Donna G

Be careful there is a hurricance out there! Hope you are taking an inland route. Have a great trip.

Thanks so much for posting an update. It sounds like good news so far, "removed" and "moving legs" all sound optomistic, I like it. I hope and pray this trend continues. Now I have to sit on the edge of my chair waiting for the results of her next test to be sure they got it all. I am waiting for your next update. Donna G

Its 5:35 central time and I am still praying that all goes well and you come back to us with good news. Donna G

And you have blessed us with this wonderful news. Thank you . Donna G

GEORGE CARLIN -- POST 9-11: (His wife recently died...) (Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross and mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent ... and so very appropriate post 9-11.) A wonderful Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window, and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or just hit “delete”. Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday, that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop," and the devil's name is Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people, ....... who cares?

More than 50% of people newly diagnosed with lung cancer are former smokers-people who have quit smoking. Current smokers make up the second largest group of diagnoses. Approximately 10% are never-smokers. Although smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer, former smokers always remain at significantly higher risk than those who have never smoked. Source: Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support and Education This was copied from the opening page. I believe it clearly says that even though many people quit smoking ( 50 % of newly diagnosed) they still get lung cancer. The good part of quiting is your lungs get a chance to so some healing , you have better lung capacity, your blood can carry more oxygen , necessary for living and healing, no further damage from cigarettes happens. While smoking your a lot of your hemoglobin carries carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. Carbon Monoxide is not good for you. Also think about it . If you have less lungs ( say you get to have surgery) you are exposed to less air to pick up less oxygen. Can you see if much of your hemoglobin is tied up with carbon monoxide what trouble you are getting yourself into. Is this more than you wanted to know? If so , Sorry Donna G

I like this picture too! Although the original was funny, this one lets us know what you look like and makes it more personal. Just got married in June, well you had better work hard at over coming this disease!! May you celebrate your 50th !! Drugs are good when you need them, hiccups can be very uncomfortable and if you do them all day could really have an effect on your breathing ( they are spasms of the diaphram) Take care and keep us posted Donna G

Cary, thanks for posting this info it was very interesting. As I have posted elsewhere I went to the Twin Cities Thoracic Onocology Consortium seminar last Friday . One of the speakers was Sharyn Baker, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at John Hopkins. This was not what she spoke about but I sure would have asked about it if I had known then. From the references she kept making I would believe she is very interested in all the research going on there and every where in the world, she kept quoting studies done in many different countries. It looks like this is in its infantile stages right now but well worth watching. Donna G

My understanding is that it goes down some but you are still at greater risk than the general population. If you continue to smoke after diagnosis you are less likely to overcome it. So in other words if you ever smoked you are at higher risk for lung cancer but you have a better chance to survive if you have quit.

Welcome. Love "your" picture!!! It is sad those of us who ever smoked are at higher risk for lung cancer than the general population. About half the people that get lung cancer don't smoke because most quit years ago. I started out my treatment by chemo and radiation also, then I was able to have surgery. There is another that joined recently that I believe had ribs and clavile removed also after chemo and radiation, Well again welcome. Donna G

Chills and fever sounds like infection. Donna G

Three months before Gina's diagnosis would put it in December or so , Johnny Cash's wife June did not die til May I believe.

I mentioned in another ribbon that Friday I was to the Twin Cities thoracic onocology Symposium. One of the things that was discussed in how complicated a lung cancer is. It is not just one thing that goes nuts causing the tumor , it is about 20 things that occur at the cell level in the DNA and cell proteins ! So they feel there is not just one answer like some other cancers. It was inspiring to see all these very smart men and women discussing all the research they are doing, although all said not enough money and research is being spent and done. More , much more is needed! Donna G

Of course we had the same readings at Mass this am. I will tell you the first thing I did when I was told I had lung cancer was ask to be anointed!! That was nearly 6 yrs ago. I really believe that at the very least the Lord will " lighten your load" . As I will truelly vouche that this disease was the most challenging thing that I have ever gone through, the most difficult thing, the most freightnening thing , as I look back I received so many blessings, so much kindness, had so many people praying for me, heard from people I had not seen in so long . I continue to meet so many wonderful people. The Lord is celebrating that his beloved child has come home , you Bluebayou. Have a great day. Donna G

