Leaving on a night train

9 years ago

well not really but that sounded so catchy...In case I'm not around or not around as much...maybe catch me on Facebook...

We are leaving Monday in the RV for a 16 day stay in Austin TX. As many of you know, who follow my sordid tale on Facebook, I have a little spot in my left lung that has been there for a long time, actually was there when the other cancer in the right lung was removed. Since I don't have the upper and middle section of the right lung, I'd like to conserve as much of the left lung as possible by avoiding surgery. This tiny spot has all of a sudden started to kick around the idea of growing and causing me problems. After consulting with a few doctors it has been decided that the first attempt to get rid of it or to get it to stop growing (to change it's DNA) is to undergo what is known as Cyberknife treatment. It is high dose radiation that is pretty much aimed at the tumor for an extended period of time...approximately 45 minutes. It is actually aimed at some little gold/metal pices called fiducials that I had implanted in my lung so the radiation beam can find the tumor no matter where I am in each breath. I will have 5 treatments scheduled for every other day. Rather than stay with friends who have offered or with a couple of our kids who have also offered, we have decided to stay in our RV and not interrupt anyone's lives. Can you imagine having company for 16 days...Eve our kids would hate us by the end of that many days...We have such terrible bedtime habits of staying up half the night and sleeping half the day and all of our kids and friends work so we would disturb their lifestyles...Plus we will be able to have Molly with us also...

I am not afraid/scared so don't worry about me or that aspect just hope and pray that this Cyberknife treatment does change the DNA and the little booger does stop growing but even if it doesn't, I still have other options...including surgery or chemo but as I said, as a last resort...or there is always the option at 75 years of age of doing nothing....we will play this out later..

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Comments (27)

marie_ndcal
9 years ago
No matter where you say, or your treatment, my prayers are with you for complete healing.
glenda_al
9 years ago
Will be thinking about you for sure!
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Georgysmom
9 years ago
A friend had the cyberknife treatment on a brain tumor and it was very successful. I hope yours will be, too. Wishing you a safe and successful journey.
mare_wbpa
9 years ago
You have my prayers and good thoughts coming your way for the treatment to be effective.
party_music50
9 years ago
Never heard of the cyberknife treatment, but they progress so quickly in everything now. Best wishes to you!!!
phyllis__mn
9 years ago
Wishing a great outcome on this.
oldfixer
9 years ago
Staying up all nite and sleeping all day wouldn't bother me, I would bother you. But good luck on whatever they choose that might be successful.
gadgets
9 years ago
I will pray that the results you want come true. Keep us updated when you can.

Shirley
mamatoad
9 years ago
I'll keep you in my thoughts and in my prayers, Ruthie. Please let us know how you are doing.
nanny98
9 years ago
Sending many good thoughts and prayers that this procedure works well for you.... and (having our own RV) who can blame you for having your second "home" to be comfortable in. My DH loves our RV bed. Looking forward to future posts.
lisa_fla
9 years ago
Its always nice to have our own privacy and space. It was very nice of everyone to offer their homes. Wishing you the best with our treatment. Can you read or something during the process, or lie perfectly still? Keep us posted if you can!
sjerin
9 years ago
Thinking of you, Ruthie. I hope this treatment will do the trick and that you have an easy time of it.
Pieonear
9 years ago
Sending you good thoughts and healing wishes.
grandmamary_ga
9 years ago
Wishing you the best of luck.
Mary
alisande
9 years ago
I didn't see this on FB, Ruthie. I'm often critical of our medical system, but without a doubt medical science has made some amazing and important strides in treating certain conditions, and this sounds like one of their best.

I'm glad you're going with KT thoughts and prayers behind you. I'm adding mine. Please keep us updated.
clubm
9 years ago
Sending healing thoughts your way.Good Luck.
stacey_mb
9 years ago
All the best to you for a positive outcome to this treatment. Kind of your family and friends to offer you accommodations, but it will be nice with your RV to have a "home away from home."
lindaohnowga
9 years ago
Ruthie, I prayed that this treatment will be a complete success. When you get back home, be sure to come here and update us.
Charlee_MO
9 years ago
You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers, Ruthie.
caroline94535
9 years ago
(((( Ruthie )))) you are in my prayers!
Nita__AZ
9 years ago
Good luck Ruthie. I too understand how you enjoy your RV and the normalcy of your regular life. We sure enjoy ours and we are up until midnight every night and sleep in in the morning.

Will be checking in here and at FB to see how things are going.
kathi_mdgd
9 years ago
Prayers and Blessings for You Ruthie.I've heard lots of go o d things about that cyber knife surgery.wishing you well.
Kathi
Kathsgrdn
9 years ago
Sending prayers for you Ruthie.
ruthieg__tx
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all so much. I have high hopes for this radiation treatment. If it just slows it down or stops it from growing for 6 or 8 years that is a win win situation. Again I am not afraid so that's a good thing .i have had radiation for Breast cancer before and this is a totally different ...highly refined...radiation. Very high dose but also they hit the spot so no burning of tissue all around the area like with regular radiation. It's a very interesting treatment...thus the name knife.

Thanks again..I know I will feel all the strength from my friends..

You are welcome to check my facebook page as I will probably update for family.

Here is a link that might be useful: https://www.facebook.com/ruth.guida.9?fref=ts

This post was edited by ruthieg__tx on Sun, Oct 19, 14 at 12:16
yayagal
9 years ago
In between the treatments make sure you have some fun as I'm sure you will. God bless you and may your outcome be highly successful.
chisue
9 years ago
Some people just have to have 'the latest thing'! LOL I'm sure this is going to do what you need, and I'm glad you can manage it without jumping that freight train.

Wishing you WELL!
hounds_x_two
9 years ago
Sending good thoughts your way.
You know we'll be thinking of you.

Leaving on a night train

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marie_ndcal

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Leaving on a night train

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