Donna G

Sorry you need to be here , but know you are among friends. Have you tried the search engine ? At the top of the page click on search and enter what you have questions about. We have been talking here all year and most likely your subject has come up. What does your Dad want? If you do not feel your current Dr is up for the fight but your Dad is---perhaps you need another opinion. Any tests done lately? Brain scan, Ct etc? Do you know where you are at? Waiting for your answers Donna G

I'll say it again, O I love that good news!! Keep it coming. So happy for you. Donna G

I believe I have mentioned before, my mentor and 16 yr lung cancer survivor had ribs removed because the tumors was so large in the apex of his lung Taht it was into the ribs. He told me it slowed down his back swing but did improve his golf game! Did you do a "search" with the word "rib" ? Donna G

Yesterday on GMA they had a young guy and his friend. Singers. His friend Charlie was born on the 4th of July. He had had cancer and this, he said, was a "gift" . He said it changed his whole attitude! " I always have a smile on my face now" "won't worry my life away" " Remidy is the experience" Now of course I did a web search and can't find it on the GMA site. Gina , have you heard of this song? or this singer Jason (?) Maray?

So glad Lucie is home. Now bothe of you may be able to get some rest! No rest in a hospital that goes 24 hrs a day! Most likely more comfy chairs at home too. Donna G

Jay I disagree. You are very important to us. We love to see your picture and post. Not only are you important to us , your insight is so important to our new member whose brother in Ireland I think he is 18, was just diagnosed. You can be a big help to them, you are a survivor!!. I hope you do keep us posted on how things are going, if your finishing school, ajusting to your new "life" , are you impressed with David P's ride 11 laps of 14.2 miles!! With one lung not bad for a man in his fortys. Loved hearing from you. Donna G

We have 2 long term SCLC survivors in our local group . Bothe are in remission. Janet and Melanie are bothe very busy and lead full lives. One just went to a class reunion and the other made a trip back east to visit relatives. It can be done! Best Wishes Donna G ( notice mine has a space)

Anxiety comes and goes. All of us will attest those follow up CTs bring more. Being happy , making future plans ( even if it is just for tomorrow)and laughing are all good for your health. I mean really good for your health. AVOID THE NEWS! . Most of it is stressful. Avoid stressfilled movies. Rent good funny movies, watch the comedy channel. Pray if you have faith. It has been studied and people who pray or have been prayed for ( even if they do not know they have been prayed for) do better. We are here for you, knowledge is power. Knowing what is going on is not nearly as scary as the unknown. Soon you will start to feel better just because as tests come back , plans are made, you will know where you are going and learn how to fight the fight. Best Wishes and Welcome. Donna

Hi Kate - Like you, I was looking for SCLC survivors here.... My husband's 2nd opinion oncologist yesterday gave nothing but dismal, depressing news for anyone with SCLC. He said that hardly anyone ever survived beyond 8 months with treatment and he'd only had one 2-year survivor. Last night, I hit the web looking for survivors. Cancer Treatment Center of America has some good lung cancer survivor stories, but not sure which, if any, are SCLC. http://www.cancercenter.com/ Also, a 3 year SCLC survivor story here... http://www.rational-t.com/experiences/index.html Praying for everyone here and still looking for a miracle!!

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing your success with us and giving voice to this dreadful disease. I would be more than pleased with myself if I could finish one lap! ou did 11 laps!! Great news! Please let us know if you are "On the WEB" we want to see!! Congrats Donna G

Joanie I am so sorry, your heart must just ache. Twenty three is so young and your loss came so suddenly. I pray our precious Lord is holding your daughter in his arms and may he send you the spirit of peace. Donna G

