Don Wood

Welcome! You have a good attitude toward fighting this disease. Keep us posted on your dad, and let us know how we may be supportive. Don

Strange, but just because it is now 2007, I feel better. I guess it is the hope and faith that things will get better. Happy New Year! Don

Goodbye, 2006! Hello, 2007!

I am normally a very outgoing, party on extrovert. That is my nature. Since Lucie's death, there are many times, I just want to be by myself. I think it is much a part of the grieving process. Several in my grief support group have expressed the same. I think we do need time for ourselves. I did not realize how alone I was feeling until my son came home for Christmas and spent several days here in the house. It was so good to get to talk with someone on an ongoing basis. So, sometimes we need friends and family, and other times we need to be by ourselves. It's normal, and we should do what we need to do for ourselves when we need it. Blessings. Don

Adela, I know 9 years seems like not so much when compared with 47, but I am sure the 9 were packed with good times and golden memories. Remember that many on here lose their spouses in far less than 9 years. There is no fairness -- just "it is what it is". I wish you peace. Don

Hey, Sharon. Glad things are going well for you and family. Keep us posted. And Happy New Year. Don

Hey, Trish, and welcome. Thanks for letting us know about your brother. Your brother may have believed it wasn't as bad as it actually was. In any case, he didn't want to worry the family -- common reaction in patients with cancer. Unfortunately, lung cancer is very unpredictable. It can flare up at any point or it can go dormant. Sorry your brother didn't have more chance to fight it. Take care. Don

Grace, I'm not much into New Year's resolutions, but I do wish you a happy 2007. Don

Happy New Year, Donna!

Tanner, welcome here. My heart aches for you, guy. I have walked in your shoes, but you and your wife are much younger. My wife had Stage IV NSCLC with mets to spine, hip, skull, leg bone and rib. her first chemo was carboplatin/taxotere, similar to your wife's treatment. She also had radiation to the spine, hip and leg bone. She was given 9 months, but she lived a good life for 4 years. Most of that time, she was on some type of chemo. I wish you all the best. Please keep us informed and ask for what you need. Don

I believe I have been with you all the way on this board, Cindi. It has been my pleasure, and I look forward to much more. Happy 2007! I'll have a frozen Marguerita, as usual! Don

Your sons are indeed blessings. Good for your son in his response -- sounds like my kind of guy. Actually, in my grief support group, we frequently laugh -- i think it is because we understand each other, just as your son understands you and the situation. It is good to laugh, even in pain. Blessings for 2007. Don

Great!

Sounds like your mom also may be in depression, which is quite understandable and common. Might check with the onc about antidepressants. Don

Welcome, Alicia! My wife also was Stage IV NSCLC and given 9 months. She actually lived 4 years and had a productive life. So hang onto the hope and faith. Keep us posted on your dad and let us know what your questions are. Don

Hi, Heather, and welcome here. Glad your treatments are behind you and wish you well with the results. Keep us posted. Don

It varies with the chemo and the individual, but normally the chemo effects are felt 3 or 4 days after treatment. Don

Neat kids!

It's really okay to cry. You'll shed more tears, I am sure. Don

Welcome!

Always call right away when there is severe pain. Don

Great news, Bill! Whoo Hoo! Don

Well, it is over and we made it. On Christmas, my younger son and I went to my daughter's and the three of us had a quiet lunch with presents exchange. We got in a good relaxing visit, although the day was bland. On Tuesday, the three of us joined my older and married son and his family for a Christmas dinner and gift exchange. It was nice all being together with each other. I was pleased to be among my family. I'm thankful for many blessings and I'm ready to move on to 2007. Don

Whoo Hoo! Cool!

Cheryl, I am not familiar with those. I do wish you well with them, and glad toe previous treatment kept things pretty level. Don