Maryanne

Hi Rob, Welcom, sorry you had to come to a site like this. But you have come to very caring people who will always be here for you. Maybe you can tell us some more about his diagnosis. What stage is he in? You can write a little profile of him at the bottom of your profile page. You are a very concerned son, and you dad is so lucky to have you. Just keep a positive attitude, be there for him. That will give him even more moiviation. One important point. DO NOT LISTEN TO STATISTICS !!! There are countless people on here who have beaten the odds. You can read their posts. Maryanne

-I post this on another site, but was told to post this here.------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HI All, The news about the chemo was a new liquid radiation drug, that is injected into the vein. It goes right to the tumor, and does not affect the good cells at all. Meaning you don't need chemo. It takes a week compared to 3-4 months with chemo. They interviewed some people who were on clinical trial, and it worked wonders for them. No side effects, just neausea. I went onto the ABC site and I have the link below. So you can read about it. It sounds like an absolutely wonderful breakthrough. The down side it, it will take 2 to 3 years to hit the market. click on link below. Maryanne http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MedicineCu ... 399&page=1 _________________ Husband 58 dx. 10/18/04 stage 1B NO/MO- Lobecomy Left upper lobe on 12/15/04 biospys lymph nodes - negative NED appt. with Onocologist 1/13/04 to see about preventive Chemo. 1/14/05 diagnoised with hyperthroidism set up visit with Endoconrinologist on Feb. 1st CT scan of chest/abdomen & pelvis on Jan. 31

Wow this is really great, all the EAGLE fans who are not from Philly!! I love it and of course you are all welcome here. I love your spirit Ellen, especially being from New England. But I don't thinK anything can beat what the Sox finally did. That was the greatest playoff comeback ever!!! The best part about it was againt those Damn Yankees. Welcome aboard and thank you all your Steelers, Bears and our friend from Syracuse. We need all cheering on we can get. We really feel Philly can do it. Being the underdogs has its advantages, you are not expected to win. How sweet it is when that is proven wrong. EAGLES WILL SOAR V-I-C-T-O-R-Y GOOOOOOOOOOO EAGLES!!!!!!!! Can't believe that it is actully only 3 days away!! Ginny, Yes, it is a small world. I think I had a friend on Sharpnack named Penny. Your reunion seems like fun. It is great that you guys keep in touch all these years. We don't have anything like that. take care all Maryanne

Hi all, Just want to update you on Joel's visit to the Endo. doctor and why he has been feeling so bad. He has been diagnosed with Graves disease, which is a type of hyperthyroidism. She diagnosed it Graves because there is a goiter in his neck that is somewhat swollen. So now we know why after 6 weeks since the lobectomy, he is feeling the way he is. Absolutely, no energy, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, shaking hands, losing weight (lost 40 lbs.) If it wasn't for the thyroid condition he would have been well back to himself, as he is pain free. At present no pain medication at all. So now he has to go to the hospital on Monday and get scans. This is a 3 hour day. As the scans takes an hour, then we have to return 2 hours later for more scans. Then we come back on Tuesday, where they will take 3 more pictures and then they will administer him a Radiation Iodine pill. This will kill the thyroid. Then it will become under active and then can cure it from there. They will give him a pill that will make it normal, but he will have to take the pill the rest of his life. When he comes home on Tuesday, I can only be near him arms length but not for long. We have to sleep in separate beds. He has to used different dishes and utensils then mine, and has to be washed separately. If he uses paper plates and utensils they have to be put outside. He has to used different towels and has to scrub out the shower or tub after use. Has to flush the tolet twice, and sit while taking a pee.(I know that is more than what you wanted to know) Not sure how long this segregation will last. Hopefully, not more than 3 days. There is much more I am not going to keep going on. But the good news is that this is curable and he should start to feel some relief right away and it will take 2 to 3 weeks before be feels like himself. One other good thing is that there is no side effects from the Radiation Pill. So now we know why he has been feeling so lethargic. He can hardly walk the steps now. Since I took him off that patch, his vomiting and nausea had stopped. So at least I got that under control. And he is eating. Not every meal but breakfast and something at dinner. The Doctor felt so bad as he just had cancer and a lung operation and now this. Talk about bad timing. We just don't understand where this came from. The hospital where he is getting the treatment was full until March. But the doc. said it was stat to get him in right away, so that is why he is going on Monday. She actually tried to get him in today and tomorrow, but couldn't. So that is the update on Joel. He feels rotten but at least we know it is temporary. Then when he finally gets to feeling good, he will have to go through chemo. Bummer....... take care Maryanne

