joanie55

amaazing and I have more orders coming )

OMG, I'm so sad. Tears are flowing as I try to express myself. Franks family should be so proud of him as we are here, as well as anyone who's ever met him. He certainly won't be forgotten by me and the fight he fought and tonight I will raise a glass of beer with a choc donut in memory of Frank. I would love anyone who would like to join in,, let me know what time would be good!!!!! Joan

My prayers to a wonderful, caring, and loving familly that doesnt deserve to be going through such heartache. Joan

Hi loretta. I just finiished 10 rounds of WBR and have been on decadron for about 3 weeks. We just started to lowerr my decadron to wean me off. I know it is very important to go off gradually. The decadron is a mixed sword. You feel great at first, but there are unpleasant side effects that can develop and you need to get off as soon as possible. Don't know about the freezing, but it is awfully cold in New york lately. Best of luck with everything.

Your post was great. I justhave to disagree with one aspect. I really don't think I deserve Lung Cancer because I did start to smoke as a child (17 or so). Off and on until I realized that if I didn't stop it would kill me. At that time they were still saying "doctors prefer camel". I never worked so hard at anytime. When I stopped smoking I was convinced that I had saved my life and sent another 20 years happily along my way, stopping whoever I could from smoking. Smoking is not the only cause of LC. Totally believe in second, third, and fifth opinions, but if you are addicted by BIG TOBACACCo, I think we should be going after them. What can we do on that front to save more lives. I say we wipe them out!!!! Joan

Lots of prayers going out to you all. I can't eveen see my computer ...lots of tears. Joan

Frank, I haven't been on for a while, fighting my own fight. When I saw your post this morning, I got sick. What you're doing is amazing and invauable. Thanks and i wish you all the luck in the world and NO pain. Joan

Kasey, I'm truely sorry for Eddie's loss. My sincere consolences to his family and also to you and Fred. Joan

Ooooo Kaseey, What can I say. I'm Thrilled at this news and so totally ditto Maryann, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Many more Neds to come. Joan

Ernie, What wonderful news and what a generous and amazing gift you will be giving. You're a great guy. Good luck Joan

Missy, SOOOOOOOOO happy for you. Joan

Nick, Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. As a mom I totally relate to how you feel. My feeling is I will always be with my loved ones in one form or another. There is no other way. I love my future grandchildren now as well as the one I've been blessed to meet so far. Really wishing this amazing gift comes to you. You deserve it and your mom will certainly know and be smiling. Keep us posted!!

EMEND worked wonders for me for chemo. The only problem is that it is quite expensive and I would see if it is covered by insurance. You only need 3 pills, one the day before chemo, the day of and the day after. After chemo I used compazine which was good, but not EMEND. But, I think everyone may react differently to different meds, but definitely worth looking into. Joan

I was on Carbo/Taxol/Avastin from day one. I was the first one at Sloan to be put on Avastin for lung cancer, actually before it was approved for lung. After I finished my carbo/taxol, I stayed on Avastin until I had a slight progression that was taken care of with radiation. Wonderful drug. Absolutely no side effects. . Joan best to you.

I know how hard it is to drink water. I became dehydrated twice. You can try ices, jello, ensure, carnation liquid breakfast drink, gateraid, etc. Also, as far as eating, my doctor says when you're going through chemo, all bets are off. Whatever you feel like eating , eat.

Bobby, that's exactly how you need to feel. I want you to succeeed in this. I hate cigarettes almost as much as lung cancer. They cause it.

One more tip, that might be easier than keep away from drinking. (LOL) When I stopped, 20 some odd years ago, I joined a gym. Working out made me feel so healthy I said "how could I smoke?" Walking or anything that will give you that healthy feeling should work. So much good luck aain. And remember, everyday gets easier. Joan

I'm really proud that you are doing this. I used to look at a cigarette and say "am I going to let this little white thing kill me??" "who is stronger"?. I was totally addicted, mentally and physically. One thing to remember is that you can NEVER have a puff again. That will put you right back into smoking. I would also try to stay away from temptations, like drinking, etc. The physical addiction I remember lasting 3 days. The first time I stopped I stayed home from work and slept about that long. After that it wasn't bad. That stop lasted for about 15 years or longer. Took that stupid puff, but by then there was the patch that for me made it much easier. Wishing you lots of luck with this. Can definitely be done. Joan

To dear Kasey, I was getting ready to call you next week after your scans. I plan to still do that because I know you will be feeling better with no itches. Hurry up back. We need you here. Joan

Hi and welcome. I was on the same chemo as your mom. Started 20 months ago and finished last Thanksgiving. I stayed on the Avastin for a while after that. I wish you both so much luck and hope we can be of help here. Joan

Sorry we had to meet here, but hoping we can be of help to you and your dad. Best wishes. Joan

Alicia, Like Ernie says, I would definitely ask about Avastin. Also, please stress to dad not to wait to take pain meds, as it is harder to take away pain, once it is there. I've been on long acting Oxycontin since the beginning. Having no pain, I just keep taking it. Once in the morning 20 mg. and once at night (20 mg). I live a pain free life. (thank goodness). Besides the stool softeners, make sure dad drinks plenty of water. That is the side effect of the pain pills (constipation). I think its a good trade off, because this can be controlled. Happy Birthday to Dad. Joan

The only thing that jumped out at me was that your dad really doesn't want to take, even pain meds. That is probably the one thing that's given me quality of life for the past 20 months. If you are in pain, there can't be any quality and that's the one promise I've asked my husband for. No PAIN!!! Some of these pills are amazing. They don't make you tired, Virtually no side effects, but you can feel normal again. I never even took asprin before LC. so I really understand how he feels. Joan

I can toally understand your feeling depressed, confused, etc. I was diagnosed a Stage IV with mets 20 months ago. I have great docs also in NYC. What's so important is letting your mom know that this is not a death sentence. My plan is to stay around long enough until they find the next new drug to keep me going until something better comes along. My quality of life is excellent. My docs are very concerned with that. You should listen to Don and ask about antidepressants. Wishing you and mom the very best. Joan

Beautiful pictures. Let's get that cancer now!!!!! Thanks for sharing them. Joan