Hebbie

Karen, so sorry to hear about this latest development! Oxyconten really did a number on me as well. I took it after my surgery for pain, and boy was it a doozy! Not only was I not all "there" -- it actually made me have dreams about BUGS! (Roaches, mostly...big creepy, crawling roaches. Eeek!) I had to cut down on the prescribed dose too, which was difficult because the pain was pretty intense, and I think after a week or two, I switched to motrin because I just couldn't deal with the fuzzy head and creepy bugs! I hope things get better with him, and pray that Don is right -- his body will adjust and things will improve! You guys are in my thoughts, as always, Heather

Ginny -- I love your Top 5 -- especially the note that Earl has kept for so long -- that must truly warm your heart! OK -- my 5 of the day? 1. The snow delay that gave me an extra two hours at home with my family this morning 2. Looking out my kitchen window at the beautiful winter scene landscaping our lawns and trees. I captured the moment with a photo 3. My co-workers making me laugh with our recap of last night's disastrous "Bachelorette" finale 4. The lunch seminar that provided YUMMY salads -- preventing me from having to buy lunch 5. The thought of leaving work in an hour and picking up my son to play in the snow together!!

Restaurant/Bar Owner Testifies for Clean Indoor Air Restaurant/Bar owner shows filter clogged from tobacco tars Parts excerpted from The Capital, 2/25/05 MARYLAND-- Addressing a committee of state senators yesterday, Annapolis (Maryland) restaurateur Rusty Romo brought along some stomach-turning evidence to illustrate the harm of cigarette smoke. Mr. Romo, who recently renovated his bar area at Harry Browne's next to the State House, held up a filter that had been in its furnace for a month. It was caked with thick black gunk [tar] - the byproduct, Mr. Romo said, of cigarette smoke. "Restaurant and bar workers should not be exposed to someone else's bad habit," he said, urging senators to approve a bill that would add restaurants and bars to the list of workplaces where smoking is no longer tolerated. But while Mr. Romo and several other restaurant workers testified in favor of the smokefree workplace bill, there were also plenty of people opposed to it. In addition to the Restaurant Association of Maryland, tobacco shop owners protested the proposal. Many restaurant owners say the smoking ban would drive away customers who like to smoke while having a drink or enjoying dinner. But proponents of the bill counter with data showing increases in sales and more applications for new restaurants. They also highlight the serious health problems caused by secondhand smoke. The bill, dubbed the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2005, has died several years in a row. Sen. Ida G. Ruben, the lead sponsor in the senate, thinks times have changed enough that the bill, SB332, will pass this year. She noted not only the smokefree workplace laws in Montgomery and Talbot (Maryland) counties, but also the fact that several other states and countries have smokefree workplace laws, including Ireland and Italy. Ms. Ruben said the current exemption of bars and restaurants from the smoking ban is a "glaring gap" that needs to be closed. "All employees should have the right to a smoke-free workplace," she said. The bill also was filed in the House of Delegates as HB428 by Delegate Barbara A. Frush. Maryland residents can send a letter of support at www.smokefree.net/MD To win smokefree air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php Joseph W. Cherner "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Becky -- I love this idea! 1. My son making Sunday Breakfast for me 2. My husband shrinking my favorite pants in the dryer -- but at least he is doing the laundry! 3. My puppy climbing into my lap and falling asleep 4. My Lord -- who continues to blessed me with good health 5. The excitement that comes with an impending "blizzard" -- and a snow day from work/school

Beth -- so glad to hear that you sailed through your first treatment. I've been trying to read some of your back post to see how they CONFIRMED that the cancer was back -- with a CT Scan? Was that followed up by a PET or a biopsy of any kind? Just curious as to what the protocol was. Hang in there kiddo, you are going to beat this monster back into submission!

EDITORIAL: Pass Smokefree Workplace Legislation The health argument is carrying the day because it's valid Parts excerpted from the Forum, 2/24/05 Minnesota, 2/24/05-- Some sort of statewide smokefree workplace legislation likely will clear the Minnesota Legislature in the next few weeks. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said he will sign it. Minnesota has moved the debate about smoking and secondhand smoke out of the realm of alleged negative impacts on business to the unassailable certainty of the detrimental effects of smoking on human health. The health argument is carrying the day in large part because it's valid. The business harm argument is going the way of the dinosaur because local smokefree workplace laws have demonstrated that negative impacts on the overall business climate are negligible; in some cases, there is evidence the effect is positive. As sure as smoke and mirrors are endemic to the legislative process, the regular cast of tobacco interests are trying mightily to preserve some nonexistent right to poison the air others breathe. Hospitality industry lobbyists and anti-regulation ideologues have raised the same tired objections about the rights of private business to do whatever they please on their property. Or they have tried to undermine the science about the hazards of environmental smoke. None of those approaches carries much weight anymore. They are as transparent and wispy as, well, smoke. No final smokefree workplace bill is ready for debate yet. The Senate's version is tougher and more comprehensive than the House bill. But this much is certain: Minnesota lawmakers, responding to overwhelming clean air sentiment among their constituents, will clear the indoor air in most workplaces. Seven states-- CA, DE, NY, CT, ME, MA and RI-- require all workplaces, including restaurants and bars/nightclubs, to be smokefree. Four additional states-- FL, VT, UT, and ID-- require all restaurants to be smokefree, but exempt bars/nightclubs. To win smokefree air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php Joseph W. Cherner "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