HI All, The news about the chemo was a new liquid radiation drug, that is injected into the vein. It goes right to the tumor, and does not affect the good cells at all. Meaning you don't need chemo. It takes a week compared to 3-4 months with chemo. They interviewed some people who were on clinical trial, and it worked wonders for them. No side effects, just neausea. I went onto the ABC site and I have the link below. So you can read about it. It sounds like an absolutely wonderful breakthrough. The down side it, it will take 2 to 3 years to hit the market. click on link below. Maryanne http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MedicineCu ... 399&page=1

Hi all, I have no idea if this is something that is going to be helpful to all those getting or thinking of getting Chemo or not. But I heard it advertised that on WORLD NEWS TONIGHT with Peter Jennings airing TONIGHT there was a fast blip about getting only 2 needles as an alternative for Chemo. Have no idea what it is about.. You may want to tune in and see. Just wanted to pass this along. regards Maryanne

Hi Ella, I think you mean T.O. Yes, they said he looked real good in practive, good enough that he may even start. YESSSSSSSSS!!!! I was born in SW Philly, but moved to the Northeast when I was 6, so that is where I was raised. Moved to Jersey when I got married. Joel was also from Northeast. In fact I met him in 10th grade homeroom in Northeast Hight School. In the Northeast, I lived about 1 1/2 from Castor Ave. which was Hellerman and Castor. But I actually lived between Frontenac and Summerdale on a small street called Passmore. Hey Ginny, the Mt. Airy girls were kinda like our rivals. We used to hang at the Hot Shop on Stenton Ave. When I was 13 I joined this group in the summer called Teen Tours. The one in the Northeast was full, so I was stuck with the Mt. Airy Girls. But they were okay. I had fun. My sister lived in Mt. Airy on a street call Baldwin. Anyway, have a great Superbowl sunday. Our birds will soar.... and bring home the trophy along. with their rings. Isn't it great watching all the hype on our local stations. E-A-G-L-E-S GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!! And even if they don't, they sure gave us one hell of a season. Maryanne

Yo Donna, Didn't you read the subject, Just Eagles fan. Definately do not want ANY Patriots fans on here at all. They are all banned from this site. All's fair in Love and War!!! GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!! Maryanne

Thinking about Nina, good luck tomorrow. Maryanne

Hi all, Since this is a very special week.... Superbowl.... and I was born and raised in Philly, live now in South Jersey but right over the bridge from Philly. Just for fun.... I want to see how many people we can get to root our team on to victory!! I know there is a lot of you out there, as I have been reading your posts. So please do a cheer. Even the quiet we who don't post... let us know that you are rooting for our EAGLES FLY EAGLES FLY ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY FLY EAGLES FLY SCORE A TOUCHDOWN 1-2-3 HIT UM LOW HIT UM HIGH AND WATCH OUR EAGLES FLY FLY EAGLES FLY ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY. E-A-G-L-E-S......GOOOOOOOOOO EAGLES !!!!! PHILLY IS GOING BULLISTIC... IT IS SO GREAT TO BE AN EAGLES FAN EXPECIALLY THIS WEEK!!!! SUPERBOWL #39.... EAGLES/PATROITS Maryanne

