Don Wood

Welcome, Andrea. Sounds like things are going well for your mom. Stay with us for info and support, and let us know how she is doing, and how you are doing. Don

Lucie took Taxotere in combination with Carboplatin. She went every three weeks for about 4 hours (it probably would be about half that time with just one chemo). The first two rounds were relatively mild, but with each treatment, the symptoms got worse -- she nad nausea, fatigue, hair loss, nail discoloring and warping, mouth fungus, eyes tearing excessively. These didn't all happen at once, but they all happened once or twice during the series. She took five treatments this year, having had two treatments the end of last year before infections caused a delay. Hope this helps. Each person reacts dirfferently of course. Don

G'day, Jana! Welcome to the baord. Lots of support and info here. Yes, it is a scary, unknown road we travel. It gets clearer as you go. Sounds like your mom is getting the treatment she needs. Good luck. Don

My wife experienced blurry vision during chemo, and it was due to constantly watering eyes because the chemo plugged up the lachrymal ducts which drain away the tears. It went away when she got off the chemo. We were given the name of an opthalmologist who could unplug the ducts, but we never got around to going to him, and it cleared up on its own. Don

Hi, Amy! Sorry about your dad. Your dad should check with the onc about his swelling. My wife was on Iressa for a month, and developed pneumonia, so now she can't take it. That only happens in rare cases, according to statistics. Keep connected here for info and support. Don

Linda, prayers coming. Don

I think the Twist came later, in the early '60's. I know, I'm a spoil sport! Ha! Don

Thanks, Stephanie. Such good news! Celebrate! Don

Susan, thanks for the update on your mom. Glad it has slowed down some. God's grace. Don

Kathy, I am do saddened by the news. My prayers are with you both. God's grace. Don

David, I was wondering while reading your note how you were sending a post when you had no power. Then, at the end, you revealed the laptop. I should have known. Sorry Isabel came your way, but glad it went from a caegory 5 to a 2, and that you were high and dry and had no damage.. Glad you are safe, both from hurricane and from cancer. NED is so good! Congrats. Don

Tracy, vent all you want. That is what we are here for -- to listen to each other, and give each other a chance to vent. Waiting while nothing is being done is very hard, probably the hardest on this road. Hang in there, and here's praying for good news. Don

James, so sorry your mom has taken a turn for the worst. My prayers are with you and your family. Please stay connected here. Don

NED! NED! Rah! Rah! Rah! Super, Bob! Celebrate! Don

Thanks, Fay. Things sound like they are going well for you. Good deal! Don

Congrats, Shriley! Things looking great for you. Thanks for posting. Don

Lucie has been home now two and a half weeks and doing splendidly. We have had visits to the pulmonologist and the onc and they both give her a "looking good" and an "atta girl". Scans will be done in about a month as a checkup. Lucie is getting out a lot and sewing up a storm. Sunday, we went to church and to breakfast afterwards, which had been our routine, and it felt so good to be "normal" again. The sun is shining -- oh, happy day! Don

Thanks, Jack. Halleluiah! Don

Helene, Bob and Bess have expressed my sentiments. I hope you will stay around and inspire us with hope. As has been said, something drew you here, and there is a purpose in that. Blessings. Don

Funnnnnny!

Glad you're still here, Marlon. Enjoy your new pad! Don

It may be true of chest x-rays but I don't agree about bone scans. Don

Hi, Kitty! I am a great believer in dialogue and I am glad you took the initiative to make it happen. It is an illusion that we can protect our loved ones from pain if we don't reveal our own info and emotions. They are hurt anyway and sometimes more deeply when it is discovered things were kept from them. My wife, after 50 years, still has emotions about her mother shielding her from her dad's illness and death. Of course, her mother thought it was best at the time. I would begin the dialogue, not with a barrage of questions, but inviting your dad to express his feelings, his kowledge, etc. and just let him talk for a while. Have questions written down, and ask them after he has had his say. As you have already shown, continue to show your love, caring and support, with your words and your actions. God's grace to you all. Don

Kristy, yes, my wife had the same chemo treatment, and the very small tumor in her left lung disappeared, as well as tumors in her skull and rib. It is hard to tell about the tumors on her right fibula, left hip, and upper spine because the growing bone also highlights in the scans, but it appears they have shrunk also. Keep plugged in here. Best to you and your mom. Don

James, welcome! My oldest child is James (one of three). Venting is one of the things we do here -- it is expected and supported. Lots of support and info here. Try not to think the worst, and think the best. My wife also has bone mets, which have disappeared for now. Keep plugged in. Don