Beating Cancer

“I know all about Erbitux and was on it from mid October 2007 until just a few weeks ago. It's not chemo, but a monoclonal antibody that helps your own immune system destroy cancer cells. The side effects I had from the drug were very dry skin, skin cracking, mostly on my fingers and an acne like rash that formed pimples that can bleed. The research suggests that the worse the rash is the better the drug works.

I was on Erbitux only for about 2 months and it didn't really work well for me. I still had tumor growth on it. It works better combined with Taxol, but the side effects I had at the full dose were brutal. That could have been just me since I don't tolerate chemo well from the DNA damage it does. If Eribitux is working by itself, the treatmant can go on indefinitely.

I'll be back on both as soon as this infection I have clears up, but this time every other week instead of weekly. I'm not sure how it'll work out. I'll have to wait and see.
last edited: 7/11/08 9:03:18 AM”

“Hello All. I'm new to Trail Talk. My husband turned me on to this topic as I love hiking and backpacking and just being in nature, and I have cancer. On New Year's Eve 2004 I was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer with local lymph node involvement. The primary was my right tonsil. After surgery, chemo, and radiation I was "cancer-free" for 3 years. Now with mets to my right lung and right hilar lymph node involvement so back to a new chemotherapy regime. I am writing in response to Mata's request for experience with Erbitux. In 2005 I participated in a clinical trial with Erbitux. Primary side effects for me were similar to RichB with dry skin and cracks on my heels and fingers, acne-like rash on my face, neck and upper chest. Also mild headaches early in treatment relieved by Tylenol. My Erbitux was given in conjunction with Docetaxel(Taxotere) from 3/7/05 until 4/27/05 five days a week. I had radiation for the same period. Mata, I have enjoyed your website immensely. You are a talented and joyful spirit. In reading your posts I have been uplifted by your positive energy. Wishing you the same. My best to all Trail Talk participants. It's a pleasure to be in your good company.”

“Keep up the fight and don't let it keep you off the trail!”

“Thanks for stopping in zendat. Mata and Rich are amazing presences here and we, and the world, are extremely lucky to have them. They and Crash and Bearmagnet made this the most meaningful thread on this site (or any backpacking site I have seen, for that matter).”

“Zendat, your situation is similar to mine with right lung involvement. I had almost the same chemo drugs too. I saw a radiation oncologist the other day that told me platinum based chemo is another possibility, but for now I'm trying to see if they can remove the nodule I have with radiofrequncy ablation (RFA) or stereotactic radiation (STR). Both can do the job, but right now, I'm leaning toward RFA because it used heat to destroy the tumor instead of radiation. First I need to meet with a few doctors in 2 weeks to see what the best thing to do will be. I don't want to go back on a full dose of chemo because I had too many side effect and it left me with an infection that only IV antibiotics can clear up. In another month I should be finished with the antibiotics so hopefully I can move on to getting rid of this tumor.

I hope you are doing well.”

“Hey Zandat - sorry your first post here wasn't in better circumstances - but I hope everyone here is doing well!”

“...welcome zendat!!!!!
...TTers are the best!!!!”

“Thanks for your welcome, TTers. I like this site! And this thread. I believe that we can all "be well" no matter the circumstance. Being on a trail is a really joyful experience for me as I know it is for all of you. Other situations are a matter of acceptance -- my situation right now as I live in Phoenix ;o) As soon as we have a weather window my husband Skip and I will head to one of Arizona's sky islands for cooler mountain hiking. My first name is Zenda. I will definitely stay in touch.”

“Hello, Zenda, but sorry to meet you under these circumstances. I'm living with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
I like your attitude.
I've always been more of a lurker but especially now. 2 stem cell transplants last year and 4 chemo regimens have put me in complete remission and I'm enjoying every second as much as possible, which dosen't leave much time for the internet. And I got 2 new baby granddaughters to play with!

Here's to science, and dumb luck...”

“Great News LS!”

“Great to meet you, Craig. Fantastic news: Absolute Grace. What a joyful Christmas for you and your growing family. I'm a Grandma and I hope to instill a passion for nature in my young grandchildren. May all your future scans and tests be clear. Be well.”

“LS - I'm glad things are going well. I hope you'll still be active and happy long after those grandkids are grown up.

