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Author Topic: Cancer...  (Read 8941 times)

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Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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  • Posts: 48
Cancer...
« on: August 14, 2016, 01:55:24 pm »
Hi all,

Coming up on 2 years since my hiv dx and I guess everything was going a little too well.  Good labs and no side effects.  Well... Colonoscopy 2 weeks ago revealed squamous cell rectal tumor.  HPV related cancer and apparently not uncommon among hiv+ people.  Further scans have not found any spreading to distant organs, although there may be some involvement of local lymph nodes.   

Fuck. 

Now I'm preparing for 5-6 weeks of radiation and 2 rounds of chemo.  Mitomycin and 5FU (as in fuck you cancer).  Got a nice little port in my chest which kinda freaks me out. 

 I'm scared.

Has anyone else been through anything like this? Any words of wisdom?
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Ptrk3

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2016, 02:08:33 pm »
I'm sorry to hear of your temporary health set back.

Thank goodness you had a colonoscopy and the cancer was caught early and has not metastasized.  It sounds like your medical team is on top of things and that you have an aggressive treatment plan in place.

Rest assured, oncology today is better than ever.  The odds are tremendously in your favor.  My thoughts are with you.  You will be fine.
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Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2016, 03:00:50 pm »
Thanks...  Yes the oncologists are extremely optimistic.  They say this type of cancer responds very well to treatment so I guess I have every reason to be hopeful.  Still it's a tough thing to face.  Really not looking forward to the treatment... But the cancer clinic was full of patients in their 70s and 80s so I figure if they can take it I should have no problem.  It's just that I'm such a wuss...
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Jim Allen

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2016, 03:42:27 am »
I can't add much to the thread but wanted to wish you well.

Jim
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Offline zach

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2016, 03:54:02 am »
what'd you go and get cancer for?!? fuck is right

Offline Wade

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2016, 08:50:11 am »
Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope your treatments go smoothly.
Keep us posted along the way.

Best, Wade
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Offline Buckmark

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  • Would you like to tie me up with your ties, Ty?
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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2016, 09:59:59 am »
Cancer sucks -- there is no other way to describe it.  But you can beat this.  I went through treatment (chemo and rads) for lymphoma almost 3 years ago.  And though it is a road I never wanted to travel, here I am.  Treatment really isn't much fun, and if you have questions or problems as you go through it, reach out to your oncologist (my oncologist's nurse always returned my calls the same day).  There is no problem too small, and I had a few times where I wish I had called them earlier.  Go easy on yourself.  Be honest when the nurses and doctors ask you about diarrhea and constipation.   :o  And hydrate!  You're going to be glad you have that port in your chest, here is one tip I have about ports:  If you find your port gets blocked, which is not uncommon, once they unblock it (it's simple) ask your doctor about starting blood thinners to avoid clots traveling to unwanted places in your body. 

Best of luck to you -- I wish you speedy treatment that is as easy as possible.  Don't hesitate to PM me if you need to.

Regards,

Henry
"Life in Lubbock, Texas, taught me two things:
     One is that God loves you and you're going to burn in hell.
     The other is that sex is the most awful, filthy thing on earth and you should save it for someone you love."
- Butch Hancock, Musician, The Flatlanders

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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  • Posts: 48
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2016, 04:41:20 pm »
Thanks Henry.  Everything is all set to begin treatment on Monday.  I guess my biggest worry right now is maintaining a healthy diet and appetite, while managing side effects.  Since my ass is going to be pretty sore from the radiation, I really, really don't want to get constipated:)  The staff has repeatedly echoed your advice to call with any problem no matter how small. 

Oh, and Zach...  why did I go get cancer?  Well, mountain bike season is winding down, and ski season doesn't get going for a couple months, so I guess I just need something to keep me busy;)
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline zach

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2016, 05:03:19 pm »
dude, knitting is way better than cancer if you need a hobby

hang in there, keep us in the loop, we love ya

Offline skeebo1969

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2016, 07:46:26 pm »

Fuck. 

Now I'm preparing for 5-6 weeks of radiation and 2 rounds of chemo.  Mitomycin and 5FU (as in fuck you cancer).  Got a nice little port in my chest which kinda freaks me out. 