Hello Kelly, I myself have not had a DVT ( deep vein thrombosis) or any phlebitis ( inflamation in the veins) but I know of others who have. It is said that you are at increased risk with a tumor. The tumor emits something that causes this change in clotting. Sometimes they put a greentree filter ( like an umbrella) in the main vein going back to the heart to prevent any clots from being pumped out into the lungs or to the brain. You definitely need to be on blood thinners, a heparin or levonox then on Coumadin pill for at least 3 months. By the way I just noticed your signature, that your Dad has a pancoast tumor. That would make a least 10 of us in this group. Pancoast tumors have their own problems . I just called a "meeting" of the pancoast tumor group under good news . You are more than welcome to join us and give us a post and update. The group includes Rita Bubb, Laurene, JudyB and her 2 daughters, Grammy Bear, Tracy,Mhutch1366, Keith and myself. Best Wishes. Donna G

Cindy - I have that site and another saved that I refer to often. Two doctors said that CEA is NOT used for SCLC, but that is what Steve's Dr. is using. I was just curious as to what else is used, instead of CEA for SCLC. Just curious as to why he'd be using that, if it's not the standard or norm. Always questions.

My Dr told me the tumor doubled in size every 3 months. So if your talking 1/2 inch in 3 months it would be an inch. But if your talking 10 cells , in 3 months it would only be 20 cells. It led me to believe it is there a long time without any symptoms. I wish they would develop some test that could diagnosis it when it was a matter of "cells" rather than waiting for symptoms , which is generally the last thing that happens.

thank you Stephanie, and your sister Cris for keeping us up dated. Donna G

Judy is in my prayers. May the surgeons hands be guided, may her recovery be swift. Donna G

Yesterday I again was priviliged to attend this educational meeting. We had speakers from John Hopkins, Maryland, University of Chicago, Univ. of Minnesota, Univ of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and more. All these doctors gathered to share news on on going research re thoracic cancers. Topics included Novel therapies for Mesotheilioma BSA ( body surface area) in Designing Clinical trials Optimal Duration of Lung Cancer Treatment Novel Doublets in Combined Modality Therapy of NSCLC Let me tell you they are working hard and they know and emphasize more money , more research, more trials etc are despirately needed. Then I come home and hear on the news how a cancer center here is being investigated for giving a 50 yr old women too much treatment because she was "termally ill" with cancer. The state board of Health is investigating the whole clinic and got many files, also the state Attorney general is in on it now, the paper also mentioned the doctor is re organizing the bilaws of the clinic so the person running it can be other than a doctor for he is worried they will take his medical license away. Now I would not vouch that this is a world renouned clinic but I can see that if this all comes to the worst end that it has got to influence how doctors are going to treat "terminally ill' patients, that is if the state is going to prosecute them for "wasting money" and " causing undo harm" Well I am just venting, but believe me there are good doctors who care, who grieve over loosing patients, who continue to struggle and care for more who now have to not only deal with HMO's, insurance companies but this crap too.

Well I was going to post this am after talking to Connie last evening but she beat me to it !!!!!. Donna G

Hi Cindy- Steve's onc said that the CEA measures protein a malignant tumor produces. If the CEA decreases, then the tumor is less active and hopefully, dying. If it increases, the tumor is active and probably spreading. Upon diagnosis, Steve's LDH was 223 and fluctuated greatly during and after chemo. Now it is 180, but his CEA Tumor Marker is up from 29.3 to 95.5. He is extended, but all mets disappeared after 2 rounds of chemo. Began new chemo yesterday, after 2 months off.

That is just tooooooo cute! Donna G

I would like to know what some of the members' oncologists use as a Tumor Marker for SCLC. Steve's onc uses CEA, but the 2nd & 3nd opinion oncologists said that CEA is not usually used with SCLC.

Your it got caught up in the web site address so it does not work, could you go back and edit it? thanks Donna G