Tylalla

What great news Vicky! I hope it continues and you remain NED for years to come! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Dear Kaly. Im so sorry to hear your brothers condition has gotten worse. I do know the fight is hard and it can completely wear you out. As far as squamous cell and chemo, it can work. My first diagnosis was taken care of with Cisplatin and Etoposide, along with radiation. Im sorry his oncologist won't consider radiation, at least for pain control. My prayers are with you both. Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Charlotte, There are a lot of friendly and knowledgeable people here to answer your questions, talk when you need to, or just lend a shoulder to cry on. I don't have any knowledge of small cell lung cancer., mine is non-small cell. Im sure someone here can help you out. I just wanted to say welcome! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Kaly, Has he looked in to drinking some Ensure? It will provide needed nutrients. Its not bad when mixed with ice cream into a shake. The ice cream would also provide extra calories and nutrients. It might be easier swallowing a shake, and would help stop the weight loss. Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hello Dawn, Tom's answer is spot on, and yes, we've all "been there". The waiting is almost worse than the cancer. Try and find some ways to take your mind off the waiting and enjoy some quality time with your dad. Read, listen to music, try some puzzle books or take up a new hobby. Something to get your mind fixated on something other than the waiting. I hope your dad fares well in his treatments, and you find some peace of mind. Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hello Missy, (that was my childhood nickname) I'm so sorry you for your loss and for you having to be here in the first place. I'm also sorry to hear how your Mom's cancer has spread. I have been on Keytruda, and had really mild side effects. I experienced some fatigue and some mild nausea. That was about it. It didn't work for me and now I'm in a clinical trial. I've also been on Opdivo, and had some fatigue with that as well. I also developed neutropenia and got the Neulasta shot at first, then I was switched to the device which gave me the shot at home (or where ever I happened to be at the time). I experienced terrible join pain for several days after each injection, whether given at the Dr's office or at home. Claritin didn't help. It was miserable for 4 to 5 days. I was wrongly taken off the Opdivo and put on Tarceva. That's a whole different story. So, sadly I can't tell you if it worked for me or not. I hope it works out well for your mom! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

I've had both Opdivo and Keytruda. Opdivo first, which I really had no side effects with except neutropenia, which is a severe drop in white blood cells. I started getting a shot (Neulasta) and that took care of it. My oncologist made a wrong decision based on Foundation One gene testing and put me on Tarceva ( which was just horrid and another whole story on its own) I changed Oncologists and my treatment changed for the better. Now, Keytruda. After my oncologist switch, I was tested for PDL-1 and found to be quite high in suppression. I don't remember the number, but I was put on Keytruda. Unfortunately it wasn't working for me and I am now in a clinical trial. Side effects of both the Opdivo and Keytruda were very mild. Some nausea, some fatigue. That was really about it, with the exception of the neutropenia, which was controlled with a shot after each treatment. I hope you have little to no side effects and whichever medication they choose for you works well! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Thats wonderful and great news! I'm so happy for you! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

My radiation was given to a tumor on my lung. The tumor was inoperable. I had radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks. I developed a "sunburn" type burn on my chest and my back, I also developed a burn on my esophagus and it was extremely painful to swallow for several weeks. That's when cold watermelon, cold applesauce, and popscicles became my diet. It wasn't terrible for me, and everything healed within a few weeks after radiation ended. Radiation is a lot more advanced than it used to be. I was marked so I could be put in the exact same position each time. The machine rotated around me, and was set to pinpoint accuracy so it would only radiate the tumor. Each visit was only 20 to 30 minutes long. The radiation was a lot kinder to me than chemo ever was! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

With my first diagnosis, I had chemo and radiation together. The chemo will make you tired. The radiation will add to that and make you feel wiped out. Pamper yourself, rest, relax, sleep when you need to. See if your cancer center participates in the Look Good, Feel Better event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. This is from their site: In a Look Good Feel Better session, trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women with cancer how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. or PBA a national organization that represents hairstylists wig experts estheticians makeup artists... which includes A detailed description and demonstration of the 12 step skin care and makeup program... Detailed skin care information How to makeup tips Wig information Pointers on head coverings etc. You can read more about it here: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/look-good-feel-better.html It's a nice way to spend a couple hours, learn how to feel good about yourself again, and you get some free makeup! My biggest advice is to just listen to your body and rest when you need to, cry if you want to, and never lose your faith. Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Betsy, Well on your tired days just pamper and baby yourself. You've earned it. And on the other days, celebrate but still be kind to your self. On your good days, celebrate by going and getting a milkshake. Everyone loves ice cream right? I hope you continue to improve and have more good days than tired days. Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Nichole, I'm so sorry you are having to face this, especially at such young age. My heart goes out to you! Tom is right, you will find so much information here, and if you have a question don't be shy about asking! I don't know anything about your type of lung cancer or mutation, but I did get 4 treatments of Keytruda. The side effects for me were minimal, some fatigue, but unfortunately it didn't work for me. I hope it is successful for you! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Hi Betsy, Those steroids can be (pardon the pun) a real pain in the butt. It was the steroids I was given during chemo that triggered my diabetes. Before chemo I was fine. I think they were also responsible for the cataracts I developed, and the rise in my blood pressure. I just know that before chemo and steroids I was fine. After... I was a mess. lol Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Thank you for your kind word for you Lauren and Katie. And Katie, I like your friend's wisdom about "borrowing trouble", and I will definitely keep that thought in mind. I'm on day 12 of the first 28 day cycle of the drug. 9 more days on the drug and I'm off for a week. I hope things continue to work out! Blessings, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

If you look, you can always find something to live for. You can always find support and encouragement from the people here. Whenever you are feeling low, we are here to lift you back up. Have you looked in to pain management? Ask your oncologist if they can refer you to a pain management specialist. You don't have to live with unmanaged pain. It can lead to unnecessary depression. Ask your doctor. Anyway, I'm here if you need someone. I hope you are feeling better soon! Blessings to you, Michelle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk