The news is worse, I'm afraid.

[Longhorn]

It's a uterine sarcoma, which is a very aggressive, more rare cancer that is not considered curable. However, it may be controllable. I have about 20-25 nodules on my lungs, a couple up to 1 cm but most of them are very small, which means they may not have been there long, especially since I had a clean chest X-ray last October in preparation for Lap-Band surgery.

This has been the longest day of my life! I had a CT-scan of my lungs, a vaginal exam, another CT-scan of the pelvis (this time with various probes), the first radiation treatment, an MRI of my brain and pelvis, both with and without contrast, and my second radiation treatment. I'll have two radiation treatments again tomorrow and then wait two weeks. I may also have an ultrasound of my breasts tomorrow since last week's mammogram showed a couple of masses. However, I have dense breast tissue and this is not the first time that I've had to do a follow-up ultrasound to find out that the masses are cysts.

There is good news! The MRI showed no cancer in my brain or organs surrounding my uterus. Also, before I could bring it up, my oncologist suggested that I see if I can get to MD Anderson to a specialist in sarcomas that she knows. They think I can get in as early as Friday but that's still in the works. Right now, the course of action is radiation to get rid of the tumor and chemo to get rid of the cancer in my lungs (which will also work on any other cancer that might be in my system.) They're still not sure exactly which cancer it is and it could be a mix of cancers, which could be harder to treat.

As you can imagine, I'm really exhausted and I have a long day tomorrow, between teaching and appointments. I'm so sorry I couldn't respond to all of the posts on the last thread, as well as the PMs, and I will make an effort to respond to those who asked questions or made suggestions. I truly appreciate the caring, advice, and support that I've received -- it's overwhelming! I can never thank you enough but please know that my heart is full! :grouphug:

The last post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x7531393

[Bennyboy]

1. ((((((GOOD VIBES TO YOU)))))))

[Longhorn]

34. Thanks!

I'll take 'em! :hug:

[SallyMander]

2. ((((HUGS))))

Get some rest, and know that MANY of us here are thinking of you and wishing you all the best! :hug:

[Longhorn]

35. I'm winding down in bed right now.

I got a prescription for Restoril to help me sleep but I don't think I'm going to need it tonight. :hug:

[KitchenWitch]

3. Longhorn, I am here for you.

:hug:

Please make sure you round up all your support both moral and physical.

:hug:

[Longhorn]

37. Thanks, Hon!

I may need some of those cancer caps when I lose my hair! Maybe I can crochet my own!

I'm trying to get my husband and children through the shock and then they'll be fine. This is so much harder on them than on me. :(

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

88. That is true.

I find it easier dealing with my own illness than I do someone else's.

:hug:

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

Sounds like there's good reason to hope.

I think you're gonna kick its ass. :thumbsup:

[Longhorn]

39. I agree with you on both counts!

The only time I've shed a tear so far is when the doctor told me it wasn't in my brain. He said the report says, "Unremarkable brain." I said, "I disagree! I have a remarkable brain! I teach math!" :)

[FloridaJudy]

59. And you have a remarkable attitude

To make a joke at a time like that! Humor and a positive attitude help a lot.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. You're certainly in the best of hands as far as medical expertise, and you know you can always come to us if you need to vent, or just need a cyber-hug.

Here's the first of many. :grouphug:

[TZ]

4. Best of luck to you

I have a cancer like condition and I've always heard really good thinks about MD Anderson. Right up there with the Mayo Clinic in terms of oncological expertise....:hug:

[Longhorn]

38. I hope you're doing okay!

:hug:

MD Anderson has come up a dozen times today from various people, besides my beloved DUers, including my husband's doctor. I feel good about heading down there.

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

5. Wishing you the best.

:hug:

[Longhorn]

40. Thanks!

:hug:

[lightningandsnow]

6. More hugs for you, my dear.

:hug:

Also... I read the blog/website of a girl (about 18 years old, I think), who has stage IV kidney cancer... she is a big inspiration to me, and I can PM you the link, I think you'd really enjoy reading the website.

Best of luck to you! You have a great attitude, and it'll get you through this. Stay strong.

[Longhorn]

41. Thanks for the PM!

I'll certainly read it when I have a chance, though it may be a few days. :hug:

[DS1]

7. hang in there!

:bounce:

[Longhorn]

42. I will!

Thanks! :hi:

[lost-in-nj]

8. sweety

oh

please..... what can i do.... of course
PK, prayers and my thoughts.....

not sure of your situation....
do you have family?? close by??

you have us...
you have me...


lost

[Longhorn]

23. I have my husband, two of my daughters, sister, and in-laws

in the Austin area and mother, brothers and more in the Houston area so I'm really okay. But your offer is both amazing and appreciated, as well as the picture.

[lost-in-nj]

26. wow

you are covered on all sides....

that is awesome....

:hug:

lost

[Longhorn]

44. I'm very fortunate.

My son is in the Marines, now on the East Coast, but probably going to Iraq this summer. My oldest daughter lives in Denver. I know it's been hard on both of them to be so far away. My twins are here, though.

:hug:

[JohnnyLib2]

9. Very best wishes and here's hoping that you will soon be seen

at MD Anderson. :hug:

[Longhorn]

45. Yes, I hope it will be soon!

They'll probably design the treatment plan and I'll get the treatments in Austin, unless I need to get into one of their trials.

Thanks! :hug:

[CBHagman]

10. Intercessory prayer for you here.

I don't know what else to say except I'm going to pray again right now.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping us updated.

[Longhorn]

46. I've probably never had so many prayers about me!

Thanks, Hon! :hug:

[Lorien]

11. Stay strong Longhorn

:hug: :grouphug: :loveya:

[Longhorn]

47. I'm trying.

My dogs all seemed especially happy to see me tonight. How do they know? :hug:

[mainegreen]

12. ...

I don't really know you, but I hope nothing but the best outcome for you in this.

:hug:

[Longhorn]

48. I wish I could know all of you in person!

You're a wonderful group of people! Thanks! :hug:

[JVS]

13. Dear God!

I pray for a speedy recovery.

[Longhorn]

49. Thanks so much!

:hug:

[soleft]

14. Your courage is amazing

I've heard it said so often than a positive attitude can make such a difference, and your posts have such a resounding positive tone. I wish you continued courage and strength, and hope that you get all the comfort and love and support that you need. I'm sorry you have to go through this and hope that you can beat back this illness.

[Longhorn]

50. I think it's self defense.

I'm afraid of what will happen if I don't just keep going forward. And I believe in positive thinking, too.

I don't remember if I shared this before. My second pregnancy ended in a miscarriage (many years ago.) I had labor-like pains all night before we saw the doctor the next morning for a D&C. During the night, I couldn't sleep. It also distressed me that the fetus would never know how much it was loved. So I started imagining that I was sending waves of love downward to that potential child. I could almost feel each wave and it lasted for about five minutes. For the entire time that I did that, the labor pains stopped! I really believe I had an effect on them.

So now I'm focusing on beating the crap out of those cancer cells! :)

[hippywife]

15. You are very much

my thoughts and prayers, sweetie. My mom beat uterine cancer more than 30 years ago so there is lots of reason to have hope. And it sounds like your doc is moving fast to contain this. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Longhorn]

51. Thanks for the encouragement!

How wonderful to have those extra 30 years with your mom! :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

16. Longhorn.....

:grouphug:

[Longhorn]

52. Thanks!

:hug:

[GCP]

17. Hang in there - we're pulling for you

(((:hug:)))

[Longhorn]

53. I think I'm getting that message!

:D

Thanks! :hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

18. My thoughts are with you, Longhorn.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Longhorn]

54. Thanks so much!

:hug:

[Taverner]

19. Fuck! Good luck to you

:hug:

[Longhorn]

56. Yeah, that about sums it up!

But I'm the luckiest unlucky person I know! Thanks! :hug:

[qwertyMike]

20. I literally don't have the words

LOVE

[Longhorn]

58. You found a good one!

Thanks! :hug:

[Sugar Smack]

21. You take good care

and hang in there.:pals: I hope you get some good rest. Keep us posted, okay?

[Longhorn]

61. I'll be going to sleep in a few minutes

but I just have to let folks like you know how grateful I am for your kind and encouraging words! Thanks! :hug:

[July]

22. I wish you well, Longhorn.

I wish you the very best. Rest, time, some luck. All that you wish for.