 I'm scared.

Has anyone else been through anything like this? Any words of wisdom?

Meditation, and simply living in the moment.  Don't worry about tomorrow, and don't feel any guilt about the past.   Doing this kind of takes away some of the anxiety of what you are going through.

If you have access to good herb during chemo that really helps as well.

I wish you luck!  Your doctor's optimism is a good thing.
I despise the song Love is in the Air, you should too.

Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #10 on: August 18, 2016, 09:43:36 pm »


            ojo         Hi Colorado, I'm really sorry for your cancer dx, I will be thinking about you...Henry went through some cancer, so, you got good tips from him...question, why did you get the colonoscopy, where you having problems?...I had a colonoscopy almost two years ago, I'm schedole for another one next October, doctor wants to make sure, what ever he noticed previously, it's not causing problems, he gave me the name of what he is concerned about, I forgot it...anyway, I have had a medaport on my chest too, I know what you mean how you are feeling...ok, I will be crossing my fingers, toes, legs even my eyes, so you will be fine...hang in there, you are being treated, that's the important part of any illness...keep us poste, please...good vibes on your way...hugs                       ojo

Offline FES

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  • Regain health and stay healthy for a long life!
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #11 on: August 18, 2016, 11:42:12 pm »
Stay positive if you can, I know that is hard to do in times like this.  We all care for you and love ya!  Keep us updated as you go down this road.  You are not alone, we are all here for you!!

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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  • Posts: 48
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #12 on: August 20, 2016, 08:07:50 pm »
Hi tonny.  I did have some bleeding and a some pain but it wasn't anything major and I just added some fiber to my diet and it got better so I didn't really worry about it.  Mentioned it to my dr at a yearly physical and he ordered the colonoscopy which revealed the tumor.  Lesson for everyone is to tell your doctor about everything that's going on, and don't ignore symptoms. Had I not mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have found out for a long time. And it's already stage 3. I guess I'm lucky... but I won't feel that way until I'm healthy again. 

Skeebo... Mj is legal in colorado so that has crossed my mind as something to try to keep my appetite and help with nausea. 

All set for radiation and chemo to start on Monday.  6 weeks.  I'll work from home as much as I can ... Worst case I can take a medical LOA and I'm covered for short term disability if it comes to that.  And thanks to $$$$ hiv meds I've met my deductible for the year (all paid by gilead co pay assistance) so i won't pay anything.  Good thing because the tab is already up to about $15k and I haven't even had a single treatment.  So at least I don't have to worry about the financial side of this. 




Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #13 on: August 20, 2016, 09:11:42 pm »


          ojo            Hi again Colorado...thanks for responding to my question, good advice...I will be thinking of you....be strong and positive, you will beat this cancer...big hug on your way and lots of good vibes   ;p                                                    ojo

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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  • Posts: 48
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #14 on: August 23, 2016, 09:55:03 pm »
Just two days in, but so far so good.  Hooked up with buddy, the chemo pump.  Radiation at 9am every morning... 2 down 28 to go.  VIP parking at the radiation oncology clinic... gotta love that.

Felt fine today.  Even got out for a run. 

Time to make cancer my bitch...
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline zach

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #15 on: August 23, 2016, 11:15:04 pm »

Offline paintedroom

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  • Posts: 375
  • Dx`d July 2016
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #16 on: August 24, 2016, 03:52:29 am »
Likewise,love your attitude.Will follow you now skifanatic.Will be thinking about you.

Big love from Ireland.
Dx`d mid July 2016
8/8/2016 - CD4 50     VL 50,000
5/9/2016 -  CD4 150
13/9/2016  VL  undetectable.
March `17 - CD4 193   VL undetectable.
March  `18 CD4 214    VL undetectable
March 2019 CD4 325  VL UD
Genvoya - Changed to Biktarvy feb 2021

Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #17 on: August 24, 2016, 08:47:07 am »

          ojo.       8) 8) 8) 8) 8).        ojo

Offline gcr.mty.mx

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  • Posts: 80
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #18 on: August 24, 2016, 04:52:32 pm »
I am your fan! keep it up!
01/16 diagnosed
03/16 cd4 750 VL 150,000
03/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+reyataz
06/16 cd4 -- VL UD!
09/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+duranavir(prezista)
03/17 cd4 -- VL UD

