OT - but not totally. About my health.

Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. That was about six days in Critical
Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. Thank you all for being there for me. I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.
--
Rita L. in MA One Eyed Mutant Ninja Quilter :-)

On Jan 25, 10:41*am, "Rita L. in MA" wrote:
Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. * The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. *My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. *Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. *I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. *That was about six days in Critical
Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. *It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. *I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. *I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. *Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) *And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. *Thank you all for being there for me. *I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. *If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? *We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.
--
Rita L. in MA One Eyed Mutant Ninja Quilter :-)

Oh Rita ~

I am at a loss for words. I just don't know what to say at this
point. I was so hoping as well as everyone else that there would be
some drug or miracle that would come to your rescue.

I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy from GA

Like you, Rita, I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say.
Your fight against the cancer has been an inspiration - you've
maintained such a positive attitude throughout and I'm so sorry that the
day has now come when you have to decide that further chemo isn't the
path you want to take. In spite of that, I'm glad you are the one who
can make that decision and that family members don't have to make it for
you.

I have so enjoyed getting to "know" you through this group. You are a
very special person, and I hope you have many days left to spend with us
and with your family.

You will continue to be in my prayers.

Louise in Iowa
http://community.webshots.com/user/louiseiniowa
nieland1390 at mchsi dot com

On 1/25/2011 9:41 AM, Rita L. in MA wrote:
Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. That was about six days in Critical Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. Thank you all for being there for me. I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.

Oh Rita, I am desperately sorry that it has come to this.
You have been so great; and now you are being brave and certain. I
guess the cancer people can't win them all; and it is kind to you that
you have made up your own mind - no-one putting pressure on you either
way. The not knowing must be exhausting for your mind. I hope you find
peace in whatever you decide to do for the next while.
I hope you do pop in and tell us how you're going - or else!
..
In message , Rita L. in MA
writes
Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with
about 20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they
let me go home. I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to
the hospital to try surgery on this. That was about six days in
Critical Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. I am
back home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice
later today. I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am
currently not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody
else's life for a while :-) And then there is that awesome HUGG that
you made for me. Thank you all for being there for me. I will
continue to "use you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.

--
Best Regards
Pat on the Green

Pat S wrote:

I hope you do pop in and tell us how you're going - or else!

LOL! Now that is low. Threatening the sick lady, hmmppfff!

--
Rita L. in MA One Eyed Mutant Ninja Quilter :-)

Thanks so much for letting us know and letting us share your journey.
One doesn't speak of good luck in this situation, but you were given
the power to make a choice and take control of what happens. You are
always such a positive person -I'm glad to see this hasn't changed!
Roberta in D

On Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:41:01 -0500, "Rita L. in MA"
wrote:

Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. That was about six days in Critical
Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. Thank you all for being there for me. I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.

Rita,

Hugs! Thanks for sharing, and stick around as much as you want/can.

I'll pass your message to Pat in VA right now.

Hanne in DK


On Jan 25, 3:41*pm, "Rita L. in MA" wrote:
Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. * The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. *My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. *Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. *I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. *That was about six days in Critical
Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. *It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. *I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. *I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. *Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) *And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. *Thank you all for being there for me. *I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. *If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? *We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.
--
Rita L. in MA One Eyed Mutant Ninja Quilter :-)

Hi, I just wish I could find the words to explain how I feel for you and
your situation. I suppose what I want you to know, is that hugs are
sent your way. Sometimes, there just are no words, but my goodness, I
admire you, with your strength and courage. I am pretty sure that I
would have crumbled by the wayside long before. Please call by and take
a peek into our lives by all means and keep strong.

Hugs

Janner
France


On 25/01/2011 16:41, Rita L. in MA wrote:
Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. That was about six days in Critical Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. Thank you all for being there for me. I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.

Well, I have to say you are one brave, courageous lady and I admire
you for even being able to post to the group in such a calm way! I
doubt if I'd ever have the composure to do that. Our reassuring hugs
are embedded in the HUG quilt, so keep it wrapped around you as much
as you can..

Carole D. - Retired and loving it in the foothills of NW Georgia

My quilts, crafts, QIs, and more - http://home.windstream.net/caroledoyle

On Jan 25, 10:26*am, Louise in Iowa wrote:
Like you, Rita, I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say.
Your fight against the cancer has been an inspiration - you've
maintained such a positive attitude throughout and I'm so sorry that the
day has now come when you have to decide that further chemo isn't the
path you want to take. In spite of that, I'm glad you are the one who
can make that decision and that family members don't have to make it for
you.

I have so enjoyed getting to "know" you through this group. You are a
very special person, and I hope you have many days left to spend with us
and with your family.

You will continue to be in my prayers.

Louise in Iowahttp://community.webshots.com/user/louiseiniowa
nieland1390 at mchsi dot com

On 1/25/2011 9:41 AM, Rita L. in MA wrote:



Good Morning,

I'm having a tough time trying to decide what to say here. The past
couple of months have been very difficult for me. My chemo treatments
stopped working, just as I was about to sign up for a clinical trial of
a new drug a CT scan showed that I had a large pleural effusion (google
knows lots about this) that had collapsed my left lung and required
draining. Four attempts at draining over two days only dealt with about
20% of the effusion but it was two days until Christmas and they let me
go home. I was fine for a few days but was then readmitted to the
hospital to try surgery on this. That was about six days in Critical Care.

We did try a new chemo drug in the past few weeks. It robbed me of all
of my white blood cells and so I have spent the last 8 days in the
hospital where nobody was allowed to breath anywhere near me. I am back
home again and feeling better but will be signed up with Hospice later
today. I do have the option of trying the chemo again but am currently
not in favor of that.

My cancer is getting worse, I am declining treatment and so am eligible
for Hospice services. Of course nobody can predict how much longer I
have but the word "months" has been used a few times and I am hopeful
that I have a couple.

All of this because I wanted to tell you all how much I have enjoyed
RCTQ over the years and have loved having this community of friends to
turn to when I needed a lift or just wanted to peek into somebody else's
life for a while :-) And then there is that awesome HUGG that you made
for me. Thank you all for being there for me. I will continue to "use
you" if that is O.K.

Rita

P.S. If anybody is in touch with Pat in VA, could you share this with
her? We had a couple of very nice meet ups in the past when my husband
and I were in VA. and I want to let her know how much I enjoyed that.

Louise has said this better than I ever could. My thoughts and
prayers are with you for quality and comfort for as long as
possible.
KJ