least a few days after surgery. Everyone is worried, but hopeful that the surgery will get rid of the cancer and that he will be ok.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

Wow! I'm sure the surgery will go without a hitch, but this is still a big deal. Keep us posted on how he's doing. He's definitely in my thoughts.

Jenny, as I've told you, the surgery will go fine. Surgeons know their craft well. The only worry is the cancer metastasizing or returning. I'm sure they'll be performing tests on him every three months for a while, then every six months, every year, so forth and so on. You know we're all here for you. You can call and let me know, and I can post what's going on here since you won't have access to a computer.

Jenny, as I've told you, the surgery will go fine. Surgeons know their craft well. The only worry is the cancer metastasizing or returning. I'm sure they'll be performing tests on him every three months for a while, then every six months, every year, so forth and so on. You know we're all here for you. You can call and let me know, and I can post what's going on here since you won't have access to a computer.

Thanks Janice. That's true that the surgeons know what they are doing. The doctor who specializes in the type of bone cancer my brother has is on paternity leave so another doctor is filling in for him. Unfortunately the substitute doctor doesn't specialize in bone cancer. Hopefully there won't be any complications. I'll keep you updated via phone. I leave early Wednesday morning and won't get back until the following Tuesday in the evening.

I'll be thinking about your brother.

My brother had the amputation surgery today. He made it through thankfully! :) He is now in a room at the hospital. He is in terrible pain, but doing ok considering. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. :) Unfortunately, I can't be there in FL as I have a sinus infection and I can't fly. My brother can't have anyone around him that is sick. My mother made it to FL today and my mother's fiancee and my sister will be there tomorrow. My sister talked to everyone in FL and she told me that "my sister-in-law is glad that I'm not coming."

Thanks be to GOD for your brother's successful surgery. There's no reason for him to be in SO much pain. They can take the edge off it. It's a shame you couldn't go. Your sister-in-law takes the cake. Jenny, you know I'm praying for your brother's successful recovery.

:bighug:

Great news, Jenny! Keep us posted on how things progress. Really happy for you.

Thanks be to GOD for your brother's successful surgery. There's no reason for him to be in SO much pain. They can take the edge off it. It's a shame you couldn't go. Your sister-in-law takes the cake. Jenny, you know I'm praying for your brother's successful recovery. :bighug:

Thanks Janice. :) I appreciate it. :) I agree that he shouldn't be in horrible pain. I asked yesterdy and he does have a pain pump or pumps according to my mother so that's good. I would have liked to go, but it's best that I stay here and not get him sick. I agree, my sister-in-law can be cruel when it comes to me. I don't know if there was any kind of nerve block medicine given yesterday during surgery for the amputation. If there was, I'm sure by now or soon it will wear off and hopefully his pain won't go from terrible to unbearable..

Great news, Jenny! Keep us posted on how things progress. Really happy for you.

Thanks. :)

Glad the surgery went well. I hope the recovery is as easy as humanly possible.

They are giving him minimum pain meds. He already is expected to get out of bed only one day after surgery. They had him sitting up in a chair this morning and then made him get up on crutches and walk down the hall. The pain nearly made him pass out twice. He's already had to start physical therapy. I hope over time the pain goes away. I know there's a chance that it won't, which is sad.

I'm glad the operation went well Jenny. Continued prayers for your brother. I hope the pain goes away soon. :)

Thanks Sonny.

My brother went to the doctor yesterday. He was dissapointed to hear that the incision isn't healing as well as the surgeon would have liked. The sutures were taken out. He's still having trouble with the pain. It was also mentioned that he may have been over doing it with the physical therapy. Pushing himself too much, too soon. Hopefully it will get better.

Bad news for my brother. :( The Mayo Clinic in FL. where he lives has just told him that the cancer is so aggressive that there isn't anything else they can do for him. :( He is getting a second opinion from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. I just found out that the type of cancer he has spreads through the body 70% of the time. :( It's possible that he might be among that percentage.

He had a PET Scan yesterday that was concerning. That was followed up by an MRI. There seems to be "elevated metastatic activity." It's unclear whether that's from the amputation area trying to heal or from the cancer returning.

Prayers going out for you and your family, Jenny. Hang on...anything can happen and medical science is advancing, literally, every single day. I'm sure your love for your brother is a continuing source of strength for him.

Be strong Jenny. I know it's hard. Prayers go out to you and your family. :(

So sorry your brother is in so much pain. Hugs, good thoughts & prayers going out for you guys...