HI Ella, My dad was a hugh Eagles fan, Actually he was a hugh Philadelplhia all sports fan. One of our hightlights with him was when the Phillies went to the World Series in 1980. He went to the Vet. and stood in line for 8 hours to get 8 tickes for his son, 2 daughters, him, mom and our spouces. He came back really dissapointed because he could only get 4 tickets and it was for the 6 game of the World Series. So he took his kids. And everything that came down that day, from the weather being perfect, to driving downtown and eating at a great restaurant and finding a great parking space. Unfortunately, our seats were on the last row of the 700 level, but hey we were all together, and we were at the World Series!! Then was the game. And what a game. When we won the World Series, and Tug McGraw was jumping up and down, we were completely caught up with the moment. But one of the most memorable moments that is still in mine and my siblings, is our dad walking up and down Broad Street, high fiving everyone. It was so amazing. Philly was going bullistics. When the Eagles finally won the NFC Championship, I look right up and I blew him a kiss and I know he was as excited as we were. I miss my dad so much, but we have wonderful memories. I heard New England is laughing thinking that this game is going to be a chinch..... but I feel the Eagles will soar. I mean with the Pats going to their annual SuperBowl, there has to be so many people routing for our Eagles. Last year, they said the same about North Carloina, and that shut them up. I just love all the hype the city is going through. You can't help but to get caught up in it. I know Donavan will have a great game. If we win or lose I am proud of them. My hat goes off to Andy Reed for getting them there, and having faith when he picked Donavan over Ricky Williams.... Who is Ricky Williiams..... Anyway Ella, I just had to resond to tell you my story. There seems to be quite a bit of Eagles fans on this site. Take care Ella and of course. E-A-G-L-E-S..... GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!

What kind of doctor do you go too for that? An ENT? Joels voice is harsher and very low. He used to be very LOUD. Sometimes when he talks I have to go up to him to hear what he is saying. He had a lobectomy of the left lobe. But the operation was very extensive 7 hours, as it was on top of his aorta, and took a long time to cut it off. Just wondering if something was done to the vocal cord. He actually sounds worse now then he did when he first came home. regards Maryanne

Ah come on, you can do it. Its the anticipation that is the worse. You are funny and strong, don"t put limitations on yourself. Just do what everybody says, go the pizza, chinese route. Sandwitches for lunch, cereal in moringing, no problem, you will get through this much better than you think. Buy you will probably really appreciate your hubby more when he get back. Give him an extra kiss and hug... best to you, Maryanne

Hi ShadowRose I just wanted to say thinking about you and hope that your transisition is smooth and as painfree as possible. God bless you, and strength to your daughter. You are a very brave person. Maryanne

Hi Andrea, I do not know your problems as I am fairly new here, but dreams are just dreams. Do not take them as fact. Most of the times it is just thoughts that are conjured up in the back of your mind that comes out when we are asleep. And you being under all this tention would bring out negative dreams. We really do not remember our dreams as most of us get enough sleep. But getting up all the time, you tend to remember what you were just dreaming. Acutally, we all could remember our dreams if we had a pad next to our nightstands. when you wake up you remember and you could write down because you mind is pretty fresh at that point. Then just as fast it is lost. So constantly getting up, is making those dreams remembered more. I don't know if what I said makes any sense. Oh well, whatever, but just don"t take them seriously. I hope your test goes well and the pain is not as bad as anticipated. Maryanne

Hi Lukiss, I am just so thrilled that you two are getting to know each other, and have so much respect for one another. He is so lucky to have you especially during these most difficult of difficult times. You are a blessing, what would he do without you? I do have one question, Has hospice been called in because I heard they are wonderful, and can give you a little bit of a break. Bless you, you are truly an inspiration.... Maryanne

