improving

Hi Guys,
Sorry itâ€™s been a while, what with chemo and my boss threatening to fire me if I take any more time off for chemo, funny really since I do the chemo on Saturdays which doesnâ€™t fall under my contract hours. Went to see my onc this week for CT results, Well first of all, all I now have are a couple of minute nodules in my left lung which he had mistaken for scar tissue (from the radiation) for the last 10 months, then there are the 2 very small tumors in the left lung less than 1 cm they have been stable for basically 2 years now, the biggest tumor looks like the guts has been sucked out of it with the taxotere(it looks like a not good value do-nut lol) and the one i didn't even know about (1cm) also looks like the complete center has been sucked out of it giving me two donuts but on saying that the reduction on the main two has been quite phenomenal for 4 infusions with about a 80% reduction in bulk(the outside edges are still there) but the doctor seems to think that taxotere is doing a really good job so he intends to do another 2 rounds starting today. It makes me feel like **** but when I cough up large chunks of the tumor (as my onc told me) I am very happy. So all in all mixed feelings this scan time but still very hopeful as is the doctor and my wife, so just have to keep on fighting.
Take care lots of love Micky and Yun Hee

By Marylou1
Posted November 3, 2009 at 7:53 pm
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Hi Micky and Yun Hee,

Oy ! Grey hairs pop out of my head when I hear a statement that your boss would fire you for taking time off for Chemo. I am SO sorry about that Micky.

However, your report sounds pretty good to me. It must be tough working and going through all of this too. We all know we gotta do what we need to do.

Some Inspire members were asking when you posted last. Glad you found some time.

Micky, Don't Stop Believing,
Marylou

By bayrealtor
Posted November 3, 2009 at 7:58 pm
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So very glad to hear you are doing well my friend. Cathy returned from a trip home to northeast china
(ShenYang) and had a good visit with all!
Take care and dont be a stranger!!
God be with you both...
Bill & Cathy

By Barbell
Posted November 3, 2009 at 8:39 pm
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Micky and Yun Hee, I am thinking of you and wishing you well. Keep on fighting and never give up. Remember, we are living with it - not dying with it. I hope your days get better and better as you keep destroying this monster called cancer. God bless you both. With prayers and good thoughts for you both, Judy

By cards7up
Posted November 3, 2009 at 8:55 pm
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Good news on the tumor reduction. Sorry about the side effects, hopefully not much longer. As for losing your job for medical reasons, can they do that there? They sure can't do it here in the US. Wishing you both the best and prayers that all continues to go well.
Take care, JC

By cuddles53
Posted November 3, 2009 at 9:43 pm
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Glad you are doing well, that boss of yours better be good to you, or he is going to have all of us over there harassing him this time! Why do this to you when you have enough to be fighting about, now him on top of it all. some people do not care about anyone but themselves. I hope you know he can't threaten you about losing your job, let him keep it up, and you see an attorney. I would! . God bless Sandy

By brooklynda
Posted November 3, 2009 at 11:12 pm
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Dear Micky and Yun Hee:

Glad to hear about the tumors diminishing.

Yikes! You really don't need the extra pressure of your boss not being supportive thru your ordeal (is that legal?); however, you continue to have us for support - always in your corner, rooting for your good health and continued progress!

Sending prayers that your health will continue to improve and that your boss will wake up and show some understanding!

Blessings!
Brooklynda

By Granny888
Posted November 3, 2009 at 11:24 pm
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I was wondering what country you were in or if you worked as a self- employed contractor or a small business ...

An employer can't fire you for being disabled but they can replace you if you can't do the job hired to do -- larger companies are subject to FMLA which you would qualify for after putting in "X" number of hours in in one year and would allow you 12 weeks off with no negative repercussions. But of course if you work under contract you probably know you'd be sh*t out of luck. And you know time off of work for chemo includes time off for side effects .... your employer is definitely out of line, way out of line, but it sounds like he has either this or other issues he really needs to handle the correct way. Threatening a man who is trying to get well is not the way to do it. I can see that if you work for a "contract company" it might create problems but again I sure have no clue what the story is.

And as I'm sure you know working as a self-employed contractor isn't the same as working under a contract with another contract firm -- if you are employed with the firm with the contract and again if they are large enough they should have a way to deal with short term or long term disability. I know those are fightin' words for some people, but cancer isn't easy. Please do explore all your options.

When I was under the influence of steroids I actually went right up to my ex-boss (I'm on disability) and asked him why he wouldn't hire me back per diem. I mean, I need to know if there was a problem. No problem, he just thought the other job was more approrpriate but he no longer manages that and yet I still have no job -- humph. Everyone thought I'd be gone by now. Back to the steroid side-effects, they DO make me manic! Sorry about that.

By kq182
Posted November 3, 2009 at 11:54 pm
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Hi, what great scan report!! Sorry the boss is being an A@@hole, hang in there, hope the chemo gets a bit easier on you these next few times. Take care, Keep up that great attitude and fight, Take care, Karen

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