stage4's Cancer Blog
March 7, 2010
Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t posted anything since mid November. Busy,busy, busy and sick, sick, sick.
Okay umm where do I start. The cruise I was suppose to go on with my sister the first week of December ended up being with my mother. My sister had something come up at work and her boss made her cancel her vacation the day before the cruise. This sent me into crisis mode. Calling and changing the name to my mom, arranging another seat on the cruise connection bus to Miami. Making sure all our documents got changed. I love my mom and we had fun.
It all worked out but a lot of stress. By the time we left port I so needed a vacation. We went to Key West and Mexico. We have both been to Mexico so many times so we stayed on the ship while in port there and enjoyed the pool.
Carnival Imagination
We were at Hogsbreath Saloon at 10am, It was 5:00 somewhere.
Me and a pirate friend
Towel Creations
Cruise Ship Lobby
Then, within a week of getting back my husband and I went to Chicago for 2 1/2 weeks for Christmas.
When I got home I stayed in bed for about 2 or 3 weeks. In February, I had tons of family in from up north one after the other all month. It was nice to see everyone. Too bad it was so cold here. We have had the coldest winter in many many years. It is finally getting warm. Mid 70’s this week. Woohoo.
Healthwise – Many infections. Quite a bit more pain.
Mostly related to the hernia, the 1 picture I haven’t shared yet. I will as soon as I get brave enough. I call it my alien baby. It is just like being 9 months pregnant but forever. Lots of pressure on the ribs and internal organs. The end of Feb and so far in March I have had a lot of infections.
Right now 2-UTI and Thrush (yeast infection in the mouth)due to weak immune system. Tired all the time but I do as much as I can as often as I can. Kind of turning into a germaphobe.
When we were in Chicago, My daughter-in-law borrowed a wheelchair from someone. It was a lifesaver. I was able to go places with them that I normally would have had to stay at the house. We went to the Shedd Aquarium and the Planetarium, Both highly recommended. As soon as I got home I had Hospice bring me a wheelchair. It will keep me going for a little longer. I am afraid if I stop that will be it. Going to Orlando soon. Definitely could not do parks without a wheelchair. Also I want to go to Cape Canaveral and catch the shuttle launch in April. You can see it from here but it would be cool to actually be there.
I have been reading peoples posts during this time I just didn’t have the time to post (it takes me forever) it is like going to a shrink that totally knows what you are going through. I just pour it all out here.
I was extremely upset when I saw that a few people I had been talking (typing) to had passed away. I couldn’t stop crying. God how I hate cancer.
I will try to be better at posting more often. There are a lot of things I want to get your take on but I have went on long enough for now.
More Soon
Donna
Sounds like you’re lving life to it’s fullest as much as you can. Hope you feel better soon. I understand about the infections, I am having skin infection problems myself from my chemo. Hope to read more from you soon.
~Gwen
Posted on Dear Donna; It was such a pleasure to see your new post, but also upsetting that your health is taking its’ toll on you. You have fought for so long and so hard, it hardly seems fair that you should have to slow down in any way. I guess you could say wheelchairs are life saving vehicles though. Your trip sounded amazing and I guess your Mom was pinching herself that she had the good fortune to be with you. I love Mexico too. We didn’t go this year, due to financial constraints, but as fate would have it, the weather has been extrodinarily like an early Spring. Looks like our Snow guy got lucky this year. Yes please do post us more if you can. It is always comforting to have your pool of supporters around, as things change. I too was at a loss when our fine friends passed on. The more I witness, the more I think that there will be a much greater number of the public that will be taken by cancer. I’m not sure why I say that, except, it seems to come up more in coversations and in the media. But we are a special breed, that makes us stronger than most. Knowing that we will all end up together does give me hope that there will be much celebrating going on, after the pain and the fight are over. Having said all of that, I hope that you have many years left to prove the medical community has accomplished some miracles with your type of cancer. Take care of yourself, till we see your next post.
Posted on Donna I am so glad to hear from you. I started reading BFAC in 2007 when my sister in law was dx with colon cancer and your blog was the first I read never know that I would end up with Breast Cancer. Stay strong and please know that you have alot of positive energy coming to you from Ocala. Take care hope you post again soon.
Pat
Posted on Hi Donna, I hope that you are doing well. What a busy schedule you had. That crusie looked fun. My wife wants to go on a cruise, but I’m not ready to go back to a ship (USN retired), but eventually I will give in and we will take a cruise somewhere. Keep the faith my friend, I’ll keep you in my prayers, big hugs
Eli
Posted on November 17, 2009
I haven’t posted in awhile, I have been pretty sick and in quite a bit of pain.