Offline Bartlett

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  • Posts: 77
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #19 on: August 24, 2016, 06:07:04 pm »
Adding to the positive comments - keep up the great attitude! You will kick this.
DX 1/25/16
3/30/16 - CD4 368 20% VL: 48k
6/7/16 - RX for Genvoya
7/25/16 - VL: <20; CD4 461/17%
11/28/16 - VL: UD; CD4 357/19%
3/20/17 - VL: UD; CD4 489 / 22%
7/24/17 - VL: UD; CD4 449 / 23%
11/21/17 - VL:UD; CD4 523 / 22%
3/27/18 - VL: UD; CD4 580/21%
7/31/18 - VL: 90 ; CD4 552/23%
10/31/18 - VL: UD; CD4 502/29%
01/18/19 - VL: 30; CD4 518/34%
04/29/19 - VL: UD; CD4 707/27%
7/16/19 - VL: UD; CD4 497/27%
12/4/19 - VL: UD; CD4 527/29%
04/6/20 - VL: UD; CD4 668/27%
4/1/21 - VL: UD; CD4 470/29%

Offline scooter24

  • Member
  • Posts: 51
  • Still here!
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #20 on: August 24, 2016, 07:29:40 pm »
I'm glad to hear that treatment is going okay for you.
12/4/13 Tested HIV -
12/2/14 Dx'ed HIV +
12/4/14 CD4 295 29% VL 1356 No resistances
12/19/14 Started Stribild
1/7/15 CD4 338 35% VL UD
2/17/15 CD4 329 35% VL UD
5/15 CD4 444 36% VL UD
7/15 Switched to Triumeq
9/15 CD4 526 40% VL <40
12/15 CD4 534 39% VL <40

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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  • Posts: 48
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #21 on: August 29, 2016, 12:29:31 pm »
Rough weekend.  Side effects started to hit me on Thursday... nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores, and just plain feeling crappy.  It's been a real challenge to eat anything... not hungry and everything tastes like shit.  The chemo pump was disconnected on Friday so I'm hoping I'll rally some this week.  Today does seem a little better.  But it's discouraging to be wiped out so quickly. 
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #22 on: August 29, 2016, 03:39:12 pm »


          OJO       HELLO COLORADO, I'M GLAD THAT YOU ARE HANGING IN THERE, MY FRIEND USED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT HE COULDN'T EAT BECAUSE EVERYTHING TASTED LIKE POOP, BUT IT IS PART OF THE SIDE EFFECTS, THEY WILL GO AWY...I'M SORRY YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THIS, BUT, THIS IS GOING TO MAKE YOU STRONGER AND KINDER, BECAUSE YOU WILL KNOW THAT LIFE IS DIFFICULT AND WE HAVE TO FIGHT UNTIL THE END...WISHING YOU THE BEST AND YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS ALL THE TIME...HUGS                                                                 OJO

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #23 on: September 07, 2016, 06:33:05 pm »
In week 3 of my treatment.  Chemo is tough, there's no getting around it.  Mouth sores, nausea, and no appetite.  Had about 10 days of feeling pretty shitty, then a dramatic improvement last saturday.  Appetite and energy came roaring back, so had a great weekend of eating a getting out and about... paid for it a little since my bowels didn't get the memo.  This week things are pretty good.  Blood counts are a little low, so I get tired easy, and need to watch what I eat (stick to food easy to digest).  But still working almost full time (from home).

Radiation treatments continue and my ass is getting a little sore, but not slowing me down yet.  One more week before I get the chemo pump back... at least I know what to expect next time.

Almost halfway done making cancer my bitch.
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Jim Allen

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #24 on: September 07, 2016, 07:58:36 pm »
Halfway mark that's good and glad to hear you had a good weekend/break. 
Keep fighting, thoughts are with you.

Jim
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Offline gcr.mty.mx

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #25 on: September 07, 2016, 08:06:19 pm »
Today for you, tomorrow for me. Please recieve my support. Your attitude is nothing short of admirable!