I found a similar article on this subject: Second mutation in EGFR gene linked to acquired resistance to gefitinib contrast, no evidence of the T790M mutation was found in untreated tumor specimens. The authors also found that this mutatio Reuters Health Posting Date: February 22, 2005 Last Updated: 2005-02-22 9:44:12 -0400 (Reuters Health) NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Gain of functional mutations in the gene for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) renders lung adenocarcinomas sensitive to gefitinib (Iressa) and erlotinib (Tarceva), but it appears that a second mutation in this gene results in acquired resistance to these agents. The findings, which appear in the February 22nd issue of Public Library of Science (PLoS) Medicine, are based on a genetic analysis performed in five patients with acquired resistance to gefitinib or erlotinib. In addition to the primary sensitizing EGFR mutation, two of the patients had a mutation in exon 20 of the gene, lead author Dr. William Pao, from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and colleagues note. This second mutation, known as T790M, was located in the kinase domain of EGFR and involved the substitution of methionine for threonine. Testing in a sixth patient with disease which later became resistant to gefitinib also demonstrated the presence of this mutation. In vitro testing showed that the T790M mutation made cancer cells with sensitizing EGFR mutations resistant to gefitinib and erlotinib. A mutation similar to T790M that affects other kinases has been associated with acquired resistance to imatinib (Gleevec), the researchers point out. "We are now trying to figure out other possible reasons why gefitinib or erlotinib stop working," Dr. Pao said in a statement. "We also hope to identify mutations in other potential cancer-causing genes that are critical for lung cancers to survive." PLoS Medicine 2005;2.

Don, So glad to hear you have a plan to remedy this recent setback quickly, and of course you and Lucie have my prayers! Warmly, Heather

I was originally diagnosed by a "shadow" on a chest x-ray. A CT Scan was ordered to see what it was. All sorts of possibilities were thrown out there -- tuberculosis, sarcadosis, pnemonia.....

I have a dear friend from The Wellness Community support group that I attend, who is an 8 YEAR EXTENSIVE SCLC SURVIVOR!!!!! She doesn't have access to a computer, otherwise, she would be here right now cheering you on! She is a wonderful inspiration!

While I am certainly not defending whomever sent you that harsh e-mail, perhaps their intention was to "motivate" you to persevere and not give up, for yourself as well as your kids? Of course, there are better ways to get that point across..... Hang in there, Beth! I think of you daily, Heather

Stephanie -- GOOD FOR YOU!!! I wanted to just say, though, that you DO have enough time to plan one for this November. I didn't start planning my NJ walk last year until May/June -- and we had over 300 people attend, and raised $32,000. I would call that a pretty good success for first time out of the gate!!! But, regardless of whether you plan it for Nov. 2005, or Nov. 2006, good for you for taking action!

I have recently been in touch with a woman who is taking great strides to push lung cancer to the forefront in NJ. She has asked for my help and I, in turn, am inlisting the help of you all. Please take the time to read this and let's do what we can to turn the tide on this disease... She writes: If anyone is interested in getting more involved than a simple e-mail, letter or telephone call, please feel free to PM me and I will get your information directly to Ms. Levin. Thanks!

(((((Beth)))) Have they scheduled follow up test? Were you diagnosed with BAC? From what I understand, multiple nodules without BAC is pretty uncommon. Are they CERTAIN it's cancer and not scar tissue? I hope you can get to the bottom of this quickly. Until then, you will be in my thoughts.

