RandyW

have you tried smoothies by chance ? add some muscle and protein powder from a GNC or health food store like body builders take??? some frozen fruit strawberries yogurt and milk and it should be whole or heavy cause needs the fat in it.. Not sure bout the cheom fog situation though.... will see who I can get to chime in and help!!! A friend of mine suggests Carnation instant High protein Breakfast with ice cream to a  milk shake consistency and also very imporrtant is eat and feed when your hungry not on a schedule!!!

post deleted and for now Member reported and blocked from posting...

congrats and love the outlook!!! Live life to the fullest and try not to let the cance rrun things and dominate your life !!!

Kenneth Lourie Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs. The actual scanning itself takes about 30 seconds of “breathe in,” “hold it,” and “breathe out” to determine if my life is on hold – in a good way – or in jeopardy (not a belated reference back to last week’s column). The week-long wait until we have our face-to-face appointment with my oncologist to learn the results is not as interminable as you might think. Over time, we have gotten used to the experience. After all, living with cancer means living, not dying, and adapting and compartmentalizing cancer’s effects – mentally, physically and spiritually; all keys to surviving and enduring the good, bad and ugly that daily can traumatize those of us “characterized as terminal” who frequent the Infusion Centers hoping for a miracle cure.
Since March, 2009, I’ve been treated with nearly non-stop chemotherapy, infused mostly, except for 12 months or so when I was able to take a targeted therapy pill at home and only had to show up at the Center for scans and doctor’s appointments. Six years ago almost, this process began; I can’t say it seems like yesterday, because there are yesterdays – due to the effect of chemotherapy – that I simply don’t remember (“chemo brain” is the accepted condition/characterization), but time flies when you’re having fun or rather, you’re still alive against all odds. And so it seems as if I still have a few tomorrows. Tomorrows that were hardly promised to me back at the original Team Lourie meeting in late February, 2009. Somehow, through a variety of fits and starts, I have survived: my DNA, my family history, my attitude, my pills, my supplements, my alkaline water, my diet and lifestyle changes, my above-average luck, whatever, however, I am still present and accounted for. And though “stable” is a radiologist’s/oncologist’s description I have come to hope and pray for and embrace over these past six years, “shrinkage” is a description “most welcome” as Hercule Poirot might say and one I rarely anticipated hearing – considering my stage IV circumstances.
But I can take it. Though I’m not cancer-free and certainly not in remission, I am doing reasonably well. I am, as a good friend says: “in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in.” The scan results are results with which I can live (Duh!) and so I intend to – until three months hence when we do this scan dance all over again. Granted, this cycle of gloom and doom and results-not-soon-enough is hardly ideal, but it is a living and a living I was not “prognosed” to have (“13 months to two years” was the original prognosis) when first diagnosed. I’m nowhere near home free; I’m still in for the fight of my life – for my life, but for the moment, at least, for this quarter, due to the shrinkage, I can take a bit of a break, which if you want to know the truth, I can certainly use.
http://www.lungevity.org/support-survivorship/get-connected/blog/shrinkage
______________________________________
“This column is my life as one of the fortunate few; a lung cancer anomaly: a stage IV lung cancer patient who has outlived his doctor’s original prognosis; and I’m glad to share it. It seems to help me cope writing about it. Perhaps it will help you relate reading about it.” Mr. Lourie’s columns can be found at www.connectionnewspapers.com(link is external). (key word, Lourie) Read Kenneth Lourie’s 1st LUNGevity blog post & bio.  
 

Recipe of the Month – Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars
By Liv Scheinbaum
Savory and sweet, the two sides of rhubarb make it a fun vegetable to play around with in the kitchen. Here, oats, rhubarb and strawberries provide fiber, while the strawberries and rhubarb give these treats a nice kick of vitamin C and other phytonutrients. Try these strawberry rhubarb crisp bars for breakfast over some Greek yogurt or as a fruity dessert topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. 