Hi guys, Thanks so much for your imput. I will watch him closely to watch his moods. He really seems to do better at night. The morinings are tough for him. He always tries to schedule his appointments in the afternoon. Late afternoon if possible. Which is actually good for me as I can leave early from work to take him. Shaving is an effort and not to forget showering About anti-pressants : I really do not want to go the route if possible. The reason being, its takes awhile to find the right one, and now you can get side affects from the wrong ones. I don't want him to go through that again, if I can help it. But I don't have blinders on either. He is getting his CT for chest, abdomen and pelvis on Monday, so that may be on his mind also. But maybe not, he doesn't really talk about it. Which is a good thing, if he truly is not thinking about it. Therefore, he won't worry. On the other hand, I want to share his anxieties to comfort him and give him suport. I also report to him the things you guys tell me on here. Just to let him know that, what he is going through is normal. Also to Becky: you are so right about how life goes on and other people you know pass on, and companies downsize. Which ironically my company Gillettte did not downsize but was bought by P&G. So hey, who knows what is in store for us now ... You never know what tomorrow may bring. I may wind up without health insurance, you never know. Let's get off this negative stuff. I am really glad that my honey is better, and I know once he sees the endocrinologist and he gets meds, then he will be more on the road to a full recovery. Hi again, I just came back from talking to Joel, and we got into a conversation. He said he has come to terms with the Cancer. The problem is he is just very weak and fatigued. He was never that kind of person, so that is what scares him. So, I gave him a pep talk and I am starting to get him to believe that the Endo. doctor will get his thyroid straightened out and his strength and weight will return. I have him eating fruit and drinking alot, so he will not get dehydrated. He is back to having his milkshakes at night. You know, that's enough with me talking. Hope I didn't hurt your ears. But it actually feels good to talk to you guys. Darn, it is so great that you are here. You all really make a difference. And I want to give back. I want to " pass it foward " I have to go. But thanks again, as usual Maryanne. Oh I almost forgot....GO EAGLES.....SUPERBOWL #39 Maryanne

Thinking of you Nina, and sending prayers your way. But I have a question.... What or who is a PCP? Maryanne

Hi everybody, First and formost, I want to thank you all for all your encouragement and responses to my previous posting about taking him off the Fentnayl patch. Just call me Dr. Maryanne, as Joel is doing so good since I took the patch off of him. He has now joined the living. It took a couple of days to get the effects to leave his body. Had a little mini withdrawl there. But made it through. Last night he actually ate my baked Ziti'sand then had a milkshake. All stayed down. He is no longer vomiting and is no longer nauseous Today, he is not on any pain medicine at all!! Just a xanax which he takes maybe once a day. But he still is somewhat depressed. Does anyone know why that is? Could it just be everything that he has been through. Will this pass? He just wants to cry to get everything out but he can't. We also have a good friend who is fighting brain cancer who is losing the battle. Stage 1V.. she has been through an operation, chemo and rediation. That was when Joel was disgnoised back in Oct. Now the tumor grew back to the orginal size and she is getting opereated on Tues. Joel was actually taking her back and forth for her treatments when he was diagnoised with LC. That is how he actually met his Onchologist at the cancer center where she was having her treatments. We feel so bad for her and we were just told tonight that she has maybe a year to a year and a half. She is my hero as her attitude is so wonderful. I know she will beat the odds, at least for more than the time they are giving her. Her son age 34 also is battling chest cancer in Calif. And they both cannot travel to see one another. That is the only thing that makes her cry. She just wants to see him and give him hugs. That's when I broke down. Back to Joel, he is just very very weak, and still nods off. I know that is from not eating for almost a week. Also the thyroid condition that hopefully will be taken care of on Tuesday. Anyway, I feel good that I know he is back on the road to recovery. Why didn't the doctors catch this instead of me? I mean saying he needed a brain MRI. That is a no brainer.... Take care.... any feedback about the depression would be appreciated. Maryanne

Hi there, I think I found out what the problem is with Joel. I told you that it being week 5 (it is actually week 6) that he was nauseous, vomiting and fatiqued, shakey, having no appitite and even acting kind of loopy. I went on line to find out about the side effects of this Fentanyl patch he started taking about 11 days ago. They were trying to wean him off of the percocets. Anyway, when I think back most of his symptoms started when he started the patch. Then they upped the milligram a week later, that made his symptoms more severe. I had no idea that patch was morphine. He does not do well with morphine. So I took the patch off, but it will take close to 24 hours for it to leave his system. He still has his percocets if he needs anything for pain. But I am hoping the ibuprofen will do the trick. Also, he has his appointment with the Endocrinologist Tues, about his hyperthroid condition. With medication this should fix his losing weight and feeling fatigued. Then I truly feel, he will be back on his road to recovery. I feel so strongly that I found the problem that I have been in such a good mood today. I am glad now that he did not go through with the brain MRI as I know there is no problem there. Please keep your fingers crossed that this was the problem. I just gave him a Boost to drink, and now I hear him in the bathroom vomiting. Poor guy... I really hope the patch was the problem. If anyone has anything to add about the patch, that happened to them let me know. Maryanne