I don't know you, but I'll be thinking of you. From one stranger to another, good vibes, warm thoughts. I know you are facing a hard road, and I can't know what it's like, so I can only say that I hope for what you hope for.

Best wishes, keep us posted.

[Longhorn]

63. I appreciate your kind sentiments.

We just do what we have to do but it's easier with love and support. Thanks! :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. My dear Longhorn!

You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!

Keep on fighting, sweetie...

And...get some rest... :hug:

[Longhorn]

64. Thanks, I will!

I've got a virtual army behind me! Thanks! :hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

25. I am so very sorry and will be praying for you and sending lots of good vibes

I don't know what else to say. :hug: :grouphug: :loveya: :pals:

[Longhorn]

65. Your words are good enough,

believe me! Thanks! :hug:

[riderinthestorm]

27. I am amazed at how well you seem to be holding up!

Your posts are so, so courageous and tremendously positive. I just know you are going to beat this thing with your attitude. Glad to hear you have a big support network around you during this health crisis.

And it sounds as though you're still working this week?! Please take some time to re-charge your inner strength when you can, fighting this will be a long road and you are going to need all your resources.

Peace and hugs and all sorts of healing vibes coming your way, and thanks for the updates.

[Longhorn]

31. Next week is Spring Break

so I hope to recharge then. Thanks!

[ThomCat]

28. I'm glad they're being more agressive than the cancer.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Wapsie B]

29. You can fight this.

More good vibes for you. :hug:

[flvegan]

30. You sound positive.

That's the best first step.

My best wishes for you.

[Longhorn]

33. I kind of felt all along that this would be cancer

but I also feel like I'm going to beat it. Thanks!

[flvegan]

36. And you will, right?

Don't feel like you will, know that you will.

Own it.

[Longhorn]

67. How about this?

I know what I'm feeling is true! :)

[Coyote_Bandit]

32. .

:hug:

[Longhorn]

68. Back atcha!

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

43. Sending many good vibes, positive thoughts...

..prayers, and hugs for you.

I have heard only really good things about MD Anderson.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Longhorn]

69. Me, too!

Thanks for the encouragement! :hug:

[RainDog]

55. with your beautiful frame of mind

...I have no doubt you will get through this. What a wonderful spirit you've shown here.

[Longhorn]

71. You're very kind!

I'm just trying to stay sane and may still be in a little bit of shock. But it's working for me. :)

Thanks for the lovely flower! :hug:

[Tektonik]

57. Beat it, honey!

:hug:

[Longhorn]

73. Okay!

:)

:hug:

[Hawkeye-X]

60. Hope you'll be joining us for the cancer support group

I'm about to post an update of my dad who's battling lymphoma for the 2nd time.

[Longhorn]

77. That's so unfair!

I hope he's doing well. I promise I'll join y'all soon! Thanks! :hi:

[supernova]

62. My prayers are with you Longhorn

:hug:

[Longhorn]

78. They're much appreciated!

:hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

66. Hugs to you Longhorn

I am sorry about the diagnosis, but hopeful you can triumph over this adversity!
Keep the faith
:hug:

[Longhorn]

79. That's the plan!

Thanks! :hug:

[Double T]

70. Positive thoughts and healing to YOU!!!

[Longhorn]

80. Can't have enough!

Thanks! :hug:

[Bake]

I"m so sorry for your news.

I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts, and you have many friends and supporters here! God bless you.

Bake

[Longhorn]

82. It's been a long couple of days

made much brighter by folks like you! Thanks! :hug:

[The Straight Story]

72. A hug from me and the wife to you my friend

keep us up to date and pm me if ya need a call from either of us - and I mean that.

I have had many calls from folks here that made my day a brighter one, and if I can pay that forward I would be more than happy to.

[Longhorn]

81. That's a very sweet offer!

I'm bookmarking these threads for those days when I need a reminder how much unconditional support I have here. Thanks!

[medeak]

74. you are not alone!

LIVING with cancer seems to be more and more possible! Lighting a candle just for you!

[Longhorn]

84. I saw many lovely, vibrant, strong-looking cancer patients

yesterday and today and found them very encouraging. It's not a club I chose to join but the membership is amazing! Thanks! :hug:

[MsKandice01]

75. Wow...

First of all, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear of your news but I have to say that your positive attitude is so inspiring and I truly believe that it really makes so much of a difference. My thoughts are with you.