Yield: 16 small bars, as shown, or 8 large ones; recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch baking pan, where they will come out a little thicker
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup plus up to 2 tablespoons extra all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Heaped 1/4 teaspoon table salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, but helps firm up the filling)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided
1 cup small-diced rhubarb (from about 1 1/2 medium stalks)
1 cup small-diced strawberries
Powdered sugar, for decoration, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line the bottom and two sides of 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In the pan, mix oats, ¾ cup flour, brown sugar and salt. Next pour the melted butter and mix until clumps form. Add remaining two tablespoons of flour if the clumps feel soft or look too damp. Remove and set aside ½ cup of the crumble mixture and press the rest into the bottom of the pan evenly.
Spread half of the fruit over the pressed crumble mixture, sprinkle it with cornstarch, lemon juice and ½ tablespoon of granulated sugar. Spread remaining fruit over this, top with a second ½ tablespoon sugar. Toss reserved crumble mix evenly over the top and bake for 30 – 40 minutes, until fruit is bubbly and the crumble part looks golden brown.
Let cool in the pan on the counter for a softer texture or in the fridge if you like them crisp. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into desired shape. Store leftovers in fridge. (Note, the bars will become more crisp-like after being in the fridge.)
 
References:
Smitten Kitchen. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars. Adapted from One Bowl Baking. Accessed on April 14, 2015 from http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/05/strawberry-rhubarb-crisp-bars/.
 
LINK TO MEALS TO HEAL BLOG
http://meals-to-heal.com/blog/recipe-of-the-month-strawberry-rhubarb-crisp-bars/

Thanks for the replies.  I'm hoping to upload a photo of us soon - its on the other PC of course  .  I haven't been able to find much info. on small cell (SCLC) specifically since it appears that most lung cancers are of the other types and SCLC only affects approx. 15 % of lung cancers from what I can determine. I would like to connect with some SCLC folks or obtain more info. on SCLC.   As I said before, Kris doesn't do research and doesn't want to know to much.  I started reading about clinical trials (tho' none seem to be for SCLC) and she said "I don't want to hear about it now".   I'm on 'overload' right now so thought I'd reach out to folks.  Thanks as always.
 
Laurie

I agree with Randy.  I was also a caretaker and I felt like there wasn't enough time to worry about myself.  I didn't have any help and survived on approx 3 hrs of sleep a day. It WILL take it's toll on you.  I hope you can reach out and get some help somewhere.  Love is a powerful tool when we are caring for a loved one and we tend to push ourselves to the limit, but eventually it will catch up with you.
 
Please let us know how things are going for both of you ((hugs))

Gald your doing better all things considered... Changing diet is good thing..
 
I can give you a link in here tofind  more info on that subject and some great recipes as wel l!!! http://forums.lungevity.org/index.php?/forum/25-healthy-living-recipes/
 
It is hard getting that initial diagnosis... butfirst  off dont listen when a doct or says this is how much time you have left...only one person knows that and we haveno t met him yet. LOL.. I ahve seen a lot of folks here laugh at that statement years later.
 
Keep up the fighting spirit very important!!! this forumis  good for boosting that sometimes when your kind of down..http://forums.lungevity.org/index.php?/forum/4-hope/
 
Looking forward to hearing lots more great things from you !!! welcome to the place no one wants to be but is  glad they found!!!

Can not understand why tehy won't diagnos this and tell you more..... What Chemo regiment is he on?? any other info they wil give you? and witha Doctor like that you should  try for second opinion.. that is BS and in very poor taste fora doctor tote ll you that.... You should have a proactive doctor in your corner forghting for your husband...

like wise and glad to hear from ya keep posting......LOL and lifting!!

