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Hi Susan, I'm a "neighbor" too. I am in Southern Maryland, about an hour from Fairfax Cty. with no traffic (but then, when is there no traffic??) I had my surgery at Univ. of Md. medical center in Baltimore, but my doctor left there and is now at St. Joseph's in Towson. They have a wonderful thoracic dept. there. Univ of Md. was great too. Glad you decided to join us here.

Congratulations Becky! That is wonderful!

Sending prayers for Heather

Happy Belated New Years Debi!

Hi Mike and Sharon, I'm going to give you some positive news. I had my upper left lobe removed in April 2005. I was back at the gym in 2 weeks walking on the treadmill. Within 4 weeks I was back in spinning class. I notice a small difference in my breathing since before my surgery, but not much. Now, I had no breathing issues before my surgery. I quit smoking many years ago. But, everyone is different. It's great that he has quit smoking, that will really help his recovery. I hope they can do the surgery soon. Good Luck!

I'm Jan from Southern Maryland, where I've lived most of my life. I have been married to Rick for 14 years. I have two daughters, Erin (22) and Kara (13). I also have 2 cats, Echo and Princess. I lost my cousin Kathi 4 years ago to SCLC. Then I was diagnosed with Stage 1A NSCLC a year a half later. I had surgery and have been cancer free for 2 1/2 years! I have had many jobs over the years, most recently IT sales for a defense contractor. After 10 years, I quit out of frustration. After being unemployed (and loving it) for 3 months, I have decided to start my own company. "Infinite Errands" was started in November. It is a concierge and errand service. I have my first job in two weeks. I am excited about working for myself for a change. I have had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Katie in Austin at a Lance Armstrong Summit Meeting. I am so grateful for her and Rick for starting this website. I have met many people, and a few that I am sure I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life.

Good to see you back Pat. I'm glad you are hanging in there. You can come back here anytime for warmth, although it sounds like you have a wonderful family providing warmth too.

Congratulations Joe!!!

Trudy, Welcome from another NED (and Marylander)! It sounds like you are doing so much better. I didn't have chemo, but my cousin did. Her hair was very curly her whole life, and it came back the exact same way. Hang in there...you will beat this!!

I'm dancing for you Pam!! I am so glad that we met and have gotten to know each other. Now when you are driving Phil crazy with worry, you can call me instead. I don't know if there will ever be a time when we go all day without thinking about this horrible disease, but hopefully the worry and panic will get better as the years go on. I hope you guys went out and celebrated!

I'm crossing everything I can! Let us know how things went....

Lost, Two and a half men and Desperate Housewives

I am grateful for my family...and that Pam (Nonni) finally got her test results!

YEAH!!!!!

I was working from home like Ginny, and watched the whole thing unfold on Good Morning America. After the plane hit the Pentagon (close to where my husband was working) I left the house to pick up my kids at school. My oldest daughter was a junior in HS and not happy that I made her leave school to come home. I just wanted everyone home with me. We didn't rest until my husband got home from work. His company let them all go home early, which they NEVER do. It was a day that I will never forget. I remember all the details. I was devastated.

My favorite came from my daughter, who was 10 years old at the time. My cousin had died from LC two years before my diagnosis. I didn't want to scare my young daughter, so I downplayed everything. I told her that I didn't have the same type of LC as Kathi, and that they caught mine early, unlike hers. One day I was at my desk reading a book about LC, and she came up to me and said "Aw Mom -- you don't even have it that bad!". All I could do was laugh and agree with her. That's right, mines not that bad.

They are beautiful! Congratulations Andrea!

I am so glad to hear this! Congratulations Jamie!

Lance Armstrong said it best... "Attitude is Everything"

Congratulations Mike!

Congratulations Debi! I am so happy for you!

Gail, Barb is right. If it's Stage 1A, they haven't found where chemo is effective, so they probably won't give you that option. However, if it's Stage 1B, there is evidence that the chemo may be beneficial. I would talk it over with my doctor. I was Stage 1A, so didn't have any chemo. If I was Stage 1B, and they gave me the option of chemo, I would definitely have taken it. It's a personal decision for you to make, with your doctor's advice. Good luck and congratulations on the Stage 1!!!

"Its Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong. The most inspirational book I have ever read.

I love to read these stories! Congratulations!!

Don, You will really be missed here. Thank you for all you have done for each and every one of us. You always have a kind, encouraging word for everyone. I will miss your posts. Good Luck!