joyrich

Updating because it was a big day. The treatments were rather easy. No real side effects except exhaustion. I lost all my hair afew days ago. Got over it pretty quick. Having some problems with water retention and put on lasik. Hard to get used to looking 20 years older overnight. Patti, your story is so inspiring to me because it says It's possible to get better even though they say it's terminal. I went onto Tidewell hospice because they pay the bills but they let me switch out for agressive treatment and switch me back in easily. Tuesday I'm seeing Dr Silvestre and know more about starting chemo. How was chemo for you all? Hospice gave me a doom and gloom picture of being sick in bed and I just told them to take their opinion and shove it. It's going to be carboplatin with something else. I'll let you know. And Ned thanks for the aloha. I think we're starting to look alike.

I started a 15 day plan of radiation to my whole brain Thursday. I was so scared. They made a mask that fit so tight around my face the claustrophobia took over but I started to think of my my beautiful Cavalier King Charles Maggie running in the wind and I was watching her hair fly and ears float and it helped take me away from the scary place. I decided to fight the most I can and try to be as happy and brave as I can. I told the radiation guy I knew he would blast those mets to smitherines and as he did it I pictured them smashing with every light. I hope it helps because I am finding out how much I want to live. In no pain for now and that is a good thing. Thank you all so much for your ideas, thoughts and prayers. Joy

Got results today of brain MRI. Numerous lights less than 1cm. Doctor told me I was dying but only god knew when. I am going to radiologist tomorrow for first time. I will fight for now but really feel my life is slipping away. Kinda like being in a whirlpool and not being able to grab onto a line anywhere. Not really afraid of death but so sad for the losses I am facing, of the people I love, of losing my chance to finish my story. I think I should feel braver. Joy

Thanks Randy for the support and a chuckle. Deborah was beautiful and obviously lucky to have you. Joy

I was diagnosed about a week ago with IIIB lung cancer. I am 64 and haven't smoked in 25 years. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks and they started with pnuemonia and went through tests for breasts,colon and bronchoscope. Negative. Did biopsy of left lung although most is in right and found cancer. They said it's in my lymph nodes and is inoperable as there is no mass. Doctor told me I had 2 months to live without treatment at 6:30 in the morning when I was alone and then went to Hawaii and didn't call. My husband was furious and found me another doctor.I thank god everyday for him. Everyone else seems to be running away. This week I had a port put in, sufferred arm pain afterwards that made me feel I was dying momentarily. The new doctor sent me for a brain MRI. Tuesday I will see him and I guess know the results. Scary is a big understatement. How in the world did you handle this? Joy