Good Afternoon Everyone,
                                           Just dropped by my house from Liz'es,my daughter was having some problem with the central heating combi boiler,she had been bleeding air from the radiators,did'nt realise system has to be topped up with water to replace void created by the trapped air,anyway all radiators working at full capacity now.
      Been doing some Christmas shopping with Liz,her doing most of the spending LOL,looking forward to having Christmas dinner with my family,Jennifer is playing host at my home,I will help with the dishes though.
      I have developed a chest infection which has given me a really annoying cough that is interupting my sleep,we visited my GP,Liz was keen on me having a referral for a chest X-ray given my history,Doc was unwilling saying 4 days with a cough dos'nt justify an X-ray,so I have a two week course of oxytetracycline to take,if problem persists come back to the surgery.Hopefully the pills will do the trick.
    I was invited to Liz'es nursing home last week in the guise of Santa Claus,she said I was the only one she could get that did'nt require some stuffing "up their duke"  as we say in Scotland,that is, to enlargen the tummy area,blooming cheek,I should have refused,anyway it was an absolute pleasure to pass out prezzies to all the elderly residents.
  Merry Christmas Everyone,may you have a wonderful festive season and 2015.
   Bye for now.

Good Afternoon Everyone,
                                           I have been watching the TV news about the snow that has hit loads of areas in the USA,boy thats what you call snow,such falls hit Scotland only rarely,who said theres global warming?.I do hope those of you who been affected are coping OK.
        I am currently working in Liz'es home building her a new kitchen,well replacement unit doors and drawer fronts,she keeps me busy,she said she will keep me around until all the joinery work is complete,she will then drop me for an electrician. 
Well the Sunday Post photographer arrived at my home yesterday,this is to provide some pics for my article in the 30th of November edition,he took loads of pics including of me strumming my guitar,who knows I might get a gig or two from the publicity?.I am to be interviewed next week too for the Evening Times and the Glasgow Herald,its all good fun,but underlying it all, it has a serious purpose, its so important that we can raise awareness of not just lung cancer but all types of cancers,to focus the minds of governments and research bodies to step up the fight for better and more effective treatments. 
Climbing down now from my soapbox,just want to wish everyone a brill weekend,I am staying at my house tonight,I am having my house decorated throughout,guys are starting first thing tomorrow morning,so I have a lot of furniture and gear to move about to make room for them.
      

Chemo Fog is real, and does cause confusion and forgetfulness...but most likely is not at fault for the other problems. Diet, rest (regular bedtimes etc), mental engagement, exercise...all will play a part in the cure.

needs to get the Water up at the very least ... Dehydration is a partial couse of this I think.... and is treatable at hospital with lots of fluids....  She should be eating whenever hungry.. not set times...
 
have to take water pills and keep dringking for body to correctly process fluids in and out!!!! I take a water pill also... I think the shakes are or can be attributed to the Dehydration and lack of fluids... Body cramps up when dehydration sets in....

I was reading your original post-its only been a year for you since surgery? People recover at different speeds. I got so depressed when I would read of people going skiing and the such within months of their surgery. I didn't before, and will never do anything that energetic but hearing how much more quickly they bounced back was depressing. It takes time...to come to terms with the disease/mortality, you made a major life change in your move, time for your body to recover and you are still in treatment! Please get out of the house each day for something! Even if you can't join an exercise group of some kind, do something you either like or are curious about, even if it is going to the Library instead of being on the computer in your house. You like yoga...try a beginner class. The thing about yoga is it is at your pace, your capabilities...so do what you can. If I lived close to my treatment facility (an hour away for me) I would go to one of the support groups as someone suggested to you. Please give yourself time to adjust and heal. All the best!

Thanks Cindy for your comments,I would love to oblige you with a copy of my broadcast,I have'nt even heard it myself,I will ask my daughters boyfriend if he can do this.Incidentally I am off to Edinburgh on Monday morning to do a live broadcast on radio again,this time for the Scottish campaign for Detect Cancer Early,I am having a brief sent to me this week,to help me prepare for the programme.Bye for now.

This link is a great start to anyone wanting info on healthy eating during Chemo treatments..
 
http://www.dana-farber.org/adult-Care/Treatment-and-Support/Patient-and-Family-Support/Nutrition-Services.aspx#Meal_Planning
 
Planning healthy menus and plant base diet ideas for patients form the Dana Farber Cancer INstitute... Studies have shown best kind of diet is plant based and grain healthy diet also
 
At every meal, you should strike a healthy balance of foods by planning your plate into these sections:
1/2 vegetables and/or fruits 1/4 protein 1/4 whole grains A small amount of healthy fats Plenty of water ProteinProtein is necessary for the growth and repair of all the cells in your body, including red blood cells, white blood cells, muscles, and hormones. Protein is made up of amino acids, some of which cannot be made by your body. When selecting a protein, choose lean, high-quality sources.