Zendat - A couple years back, I found a new tumor and worried that my cancer was back (it wasn't) and started looking for support and went to great event (Stowe Weekend of Hope takes place every May and is free, including lodging in Stowe Vermont, for first timers - http://www.stowehope.org/ ). I met a cancer survivor (almost everyone there was) who seemed to have quite a following among some cancer survivors, especially women. She may not be your cup of tea, but you might find it interesting or diverting to check out www.cancerclub.com if you haven't come across it already.”

“Thanks, pedxing, for the note. The Stowe Weekend of Hope sounds wonderful, and I would love to visit Vermont. Isn't The Long Trail in Vermont? Hmmm. I was not familiar with the Cancer Club so thanks for this site as well. I share Christine's philosophy that laughter is healing and will check out her books. Be well.”

“Sadly local access to the Long Trail will almost certainly be blocked in May. Its still mud season then, in the higher elevations. In May, there is some great hiking south of there.

I'm glad that my sense of humor has not been a fair weather companion. Its when times are roughest that I need it the most. I've been surprised to see that people who have gone through really hard times often have a fantastic sense of humor.

You can get on Beckwith's mailing list for free.”

“You all inspire me!

One thing I find so great about the Lance Armstrong foundation is the same strength of spirit that I see in the survivors that participate and volunteer. The best rest stop on the bicycle rides is the last one in Austin-The Survivor Rest Stop.

-------------------------------------------
Unite to make cancer a national priority in the LIVESTRONG Army

Or join the fight by doing one of the remaining two LIVESTRONG Challenge Events: Walk/Run/Ride in Philly Aug 24 or Austin Oct 26. I'm doing Austin, goal of 90 miles (tough, they say) under six hours.

Thanks to all of you who have donated in the past, and this year! My realistic goal is to raise $5,000, my stretch goal $15,000.

You can join Team LIVESTRONG Cy-Anon (Cyclists Anonymous)and come to Austin! .

You can donate here:
http://austin08.livestrong.org/pathman

Join Team LIVESTRONG Cy-Anon for Austin:
http://austin08.livestrong.org/livestrong_cy_anon”

“Pathman, The inspiration is mutual. You are doing so much with Livestrong. Isn't it growth for the soul to combine your passion for cycling with doing good? Be well.”

“LIVESTRONG Challenge Video

Join Team LIVESTRONG Cy-Anon!:
http://austin08.livestrong.org/livestrong_cy_anon

Donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation here: http://austin08.livestrong.org/pathman”

“Many thanks to the more than 3,000 walkers, runners and cyclists and over 650 volunteers who united together in Portland to show their support for the more than 12 million Americans living with cancer.



Portland participants raised more than $1 million dollars, bringing the total funds raised in their four-year history, to more than $4 million dollars for the fight against cancer.”

“Many thanks to the more than 2,900 walkers, runners and cyclists and over 660 volunteers who united together in San Jose to show their support for the more than 12 million Americans living with cancer.



San Jose participants raised more than $1.5 million dollars and through their participation in the Challenge, sent a message that the fight against cancer must be a national priority.”

“On August 24, the people of Philadelphia and its surrounding communities will descend on Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, to take the LIVESTRONG Challenge, the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event. For the third consecutive year, our 5K Run/Walk and 10, 40, 70 and 100-mile rides will raise money and awareness to inspire and empower the nearly 12 million Americans living with cancer.

The free expo is worth a visit too!”

“As the Austin Challenge enters its 12th year, we need more Texans than ever to unite to pick a fight with cancer. On October 25-26, you'll have your chance as thousands of fired up Texans descend on the Austin area to take the LIVESTRONG Challenge 5K Run/Walk with a start/finish at the Capitol steps, and 10, 40, 60 and 90-mile rides in Dripping Springs. Together we will raise money and awareness to inspire and empower the nearly 12 million Americans living with cancer.”

“That's some awesome fundraising. I read an article about a guy that invented a machine that uses radio waves to kill cancer cells. They inject a metallic element into tumors and the radio waves heats the metal up destroys the tumor. So far it cured liver tumors in mice.”

“I thank each and every person who contributes anything to help fight cancer...every person that sends a prayer, a positive thought and good wishes to the ailing has my thanks...we need all the help we can get...”

