Maryanne

Just wanted to put some more input with the thyroid issue. As you may have read Joel had the left upper lobe removed, was doing nicely during the post op and then became so lethargic that he spoke in a whisper, lost 45 lbs , had a rapid heart rate and could hardly walk. I was so scared that it was the big C. again. I felt like I was losing him. It was an effort for him to just take a fast shower. He had to shave the next day. Could not do two things the same day. After the shaver or shave, he had to lie down. He was so exhausted. His pulmonary doctor did not call for a thyroid blood test because he said it is unusual in a male to have hyperthryoidism. But we were certainly glad when his Oncologist suggested blood work. Most of you know that his thyroid was overactive. They gave him that radioactive iodine pill to kill the thyroid. Well that was only 3 weeks ago and he is doing absolutely wonderful. His energy is back, he gain 20 lbs of his 45 lost so far. He went to the Enco. last week and she said his T levels dropped from 25 to 5. She wants to get him to 3 or 4 so she will give him the synthoid pill because now he is underactive. Right now it is still being staged as overactive as the redioactive pill takes a month to work. So right now he is on Trapozole pill ( which is for overacative). He is to take this for 2 more weeks. Then he will discontinue the Trapzole. There will be a period of 2 weeks where he will be taking nothing. During that time the Doc said he will really gain weight. I just want to say, that we don't know either what caused his thyroid to act like that. Some Docs say stress can bring it on. But for years Joel was the type of person who ate anything and never gained wait. (talk about people being jealous ) So he may have had the thyroid problem all long, but it was kind of dormant. But was brought out by the stress of all the LC stuff. I am just giving some more insight to this thyroid problem that so many of you seem to have. If you are having those symptoms, get your thyroid count checked. It just take a simple blood test. Maryanne

WAY TO GO GINNY!!!!! I could see by so many of your posts that you are truly an inspirational person to all who post here. You have been so brave thru your Dukes illness, even after his passing, you continue to help people here. Thanks for being you and thanks for all your support for this board. Your posings has given so many of us hope. You are a treasure. Maryanne

Hi Peggy, You guys seem to be feeling pretty good. I am so glad for that. I pray all works out for him. I am also looking forward to the spring. It is so cold here right now. But they did give us a break last Monday, it was actually 70 degress. People were walking around without a coat on. Then the next day was so cold and windy, it almost broke a record!! Go figure, Enjoy the motorcycle rides. I think everyone here (who has winter) will be feeling so rejuvinated once spring really hits. Can't wait, Thinking of you and so glad everything is stable. Maryanne

Hi Betty, I am so sorry for all your pain. Back pain is the worse. I am glad the the pain medicine is giving you relief. Praying for you and hoping all will be alright. You have been so supportive to everyone here, and you will have so many prayers coming your way. Maryanne

I feel so bad for your news Summer, but keep that fighting spirit going as I don't like the alternative if you listen to the doctor and just give up. Maybe at this point you should go to another doctor, just for another opinion. Good luck... Never give up!! Maryanne

Hi Kerry, My condolences for you FIL's passing. I pray eveything works out for you mom. You are a very strong person. You mom must be so proud of you for all your support and love. Maryanne

Wow Kevin, that was great results!!! Now you can relax and put all the anxiety behind you. Continued good luck. Maryanne

I hope all turns out ok for your dad and it is just some kind of infection that can be cured with anti-biotics. Keep us informed. Maryanne

Hi Debi, I am glad that the treatment is keeping that area pain free. It is great news that your bone can came ouf negative. I am sure that was a load off your mine. Sending you out good vibes. Maryanne

Hi Carrie, Great news that you came through it okay. Wishing you a good MRI. Maryanne

Hi Jen, Sorry to hear the news about your mom. Praying the radiation works for her and also praying for strength for her. Maryanne

Nik, I am so sorry your gram is in such awful pain. I pray for her to be out of her misery and be in a much better and pain free place. I also pray for strength for you as you are so scared and feel so helpless. You are a wonderful daughter, You mom is so lucky to have you by her side. That will make things easier during her transisiton. She will be with her love ones who passed before her. She will be at peace and free of that sick, diseased body. She will be feeling wonderful and free. I pray for peace for her and strength for you who is carrying a big burden on your shoulders. Please take care of yourself also, Maryanne

Frank is a wonderful soul.... He will have many prayers sent his way. Wishing him well and a speedy recovery. Maryanne

Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:23 am Post subject: Obiturary for Fred McPherson -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On March 8, 2005, after battling lung cancer for eighteen months still fighting with great courage, and dignity "Fred" of Lindenwold, age 53 years Beloved husband of Rosemary A. (nee Piper) McPherson. Survived by son Robert J. (Michele) McPherson of Wilmington Del., Daugter Heather M.McPherson of Lindnewold, brother William (Cookie) McPherson of Burlington, many loving nieces, nephews cousins, and friends. Predeceased by his granddaughter, Makayla,and brothers, Albert, Jospeh, Elmer, David, John, and James. Fred was an employee of All-Sure Heating & Air Conditioning in Marlton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday afternoon 1-3 PM followed by funeral services 3PM at the ORA L. WOOSTER FUNERAL HOME, 51 Park Blvd. Clementon, N.J. 08021. Cremation private. The family wishes to extend a personal "Thank You" to Cooper Cancer Institute, and to Rosemary Loriann & Sue who made his journey throught cancer easier.

