I realize that likely no one will read this since I haven't been here for so long. In any case I'm so very very very happy to report that I am now 9 years cancer free and am doing super. Thanks again to all the great folks here that supported me in this fight.

Love you all, Fran

Hello my wonderful NN friends. Sorry I haven't been on line for a while, but things have been a bit dicey health wise recently.

I just got out of the hospital last week after 13 long days as an inpatient. It's a long story, but I'll make it as concise as possible. I hadn't been feeling up to par for a while, then last month I began bleeding from my rectum.. .first just spotting then it became a torrent of blood. When it got bad I called my MD who told me to go to the ER immediately. My Mom drove me and I passed out on the way and don't even remember arriving there. Next thing I'm in the ER all wired up & getting IV fluids. What happened was that thanks to the radiation therapy I received years ago for my cancer, it apparently damaged/weakened my intestinal wall and it finally gave way, which caused the blood loss and some internal bleeding as well. It took them 3 days to get my fever down, get my fluids up and into surgery I went. The surgeon sewed the tear in my intestine, patched it up and the rest is history. I started getting a fever again and they were afraid that I was still bleeding internally, but luckily it subsided and now it's a wait a see deal. They said I had lost more than 3 pints of blood. Hopefully this was a one time issue. Needless to say, I've very weak and totally homebound for the next few weeks and my stamina is very low. My weight is back under 100 lbs and I'm on a liquid/soft diet, drinking lots of milkshakes & ensure (ugh), lol.

I'm NOT complaining, but very thankful that I'm still around, lol, but sad that I have to let so many of my clients down being unable to do their hair for the holidays. Hopefully I'll be up to doing some hair for New Year's if all continues well.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and sorry to go on and on. I love and appreciate each one of you and am so encouraged by the messages I receive. Much love, Fran

Well, obviously I'm back in the USA after over 2 1/2 months in Germany, 6 weeks of which were spent at the clinic. I'm happy to report (once again) that after my treatments I've been feeling pretty good again. I put on almost 10 pounds during my stay (which was good)... can't believe that I'm actually happy to put on weight, lol. But it's better than losing it without dieting. I made the most of my stay and did some sightseeing and visited with family and friends too. I stayed with my cousin after the clinic (see photo), and we did a lot of stuff together.

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to my great friends here on NN for their continued support and another huge THANK YOU to a member (don't want to identify without his OK) who just bought me a 3 month membership. Is that sweet, special, wonderful or what? Obviously these clinic visits have taken a toll on my savings, but then that's what you have it for.. now I'll just have to keep my 10 year old car on the road a bit longer, lol.

Love to all of you and all the best for the Christmas Holiday and a wonderful New Year. Much Love, Fran

August 2013 - As I said in my last blog, I haven't been feeling well the past 2 months or so and losing weight again. I'm going back to the clinic in Germany on August 15 for another round of treatment. Wish me well. love, Fran

Well, I was hoping not to have to report this kind of news, but my health has been slipping again this past month. I admit that I've been in denial, hoping it was all in my head, but when I'm consuming 3-4K in calories a day and not gaining weight, that's a huge clue.

I spoke with my doctor at the clinic in Germany and they are going to try and fit me in next month for another 4-6 week round of treatment. It worked so well last year and hopefully will again.

I'll keep you posted and thank you all again for the wonderful support that you have been and continue to give me. It is truly appreciated.

Love you all.. Fran

I've been remiss in not publicly thanking Dave for buying me a 6 month subscription. My continuing medical bills have made it impossible to fund a premium account again. Love you Dave, you're such a sweetheart to do that. Fran

I'm ecstatic to report that on the first anniversary of my Clinic Treatment I'm still cancer free and feeling better than I have in over 3 years. My energy level is close to normal and my libido is even back, which believe it or not is a big deal for me. After my surgery/chemo/radiation I was afraid that I'd never feel like a woman again, but other than some (at times irritating) side effects from my meds, I have NO COMPLAINTS.

I'm truly thankful each morning when I wake up and can put my feet on the floor and get ready for work. So many of us don't appreciate the little things in life until it's too late.

Thanks also to the many friends on NN who have been so concerned and supporting during my ordeal. You all mean so much to me.

much love, Fran

Well, I'm happy to report that I'm feeling pretty good. The clinic treatment was good for me both physically and mentally and hopefully got me on the right track. I'm back to work as of last week, though my energy level is still lacking a lot, but I'm grateful for where I'm at and grateful for all the wonderful folks here at NN for their messages, good thoughts and prayers.

I love you all.

Fran

Regretfully, the news is not good... I've really been feeling lousy the past 4 weeks, so bad in fact that I'm leaving Saturday for Germany for 3 to 4 weeks in a clinic specializing in cancer treatment. I have a cousin who had some success there and it's certainly worth a shot. Will update you when I get back.

Thanks to all the wonderful folks here for their super support during these trying times.

much love, Fran

Hi Everyone... I survived my surgery on the 27th and after an extended hospital stay due to infection, was discharged on Feb 1. I'm recuperating at my Mom's house and still in a lot of pain, more than I expected. My MD gave me some nice meds for that, lol, but hopefully won't need them much longer. If all goes well, I plan on going back to my home at the end of this week after my followup doctor's visit on Friday.

My Oncologist has strongly recommended Radiation and Chemo. After much thought, I've decided that I will not do either again. The Chemo last go round put me in the hospital twice in ICU, and the radiation has affected my bladder. OK, more than you needed to know, but I'm not going to go there again.

I appreciate all of you who sent me messages and those others who were sending good thoughts my way. I can't put into words the appeciation and gratitude I feel for all the wonderful folks on this site.

love, Fran