I am still wondering why I am still alive, doctors are baffled and interested.
I keep thinking God is trying to tell me what I am suppose to do before I get to go home. One thing keeps popping up over and over and that is public speaking. (which I hate because I get nervous and shake) I have been asked to or had it at least mentioned to me so many times in the last few months. I am guessing it is some sort of sign. My Hospice social worker said she would like to do this with me and I drafted one of the breast cancer survivors in my support group so now we just need to find venues.
If anyone has experience or ideas on how to start finding venues that would welcome us I would love to hear it.
It has been 4 1/2 years since I was diagnosed stage 4. I quit chemo about 2 years ago. It has now spread to my lungs and bones but I do pretty well at least 3 or 4 hours a day.
My next book title or (working title) is:
Living While Dying, Laughing While Crying-/or laughing and crying. can’t decide.
I don’t want it to be a downer. Some funny parts would be nice. I would also like to include stories from other people facing the same thing. If anyone has any suggestions or know someone that would be willing to share their blog or writing something for it I would love to hear about it.
I don’t know how easy it will be to find terminal cancer patients that are still trying to make the most out of their lives. Being upbeat etc. I have a sarcastic humor when it comes to dying that puts some people off if they don’t know me well.
The cancer support group I belong to has seen 3 women die doing chemo up until the day they die.
I am in the other category that chose quality over quantity of life when I quit chemo. But the surprise was on me, I have outlived all “experts” predictions.
I am going on a cruise with my sister Dec 7-11th. Can’t wait. It will be the first time we have went anywhere together without 10 other people in tow.
Hope to hear from you
Donna Richno
Hi Everyone - Working on another book., 
6 comments)
What a great idea to cruise with your sister.
Posted on Donna – I just read your post now. I didn’t realize your latest situation. I was just looking at your membership date. You have been on here for 3 years. That is so amazing. You joined shortly after we launched. Congrats with writing another book and speaking. Enjoy your cruise. Take some photos and post when you get back. ;-)
Posted on Donna; you have amazed everyone and we are inspired by your candour and ability to rise above every obstacle. I hope your cruise turns out to be the best ever and hoping you will take some pictures and post them here. Yes another book! Good grief you really don’t waste any time do you? I haven’t had a chance to read your first book, what is the title again?
Take care of yourself but live wildly.
Hey Donna I wonder how your cruise was? I have been reading your blog since april 2007 when my sister in law was dx with colorectal cancer. I feel like I know you and we are also in Florida we live in Ocala. Since then I have been dx with Breast Cancer DCIS. But I am just wondering if you are doing ok. you and my sister in law are the strongest people I know I admire you both for your strength and fight. I wish I could get my sister in law to blog but she has no interest for some reason. Pauline is doing well she has been thru the wringer like you and she still gets up and goes every day. The dr has pretty much told her the only thing that is keepin her going is the Chemo, as long as her body can handle it she is living she looks wonderful she has only lost a small amount of weight and if you didnt know she was sick you would not be able to tell. I now on the other hand have not been able to make a decision on lumpectomy or mactectomy I pray to God that I make the right decision for myself and that I can be mentally satisifed because I have said I dont thing I could be as strong as Pauline I think she is rock solid and never want to be in her shoes. Donna I hope you are doing well I think of you often and I hope that you set a new record in this rotten field of Cancer. I hope you have a very Happy Holiday! Im looking foward to hearing from you.
Pat
Hi Donna-
God bless you- you are such an inspiration to me!
You took time to send me an email several months ago- when I had so many questions when my little sister was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Yes- you should listen to what God is telling you in regard to writing another book- if you have the time and energy to do so. You are truly using your life for good!
As I look ahead to this new year, and read your story- I reflect how much of this lifetime here on earth I have wasted on such petty and unimportant things- things that do not matter at all. All of us will pass over some day- we do not know when that day will come- none of us. My own mother left the house on April 26, 1973 (on her birthday) at age 45- and never returned- she was killed by a drunk driver. None of us knows how long we have- what will we do with the time we have left? This is the question I will ponder and do something about as 2010 arrives- just as you have.
Thank you, Donna- for the gift of kindness that you shown me and my family, even as you were battling your illness.
Wishing you peace in the New Year,
Lanie
So glad you are still up & kicking. We had hoped to get to Fla, but that plan fell thru. I didn’t know you were in Palm Harbor. Is that off I-95 north of Daytona?? Also glad to hear about your new book. Let me know how it goes. My book has only sold about 45. Not many, but it is a start.
Take care & stay happy.
Sandy
Posted on 
Thanks for your support - 