Hi Cindi, I don't know anyting about what they are going to do with the tooth. What I am asking is if there is a time line for getting adjuntive chemo after the lung operation. It is now 3 months since operation, and there has been all the delimmas that has been pushing back this chemo. Iam just getting a little concerned that it will be too late for it to be effective. I did put the question to ask the experts also. thanks for your concern..... kisses to cutsy Luna... Maryanne

Hi Guy, So glad that you posted, so we could send prayers out to you and your boy. I pray you will be able to do this clinical trial and it works for you. Where will you son go? Poor guy he must be so scared. I hope and pray you can help his fears by reasurring him he will be safe and in good hands if anything happens to his dad. My heart goes out to you both. Meditational prayers going out to you both. Maryanne

Hi Nina, Same as above. Good thoughts coming your way. Maryanne

Hi Lisa, So sorry to hear about the ordeal that your mom is going through. I hope she will get better results soon and she can go home. Sending healing prayers out to her. Maryanne

Just so you all should know, even though Fred did not make it home, Rosemary was with him at the hospital when he passed. My heart cries out for her grief Maryanne

Welcome Pam, You have come to the best site. As you can see the people here are so caring and so knowledgeable with the experiences they or their love ones have gone through. Keep us updated on your sister. We are here for you Maryanne

Hi Don, I was wondering what happened to you. So now I know. I hope your recovery becomes better and better everyday. It seems like you are having a hard time. I am so sorry for that. But one day, this will must be a distant memory, like your first. It still upsets me that you were IB and this happened to you. It certainly made up my mind to make sure that Joels takes the preventive chemo. If he ever gets to it. But thats another story. Please take care and know that Iam thinking of you. You will feel a little better each day. So glad that they caught this in time. Maryanne

Hi and thanks everybody for your feedback. Joels back pain is gone. So whatever it was it seems to have vanished. So one less thing to worry about. Joel went to Endocrinologist today ( first time since first visit) and the latest results of his blood work on his thyroid was excellent, went from 20 to 5 ( whatever that means, but she was extremely please). I could not wait for this appointment as I wanted so bad for this doctor to see Joel as himself, not that person who she saw the first time. He was so incoherent, talked in a whisper, lost 40 lbs and could hardly walk. This time he practicually ran into her office. She was so excited for him. So he has to stop his present medication in about a week. Then his thyroid will become underactive wait about 2 weeks, at that time because his thyroid will be underactive, he will gain a lot of weight. She will then put him on a pill to make his underactive become normal. Anyway, she gave him the go ahead to make an appointment ( with her husband) who is Joels Oncologist, so he could get his CT and then Chemo. The only thing stopping him at this time is a damn tooth that is starting to give him trouble. Now I know when he goes to the dentist on Tues. that it will be the whole 9 yards. Root canal and crown. So this will take a little while. I know he has to have this done before he can start treatments. I just feel like, will he ever get to this chemo. I have a question does anybody know, how much time you have from the operation to have chemo and for it to be effective. Is it not effective if you have to wait longer then necessary? Thanks Maryanne

This older couple named Lucie & Don were really having trouble with their memory. So, they decided to go to their PCP to see if there was some kind of miracle pill that would help them remember. Their Doc just told them it was very normal for a couple their age. But the best thing they could do to remember is to write things down. That way you won't forget. So that evening when Lucie and Don were sitting in front of the TV, Don suddenly asked Lucie if she wanted an Ice Cream Sunday. Lucie said "ohyes with, vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, whipped cream, wet nuts and a cherry". Don replied, "Lucie, you got it". Don went into the kichen, a little while later he came out with bacon and eggs. Lucie exclaimed, "DON I knew you should have written it down". Don said " why, what did if forget..... Lucie looked at Don and said " You forgot the toast" PS Lucie and Don, I hope you aren't offended that I used your names. Just couldn't resist it.... I figured it would give you a good chuckle Maryanne

Hey Frank will be thinking of your tomorrow. Keep us informed with your progress. I will buy you a Bud when this is over at Cindi's pub. Good luck. Maryanne

Good idea, Gin for a shower for Cindi for Luna.... Lets see, not much you can get for kittys.... I know one of those cat condo, so she can climb up it and go through all the openings. She can explore to her hearts content. See ya at the pub!! Maryanne