Obit: Keith A of Hertford Nov. 2018

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 06:20 PM

I'll second that!

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 06:06 PM

Glad to hear that this treatment is less of an ordeal than what started the thread....and that you are still with us.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 11:10 AM

keberoxu, good to hear from you and to be remembered. Thank you.
And thanks for the info. Thompson.
I finish my course of radio/chemo on Wednesday, and it has been much less gruelling than the chemo I had before.

I will not know if it has helped until a scan, but it would be unrealistic to get my hopes up.
It is over a year since my diagnosis so I am already well ahead of the odds for pancreatic cancer.
I will try to get on a trial for one of the new biological treatments if I can.
Thanks again,
keith

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Thompson
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 03:03 AM

Incidentally, if you're worried about lessened alertness and so on, apparently medical cannabis has the THC (the stuff that gets people stoned) removed, so that's not a problem. What works in medical cannabis is other ingredients than the one that causes the stoner-ness.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Thompson
Date: 28 Nov 16 - 03:01 AM

Whatever about the effect of cannabis on tumours, I heard a BBC World radio programme the other day in which an American woman was interviewed. Her friend had rung her up some years ago and asked her could he borrow one of her husband's guns. "Why do you want that?" she asked, and he said it was to take his own life. The sickness from chemotherapy was too dreadful, and he reckoned he was just waiting to die.
She went over to visit him, bringing not a gun but a joint, and 20 minutes after smoking it, she said, his nausea was gone and he was rarin' to go.
She then went and applied for a licence to run a legal clinic supplying medical cannabis, and has been running it for 10 years or so.
Now, of course she was advertising, and so was going to be bigging up the product she's selling - but it might be worth talking to your doctor, Keith. It may help with radiotherapy's effects too.
Holding you in the light.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: keberoxu
Date: 27 Nov 16 - 05:43 PM

You and your family are not forgotten. Can't guess how you are, but I know if it was me, I would be reluctant to bleat and moan repeatedly, even if that was all I really felt up to doing at the time...

Remembering that you are going through a course of treatment that may be an ordeal at times; just to let you know that you are thought of, here on this thread ... also on the Jane's Rainbow thread if you ever peek over there.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 28 Oct 16 - 10:11 AM

Your kind words mean much to me.
Thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 27 Oct 16 - 08:16 PM

I'm still wishing you the best and sending love.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: keberoxu
Date: 27 Oct 16 - 04:54 PM

My mistake, Keith. I mistakenly believed back at your earlier post that your new treatment would commence right away, however you say your five-and-a-half weeks are just beginning. respect! Keeping you in the light.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 27 Oct 16 - 06:38 AM

Thanks you two.
I started my new treatment on Monday, and it goes on every weekday for 28 sessions. I get radio therapy and chemo tablets to take every day I have the treatment.
Apart from tiredness, no ill effects so far.
Gambling that I will be well enough, I have booked a holiday for Mary and me in January.

The video is not available here, but thanks for the thought.
Thanks again,
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Janie
Date: 26 Oct 16 - 08:14 PM

Thinking of you, Keith. While I hope the doctors predictions are wrong, hat off to you for focusing on enjoying each day. In the fwiw department, when my dad got a similar prognosis he determined to have a wonderful, rich life, one day at a time, and those of us who loved him followed his lead. I will be forever grateful that he weighed the odds based on good medical advice, and opted for quality of life.

Hope you can access this video in the UK. (and maybe without the USA politcal ads:>) For the Birds - Bruce Cockburn

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: keberoxu
Date: 26 Oct 16 - 07:11 PM

Your course of treatment must be near its end. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 07:02 PM

Prayer and best wishes from me too keith .

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Donuel
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 05:30 PM

Be thankful they found the bugger. There are lots of nice folk that have your back.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: mayomick
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 04:19 PM

get well soon , Keith

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 03:14 PM

KEITH Did not realise you were ill only just found this thread, all the best get well

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: maeve
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 01:50 PM

Keith,
That's welcome news that Mary is now cancer free. I'd ask that you keep in mind there is hope, and living, for you- None of us has a guarantee beyond this moment.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: fat B****rd
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 10:25 AM

Best thoughts and regards to you both, Keith
Charlie

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 10:05 AM

Thank you maeve.
I should have added that following surgery and radiotherapy Mary is now free of cancer.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: maeve
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 08:01 AM

Welcome home then, Keith. I'm sure other Mudcatters will be here soon. In the meantime, my best thoughts for your comfort and joy, and the same to Mary.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 30 Sep 16 - 06:52 AM

I have just come out of hospital where I was isolated and on IV antibiotics after my last dose of chemo.

After some initial shrinking the chemo was no longer making much difference and not worth continuing. The last dose knocked out my platelets, white cells, neutrophils, haemoglobin and much else leaving me with no immunity or resistance to bleeding.
A brain bleed or an infection would have done for me, so the decision to stop was inevitable anyway.

We have opted for a course of radiotherapy, but there is only a 10% chance of any success.

As of now, I feel my old self and have no symptoms so we can get on with enjoying our time together.
I should have a good year of quality life, and maybe two or three. The docs. can't say how long because it is so variable, but some people do go on for years.

I will have the tube in my arm taken out as soon as the bleeding risk allows, and have a stent changed. The R therapy lasts five and a half weeks, then I am free to enjoy everything life has to offer.

