joanie55

Joanie, Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hopefully you'll get through this bump and be home soon. Joan

I would find out how much Disability will pay if you couldn't work and see what your shortage would be. I'd sit down and go over all expenses to see where you could cut back to make it work. Any money you have could also be used (without risk to principal) to throw off income. Joan

Hi Gin, I totally understand you're wanting to plan. I am also a planner, by profession, with stage IV lung cancer. Unortunately, I don't believe there is any set course of action that LC takes. It seems that everyone is very individual. What I did was, as soon as I could, after my dx, was to set up folders for each of my family members, husband, son and daughter that held all pertinent financial info for each of them. I then went through everything with them. I also taught my husband how to do the bills (he had never done them). As a planner, I definitely felt much better after doing this. I still find that there are little things that I am constantly telling my husband about. Also, you should understand exactly what your insurance covers and how it works. Have you applied to Government Disability? At the beginning, this was very uncomfortable for my family, to hear me talking about these things, as they felt I'd be here forever. I just told them, nobody is ever here forever and everyone should have a contingency plan. Hope you continue to feel as well as you do and I hope this helps a little. Joan

Andrea, Sending lots of prayers for your Dad and you need to stay positive. I have a real good feeling about those little eggies growin. Joan

Hi Elaine, There is hope. I think after reading all the welcomes you can see that. How lucky you were to get that body scan. I'd just like to also welcome you and hope we can be of help with any questions I'm sure you'll have. Joan

Oh Deb, I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Joan

Wishing you much luck tomorrow. Joan

Jen, I'm sooooo so sorry to hear this news. We're all here for you. Joan

I'll drink to this wonderful news. Good for you. I hope we can both celebrate for many years to come. Joan

Hi Tracy, So nice to get to see your beautiful family. What would we do without our kids!! Joan

My tumor was only 1.1 cm., but unfortunately had metastised. I was told size had nothing to do with whether or not it would or could spread. On my fist visit to the onc, I met a women, about my age, with a 10 cm. tumor that had not spread. ???? If only we knew. Joan

Hi Amanda, Welcome to the site. I too had 50% shrinkage after chemo and I'm still here fighting like mad after 15 months. This is a tough disease that can get you down if you let it. Try to stay positive. It's just wonderful that you can spend so much time with your dad. I just became a grandma and seeing my granddaughter is the best medicine I can think of. Best wishes to you all and we're all here to help. Joan

Joanie & Brian, Oh Boy, unbelievable. Wishing you both the best. Joanie, you can do this. Get better real soon. Joan

I don't have one YET. Every time I go, I'm waiting for them to suggest it as my veins are shot. They do manage to all get my needle in on the first try, so I've been lucky, after the hot towels, etc. I wouldn't resist the port, as I've heard many very good things from members of the board, whom I totally trust. And, as Maryann says, how do you know this is your last chemo? good point.

Can I have a tissue someone? I am just so touched by the love you all have for each other. I think a lot about the fact, that when you know what you're situation is that in a way its a good thing to be able to tell the ones you love how you feel. Some people never get that chance. Wishing you all the best. Joan

I had the same decision to make. I traveled to have my chemo done so I could be seen by my onc doc each time. (1 time per month). But, when I needed radiation, the radiation was so quick (takes about 5 minutes), I decided to have it done close to home. Also, I didn't need to see the onc doc and it was also every day. To travel every day I really thought would be too much for me. The only question I would have is are they ok with the fact that its close to your heart. Can they handle that comfortably. Joan

Welcome to you and your mom. This is a wonderful place where everyone really understands what this disease really means. Saw you answered my post and I know how happy it must have made your mom to be at your wedding. I can't wait. My full time job now is staying well and just enjoying every minute. Joan

Jim, You have all of my prayers and hope that this trial works. I just can't stand this disease. With every bit of my being, I just hate it! Joan

Hope for a quick easy recovery for your mom. Joan

I would definitely take it further. During an eye exam, my doctor was actually the first to "see something" that he wanted my internist to call him about. At the time, I didn't think anything of it, but there is a lot they can see through eyes. Pretty amazing. Clean brain is always a good thing, but I would certainly want to know what was seen. Joan

Carleen, One of the first things you should do is take a deep breath and relax. Don't rush to do anything. I'd like to send you a worksheet that helps you in detail figure out your expenses. This was my business until I went out on disability. I don't want to pry, but if there is any money, that could be invested for "income" and that may help bridge the gap. The best thing for you to do is speak to a highly recommended financial planner. (i would not walk into anyone without a recommendation). If I can be of any help, please feel free to pm me. Wishing you only the best. Joan

I was on only Avastin for a number of months with virtually no side effects. Good luck with this combo. Joan

Lilly, Thank goodness you weren't hurt or anyone else. Anyway someone could drive you to work until you finish the next few rounds? Public transportation? I won't even mention taking some time off, cause if you could, I'm sure u would. I'm sure you'll get through this somehow. Stay safe and feel well. Joan

Trish, FABULOUS, FABULOUS news. Joan

I went to my onc yesterday for what I thought was to get results of recent scans and also to find out what my new treatment was to be. Well, my doc walked in and said the words STABLE!!!! Shocked me, my husband and even the doctor. There had been a little progression that we treated with radiation on my sacrum, so the doc ordered all new scans before deciding on my new chemo treatment or even a clinical trial. Everything else is stable, so he said no treatment for now, since we've already treated the sacrum. I don't even qualify for the trials because I don't have any "measurable disease". I've never heard such good news. I was sitting there disassociating from my body, getting ready to hear the worst. Now, I can actually plan my daughter's wedding (coming up in October) and hopefully enjoy the rest of the summer. Just wanted to share some happy stuff. Joan