[New here, please help]

Hi Bobby,

First, please do not read those statistics. I believe what you read is for people that opt for no treatment at all. I was diagnosed stage IV, with mets to bones almost 9 months ago, and besides a few aches here and there, I have to say I feel pretty good. I did not have radiation, but chemo instead and it really did help me. I do take oxycodone twice a day.

There's so much they can do today. I plan on being here a long time and its really important to stay positive.

My very best wishes to you both and I hope this helped some.

Joan

[Has anyone heard from hHollyanne]

Ditto. I can't wait to hear some good news for them. Hope they are all doing well.

[Minnesota doctor- lung cancer screening]

Thanks for sharing this. I personally don't see what the problem is with screening with x-rays, especially with an at-risk candidate. So what if its a false positive. I'd risk a false positive to find a real one. I just don't get it.

[joint pain??]

Jimben,

Don't know about you, but I'm still very young!

[Mets in Liver]

Nelson,

No suggestions, but lots of good wishes flying over to Manchester.

Joan

[Shoulder Pain]

Just want to add my best wishes to you both.

[MRIs moved up]

Thanks so much for all the prayers and good wishes. It really is overwhelming. They worked too! Doctor says no changes and doesn't want to see me until January 4th!! I get the Holidays off

Joan

[A really long request for some short prayers]

Carleen,

Sending sooooo many prayers for you both. Hoping most of all that Keith doesn't have to endure such pain. I hate this all just as much as you. It's sick. It makes no sense.

Joan

[PET/CRT Tomorrow]

Ya gotta believe. It never gets to be old hat. I'm scared before, after, during, etc. But, it will be all good!

[Barbara Walters Special on Heaven .....]

I'm going to see what channel it's on in NY. Sounds great.

Thanks for posting.

[joint pain??]

Wondering if anyone has experienced joint pain in their hands. I feel it much more during the night and my doctor seems to have no idea what it is. It's the strangest feeling, I wake up and find it hard to close my hands.

[Dos & Don'ts during treatment]

I spent about 7-8 hours total a day, every 3 weeks having my chemo. Sometimes I was lucky enough to fall asleep. Other times I had lots of company. The first few times, I met 3 other gals, all just starting out. We'd look forward to meeting every 3 weeks. But, all in all, I found the best was to sleep through as much as I could (and I never nap!!) and go from there, doing whatever you would normally do sitting or laying down. tv, dvd, etc.

[Newcomer]

Brit,

My heart goes out to you. As I think you can see, we're all here for you and will do all we can to make this a little easier, knowing you're not alone. There is so much more that can be done today than ever before .

[New to this]

Hi Debra,

Another stage IV here. Hey, I watched that Beatles show too Leslie. Hate to have to meet here, but believe me, I'm glad this is here.

Debra, just know that people here do care and are here for you and you can e-mail me any time.

Joan

[MRIs moved up]

Just want to thank you all and say your good wishes worked! Doctor says no change at all. Next up is CT scan beginning of January. So happy whewwwwwwww.

[Yet Another Getting to Know You - December 14]

Sorry, Can't pick just one: It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street

Must have seen each one 100 times

[worried about weakness after chemo/rad. treatment]

Hi Ellen,

Even though they say that chemo is cumulative, my last treatment was by far my easiest! I was so worked up and scared and then nothing happened. You really never know. There were also times that I started to feel a little sick before the chemo which almost sounds like what Hank is going through right now.

Best to you both.

Joan

[Phooey]

Hi Jim,

I finished the same cocktail about 2 months ago, including Avastin. I'm actually still on the Avastin. Going through it all, I kept saying "i'll take this, just let me keep going". It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The avastin is supposed to be really good stuff .

I really hope you have an easy time.

Joan

[Getting to Know You - December 15]

I had lots to smile about yesterday. Even though I went to NY to have MRIs done, I saw my daughter who just got engaged. Just looking at her face and listening to her talk about her fiance and upcoming wedding was enough to make me smile wide.

[Mike Coughing and Can't eat]

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

[Sprial CT Scan]

I wish someone had wanted me to go for a spiral CT scan. I would consider yourself so lucky that you can be monitored to this extent. I also know that feeling, but at the end of the day, better safe than sorry.

Best of luck and congrats on 4 years!!!!

[Mission accomplished - WBR is fine!]

Hi Leslie,

So glad that you're feeling so much better. I think the worst is always the anticipation. Looking forward to your wonderful posts.

Continued success in your treatments.

Joan

[For You Moms Out There]

Two times, exactly the same way. sex, water broke, baby born.

Good luck!

[MRIs moved up]

Such fun. Pain in legs went away, but pain in sholders started. My doctor is now concerned enough to move my MRI tests that were scheduled for the beginning of the year up to tomorrow! Now of course, I'm tired, nervous, feeling worse than ever. Need to get the tests over with. I'm actually hoping that I pulled something because I started working out with very light weights a few days before this and doing some indoor biking. But thats what I thought the first time I was dx. Maybe this time i'm right!!

[Blood in nose in am]

Hi,

Yes, I get that quite often and only since I've been in treatment. I know its from one of my many treatment medications, but not sure which one. Doctor says its not serious unless it doesn't stop. Then I should call him. Thank goodness, I Haven't had that problem.

Best to you and Gary.