Thanks for all the good will and kind thoughts.
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,wysiwyg minus cookie
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 10:47 AM

Keith, good to hear you are tracking symptoms. It's so important to be your best possible advocate with your team, and to remember-- you're the captain.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,#
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 10:17 AM

Just ensure you stick to whatever diet you've been put on, Keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 29 Dec 15 - 04:57 AM

A bit better thanks.
Second dose next week. That will set me back a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,#
Date: 28 Dec 15 - 10:35 AM

How you feeling, Keith?

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 01:05 PM

Susan, Mary is keeping a record of all my symptoms. We will talk to the onc and the pharmacist between treatments in case they can suggest things to help.
Thanks for asking,
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,wysiwyg minus cookie
Date: 27 Dec 15 - 12:34 PM

What do you need, to ease those effects? For next time?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 10:41 PM

More warmth on the way from Rhode Island!

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 02:12 PM

Thanks so much everyone.
I feel your warmth.
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: olddude
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 01:55 PM

Stay strong my friend, we are right beside you for anything you need. Got your back my brother

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 08:54 AM

I'll second that.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Megan L
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 08:47 AM

Hope all goes well with the chemo for you

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,#
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 07:59 AM

Hang tough, Keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: fat B****rd
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 07:47 AM

Wish I had something more useful to say but, nevertheless sending more good thoughts your way, Keith.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 26 Dec 15 - 07:06 AM

Feeling the effects of the chemo today and yesterday. A good thing I suppose.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Dec 15 - 10:14 PM

Keith, I'm sorry about your dog.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,wysiwyg no-cookie
Date: 24 Dec 15 - 10:59 AM

(((Keith)))

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 10:45 PM

or even come back here...

.. Keith I realise I don't actually know much about you..

how old you are ? what you do in real life ? if you are a musician ?...

But remember music therapy is a wonderful aid to well being
and mudcat is a place to find comfort and inspiration in times of stress and upset
from us assorted bunch positively odd and bonkers music obsessives... 😎

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 09:28 PM

Keith - I'm not going to be my usual flippant piss taking persona...

petty forum personality clashes and political wind ups fall into a greater perspective
when confronted by reality of illness and hospital treatment..

take care, be strong, get well...

come back her fighting fit....

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 08:40 PM

A friend who helped his wife beat a "death sentence" of a cancer some years ago, recently sent me the following for a friend whose husband was refusing her the use of cannibis:


http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq
This info/source is as conventional as it gets, with reticence in terms of hemp/cannabis as having cancer curing qualities/potential, but still opening the door politely....
Second: introduce hubby to the fact that conventional cancer treatment in North America is dollar driven, and cheap cures are anathema; or, in more simple language, cures = loss of medical/pharmaceutical income. Just a fact.
Third: Encourage hubby to educate himself: Go on internet and type in "cannabis and cancer" etc.
For example:   http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279571.php (headline:
Cannabis reduces tumor growth in study)

My friend's wife is alive and healthy and working as a nurse.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Teribus
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 12:10 PM

Very sorry to hear your news, lots of very good advice above, above all stay positive. My thoughts and best wishes are with both yourself and your wife in seeing you both through this.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,Peter from seven stars link
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 12:03 PM

Glad the session was reasonable. Always sad to lose a long loved dog. How long had he been part of the family ?

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 09:20 AM

Your messages mean so much to me.
Thank you all.
My chemo day was not too bad, but we lost our much loved old dog today which has set us back a bit.
Bless you all,
keith.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,#
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 09:14 AM

Keith, there are so many well-wishes to you and I'd like to add mine in a meandering way.

1) Cancer sucks, and there ain't no doubt about it.

2) Attitude and determination: Know you have a fight ahead of you and decide now that the winner's gonna be you.

3) "Like, stay positive, Dude." I knew someone who talked like that. I think he was from California and really liked the 1960s.

4) Keep your sense of humour. It will be one of your best friends in the times ahead for both your missus and you.

Draw on your reserves of strength, your reserves of philosophy. You have much of each, Keith, and lots of folks behind you.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Will Fly
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 04:30 AM

I have a set of my village photos as postcards for sale in a local shop - all profits from the sale of which go to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

You would find it difficult to buy the postcards without walking up my village street, but the link to the PCRF is here if anyone feels moved to contribute.

And, if you're curious, the postcards.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Stu
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 03:10 AM

All the best to you and your wife Keith, and keep your eye on your goal. I hope it goes well for you both.

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 23 Dec 15 - 02:50 AM

Keith, I just found this thread via another one - sorry I'm late arriving!
I've no experience or advice - never been in your situation - so all I can offer is my genuine best wishes to you and your wife, and hope for a good outcome for both of you.
I will be thinking of you as, I'm sure, all on Mudcat wil be.
Best,
BWM

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 21 Dec 15 - 05:24 AM

Hi Dan

Thanks for the nice comment.

Great to hear from you. hope your are keeping well . Take care.

Best Seasonal wishes to you and yours.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: Janie
Date: 20 Dec 15 - 09:40 PM

No first-hand experience or knowledge to offer, Keith. But all my good wishes for you and also for your spouse. Will hold you both in my thoughts and meditations.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: chemotherapy
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Dec 15 - 09:06 PM

Alan, I hope things go well for Elizabeth.