Keith welcome to the board. You may also join the Pancoast Tumor club. We meet about once a month here ( Hee, hee) . All kidding aside Rocco, Judy B, Rita Bubb, Laurene and of course myself have posted on Pancoast Tumors. Mine was diagnosed 12/97 after the battery of tests and incidental wipe out of hyperthyroid ( you don't need that with cancer) I had VP 16 and Cisplatin concurrently with radiation. When that was finished I had about 3 weeks rest, to build back up blood counts etc. then in Feb I had my right upper lung removed. The surgery is done typically through your back, as was mine, big smiley incision, they have to break a couple of ribs. Rest again about 3 weeks to recover from surgery and had another round of VP 16 and Cisplatin. That had been my doctors plan from the beginning. My husband looked up the usual protoctol on line for a pancoast and that was exactly what he found. I finished up treatment in April 98. So far so good. My mentor and phone buddy is a 16 yr survivor , had about the same treatment in different order but also had 3 ribs removed because his tumor had grown into them. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Now that you have joined us. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. Best wishes Donna G

Hello Connie, must be a pretty good day ----you made it to the board!! Take it easy Donna

Happy Birthday. Hope your day is very special. Donna G

Amy I am very sorry. May you and your family find peace. Donna G

May you fly "as if on Eagles Wings" Donna

I just finished posting this am re clots more common in people with tumors. I have seen levonox and coumadin used together and the "umbrella" filter put in to prevent clots from going to lungs and brain. Donna

Putting you in my prayers. People have an increased risk of clots when they have a tumor. Perhaps they will still concider that "filter" That would prevent clots from going to his lung or brain from his legs. I am sorry that you have this problem on top of every thing else. Donna

That sounds like GOOD NEWS . Now her next step is getting going! I mean range of motion of the affected shoulder, getttin up in a chair eating, then walking around some. They all sound simple but soooo important. Don't forget to flex those calves of the legs and deep breaths until she is moving around. Keeping her in our prayers Donna

O that gave me a great belly laugh!! Donna

I am 5 yrs out and I still avoid that "appliance" . Guys are fortunate in that aspect. Donna

Dr. C called this afternoon with the biopsy result - which was small cell of intermediate variety. I don't know what the intermediate variety means. If anyone here does, please tell me. He wants Steve to be admitted to the hospital, overnight, while taking Cisplatin & Camptosar - 1 day every 3 weeks. Anyone here been hospitalized while receiving chemo and/or been given this particular combination? I just read some scary reports about the use of Camptosar. He wants to begin after Labor Day and the appointment at Sloan-Kettering isn't until September 15. On the other hand, we don't want to waste precious time, either.

Dr. C called this afternoon with the biopsy result - which was small cell of intermediate variety. I don't know what the intermediate variety means. If anyone here does, please tell me. He wants Steve to be admitted to the hospital, overnight, while taking Cisplatin & Camptosar - 1 day every 3 weeks. Anyone here been hospitalized while receiving chemo and/or been given this particular combination? I just read some scary reports about the use of Camptosar. He wants to begin after Labor Day and the appointment at Sloan-Kettering isn't until September 15. On the other hand, we don't want to waste precious time, either.

The other day at work ( In a hospital) a family member was talking as I and another nurse helped with her mother. She is telling us that teens have 5 vices that they want to try- 000, sex, drinking, smoking and drugs. She pondered a moment and said she would want her teenager to pick smoking-- one cigarette won't kill you and they are easy to quit. Immediately I piped up!!! No! cigarettes are more addicting than cocaine, and she replide - that drugs could kill you the first time- I said I would pick 000 she said O NO THAT WOULD BE TERRIBLE . After I left the room the other nurse and I just shook our heads. Any body have any opinion? PS YOUR HOUSE YOUR RULES. Know that you are sending a message with that rule.

Talked with Maurie. Connie was feeling better today so they discharged her and she is home. She is on a blood thinner to prevent clots so tomorrow she has to go out to get lab test. She can not drive he said for 4 weeks. They gave them a couple a tanks of O2 to get home ( they live about 30-35 miles north of St. Paul) and there she has a condenser to give her O 2. Hope soon she will be up to posting. Maurie said she was pooped and lying on the sofa. He will be the chef tonight. Please continue to keep Connie in your prayers, still in recovery. Thanks so much Donna