Good Morning Everyone,
                                        Lung Cancer Awareness Month has well and truely started for me.Being a advocate for lung cancer I am keen to promote whenever I can get the opertunity, to bring to the general publics attention  the many issues that involve lung cancer,ie, lack of funding,smoking cessation,coping with its dx and the stigma that attaches itself to those dxd with lung cancer by the general public.
      On Friday I attended a radio interview for independant radio stations based throughout  Scotland and the UK.My interview will be edited and broadcast as a public information statement throughout November.
       Its just after 6am here in Scotland am up showered and dressed waiting nervously for the phone to ring at 6.40am ,I will be on air live for BBC 4's  programme "Good Morning Scotland",its all about lung cancer awareness month,I have no idea what my interview will consist of,so I am swotting up and writing out some little salient points on the subject of lung cancer.Hopefully I will get a positive message across to all the listeners.Got to go,bye for now.

is Lung Cancer awareness month... happy advocating and raising awareness to everyone!!!

We have been asked to recruit for two advocacy opportunities (documentaries) for lung cancer survivors. Here is the criteria for each opportunity- if you are interested please email kbrown@lungevity.org for more information.
 
#1
• White
• Male
• 50-70 yrs.
• Squamous
• Currently being treated, or post-progression (i.e. “after the cancer got worse”); Relevant experiences to discuss.
 
#2
• Has recently progressed to 2nd line. 
• Is active (i.e. a PS 0-1)
• Does not have any oncogenic drivers (i.e. EGFR or ALK mutations).
• Is extremely motivated to live as long as possible.
• Is either within Indianapolis or the surrounding states if possible. 
• Is willing to travel.
• Is willing to share their story and speak in front of a large audience.
• Is willing to allow a camera crew to videotape parts of their life once or twice a week for six weeks beginning in October or November. 
• Is willing to use a handheld camcorder and direct their family members to use a handheld camcorder to videotape personal and family events during their journey.
• Believes that more time is valuable to them even if it is six weeks of extra time.

the biggest concern of radiation and chemo is the nausea that usually goes with them. The facility should be giving you some small doses of both steroids and usually anti nausea meds with the chemo to counter some of the side effects..
1. Make sure someone stays with you the first day of both appointments. bring along a small day planner for med lists, appointments, results, concerns and questions about things. write everything down...
2. You normally eat whenever you get hungry not when you are supposed to. I used to cook breakfast sometimes at 6 or 8 o clock at night for my wife... and dinner in the am if that was what she wanted.
3. Always keep snacks handy for protein and energy. think fruits veggies and cheese and crackers and things.. you can also call ahead and see if your chemo center offers these things for patients as well. if not you might be able to bring some with you if they approve and they should.
4. for Chemo bring a cd, mp3 player, or a book, and a neck pillow. you will probably be there for a while.. usually a few hours as chemo is a slow IV drip.
Hope these help you out some. I ma sorry we have to meet this way but am glad we have..for some inspiration take a look at the Inspirational forum and also the good news forum. the Path less traveled is usually for those deciding against treatment but there are some great poems by Dean Carl in there.. the nutrition and healthy living forums are full of great tips for changing your menu to help your overall health while fighting this disease...

Hugs and prayers and hopefully you can get this thing knocked out and go visit for a spell over in Germany for a little bit anyhow...

My sister saw my Oncologist today. He said T-3, N-0 and stage 2B but this is before the PET scan which I hope will be next Thursday (it was supposed to be on Monday but pre-auth for insurance didn't come in time so.....) . She gets a port placed next Friday morning and hopefully get the PET scan results Friday afternoon. 

Loving this Katie!!!! Congrats and thanks! You know in your heart of course Connie sees all and is proud of all of the things you have done.....

Hi!  The new site looks great!  I haven't looked completely through yet but look forward to it