Stay strong!
G
01/16 diagnosed
03/16 cd4 750 VL 150,000
03/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+reyataz
06/16 cd4 -- VL UD!
09/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+duranavir(prezista)
03/17 cd4 -- VL UD

Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #26 on: September 07, 2016, 08:10:03 pm »


           OJO         HELLO COLORADO...PROUD OF YOU, HANG IN THERE, WE ALL HER ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU...HUGS AND LOVE                                              OJO

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

  • Member
  • Posts: 48
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #27 on: October 01, 2016, 12:07:16 pm »
Hey Everyone.  Well, it’s been a long 6 weeks, but yesterday I had my final radiation appointment, and my cancer treatment is over… hopefully for the rest of my life.  It wasn’t easy, but I got through it.  Managing the side effects was a learning curve, but I’m a quick study.  I had some bad days, but overall, it could be have been way worse.  I think the uncertainty was worse than the actual symptoms… waiting and wondering what might happen as I watch the poison enter my body, drip by drip.  I’d start to feel something, like a bad taste in my mouth or my stomach starting to churn, and it’s like, ok I read about this, I know what this is and I have a bottle of pills for it.  Suddenly I can do something, take control instead of just feeling like I’m at the mercy of this thing inside me.  It’s a small thing, but a powerful feeling.  I think there’s a parallel message in there for us HIV+ folks… newbies especially who might be reading this right now… you’re facing a formidable opponent, but you’re not helpless. You have weapons.  Use them… let them help you tap into the strength that’s already inside you.  Take control of the fear, and kill it. 

I experienced pretty much the full range of ill effects from the chemo and radiation.  They try to prepare you for the worst case scenario, so that anything short of that feels like a gift.  The worst thing was the difficulty of eating enough… several side effects conspire to keep you from getting enough food.  My mouth and lips were covered with painful sores for a good 10 days after each chemo round.  Nausea was constant, although the meds were effective at combating it, so I only threw up one time.  Everything tastes really bad, and I had no appetite.  And swallowing was difficult and painful due to an ulcer about halfway down the esophagus.  I might be leaving out something, but you get the picture.  Mealtime was just an ordeal… take everything through a straw to get it past the mouth sores, and force yourself to get it all down.  Fortunately, the worst of this only lasted about a week for each round of chemo.  I toughed it out… for the first round I only lost about 5 pounds which I considered a major victory.  The doctors were really happy with that as well.  The second round, I managed to maintain the same weight through it all.  So, that was a battle, but I kicked its ass. 

Fatigue and cognitive impairment were problems at times, but nothing like what I had prepared myself for.  I thought I might be completely wiped out all the time, but no, my energy level was pretty good.  I worked nearly full time except for the last week or so when side effects started to pile up.  I got sleepy some afternoons, signed off work and took a nap or watched Netflix.  Most nights I was snoring on the sofa by 8:00, but I do that a lot when I’m healthy.  I got the chemo brain fog which was actually pretty disturbing… it was like my brain was only half there.  I couldn’t finish a thought or put together a coherent sentence.  I felt like Donald Trump on the debate stage.  The fog lifted by the next day, and fortunately never came back.  Being out of control mentally is the worst… it’s like I know I’m out of control and I can’t do anything about it.  I imagine that must be what it was like for you guys out there who’ve had cognitive side effects from Atripla/Sustiva.  It’s torture. 

The radiation effects built up very slowly over time.  I got treatments 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and didn’t really feel anything at all until about 3 weeks in.  The tumor is in my rectum, and it’s a pretty sensitive area as you’re no doubt aware.  Shits have become progressively more painful.  In the last week, it’s become almost unbearable… like shitting razor blades and battery acid.  But what else can I do, I’ve just got to bear it.  Vicodin helps some.  These episodes are my lowest points… I break down sometimes… I think I can’t take it another second.  But with my husband holding my hand, I get through it.  And there’s something else going on my head… some kind of subconscious defense mechanism.  In between torturous visits to the bathroom, I completely forget about the pain.  It’s like I read about it in a book.  I feel good, I feel strong, I feel unafflicted.  Next time I head to the bathroom, it’s like, oh right, I forgot this hurts a little.