Sending out prayers to you Mo, I have a feeling that you are going to get good news!! Pulling for ya girl. Maryanne

Hi all, The doctor actually scheduled an emergency brain MRI for him today. Just to make sure there was not change. Whatever that means. His brain scan in the beginning was all clear. Anyway, we went for the MRI, and he was in there for 2 minutes and started to complain that his head was too hot and he was sweating, which he was not. So they aborted the procedure. I just hope when he goes to the Encocrinologist on Tues that the meds for the hyperthroid will correct his fatigue and appitite. All he does now is moan, has his head in his hands and just wants to sleep. He is down about 30 lbs now. Its like I don't know this person who is the biggest motivitor I know and was doing so well after the operation, now this. He was doing better when he first came home with the pain, He just seems mentally drained. Its really scary. They upped his pain patch miligrams. I wonder if that is making him vomit. Once in a while he does take a percocet with it. Lately, for some reason which I am ashamed to say I get a little short with him because I feel he is not fighting enough. I will see what his onocologist says tomorrow about him not going through with the test. Next week his has a CT scheduled for his chest, abdomen and pelvis. He is suppose to start Chemo soon, but now that will have to be put on hold. He seems to vomit more in the morning, when he gets up then at night, so I am able to get something down at night. I do get him to drink as much as possible. I do not want him to get dehydrated. Tomorrow, I will probably take off work again, but I may just take him to the ER. regards Maryanne

Hi all, I just want to update you on Joels progress since his surgery on Dec. 15. I might have told you that he has been diagnoised through a blood test with an over active thyroid, that is making him fatigue. He has to see an endocrinologist on Feb 1st. And right now he is talking medication (lopressor) for his accelerated heart rate. I have a call into his doctor as he has been vomiting and gagging. Yesterday, when I came home from work, he was sleeping on the couch. He did not eat anything, just had some juice and some fruit cocktail.. He didn't even finish the milkshake I make for him every night. Which he looks forward too. He told me it is becoming hard for him to even walk. I am really concerned... and I feel so helpless that I cannot help him. He has lost close to 30 lbs, but that could be due to the thyroid problem. Anyway that is it for now. I am home from work today, because I just want to watch him. I don't want to leave him in case the doc wants to see him or if I have to take him to emergency. I really would like to get his vitals checked. This is his 5th week, and i feel that he is slipping as he seemed so much better when he first came home. Even though he was in pain then. Thanks for the ear, Maryanne

Hi Heather, I tried clicking on that link, but I get a bad pathway, and when I actually type in the web address I get "this page cannot be displayed" What Iam wondering is, can you put wood on top of that one log, or you just use the one firelog. I like a roaring fire. Not just one log. Maybe I will call them, since you left the phone number and ask them about it. Thanks so much as usual for your feedback, Heather. It felt so good to FINALLY win an NFC Champion.... SUPERBOWL BABY!!! E-A-G-L-E-S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EAGLES!!!!

Hi Addie, My husband was diagnoised with it. He lost 20 lbs and is having a hard time gaining it back. He also is very tired and has a repid heartrate. He gags so much, I don't know if that is from the over active thyroid condition or not. This is new to us. He has not even had Chemo yet as they are trying to get him stronger since his lombetory Dec. 15th. It is suppose to be not that commom in men compared to wommen. Anyway, we do not know the extent to it yet. He has an appointment with an Endocrinologist on the 1st. Will keep you posted. Maryanne