Well I've survived for 12 and half years with this horrid disease and most of the time apart from when having treatment I've been pretty fit and well. Unfortunately it spread to my liver in September 2015 and despite more Chemo and clinical trials it's kept growing.
I saw my oncologist yesterday and was told that I can't have anymore treatment now as my liver function isn't good enough and my liver is quite enlarged. So basically I've got weeks to go. Already the nausea and tiredness have got worse and now started itching all over. I really do wish assisted dying was legal here. Sorry to be so gloomy but still trying to come to terms with the finality of it.
Francesca x
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Francesca you have done amazingly well and I really appreciate your straight talk- I agree about assisted dying, it would relieve some of the worry about having this disease. I hope that you have great treatment now so that you avoid pain and sickness. All the very best to you on this next part of the journey.
Francesca, you are such an inspirational lady, I really hope you get the help you need to be without pain and are comfortable, you and all your family are in my thoughts. Sending you lots of love and big hugs ❤xx Jane
Good morning my lovely and nothing to add other than how incredibly unfair this disease in all its forms is - I totally agree with your views on euthanasia and let's be honest - I would say every lady on this forum has entertained thoughts about the finality as it is what we all fear.
I hope now that your time is filled with your loved ones ; your courage shines through and will steady you in readiness for the next phase 💖💖💖💖
Hi Francesca, Firstly thank you for all your kind support on here and your inspiration to live well with this damned disease. Secondly, I wish you peace and great symptom control in this stage of your life. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sandra x
Dear Francesca, although I don't know you and we are probably miles apart I send you a huge gentle hug and lots of love. Do you have a plan in place yet for treatment to make you comfortable ? Hospice care (and not necessarily to move to) can give great help. Then the practicalities to face when you're ready, letters to write, things to put in place......it's difficult and I don't want to write the wrong things so please forgive me if my post comes across wrong, it's heartfelt.
My beloved mum died very unexpedectly in Aug and as we didn't know it was going to happen it was difficult choosing what we thought she would have wanted.....from that experience I've already written my funeral plan - hymns, music etc. It's ready if and when.
Just a few things to think about and ignore if you feel I'm insensitive. I really don't mean to be.
I hope you can still laugh, love, find beauty around you and be able to talk and speak as you need to.
I just wanted to add my thanks to those above for your responses to posts here. I too am so sad to read your update this morning. I wish you all possible comfort and love at this most difficult time x
Oh Francesca I am so sorry, this is hard post to read, you've been on the boards as long as I have and it's such a shock to see you are having a difficult time. I hope you can spend some quality time with your boys and find some respite from your discomfort. Thank you for sharing.
Francesca, I too wish to thank you for your constant support and advice and I am incredibly sad to read your update. I pray whatever the future holds, you find some peace and can at the very least be pain free & enjoy time with your loved ones. You are in my thoughts. Jemima xx
I'm so sorry to read this, all I can say is how inspirational you are like the other ladies have said, I hope you get the best care on offer for the next part of your journey.
Thinking of you and your family at this time lots of love and hugs ❤️❤️❤️ Xxx
Dear Francesca. I can add nothing to whats already been said, but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. You have been such a support when we have needed it and I hope that you now get whatever support you need. Love and hugs. Ali xx
I've always followed your thoughts and insights here. You're such a wise person. It's very sad to hear your news. You've done so well for a long time and held yourself with courage and grace.
Dearest Francesca, thank you so much for all the wisdom, light and kindness that you have shared on this site and through your own website- you have encouraged and inspired so many. I am so very glad that we met in person and think of you often.
Adding my love to all that surrounds you now, Sarah xxxx
You have done so remarkably well, still wish the best for you no matter what part of your journey,you are an inspiration, make the most of your life,no one knows what time they have left,live life to the full,but keep in touch if you feel you want to,
Francesca I think you have been on this site as long as i have (from the beginning) and always found you to be a true inspiration. I'm so sad to hear your sad news and wish i could offer words of comfort but i am lost for words. I feel so lucky to still be here but you have always been so caring, positive and fighting for so many years makes you a true warrior. My best wishes to you and your family. Hugs Linda xxxx
Your so brave to write this post for us all. It must be so hard for your loved ones. You have been a real inspiration to a lot of ladies on here as you have battled with this horrible disease for so long, and I commend you.
Please accept a big gentle hug from me.
Ann xxx
the other ladies have said i all...so, writing to send you love and wishing for peace for you.
My dear Francesca, I don't know you, as I'm new to this forum, but you are truly an inspiration to us all. All the girls said it all..thinking of you at this difficult time.. Kissess Ang Huggs my darling.. Xxxx😘😘😘
Hi Francesca, I am so so sorry and sad to read your posts, the ladies have said it all but I am thinking of you and praying you will find peace.
I am in the same boat, had 5 sessions of Etopiside which was working
but I have now been told my liver is too damaged to continue, that's between last Thursday's blood test and this Monday's. On Thursday it showed markers down again. So I have to have a blood test on Monday and scan on 12th if I make it. I have mentioned having another go at carboplatin , but I have probaly gone too far. Have swollen legs, blisters, and very swollen tummy.
I don't feel too bad in myself and can still potter about and I am eating. No doubt I have the sickness to come.
So sorry Trix you are unwell, my thoughts are with you at this time. I hope you dont have much pain although I know you have to be uncomfortable at the moment. Kindest thoughts.
Sending huge hugs, love and support. I'm not surprised that you feel like this but please let those around you help to give you more strength. You are truly a noble warrior xx
Thinking of you and sending you big hugs and prayers. Kim xx
Hi Francesca I am so sorry to read your post. You have always been an amazing support to us all on here and no doubt you are a fantastic Mum. I wish you peace and comfort, I hope the nurses will care for you well as you deserve it.
Your a inspiration to us all. None of us ever really know what's around the corner, I just pray that whatever happens, whenever it happens, you are smiling with the memories you have made x
Dear Francesca.......I am so sorry to read your post. I wish you and your family so much courage, strength and peace. You are an inspiration to all of us.
That's devastating news, I'm sorry to hear it. Really hope a hospice can ease your discomfort. Am with you on the legality of assisted dying.. why not give us that option. Peace out.
What can I add to what has already been written. You have obviously been through a lot and done amazingly well for so long. Yes the fear of the unknown is worrying for all of us and all I can do is the same as the others send you lots of hugs and positive thoughts. I hope as we all do that you have help to alleviate any major discomfort which I am sure you will have. Lots of love and well done for overcoming this disease for so long. xx
I am sorry to hear your news Francesca -I'm sending you love and support at this truly difficult time for you and your family
Juliet x
Francesca, I hope the rest of your time is a very peaceful one with out pain or discomfort. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hugs Jeanette xxx
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