This is the turning point in my battle.  My treatment has ended and my healing has begun.  The worst is behind me, and from here to the finish line every day will be better than the last. 

Wow, when I sat down I didn’t think I’d be writing a dissertation.  Bravo to you if you’ve made it to the end. 
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline mecch

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  • red pill? or blue pill?
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #28 on: October 01, 2016, 01:01:14 pm »
brave man
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline Ptrk3

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #29 on: October 01, 2016, 01:04:37 pm »
Congratulations on getting through your ordeal with dignity and grace.  Best wishes to you as you continue your journey to a full and cancer-free recovery.
HIV 101 - Basics
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You can read more about Transmission and Risks here:
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You can read more about Testing here:
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You can read more about HIV prevention here:
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You can read more about PEP and PrEP here
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Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #30 on: October 01, 2016, 02:59:30 pm »


       OJO         HEY COLORADO,  GREAT TO HEAR IT'S OVER...PROUD OF YOU...BEST OF LUCK...HUGS                                                                                         OJO

Offline paintedroom

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  • Dx`d July 2016
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #31 on: October 01, 2016, 05:02:50 pm »
I can only echo the sentiments expressed by fellow members.You come away from this thing knowing one thing for sure - you are strong.

Wishing you the very best,P.
Dx`d mid July 2016
8/8/2016 - CD4 50     VL 50,000
5/9/2016 -  CD4 150
13/9/2016  VL  undetectable.
March `17 - CD4 193   VL undetectable.
March  `18 CD4 214    VL undetectable
March 2019 CD4 325  VL UD
Genvoya - Changed to Biktarvy feb 2021

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #32 on: October 16, 2016, 01:07:03 pm »
Two weeks since the conclusion of my treatments and life is still really hard.  As expected the radiation effects continued to worsen over the next 10 days or so.  The pain is unbearable.  It's like shitting lava, acid and razor blades.  Healing is very slow but I think I'm starting to get a little better.  Who knew cancer treatment would be so tough?

  Still not able to go to work, but I work from home on the better days.  My managers have been incredibly supportive.  My husband has also been staying home the last 3 weeks to take care of me.  Fortunately he can work remotely as well. 

It's been a really hard road, and I feel very beat down physically and mentally.  I break down a lot these days but I have no choice but to persevere.

Had blood drawn last week for my regular hiv labs and I'm a little worried that the cancer treatment may have affected my cd4 or viral load.  I have been getting bad night sweats but hopefully that is from the chemo and not hiv.
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Ptrk3

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #33 on: October 16, 2016, 01:20:40 pm »
My thoughts continue to be with you and your husband over difficult days.  Best wishes on your ongoing recovery.
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Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #34 on: October 16, 2016, 01:44:36 pm »


        OJO        HELLO AGAIN MY FRIEND, I'M GLAD IT'S OVER, BUT I'M SORRY YOU ARE STILL LIVING IN PAIN, HOPEFULLY YOU WILL FEEL BETTER SOON...I GUESS YOU ARE ALLOWD TO BREAK DOWN, BUT YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO GET BACK ON TRACK AND KEEP FIGHTING, YOUR HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER NEED YOU...WISHING YOU THE BEST AND KEEP FIGHTING, IT IS WHAT IT IS...YOU ARE A FIGHTER...HUGS 

Offline Wade

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #35 on: October 17, 2016, 07:51:13 am »
I have been following your thread and all I can say is you are incredibly brave and strong. If you haven't given yourself a big pat on the back , do it now...
The worst is over and I'm wishing you a speedy recovery and a pain free trip to the toilet, oh and good luck with your lab results !

Best, Wade
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Offline gcr.mty.mx

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #36 on: October 17, 2016, 07:38:22 pm »
Hi,

Best wishes from México! I hope you have a speedy recovery. You are so brave!

G
01/16 diagnosed
03/16 cd4 750 VL 150,000
03/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+reyataz
06/16 cd4 -- VL UD!
09/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+duranavir(prezista)
03/17 cd4 -- VL UD

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #37 on: October 18, 2016, 02:27:42 pm »
Good news on my labs.  Undectectable VL, slight drop in CD4 and % at 646 and 28%.  Blood counts normal.  So got through the chemo and radiation with no HIV related problems.  I'm relieved.  20 years ago, HIV+ patients didn't do very well on cancer treatment, but no longer thanks to modern ARV treatments. 

