Wendy

Great news of NED - I just love those words!! I hope Ike misses you, praying for the best. Wendy

Definetly hugs and prayers, Wendy

I am wishing for only good results!! Wendy

My sincere sympathy to you and your family. God bless you in this very difficult time, Wendy

Congratulations Bobbie and cheers to many more anniversaries!! Wendy

I am updating my survivorship info..... 4 years 6 months for me - Yea Ha!! Wendy

Great news! Wendy

Hi Johnny, So sorry to hear about your moms pain, I just hate to hear that. I have had a few bone mets radiated that we causing me pain. I was given 10 doses to the mets in my spine (t12) and pelvis (ischuim bone). My pain was relieved about 3 weeks after the radiation started. When I initially researched radiation to the bone, I found that alot of the treatment depends on the locatiion of the met. Sometimes the radiation can hit other areas beside the bone and cause more problems. Hopefully after a closer look her doc will be able to do a little radiation to eliminate some of the pain. I hope that your mom receives some relief soon from her pain and that better days are ahead. Wendy

Good to see you here again. Keep us posted on the walk and Joels treatment plans. Wendy

Hi Bucky, Glad to hear you enjoying a little rest and relaxation in California. Glad to have you back too. Sorry to hear about the tarceva!! Wishing you better news ahead, Wendy

I have been gathering items for my kids for the "in case" i'm not around box. I have put together books of my kids school pictures making one book for their memory and then a small book that they can give to there children someday to share. I have made small books that include some of my favorite quotes for my kids, hubby, sister and mom. I am still working on these. I have picked up small little tokens that I can give to my kids when they get married, have their first child, birthday milestones, mothers day, fathers day, etc. I am still working on this type of stuff. I want to give them some encouragement/thoughts/advise along with the items but I am really having trouble starting this. I would rather just be around for these special events.......and lord willing I will be to pass them on in person. Wendy

Welcome Gootus, You have come to a great place. This lung cancer is tricky isn't it - so many of us were healthy and got the diagnosis anyways - doesn't seem to make sense does it? I have a local friend in MN that is an 8 year survivor of small cell - extensive and a friend that is a 7 year small cell limited. Both have been doing great and plan on many more years ahead of them. Wendy

Marianne, The drugs/radiation do continue to work there magic after the last doses. I have seen it happen to me personally and also others here on the board. Hang in there, you have alot of people holding you hand along the way. Wendy

Hi Linda, I had 3 rounds of taxotere. My biggest problem with the drug was that it wiped me out of energy for almost a week. I used to plan on spending the week on the touch after my injections. I did have a few weeks after the last dose where my finger nails hurt like crazy. I didn't end up losing any nails but they were pretty sensitive for a while afterwards. You never know how we will react to chemo but I have my fingers crossed that taxotere will be a breeze for you!! Wendy

Hi Judy, Here's my scoop: Mar 2004 Surgery to remove left lung 6 weeks recovery - NED after surgery May 04-Aug 04 Cisplastin/VP16/Taxotere Total 15 doses over 12 week period/30 radiation - NED thru entire period Sept 04-Apr 05 Iressa maintenance trial/daily - NED thru entire period Apr 05-Jan 06 No treatment - NED Jan 06-Dec 06 One spine met, one pelvic met - started Avastin ev 3 weeks, tarceva daily and zometa ev 6 wks. Ned within 2 months of starting these drugs. Jan 07-Jan 08 Tarceva daily NED Jan 08 - one new spine met, started Avastin ev 3 wks and continuing tarceva daily. Currently have one spine met, one thyroid met - stable and a partial response Wendy

Welcome Katie!! Wendy

Hi Rana, Sorry to hear about your mom. I personally haven't had any experience with pleural effusions but wanted to let you know I am thinking about you both. Wendy

Hi Katie and welcome! Tarceva has worked wonders for me. I too had very hard side effects starting out with Tarceva. After we realized the side effects I was getting, we stopped the drug and then restarted it at 25 mg. I increased the doseage by 25mg every few days until I worked up to the 150 mg doseage. I ahve been on the drug since January of 2006 and have had my dose raised and lowered throughout my treatment. I have had great results at the 150 mg level and ALSO at the 100 mg level. I have my fingers crossed that Tarceva is the magic bullet for your dad. Wendy - 4.5 yrs adenocarcinoma survivor

Having a plan in place is great! Full steam ahead, Wendy

Oh my Sandra, how scary that must have been! I have my fingers crossed that the drug is working its magic on you. Wendy

Welcome! Wendy

Aaaaah, when do we start? Tonight I had a Root Bear Float with a salad, looks like I am starting tomorrow!! Wendy

This is definetly great news! Enjoy your 6 months away from scans. Wendy

I did resp rehab once about a year after my lung surgery. I felt it was very beneficial to me. The program helped me read my body a little better. Before the rehab I had a tendancy to over due it. I would go to the grocery store feeling wonderful and then get half way through the store and couldn't finish shopping because I was too exhausted. Now (ok most of the time) I can guage my energy, breathing capacity and stregth before I end up into trouble. Wendy

Prayers that mom feels better soon! Wendy