Thanks Sonny and Mystery Daisy.

I wish the news was better, but it's not. :( My brother went for a second popnion at MD Anderson Cancer Center here. We all were so hopeful. Now that he's back in FL there the doctors there don't want to do the recommended treatment that MD Anderson feels is necessary. The Mayo Clinic in Florida has never done the new chemo. treatment, but MD Anderson has with some success. The old treatment done by Mayo Clinic in FL wasn't working.

So now it's at a stand stil until either the doctors in FL can change their minds which desn't seem likely or another doctor will have to be found. My brother and sister-in-law don't want to leave Florida since their children are there. The new treatment recommended by MD Anderson isn't without complications, but at least it would be a chance at progress. The risks could include possible permanent memory loss, possible short term memory loss and confusion.

Thanks Sonny and Mystery Daisy.

I wish the news was better, but it's not. :( My brother went for a second popnion at MD Anderson Cancer Center here. We all were so hopeful. Now that he's back in FL there the doctors there don't want to do the recommended treatment that MD Anderson feels is necessary. The Mayo Clinic in Florida has never done the new chemo. treatment, but MD Anderson has with some success. The old treatment done by Mayo Clinic in FL wasn't working.

So now it's at a stand stil until either the doctors in FL can change their minds which desn't seem likely or another doctor will have to be found. My brother and sister-in-law don't want to leave Florida since their children are there. The new treatment recommended by MD Anderson isn't without complications, but at least it would be a chance at progress. The risks could include possible permanent memory loss, possible short term memory loss and confusion.

I'm sorry Jenny! It is so frustrating when doctors can't agree on a method of treatment. Definitely doesn't make you feel secure in your choices when one says one thing and another says something else. I hope your brother can get the right treatment. I will be keeping him and his family in my prayers.

Thanks.

I just found out what stage of cancer it is. My brother has stage 3b Osteosarcoma. :( The stages are, 1, 2, 3, 3b & 4. My brother had to have a platelet transfusion this week because his platelet count dropped to 15 which is extremely low.
I knew the cancer was bad, I just didn't realize it was quite that bad.

So sorry, Jen. You and my family continue to be in my thoughts and on my heart. I hope everything goes well.

Your brother, you and your family are in my prayers, Jenny.

I just found out what stage of cancer it is. My brother has stage 3b Osteosarcoma. :( The stages are, 1, 2, 3, 3b & 4. My brother had to have a platelet transfusion this week because his platelet count dropped to 15 which is extremely low.
I knew the cancer was bad, I just didn't realize it was quite that bad.
I'm so sorry to hear this. I will continue to keep your brother in my prayers.

Your brother has an uphill battle, for sure, Jenny. He's a strong man; that can only help him. I know you're scared. Anyone would be. There are so many unknowns here. You know that I'm here for you, Jenny. We all are. This group of ours pulls together when times are tough.

:bighug:

Living with cancer is just one roller coaster ride after another. It's like you can't ever afford to catch a breath and relax because more life changing news could be just on the horizon.

Jenny...be comforted in knowing that you are doing all you can for your brother, with your love, concern and support. Keep hope alive in your heart and soul. As John Lennon once so aptly said, 'tomorrow never knows'.

And as Janice said, remember we are all here for you.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.

Janice, thank you for being there for me. It really helps. I'm grateful to have a friend like you. :)

How's your brother doing, Jenny? Any updates? Hoping to hear some good news.

How's your brother doing, Jenny? Any updates? Hoping to hear some good news.

My brother is experiencing constant ringing in his ears. My mother said that's a side effect of the chemotherapy. She mentioned to me that my brother was having some trouble with thinking of some words when talking to her. That could be symptoms of short term memory loss which is another side effect of the chemo. The chemotherapy is really wiping my brother out. We are all hoping that the chemotherapy is working. I think the next round of chemo. is supposed to start next Monday. I hope to talk to my brother this weekend. I'm trying to stay positive and hope for good news.

Sorry to hear that he's experiencing so many bad side effects from the chemo. It's no fun. Are they at least able to keep him as comfortable as possible with meds and stuff?

Anyway, I'll continue thinking about you and your family. I hope things start to get better.

^Thanks. It doesn't seem like they are giving him much for the pain. I know he was taking [I'm not sure if he still is] Neurotin[spelling?).

Here's an update on my brother. It was posted on his Caringbridge website. My sister-in-law is the one who posts updates on it.

"Monday, March 12, 2012 7:22 PM, EDT

On to the next round of chemo.

He was admitted to Mayo this morning for the most recent round of chemo. This cycle is to be the last with this particular chemo "cocktail". We had hoped with these being 3 week cycles that he would experience a little more time feeling better but that has not been the case. Just as with the last round he experienced the same fatigue and "ickiness". The doctors continue to monitor his bloodwork closely. He received another "6-pack" of platelets this last off cycle and following that transfusion he seemed to be on an uptick. He did have a couple of additional tests last week - EKG, ECG & chest x-ray and everything looks good. He should wrap up infusions some time Wednesday evening. The next couple of weeks will prove to busy with lab work and additional scans.

He is scheduled to get his prosthetic later this week! We will post pictures once he has it."

Ick. That sounds horrible. One of the medications I'm taking is essentially a very low dosage of chemotherapy designed to shock my immune system into slowing down so my white blood cells don't attack my joints and organs as much (or, hopefully, at all). I have some terrible side effects from it, including nausea, fatigue, migraines and gastro-intestinal unpleasantness. Multiply that by about a billion and that's probably what your brother is going through. :(

From what I've read, Mayo Clinic is the absolute best place for him. I hope the prosthetic is a perfect fit, and that it doesn't take him long to get the hang of walking with it.

I wish him, as well as your entire family, the very best!

^Thanks. :)

My brother got his prosthetic leg yesterday. :) It will be a long process, but it seems promising with the prosthetic. He will need physical therapy to get familiar and used to using it. He is still using crutches and will for a while. He had chemo. this week. He is doing ok cnosidering.

Today is Jenny's brother's 35th birthday. Jenny, as you know, we're all here for you, and we wish your brother a wonderful birthday with his wife and five kids. And of course, we wish him many, many more birthdays to follow.

.

Today is Jenny's brother's 35th birthday. Jenny, as you know, we're all here for you, and we wish your brother a wonderful birthday with his wife and five kids. And of course, we wish him many, many more birthdays to follow.

.

Absolutely. I hope your brother had a great day, Jenny, and that you did, too! :)

I want to wish your brother a Happy 35th birthday Jenny. I hope he's doing well and he's still in my prayers. :)

Today is Jenny's brother's 35th birthday. Jenny, as you know, we're all here for you, and we wish your brother a wonderful birthday with his wife and five kids. And of course, we wish him many, many more birthdays to follow.

Janice, thank you so much for the very nice birthday whishes for him. I appreciate it. Also, thank you for being there for me during his cancer diagnosis and treatment over the last 11 months. Your support and friendship has meant a lot to me. :bighug: I know a few months ago I was worried about Mike's birthday this year. I'm so glad that it's here and that he can celebrate it.

My brother is doing ok. He has a couple rounds left of chemotherapy. He also is/will be undergoing physical therapy for the prosthetic leg. The chemo. therapy regimen has been draining on him, but he's getting through it.

I appreciate everyone's continued thoughts and prayers for him. Thank you. :) Thank you Sonny and Michael for the birthday wishes for my brother.

Happy 35th Birthday to your brother Jenny! Best wishes to him on his therapy. My prayers are with him.

Thanks Marvo.

Chemo. started back up today. He is hoping that after this round that there will only be one more round. The chemo. has been very hard on him so hopefully there won't be much more of it.

Happy belated birthday to your brother, Jenny. I will still be praying for him.

I'm glad he had a happy birthday...will continue to pray and think good thoughts!! :cool:

Good news:
The CT results were negative. My brother is cancer free! He will "continue with physical therapy for a bit longer as well as following with the doctors."

Good news:
The CT results were negative. My brother is cancer free! He will "continue with physical therapy for a bit longer as well as following with the doctors."
Wow, that is great news! Glad to hear it! :)

Happy 35th Birthday to your brother Jenny and, I will pray for him. God bless you and your family.

Thank God that is great news.

Jenny, you know how happy I am for your entire family, especially Mike's wife and five kids. It's sad that he lost half his leg, yet he didn't lose his life, and that's the important thing. I'm thrilled for all of you!

:bighug:

Thanks Fleet and Hawkeye. :)

My brother and sister-in-law will have an "end of chemo party" later this month.