[Longhorn]

89. Thank you so much!

It's all I know to do. :hug:

[otherlander]

76. ((((((((((((( Vibes ))))))))))))))))

I don't know what to say. Amazing that you're staying so strong. Good luck with everything.

[Longhorn]

91. No alternative!

:) Thanks! :hug:

[TK421]

83. As you know, you are in my thoughts

Try to stay positive, I know that may not be an easy thing to do :hug:

[Longhorn]

93. It means a lot to me.

Thanks! :hug:

[Dinger]

85. Hugs & Hope To You Longhorn!

:grouphug: :loveya:

[Longhorn]

94. Gratefully accepted!

Thanks! :hug:

[Dinger]

104. You're Welcome Sweetie : )

:hug: Be well my friend.

[GreenPartyVoter]

86. Aw, crap! But you know what? You sound like a real fighter and I think you can

beat this to the extent that is possible and then some. :hug: I will be praying for you.

[Longhorn]

95. If I feel like I'm slipping

I know where to go for more strength! Thanks! :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

97. You got it! :^D

[seemunkee]

87. You have my best vibes

So they don't think it is metasis on the lungs? Maybe a second primary?
MD Anderson is good place to be, hope you get some good results.

[Longhorn]

99. I'm still fumbling with the jargon

but, yes, they do believe it has spread to my lungs. It's a stage IV. But it has only shown up on the lungs outside of the uterus.

I believe between MD Anderson and the Southwest Regional Cancer Center (where I've been going so far,) I'll be getting the best care available to me. Thanks! :hug:

[Flaxbee]

90. I am sorry to hear this, Longhorn

and it sounds like a truly exhausting day for you. :hug: :hug: :hug:

I will keep you in my thoughts and send you energy/vibes to get through this. I know that if a person is to get cancer, now is a good time to get it -- my sister had it 10 years ago, with a recurrence last year, and she said the improvement in treatment options available is VAST.

I don't need a reply - you have enough to do in the coming weeks and months. Focus on getting through the treatments and getting well!

[Longhorn]

102. But I need to reply to you

to let you know how much I appreciate you sharing your sister's comment! And thanks for your own comments, too! :hug:

[MassLiberal]

92. prayers & hugs to you

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Longhorn]

105. Thanks!

:hug:

[Der Blaue Engel]

96. I'll add a candle to my altar for you

And sending you good vibes for the best possible outcome.

You're a very strong woman.

:hug:

[Longhorn]

106. I'm honored.

Thank you! :hug:

[Lex]

98. I was thinking of you today, Longhorn.

Sorry it was such a tough, tough day.

Sending good vibes to you from over here in NC. :pals:

[Longhorn]

107. It was tough

but thankfully, it ended on a high note. Thanks! :hug:

[eleny]

100. Just wanted to stop in here, too

Please do get some rest and know how much we all think of you and care about you. You're the best, hon. :hug:

[Longhorn]

108. I will, I promise.

I think I may have to take the sleeping pill after all, if it isn't too late. Thanks for being here! :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

101. You keep that positive attitude. It goes a long way!

You'll beat this. I'm confident! :)

[Longhorn]

109. Great advice

from a great Aggie! Thanks! :thumbsup:

[undeterred]

103. MD Anderson is the place where doctors go

when they get cancer. I wish you strength to go through all the treatment ahead of you and a full recovery. O8)

[Longhorn]

110. That gave me chills!

Thanks! :hug:

[undeterred]

129. I used to work as the coordinator of a resource room

at a comprehensive cancer center - so I know thats the best place in the country. You couldn't be in better hands. Lean into it and you will eventually get your life back.

My dog got cancer in 1999 and he was cured at a veterinary teaching hospital using a biological cure... he is 15 and snoring.

I was a lowly lab tech for the first 10 years out of college for people who wanted to cure cancer and it is happening. May it happen to you. :hug:

[Tummler]

111. I am so sorry

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

Not long ago, one of my aunts received treatment for leukemia at M.D. Anderson; they were great, and since being treated, she's doing much, much better. Stay strong!

