Don Wood

I was just thinking that tsunami certainly puts things in perspective, even dealing with lung cancer. Don

Prayers comin'.

Thanks for the update and the check-in, Karen. Don

Prayers comin'.

I am a prostate cancer survivor of 9 years. I need to know what you mean by "elevated". What was your dad's normal PSA and what is it now? Prostate cancer is not like LC, which has to be treated immediately. Only if he had a very elevated PSA (above 10) would there be cause to do something right away. And many men, depending on the circumstances, don't do anything, since the cancer will probably grow too slowly to be life threatening. The treatments now are better than they were and there are treatments, such as seeding, that have small side effects. I would recommend you find out about the level of your dad's PSA, and then withg that information, join the Prostate Problems Mailing List at www.acor.org/prostate.html. Lots of good info there. Best to you. Don

Cindi, great news! We all need something to do that we feel matters. Good for your oppotunity. Don

Well said and accurate, Jim. Thanks. When a person leaves this kind of support site abruptly because of one or two persons, and let this rule their decision over the many, many others here, then they have given away their power to the one or two. I suspect there is always more to it than we know -- that they were already thinking of departing, consciously or subconsciously, and this one incident is a good excuse to go ahead. And maybe they need to move on. Only they know. Too much good goes on here for us to worry about the whole. Don

If they are not planning chemo, I would go for a second opinion. My wife was given 9 months after diag. NSCLC, Stage IV, with five bone mets throughout her body. She received radiation for spots where there was pain or threat of fracture. She also received chemo for it all. I think it effectively prolonged her life. Don

Our beloved Fay A. has made her 2000th post today. She has been with us since May, 2003, and has given so much ongoing support to so many here. Fay, you are a true gem, a diamond, and we are so fortunate you have come into our lives. May you have many, many good years ahead.

I have sent two E-Mails to Dr. Joe, asking him to reconsider and stay.

Enjoyed the update. Yep, kids have a way of turning into US -- scary! Don

Great news, Kerry, and very timely. Don

Hi, Amy! Good to hear from you and the update on your mom. As to Iressa, if it is working for her, then that is all that matters. There is now a similar med called Tarceva, and I think some have switched to that. Best to you. Don

Hang in there, Cheryl. Will call you. Don

Hi, Erin. I agree that Becky has given you good advice. Your mom is in depression and overwhelmed. It will take effort to get her out of it because she can't do it alone. My wife was very depressed for the first 9 or 10 months of her diagnosis and treatment. She was depressed at having lung cancer, she was depressed at having to go through chemo and radiation and all the side effects she had to put up with, she was depressed that she couldn't go and do like she always has. Every patient of life-threatening diesease needs an advocate -- someone to do for them what they can't do for themselves. This means encouraging them to eat and drink properly (by the way, we discovered that every two hours to eat is not only better -- more chance of eating enough -- but it also keeps something in the stomach and helps minimize nausea), encouraging them to take their meds, encouraging them to get interested in something (besides watching TV all day) that will take their mids off the disease and give them something constructive to do. The advocate also runs interference for them in doctor visits, tests, etc., so they don't have to put up with the system until they feel like it. Hang in there. Hang onto the hope. Tell your mom that my wife is Stage IV, was given 9 months and she is now 27 months out and expecting many more. Blessings to you and Mom. Don

Happy New Year, Laurie!

Mike, it is normal for the cancer patient to be tired while under treatment, espeically if he has undergone radiation and chemo at the same time. My wife is continually tired, having finished one chemo and now on radiation. The tiredness can continue for weeks after the treatments are complete. Also be aware that he could become dehydrated if he is under treatment and not getting enough daily liquid intake. This could be a reason for dizzyness. Best to you. Don

Well said, Lily, and I thank you for saying it. Happy 2005! Don

Welcome, Mike! Glad you posted. Yes, there is hope. Hang in there. Keep us posted on your dad. Don

Cute, Paul! Hope you have a great 2005 as well. I would add one thing -- I wish that everyone gets what they BEED. Blessings. Don

Very normal side effects of treatment, especially if you are doing chemo and radiation at the same time. Watch dehydration -- take in plenty of liquids and sustenance. Don

Wise words. Thanks for sharing them. I hope 2005 brings you much love, grace and peace. Don

Thanks, Fay. Happy New Year!

Peg, you have made my day! So good of you to post and wish us well. May 2005 bring you much love, grace and peace. Don & Lucie

The Spirit resides within us all. We just have to call it forth, as Fay says. You and Jack have been through so much in the last two years, for your young age. Know that you have the spirit of our support whenever you need it, both of you. Don