Also, I seem to be turning a corner this week.  I've got more energy and less pain.  I'm on the road to recovery.  Might go back to work next week.
Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline Ptrk3

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #38 on: October 18, 2016, 03:04:52 pm »
I'm glad to hear you have turned the corner and sound like you are well on the road to recovery!  I hope things continue to you improve for you.  Best wishes to you and your family.
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Offline paintedroom

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  • Dx`d July 2016
Re: Cancer...
« Reply #39 on: October 18, 2016, 04:14:11 pm »
Absolutely delighted for you..you deserve all good things ahead.Enjoy everything at your leisure..and don`t work too hard :)
Dx`d mid July 2016
8/8/2016 - CD4 50     VL 50,000
5/9/2016 -  CD4 150
13/9/2016  VL  undetectable.
March `17 - CD4 193   VL undetectable.
March  `18 CD4 214    VL undetectable
March 2019 CD4 325  VL UD
Genvoya - Changed to Biktarvy feb 2021

Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #40 on: October 19, 2016, 04:21:27 pm »


           OJO         CONGRATULATIONS COLORADO...NOW, RECOVERING TIME, SORRY ABOUT THE POOPING, I GUESS IT WILL GET BETTER...LOTS OF HUGS ON YOUR WAY COLORADO FIGHTER                                                                                  OJO

Offline ColoradoSkiFanatic

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #41 on: November 22, 2016, 09:07:48 am »
Good news this week.  It's been about 7 weeks since the completion of my radiation and chemo treatments ... healing has been slow and difficult with lots of ups and downs but I'm finally healed enough to tolerate a physical exam (anoscopy) of the tumor site. It wasn't super comfortable, but the result was unexpectedly good...the tumor is completely gone, sooner than expected.  Nothing left of any concern, just a raw spot and residual inflammation which will take a bit more time to heal. 

Treatment was aggressive and certainly no picnic.  But it has paid off.  Need to be checked often of course to make sure there is no recurrence, but the doctors are pretty confident that I'm cured. 

I'm still struggling with fatigue some days, and I can't do any more vigorous exercise than walking.  But slowly improving, and I'm back to work and life is mostly back to normal, except that I crash every evening by about 7:30.  Hoping to be in shape for skiing and riding by January maybe.  We'll see. 

Cancer can fuck off :)

Nov '14  Dx  CD4 377/14%  VL  110,000
Jan '15 Started Stribild
Feb '15 CD4 625 19% VL 248
Apr '15 CD4 580 21% VL <20
Nov '15 CD4 646 28% VL <20
Apr '16 CD4 625 30% VL 20
Jul '16 CD4 825 29% VL 20
Oct '16 CD4 646 28% VL <20

Offline bocker3

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #42 on: November 22, 2016, 09:13:20 am »
Great news!!  Congratulations.....

Mike

Offline Jim Allen

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #43 on: November 22, 2016, 09:26:51 am »
Congratulations and glad to hear you are improving and recovering.
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Offline Wade

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #44 on: November 22, 2016, 09:58:23 am »
Great news Colorado !

What you described sounded like pure hell, I will never bitch about my routine HRA again.

Wade
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Offline Ptrk3

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #45 on: November 22, 2016, 10:52:15 am »
Glad to hear things continue to go well for you! :)
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Offline Tonny2

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #46 on: November 22, 2016, 08:25:46 pm »


       OJO      CONGRATULATIONS COLORODA, I'M HAPPY FOR YOU, YOU ARE A SUPER FIGHTER...I'M CROSSING MY FINGERS THINGS GO WELL...HUGS                   OJO

Offline gcr.mty.mx

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Re: Cancer...
« Reply #47 on: November 23, 2016, 04:27:03 pm »
Congratulations! You are an example of courage! I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you can hit the slopes this season!

G
01/16 diagnosed
03/16 cd4 750 VL 150,000
03/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+reyataz
06/16 cd4 -- VL UD!
09/16 truvada+ritonavir(norvir)+duranavir(prezista)
03/17 cd4 -- VL UD

 


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