I'm so sorry you are going through this with Faith. I just wanted to make a comment, taking the OPPOSITE stand on Faith's school situation -- I don't know if switching schools/teachers right now would be in her best interest. I know with my son, he had so much change going on in every other aspect of his life, I think he needed the stability of school. A place he could count on to not change. Perhaps you can sit down with the teacher and try to come up with a plan to make things a little easier for her right now. Maybe she needs a little extra attention for a while. Just a thought. I believe you also said you were looking into (or going?) to counseling. I think that is a wonderful idea. We have a counseling session for my son this Saturday.....just in time to discuss the note WE got sent home from school this week. He KICKED a friend during an argument. *Sigh*.....

6 months after I was diagnosed, my Aunt was diagnosed as well. I certainly believe there is a genetic link. I found an old post on the subject with a great article re: a LC Gene http://lchelp.com/community/viewtopic.p ... light=gene

From Dr. Andrew Weil's Daily Newsletter: Today's Tip Mushrooms For Health Mushrooms can be a delicious way to encourage and maintain good health. Both dried and fresh varieties can provide immune-enhancing and cancer-protective properties. The best-studied species in which to find these protective compounds are shiitake, maitake and enoki mushrooms. Avoid the common white button mushrooms popular in the U.S., which do not provide the immune-enhancing effects. If you buy dried mushrooms, simply soak them in water until they become softened, strain off the fluid, and add to your favorite recipe. You can save the soaking liquid for soups or sauces. Both my Web site, www.DrWeil.com, and my online course, Dr.Weil's My Optimum Health Plan, have healthy recipes that feature mushrooms.

I have often said that cancer seems to bring out the best and/or the worst in people.....and makes you realize what the term "true friend" really means. I had three friends whom I considered my "best friends" -- friends going back 10-15 years. Been through weddings, pregnancies, children and divorces with them. The first (and longest friendship) jumped in with both feet when I was diagnosed. I had chemo on Thursdays and she would be waiting at my house every Thursday, with dinner ready and sit with me until I fell asleep. She came with me to chemo once, so she could truly understand what I was going through. I knew I could count on her through it all. The second (and person I considered my BEST friend, my true "soul sister") lives in Texas. She was so upset and cried with me on the phone when I was diagnosed.....but for the next 6 months, I only heard from her when I called, which was not often. I was hurt beyond belief. But I valued her friendship too much to let it go, so I finally confronted her about it and she burst into tears and told me she was having a hard time dealing with it....she couldn't bear the thought of what I was going through and felt helpless because she was not here with me. That was the turning point, and our friendship is now stronger than ever. The third friend (we were bridesmaids in each others weddings) dissapointed me more than anyone. She got ANGRY with my boyfriend for telling her to just treat me like normal (instead of crying every time she called). She took her fears and turned them into anger. She refused to visit me in the hospital after surgery because she didn't want to see him. She called other people to badmouth him, saying that she had been friends with me longer and who was he to get in the way of our friendship..... When I told her I got engaged right before starting chemo, she got annoyed. I tried and tried, but her anger was just too overwhelming. Even though I knew in my heart it was displaced anger, and just her way of expressing her frustration with the situation, I finally had to let it go. I couldn't deal with the negativity while trying to save my life. She has never called me again. I've heard similar stories repeated here time and time again. And the advice is always to walk away from negative people. It doesn't matter if they are friends or family. Negativity can have NO place in our lives when dealing with cancer. If the people in our lives can't offer compassion, strength or hope.....then they have nothing to offer.

Well, I checked it out, and while it sounds VERY promising, I was left with many questions! It is a LIQUID RADIATION! Unbelievably cool to think of -- it only takes a week of infusion, rather than months of daily radiation. It specifically targets the tumor, and unlike chemo, does not cause hair loss or nausea. What they didn't mention, is whether or not you can have it after already undergoing "regular" radiation. They also said it has been tested on non-hodkins lymphoma, and is going to be tested on ovarian and colon, but they didn't specifically mention lung, which stinks. Overall though, it is amazing and I hope to learn more!

Hi Janet -- while I do not have any information on adrenal gland mets personally, "Ray A.", a long time member here posted several entries regarding his adrenal met treatment. I will try to attach a few of the links here for you, as you may find it helpful. http://lchelp.com/community/viewtopic.p ... ght=#95906 http://lchelp.com/community/viewtopic.p ... ht=#102662