Jenny, you know how happy I am for your entire family, especially Mike's wife and five kids. It's sad that he lost half his leg, yet he didn't lose his life, and that's the important thing. I'm thrilled for all of you!

:bighug:

Thanks Janice. I appreciate your support over the last year. :) Thanks for your friendship. It has really helped. :) Thanks for the link you gave me to that site. I just bought him a "I Beat Cancer" t-shirt.

Update: (from his page)

"Another quarter [scans every three months] down with clear scans! Unfortunately no champagne tonight because Mickey has a touch of the flu. We will definitely be popping to cork to celebrate once he is feeling better."

That's great news Jenny! I wish him continued good health. With his wife and five kids, he has too much to live for. :)

That's great news Jenny! I wish him continued good health. With his wife and five kids, he has too much to live for. :)

Thanks Janice. :)

I'm so happy to hear about how your brother is doing. May he get healthier and stronger.

Thanks. :)

That's great news, Jenny! I'm so happy for you and your family. :)

My brother had an CT scan today and it showed a suspcious area on his right lung. The area will be cut out next week and will be sent to be tested for cancer. The type of bone cancer he had is known for going to the lungs or having cancer show up in the lungs. I hope it's not cancer again.

^ Sorry to hear that, Jenny, but happy that they caught it early. As I have said before, modern technology can do a lot of things, and your brother has a lot of positives on his side, even if it is cancer.

^Thanks.

I'm sorry to hear this Jenny. I'll keep him in my prayers. :(

Thanks Sonny.

My brother came into town this week to go to MD Anderson to follow up and have scans done.

A chest CT scan revealed an area (90% certain it's a tumor that is malignant). It is bigger than a marble, but smaller than a ping pong ball. My brother will have a full head to toe PET Scan tomorrow an a Cardiac MRI. This along with what was also previously found in his right lung is all from the original cancer in his left leg. While the doctors were able to remove the area in his lung in May, the area in his heart is not operative. It's too big. If they tried to remove the tumor they would need to remove too much of his heart. That would cause it to not work properly.

The doctor said that it's only the tip of the ice berg and that if chemo. isn't started soon it will spread throughout the body.

Thoughts and prayers would be very much appreciated.

I am so sorry Jenny. I know that watching a loved one suffer is so stressful. Your brother is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything turns out okay. :(

I am so sorry Jenny. I know that watching a loved one suffer is so stressful. Your brother is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything turns out okay. :(

Thanks Sonny. The news seems so overwhelming.

I'm so sorry! Keeping you, your brother, and your entire family in my prayers. *hugs*

I'm sorry to hear this, Jenny. :( Your brother, you and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks ZeldaGilroy and Skywalker.

Jenny, this news is so distressing. I know it's hard to stay positive, but keep in mind that MD Anderson is one of the best places in the world for your brother to be. Their doctors just about work miracles. If this was 20 years ago, it would probably be over, but there's hope now. You know we're all here for you. You know I am.

:bighug:

Jenny, this news is so distressing. I know it's hard to stay positive, but keep in mind that MD Anderson is one of the best places in the world for your brother to be. Their doctors just about work miracles. If this was 20 years ago, it would probably be over, but there's hope now. You know we're all here for you. You know I am.

:bighug:

Thanks Janice. I appreciate it. :hug:

Jenny,

My prayers go out to you and your brother. I am sure this is shocking and so stressful for you all.

Keep hope alive. You have a lot of people who care about you here, and we're here for you whenever you need us.

Michael

I'm sorry Jenny. Your brother, you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks Michael and gidgetgrape.

The PET Scan showed that it's cancer in his heart. It did not show up in other parts of the body which is good. We are still waiting to hear the results of the results of the Cardiac MRI. My brother will start chemotherapy on Monday morning.

my prayers and thoughts are with you, Jenny.:bighug:

Your brother and your family are in my prayers Jenny.

Thanks.

So sorry Jenny. I'll be thinking about you & your family! :bighug:

Thinking of you and your brother Jenny

Thanks Leigh Ann and Oh Nuts!

Round 2 of chemo. started today for my brother. He isn't feeling well and got sick during chemo. treatment today. Hopefully tomorrow will go better. Five days of chemo. and then a two week break.

Jenny, I thought I had responded to this thread but I hadn't and I apologize for the oversight. I hope and pray that your brother can pull through this and prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.

Thanks Charles.

My brother's tumor in his heart has gotten a little bigger again. :( The blood clot that is covering the tumor has caused the tumor to grow a little. Blood clots are awful. Because of the blood clot my brother is on blood thinner injections that are required twice a day. The finalized Cardiac MRI from last time showed that there was a blood clot and that the tumor was a little bigger. My brother just went through another round of chemotherapy last week including the blood thinner injections.

My brother is in town this week. He had scans done yesterday, both a PET Scan and a Cardiac MRI. The results were back today. The doctor informed him that the tumor is a little bigger and that the blood clot is still there. :( I have been praying. We were hoping for some good news. The only good thing is that the lungs look clear.

I'm so sorry Jenny. My thoughts and prayers continue for your brother. Hang in there. I know it's hard. :(

My brother's tumor in his heart has gotten a little bigger again. :( The blood clot that is covering the tumor has caused the tumor to grow a little. Blood clots are awful. Because of the blood clot my brother is on blood thinner injections that are required twice a day. The finalized Cardiac MRI from last time showed that there was a blood clot and that the tumor was a little bigger. My brother just went through another round of chemotherapy last week including the blood thinner injections.

My brother is in town this week. He had scans done yesterday, both a PET Scan and a Cardiac MRI. The results were back today. The doctor informed him that the tumor is a little bigger and that the blood clot is still there. :( I have been praying. We were hoping for some good news. The only good thing is that the lungs look clear.

Hang onto hope, Jenny. I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through this. Sonny's right; cancer is very hard and it's such an awful disease. Remember to take care of yourself during all of this. We're all here for you and are praying for the best for you and your family.

Thanks Sonny and Michael. :)

I can't image what your brother is going through. It must be very scary. I pray he stays strong. My prayers are with him.

Thanks.

This Thanksgiving will be a big deal because we just don't know how much time is left. I'm hoping a long time, but the cancer is so aggressive.

Jenny, I know just how hard this has been on you. It's the saddest thing ever, for a man in his mid 30s with five kids to have the clock running out on him so fast. After he lost his leg, I think we all thought that it was a new beginning for him. Apparently, he's still on borrowed time.

You never know. I just read an article about Valerie Harper. She said that she's been taking this medicine, and her scans have been clear. Still, she's a realist and knows that it will return, it always does. Just saying that maybe the doctors can find other ways to keep the cancer at bay. It does happen. You know I'm always here for you. :hug:

Jenny, I know just how hard this has been on you. It's the saddest thing ever, for a man in his mid 30s with five kids to have the clock running out on him so fast. After he lost his leg, I think we all thought that it was a new beginning for him. Apparently, he's still on borrowed time.

You never know. I just read an article about Valerie Harper. She said that she's been taking this medicine, and her scans have been clear. Still, she's a realist and knows that it will return, it always does. Just saying that maybe the doctors can find other ways to keep the cancer at bay. It does happen. You know I'm always here for you. :hug:

Thanks Janice. I appreciate the kind words and all your support. IT has helped. :) :bighug:

i am so sorry jenny you and your family will be in my prayers

Thanks Janice. I appreciate the kind words and all your support. IT has helped. :) :bighug:I am so sorry Jenny, i just saw your thread now........ I cant begin to imagine how your feeling :(

Peace and love to you http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/435/grouphugym7.gif

Another round of chemo. starting tomorrow.

My brother will be consulting with the cardiovascular surgeon this week about seeing if it's possible to take the tumor out or part of it. The surgery is highly dangerous, but my mother says that if my brother can't have the surgery he will have less than a year left. :(

I'm trying to stay positive. I'm going to look into counseling for me.

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way, Jenny.

Terrible news. You know I'm here for you Jenny. Praying for your brother. :hug:

It just makes me heart sick (no pun intended at all) knowing that if the last two rounds of chemo. had not been administered, my brother would have already died according to the doctors and my mother. That in addition to what I mentioned above is sad.

Because of the cancer my brother could never have a heart transplant because of the cancer.

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way, Jenny.

Thank you.

Terrible news. You know I'm here for you Jenny. Praying for your brother. :hug:

Thanks. I appreciate it Janice.

Hang in there, Jenny. I"m sorry you don't have better news. Life just isn't fair sometimes (heck, most of the time).

We're all here for you, and there is ALWAYS hope.

The last few rounds of chemo. have kept the cancer from overtaking my borther's body, however, the tumor in his heart has not shurnk. :( It has grown a little each time. The blood clot is still there covering the tumor as well.