[Longhorn]

112. I'm going to bed.

I just can't thank y'all enough. I'll sleep better because of you! :grouphug:

[Mezzo]

113. I hope and pray for you to be able to control, and defeat it

I offer you my thoughts and prayers. O8) :hug:

[Kat45]

114. I'm so sorry.

Wishing you strength and courage, which you'll need, and of course, the best results.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

115. All the best to you, Longhorn!

:hug:

[amitten]

116. You can do this.

With agressive therapy and good doctors, you are going to get through this, I know!

:pals:

[leftofthedial]

117. my best to you Longhorn

you have had a day like no one should ever have.

:hug:

[merh]

118. Healing energies and prayers being sent out

for you and your medical staff and care givers and family.

Positive, healthy thoughts and vibes, take good care and rest and heal.

[kentauros]

119. }}}}}HUGS{{{{{ to you from another Texan, too

I know I don't post enough to really be "known" much here, but I send my blessings that you get better and all goes well at MD Anderson :D

By the way, my parents live in Dripping Springs, too, so that was pretty cool to see that in your description :) It's nice living out there, isn't it?

[liberaltrucker]

120. O-M-F-G!

My petty little gripe is insignificant. Vibes and prayers.

:hug:

[Scooter24]

121. You are in my prayers, Longhorn...

as is everyone who is battling cancer. I've lost many to this horrible disease and my heart goes out to you and your family.

Stay strong. Stay positive.

:hug:

[sueh]

122. Prayers and hugs for you, Longhorn...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[uppityperson]

123. Best wishes for what happens next with you Longhorn.

No reply necessary, just take care of yourself, hang in there, and best wishes for you. My heart hurts for you, and I hope you get going with it all and it goes well. My mom was given a few months when she was 52 and said "hell no" and ended up being one of the longest living with her type cancer. I hope things go well for you, stay healthy, take care of yourself, don't freak out, and hugs to you.

[puerco-bellies]

124. I don't know what to say, but my best wishes to you.

:grouphug:

[enigmatic]

125. Longhorn, please check your pm

:hug:

[MissMarple]

126. Blessed be, sweetheart. Good luck.

:hug:

[auntAgonist]

127. Longhorn you have all my support and caring ..

There are many people here who stand with you and are ready to help in any way they can.

continued prayers.

kesha.
:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

128. No need to reply, Longhorn...

Just know that you're loved and cared about...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

[Bunny]

130. Oh gosh, that's serious news.

It sounds like it's being treated as aggressively as possible, though, so there's hope in that regard. Take care of yourself. :hug:

[Lady Freedom]

131. X's and O's!

[CreekDog]

132. I'm at a loss for words

I admire your strength and confidence.

It sounds like you are getting excellent care. I wish and pray for success in your treatments.

[auntAgonist]

133. To the Drs treating you and planning your care ...

good vibes, knowledge and compassion.

:hug: for you Longhorn.

kesha.

[Kajsa]

134. My prayers and good thoughts are with you, Longhorn.

I'm sending positive,healing vibes for you.

:hug:

[barb162]

135. Many, many, many hugs.

It seems you and the docs are doing everything right. And more hugs, sweetie.

[Midlodemocrat]

136. Curable is great, controllable is good, too.

Best to you, Longhorn. You will be in my prayers.

:hug:

[LiberalEsto]

137. Powerful blessings

of healing are being sent to you.

You will fight this and recover.

[Westegg]

138. I don't know you, but I love you...

...And I am sending positive thoughts your way. I will be thinking about you today, and I will be gaining much from the courage and strength you are showing. Will be? No, I already have.

[Shine]

139. Wow, thanks for keeping us posted.

(((((Longhorn))))) :hug:

[JackCo]

140. ((Healing thoughts))

[Sannum]

141. I am sending a big hug to you.

:hug:

[applegrove]

142. You keep holding your head so high and fight this like mad. They

have a plethora of treatments these days. Vibes to you and yours.

[Sweet Freedom]

143. MDACC can do things other centers cannot,

so you never know what they will come up with.

(I had a friend who was treated at another center for leukemia and they couldn't help her. She switched to MDACC and they put her in a clinical trial and she has been doing really well for over 2 years.)

Keep us posted and watch a funny movie--some laughs will do you good.

:hug: