Don Wood

My prayers are with you, Ann.

Well, our own Val, our Treebywater, has made her 2000th post. Val joined us almost 2 1/2 years ago, when her mom was diagnosed with Stage 4, NSCLC. Her mom passed away in July '05, and Val has continued to be with us, giving her loving support and good information to all here. Thanks, Val, for being here for us. We appreciate your efforts very much. We look forward to many more posts of encouragement. Don

Welcome here. Lots of info and support. My wife was also a nonsmoker and did not live in a house with secondary smoke. I believe statistics say 20% of owmen with LC and 10% of men with LC never smoked. My wife was Stage IV nonsmall cell, and was given 9 months. She lived a productive life for 4 years. So, yes, there is plenty of hope. Keep the faith, and let us know how we may help you. Don

Today, March 15, is Lucie's birthday. She would have been 70, and I really thought she would live to see it. I did not want to dine alone tonight, so I invited family to join me for dinner out. My daughter, my older son and his wife and my granddaughter joined me. We all shared stories about Lucie and enjoyed the company and food. It was a good thing to do for me, and hopefully them as well. Don

Hi, Susan, and welcome. Your mom's case sounds similar to my wife's. My wife was 69 at diagnosis and had bone mets to spine, hip, leg, rib and skull. Those mets that were painful, including the spine, were radiated, and she started on carboplatin/taxotere as well. Statistics said she would live 9 months, but she actually lived a 4-year productive life. Because of the spinal injury, she had to be on low dose morphine all that time, but it worked for her. I wish you and your mom well on the treatments. Don

Sounds good!

I think "loss" is a lot less offensive than other things that are thoughtlessly said. Lucie and I got to where we did not take offense at people's remarks, but were grateful they cared enough to let us know they were with us. As Becky said, right now you are reeling from the death and it is an emotional time for you. Don

I live in Houston -- traffic!

Did you know Chicago has an Irish rabbit? O'Hare!

My heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your dad. I was overseas when my dad died and I missed the funeral and everything. You can get through that, believe me. I am happy for you in your expectant state. I hope that will bring you joy. Having a wife and kids helped me move on with my life. Blessings. Don

I think you are on the right track and I'd ignore the nurse. First, they should control your husband's pain so he is comfortable. When we first went to the onc, the first thing he did was get the pain under control. That is why my wife could function through her 4 years. Second, it is your husband's choice to make whether to continue treatment. You are not selfish to want him to be as comfortable as possible with whatever time there is. Hang in there. Don

Wonderful!

Great news, Heidi.

She's a blonde, right?

Fantastic!

Sonia, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. Don

I think it's time to do the laundry! LOL veggies

I have had no first hand experience with shingles, but I have had friends who did, and they said it is very painful. Don

To have reports on here of people surviving well from LC is a blessing. It provides hope and some happy moments. So don't apologize or hesitate to report your dad's good fortune. Don

Amazing Mom!

Lemon meringue pie

I'm glad that you are open to learning during your time of grief. I wish you peace, as well. Don

Yes, I can definitely relate. Lucie was in the hospital for 11 days. She fought off the dehydration and the lung infection, but her heart, tired from all the treatment, gave out. Actually, that was more peaceful than the cancer getting her. I was torn each day on wanting to keep her here and wanting her to go in peace. I finally gave her permission to go toward the end, as did my daughter. She waited until my younger son was with her, and then she went. It was as she wanted. That was a very hard time for all of us, but we are better now. We miss her terribly but we are trying to move on, as she would want us to. I wish you peace as well. Don

My wife, Lucie, would have had her 70th birthday next week. The family has decided, with my encouragement, to all go out together for dinner and celebrate her remembrance. I don't want to be alone that day. Hope you find the answer that is best for you. Don

I do know the agony of seeing a spouse go through all this. Being the caregiver and advocate for your husband is a very tough job. His pain should be controlled by medication -- check with the onc. Hang in there. Don