This week after getting results of the most recent scans my brother met with two Cardiovascular surgeons. My brother is scheduled to have heart surgery on Monday. It's a very serious surgery. My mother called me after the first meeting and the call only lasted 1 minute and 45 seconds. I have not heard yet what was discussed and said in the second meeting. I got an extremely quick call (exaclty 15 seconds long) from my mother telling me that they were not finished yet and were doing pre-op. stuff. Then she let me go.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Please keep my brother in your thoughts and prayers on Monday.

Yes we sure will sweetie!!

Peace and love to you all http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/435/grouphugym7.gif

I'm so sorry Jenny. I wish I could say something to make you feel better. Your brother continues to be in my prayers. Hang in there my friend. :(

Keeping a good thought and a prayer for you guys, Jenny. I'm sorry no one seems to be updating you properly. They should be.

Will be praying for your brother, Jenny.

I'm very sorry, Jenny. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

This situation is heartbreaking. Cancer is a monster. You know I'm here for you Jenny, anytime, day or night....well not so much mornings, lol. You know I love you, and you can count on me to be here for you, especially during these dark days.

Praying for you and your brother Jenny. God Bless.

Thanks Dude, Sonny, Michael, Gene, Mike and Oh Nuts for your thoughts.

Janice, thank you for being there for me. I really appreciate it. :hug: It's been hard accepting and handling my brother's cancer. You have made it easier and I'm grateful for that. :)

My brother will have surgery early Monday morning. The surgery he will have is a little different than what we thought would be necessary. It will still be heart surgery, but the hope with this is to keep his heart in his chest. The doctors have to remove the cancerous tumor which still has the blood clot over it. Hopefully they will be successful in removing the cancer. This surgery isn't as dangerous, but still comes with complications. The recovery shouldn't be as hard on him.

I hope this will be the end of the cancer. It's so aggressive spreading from the left leg to the right lung and then to the heart.

Thanks Dude, Sonny, Michael, Gene, Mike and Oh Nuts for your thoughts.

Janice, thank you for being there for me. I really appreciate it. :hug: It's been hard accepting and handling my brother's cancer. You have made it easier and I'm grateful for that. :)

My brother will have surgery early Monday morning. The surgery he will have is a little different than what we thought would be necessary. It will still be heart surgery, but the hope with this is to keep his heart in his chest. The doctors have to remove the cancerous tumor which still has the blood clot over it. Hopefully they will be successful in removing the cancer. This surgery isn't as dangerous, but still comes with complications. The recovery shouldn't be as hard on him.

I hope this will be the end of the cancer. It's so aggressive spreading from the left leg to the right lung and then to the heart.


As hard as this situation is, he has so much love around him. And when you have that it gives you the courage to keep tracking on. Praying for your brother Jenny.

My prayers and thoughts are with you, Jenny. I'm sorry that your family is enduring this at all, much less during this time of the year.

Thanks Dude, Sonny, Michael, Gene, Mike and Oh Nuts for your thoughts.Your more than welcome :)

I will be keeping thoughts and prayers for your brother.

Thanks Oh Nuts, shotzette and ponytail.

I hope my prayer AND EVERYONE ELSE's was heard today :)


I want to hear good news!!


God bless you Jenny - Please give him a big hug for me!!

Thank you everyone for the prayers. :)

I hope my prayer AND EVERYONE ELSE's was heard today :)

I want to hear good news!!

God bless you Jenny - Please give him a big hug for me!!

Thanks.

He made it through the surgery! They took out the tumor and salvaged the heart valve.
He's in an ICU room and they are trying to get his pain under control.

Thank you everyone for the prayers. :)



Thanks.

He made it through the surgery! They took out the tumor and salvaged the heart valve.
He's in an ICU room and they are trying to get his pain under control.

That's great, Jenny. Please keep us updated. I'll continue to pray for you and your family.

Thank you everyone for the prayers. :)



Thanks.

He made it through the surgery! They took out the tumor and salvaged the heart valve.
He's in an ICU room and they are trying to get his pain under control.


That's good news!

Jenny, I'm so so happy for your brother. This is great news. I've heard all too often that doctors go in to operate and turns out it's worse than they thought; so they just close it up and tell the patient to get their affairs in order.

Not your brother! They took out the mass, even salvaged his heart valve. He's a strong man with so much to live for, namely his wife and five kids, and your mother, you and your sister, of course. He's a tough Navy pilot. They don't go down easy. Yay!

:triplets:clap:

Thank you everyone for the prayers. :)



Thanks.

He made it through the surgery! They took out the tumor and salvaged the heart valve.
He's in an ICU room and they are trying to get his pain under control.
That's great news Jenny. I'm so happy for you. :)

Thanks, Janice, Michael, Mike and Sonny.

Jenny, I'm so so happy for your brother. This is great news. I've heard all too often that doctors go in to operate and turns out it's worse than they thought; so they just close it up and tell the patient to get their affairs in order.

Not your brother! They took out the mass, even salvaged his heart valve. He's a strong man with so much to live for, namely his wife and five kids, and your mother, you and your sister, of course. He's a tough Navy pilot. They don't go down easy. Yay!

:triplets:clap:

Thanks Janice. :) Thanks for lending an ear and being there for me. :cool:

Happy to hear this good turn Jenny! Hope you and yours have a nice Xmas.

Thank you everyone for the prayers. :)



Thanks.

He made it through the surgery! They took out the tumor and salvaged the heart valve.
He's in an ICU room and they are trying to get his pain under control.

Thanks for sharing the encouraging news, Jenny. Continuing with my prayers.

I'm glad to hear that the surgery went well and hope that it's a speedy recovery.

I'm glad to hear it went well. Hoping and praying and sending positive thoughts to your brother. :wave: :)

Jenny sorry to hear about the tough time your family is going through and I wiull keep you and your family in my prayers. Glad to hear the surgery went well and I hope he has a speedy recovery.

Thanks Rich, Gene, JamesG, ponytail and Solomon. :)

My brother will be moved from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to Intermediate Care Unit (IMU) tomorrow morning. I talked to him for a few minutes on the phone this afternoon.

Jenny, I'm glad that your brother is doing well after surgery. I know he is a fighter and has many people supporting him. I hope you get to spend many more holidays together with him. He's lucky to have such a kind and caring sister and you are lucky to have him as well.

Jenny, I'm glad that your brother is doing well after surgery. I know he is a fighter and has many people supporting him. I hope you get to spend many more holidays together with him. He's lucky to have such a kind and caring sister and you are lucky to have him as well.

Thanks TJ. :) I hope there are more years with my brother. :) You're right he is a fighter.

My brother was transferred to IMU on Christmas Day. He remained in the hospital until Thursday, Jan. 2nd. He developed Pneumonia post surgery. It was first treated with IV antibiotics and now by mouth antibiotics.

We were all very happy for him when he was discharged from the hospital. My brother, his wife, and his oldest son headed home yesterday (Friday). Hopefully he will continue to heal.

My brother was transferred to IMU on Christmas Day. He remained in the hospital until Thursday, Jan. 2nd. He developed Pneumonia post surgery. It was first treated with IV antibiotics and now by mouth antibiotics.

We were all very happy for him when he was discharged from the hospital. My brother, his wife, and his oldest son headed home yesterday (Friday). Hopefully he will continue to heal.

From my experience, cancer is like one of those "Whack A Mole" games at the amusement park. You get better, you get weak from treatments, you have reactions, you have re occurrences, you get better, you get weak again, there's complications, etc. The cycle repeats.

Good thing your brother is a fighter, he's probably prepared to go toe to toe with this thing for the long haul, and we sure all hope it's a VERY long haul, one that sees him the victor.

Continuing to pray for you guys, Jenny.

Jenny, you and your brother are in my thoughts and I'm glad to hear he's coming home and responding to the meds.

I hope things get better from now Jenny!!

My brother was transferred to IMU on Christmas Day. He remained in the hospital until Thursday, Jan. 2nd. He developed Pneumonia post surgery. It was first treated with IV antibiotics and now by mouth antibiotics.

We were all very happy for him when he was discharged from the hospital. My brother, his wife, and his oldest son headed home yesterday (Friday). Hopefully he will continue to heal.
Hey that's great news Jenny. I hope things get better now. :)

I'm very glad to hear it, Jenny!

Thanks Michael, Rich, Dude, Sonny and Mike.

The last two sets of scans, in February and then this week both came back clear. :) My brother will have scans again in three months. We continue to hope that the Ewings Sarcoma cancer doesn't return.

That is great news! I will continue to pray for him.

Jenny, I am so happy for your brother and your entire family. I hope he beats the odds and gets to tell his grandkids about this.

Thanks ponytail and Janice. :)