Karen, My son was in Kindergarten when I was diagnosed. Now -- he had certainly seen more than his fair share of 'change' in his 5 years up until that point. His father and I divorced when he was 2, and he and I moved about 3 times in the next 3 years. His one 'constant' was that no matter where we moved, he stayed at his daycare/school, which he continued on at for full-day Kindergarten. He had always been prone to wanting things his way, and pitching a fit if he didn't get what he wanted, but after my diagnosed, WOW. He cried at the drop of a hat, threw temper tantrums, and developed a temper unlike I had ever seen. Fortunately --when I was first diagnosed, I called his teacher and let her know what was going on and that he would probably start acting up.....which he certainly did! He would pitch fits so bad I could see the veins popping out of his neck. So much anger in such a little body. Unfortunately, I let it go on for about a year until getting him into some sort of counseling -- mostly because I was so focused on getting myself well. When I got remarried and we moved to the house we are in now, we sat him down and told him that this was his house....and there would be no more moving. I wanted him to feel SECURE. We started counseling to work through some of his issues. Think about how scary cancer is for us as adults. I can't even imagine trying to comprehend it as a child who doesn't even understand what cancer is! One thing I realized over time was that he was better when I was calm. When I didn't feel good, I was short tempered and had little patience for typical childlike behavior. When I made an effort to not yell and speak calmly, he seemed to react in kind and things went much smoother! He seems a little better these days (he's now eight) , but we still try to see the counselor at least once a month, just so that he has an outlet to talk to -- someone that he trust, that he can talk about ME with. It really has seemed to help. He still has outburst and angry moments, but they seem to be lessening. I have had a really bad cold this week and have been laying in bed coughing for the past two days. He has been sweet as pie to me, coming over and kissing my forehead, saying he wants to take care of me. But I can see the fear in his eyes as he watches me laying there in bed. It reminds me of my chemo days, and I am sure he is remembering as well. Cancer is a scary thing. I guess we all need some help dealing with it in one way or another. Hang in there, she'll get through it. And so will you! I think you are doing the right thing by getting Faith into counseling. Some things really are beyond our control and require some outside expertise!

South Jersey Eagles Fan -- reporting for duty!!!!! Fly Eagles Fly On the Road To Victory Fly Eagles Fly Get a Touchdown 1-2-3 Hit em Low Hit em High And Watch our Eagles Fly So Fly Eagles Fly On The Road To Victory E-A-G-L-E-S -- EAGLES!!!!

Wow -- I didn't realize this was such a common problem! A few months after radiation, I was having HORRIBLE problems with swallowing still, particularly with vitamins. They would get stuck in my throat, somewhere in my chest. I could breathe fine, but it hurt like h*ll until it slid all the way down. But I couldn't speak when it happened and it hurt to take small sips of water to coax it down. I would panic, my heart would start racing and I would get dizzy until it slid down. Crazy..... Anyway, my doctor mentioned having my throat stretched -- he said from the radiation damage, it had probably healed with a stricture (narrowing) and I would have to have it stretched. He advised me to wait a few months though, until it was completely healed because my esophogus had been so raw from treatment. HOWEVER -- I opted to NOT have the procedure done because I just couldn't bring myself to have something else done to my body. (Just my personal feelings). In any event -- it really doesn't happen any more. Occasionally if I swallow vitamins too fast (one after the next), one will get mildly stuck, but nothing like it used to be. I guess it sort of opened back up on its' own. In any event -- good luck with a remidy to your situation -- I can feel your pain!!!!!

Passive smoke raises kids’ lung cancer risk Study finds 50 percent increase among children of smokers Updated: 8:40 a.m. ET Jan. 28, 2005 LONDON - Children exposed to passive smoking have a higher risk of developing lung cancer later in life than other youngsters, according to new research. Daily exposure for many hours could treble the risk but even if children encountered second-hand smoke only on a weekly basis it could be dangerous. “Passive smoking clearly increases the risk of lung cancer,” Professor Paolo Vineis, of Imperial College London, told Reuters. “People should not smoke in the presence of their children.” Vineis and his team followed up more than 123,000 people who never smoked but who had been exposed to second-hand smoke as children, to see how many developed lung cancer. They compared the occurrence of the disease in them with that in children who had not been exposed to smoke. In research reported in the British Medical Journal, they said 97 of the passive smoking youngsters suffered from lung cancer, 20 others had upper respiratory cancers and 14 more died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is also caused by smoking. “You have approximately an increase of 50 percent risk if you are exposed to passive smoking,” said Vineis. “It is much less serious than active smoking but, nevertheless, it needs to be taken seriously.” Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer worldwide, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, which is an extension of the World Health Organization. Each year 900,000 new cases are diagnosed in men worldwide and 330,000 in women. Smoking is the main cause of the disease. In addition to increasing the risk of cancer, researchers have shown that chemical and gases in tobacco contribute to cancer of the stomach, liver, kidney and cervix. Copyright 2005 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.

It's official -- LUNGevity Foundation officially has their clear wristbands for sale on their website!!! They say "Breathe Deep" and all proceeds go to funding lung cancer research. Check them out! www.lungevity.org