“This year, I raised $3,676 (with some donations still coming in) for Breast Cancer via the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk--over the past 4 years, I've raised over $11,600---it's quite amazing how much a little money each year adds up!

I'm walking again in 2009 in Michigan...

http://www.the3day.org/goto/IrisSVB2009Michigan”

“Good job Pink!”

“Well done!”

“Lance is making a comeback to take his message of the fight against cancer to the world. He will be eligible for the Tour of California 2009”

“Pathman Joins Lance Armstrong Foundation to Pick a Fight with Cancer

WHAT: LIVESTRONG Challenge 2008: Run/Walk/Ride Austin, TX - October 25-26

WHO: YOU! RUN/WALK/RIDE. JUST DO IT!
ME: I’m going to Austin to ride 90 miles!
Donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to show your support for me!
http://austin08.livestrong.org/pathman
Join Team “LIVESTRONG Cy-Anon”:
http://austin08.livestrong.org/livestrong_cy_anon


Why: I am a pathologist and I see cancer at work every day. I am touched by cancer when it touches my friends and family. LIVESTRONG Challenge reminds me why I am dedicated to pathology and inspires me through the strength and hope of Cancer Survivors. This will be my fourth LIVESTRONG event! Austin is the home of LIVESTRONG!

Cancer is revolting. So we’re going to revolt. It’s defiant. So we’re going to defy it. It’s destructive. So we’re going to destroy it. We are the LIVESTRONG Challenge - uniting people to pick a fight with cancer and to stand up for the nearly 12 million Americans whose lives it affects. Go ahead. Pick a fight.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event, taking place in cities across the country to unite people to fight cancer. In 2008 the LIVESTRONG Challenge will take place in:
Portland, OR – June 29 (Raised over $1 million)
San Jose, CA – July 13 (Raised over $1 million)
Philadelphia, PA - August 24 (Raised over $1 million)
Austin, TX - October 25-26

Funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Challenge support the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Through the dollars and awareness that we raise, we inspire and empower individuals, and we make life better for the more than 12 million Americans affected by cancer. Since its inception, the LIVESTRONG Challenge has raised more than $40 million for the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s fight against cancer.


About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. Unite and fight cancer at LIVESTRONG.org.

To register or to learn more about the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge, call 888.4.CHALLENGE (888.424.2553) or visit livestrongchallenge.org.

For additional information, contact: Pathman at pathman@schaffnerfamily.com”

“Volunteer to Raise Funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG® Challenge Austin
ONLY 5 WEEKS LEFT!

Pathman Joins Lance Armstrong Foundation to Pick a Fight with Cancer

Support Me:
http://austin08.livestrong.org/pathman
Join Team “LIVESTRONG Cy-Anon”:
http://austin08.livestrong.org/livestrong_cy_anon


Why: I am a pathologist and I see cancer at work every day. I am touched by cancer when it touches my friends and family. LIVESTRONG Challenge reminds me why I am dedicated to pathology and inspires me through the strength and hope of Cancer Survivors. This will be my fourth LIVESTRONG event! Austin is the home of LIVESTRONG!

Cancer is revolting. So we’re going to revolt. It’s defiant. So we’re going to defy it. It’s destructive. So we’re going to destroy it. We are the LIVESTRONG Challenge - uniting people to pick a fight with cancer and to stand up for the nearly 12 million Americans whose lives it affects. Go ahead. Pick a fight.

The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event, taking place in cities across the country to unite people to fight cancer. In 2008 the LIVESTRONG Challenge will take place in:
• Portland, OR – June 29 (Raised over $1 million)
• San Jose, CA – July 13 (Raised over $1 million)
• Philadelphia, PA - August 24 (Raised over $2 million)
• Austin, TX - October 25-26 JUST DO IT!

Funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Challenge support the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Through the dollars and awareness that we raise, we inspire and empower individuals, and we make life better for the more than 12 million Americans affected by cancer. Since its inception, the LIVESTRONG Challenge has raised more than $40 million for the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s fight against cancer.


About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. Unite and fight cancer at LIVESTRONG.org.

To register or to learn more about the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge, call 888.4.CHALLENGE (888.424.2553) or visit livestrongchallenge.org.

For additional information, contact: Pathman at pathman@schaffnerfamily.com”

“I bought one of Lance's wick shirts.”