Jenny G.

Candy, I'm glad Hugh will be getting a break. I know just how you feel. One more round and I'll be finished too. Then it's the hardest part of all - the waiting game. I'm going to try so hard to put this all out of my mind for awhile, hope you can too. I know I won't know how to act with no treatments going on, can we actually get back to a normal life? I'm thinking I'll look into diet and complimentary therapies and keeping my self in the best shape possible while trying to build up my immune system. Sounds like vacation time to me. Congratulations! Jenny P.S. I can't believe what that person said to you! Unreal! I also have noticed how busy my doctors are. That place is more crowded every time I go - so sad.

Hi Anne, Your mother hasn't had much time to deal with this. So many things go through your mind and you really have to work on yourself to get in a place where you can deal with it and even then there will be bad days. When I was first dx I accepted it and resigned myself to dying. When I saw how my family was affected I felt like I had to have hope for them if not for myself. I realized that I wasn't going to die today or even tomorrow and that however much time I had left shouldn't be wasted in despair and depression. Easier said than done, but the anti depressants do help to at least get you to a neutral place. The one single thing that probably helped me the most was the realization that everyone of us live every single day with the reality that it could be our last. No one ever knows when their time will come. People die unexpectedly every day, but we can't live in fear of that. Rather we should find enjoyment where we can and make the best of every day we have. It may help you and other family members to look at it this way. You have been given a warning. Most people never have that. This is a good thing and a bad thing. When I was 16 years old, I woke up one morning and my dad was gone. He was taken to the hospital in the middle of the night with a heart attack. He didn't survive it. I never got to tell him goodbye or give him one last hug. I appreciate my family so much now and treasure the time we spend together. And then there's the biggest thing of all - there really is hope. People defy the statistics every day, miracles do happen. No doctor can tell us when our time is up. Six years ago, my uncle was told he had 3 months to live. They were wrong! People right here on this board have had long term survival and there are many more like them. Try to be positive around your mom and maybe it will rub off. Find something for her to look forward to. I'm planning a trip to visit my family next month and I'm also planning to build a deck in my backyard so I can spend more time outside. Try to keep her involved in the things she enjoys and help her to take it a day at a time. Even if this cancer takes us in the end we can't let it destroy the time that we do have. All you can do is be there for her and give her some of your strength. Jenny Wow, sorry for rambling on like that. P.S. You and your daughter could be twins.

I am so glad to hear an update from you. I have been thinking a lot about you and your wife lately. I felt confident that the chemo would help her so much and I can really relate to your story. I'm so proud of her for getting up and going that morning. I know the fatigue she was feeling. I have fallen asleep sitting on the exam table or as soon as I get in the chair for chemo. Now that they know how she's reacting and what to try to supplement she should do much better. I'm impressed that they did a scan after 2 treatments, isn't it great to know that it's working. That's the same chemo I had and it seems to have worked wonders for me. I hope this will help her feel a little more positive and know that there are better days ahead. The doctors and nurses can't realize how we look for meaning in every little thing they say and then let our imaginations take over. Great news! This is just what you both needed. Jenny

I am so glad to hear an update from you. I have been thinking a lot about you and your wife lately. I felt confident that the chemo would help her so much and I can really relate to your story. I'm so proud of her for getting up and going that morning. I know the fatigue she was feeling. I have fallen asleep sitting on the exam table or as soon as I get in the chair for chemo. Now that they know how she's reacting and what to try to supplement she should do much better. I'm impressed that they did a scan after 2 treatments, isn't it great to know that it's working. That's the same chemo I had and it seems to have worked wonders for me. I hope this will help her feel a little more positive and know that there are better days ahead. The doctors and nurses can't realize how we look for meaning in every little thing they say and then let our imaginations take over. Great news! This is just what you both needed. Jenny

Cindy, Lengthly absences from this group are not well tolerated. If this should ever happen again please go to the library or borrow someone's computer to check in. You were missed!

Hi, I had sleeping problems for awhile too. Not lately, that's all I want to do now. I got the ambien, but only needed to use it a few times. I thought the 10mg made me feel groggy the next morning so just took 5mg. That was better for me. Many people say they use benadryl and the tylenol pm is popular too, but the suggestion above is good about the generic. I was told not to take tylenol anyway. I think they don't want to mask any potential fevers. I hope you continue to do good. The treatments haven't been so bad for me. My doc said pretty much the same thing yours did. One day at a time and coming here helps a lot too. There are many long term survivors so don't lose faith. Jenny

Hi Lori, I'm glad you are participating in the group. Welcome. This certainly is a wonderful place and I hope it will continue to be for a long time. We all do need each other. Jenny

Hello and welcome to the group. Personally, I would insist on chemo following surgery. The cancer cells are so small as to not be visible and the chemo could help to insure that nothing was missed. We only get 1 shot at this and there's no going back. I believe you should hit it with everything you can right from the start and hold back nothing. Unless there is some reason that chemo can't be tolerated it would help to give me greater peace of mind that everything available had been used to kill the cancer. Finding a doctor that you trust is so important. Of course you have to do what you and your husband are comfortable with. The stress can wear you down, I hope that you are taking care of yourself and that you will enjoy your trip together and be able to put this aside for a short time. A massage sounds great!

Greg, I can so much relate to how you're feeling. We started this journey at the same time and I started out thinking I was handling things so well. I'm sure the anti-depressents helped with that, but then the depression takes over and it's so dark and heavy. It really wears on you and then to have to worry about financial matters on top of everything else is just too much. I have had computer problems too and had to be without it for days at a time. Having this connection here is one of the few things that has helped keep me sane. I would insist on pain relief, there is something they can give you to help. I've been taking the percoset, but think I am building up a tolerance. Fortunately, my pain hasn't been bad. Can you push them to look into what is causing your pain? Hopefully, the radiation will help to relieve symptoms too. Your health has to come first and although I have continued to work it is hard to concentrate and be there, I can't imagine doing anything very physical. You really need to rest right now and let the treatments do their job. Having chemo and radiation at the same time is a lot to deal with, but it will get better. I'm sorry you're feeling so bad my friend. We can only hope it will pay off in the end and continue taking one day at a time. We're all here with you. Jenny

Dave, Thanks for the update. I will be saying a special prayer for them and for all of us. Jenny

Carleen, I had my first scan since starting treatment on Friday too. I know just how you're feeling. I'm trying to put it out of my mind, but this starts a new chapter in our treatment as I see it and I think it's the what comes next part that is getting to me. I'm planning a trip to visit my family, but can't bring myself to make the reservation until I get these results. Everyone please add me to your prayer list as well and I expect us both to be posting some good news very soon. No matter what the results we'll find a plan to get us through this and keep on fighting until we have it beat. Jenny

Tracy, I am so sorry for what you are going through. I'm glad that you were able to take a break. I would take your dad for a second opinion right away. At least they should be able to treat his pain more effectively and make him more comfortable. Have they not suggested chemo yet? I wish I could say something more to help and that you will find the strength to see you through this. We are all here for you. Jenny

Hi Cheryl, If you were just diagnosed with lung cancer then this is probably just routine. After my diagnosis for SCLC I had the brain MRI and bone scans because this is the most common places to spread. I also had the injection half way though, it is for a view with and without contrast. Before treatment is started they need to know just what they are dealing with. Usually radiation will not be done unless the cancer is all in one area. In any case you will probably receive chemo which will hopefully be very effective. I'm glad you found this group, it has been so helpful to me in getting through this. If you give us more details about your situation there are people here that can offer information and support. You're not alone. Jenny

Hi Sam (and Ada), I wanted to ask you both if you have heard anything about Dr. Joe Miller, a thorastic surgeon at Emory. He was highly recommended to me by another survivor who said "he can do things that others say can't be done". Would also like to hear your opinion of Emory in general. Thanks Jenny

Hi Gail, The same thing happened to me. I was on my way to my first ongologist appointment after being diagnosed. I was first in line to go through the intersection when the light turned green and I started to proceed, the other traffic didn't stop. A cement truck just kept on coming with the line of traffic behind. BOTH lights were green at the same time. People were in the middle of the intersection honking horns. What a wake up call and it reallly put things in perspective. I'm thinking, "I could've been killed that instant, this cancer is no big deal, we face death every day whether we know it or not, at least I've been given a warning". Jenny

Jonathan, Thank you so much for this information. I really appreciate the time and concern you give here. Jenny

Hi, Welcome to the group. I know how frustrated you must be, especially when you are far away. I certainly can't second guess your doctors, but I would feel better too if something were being done. What are they saying about chemo. Is there a reason they can't start that now? Your father has already been through so much with 2 surgeries, he must be very strong. Keep pushing for answeres and keep us posted. Jenny

Sandy, I am so happy for you! Jenny

Way to go Ray! May all the good you do continue to return to you. Good luck with your chemo, I've done very well with it and I'm sure you will too. Jenny

Thanks for looking out, Rick.

Hi mom, Welcome to the group. I have one teenager and can't image dealing with 3. I have to say our relationship has improved since my diagnosis, partly because he is being nicer and partly because I don't worry about the little things as much. I hope yours are supportive and helpful to you, I still have a problem motivating mine. I had a swallowing problem like yours. It felt like an obstacle course in my chest where I had the radiation. I ate slower and chewed more. You might try the carnation instant breakfast, you really need to keep your nutrition up. Maybe you could add ice cream in the blender. Come back often and let us know how you are doing. Jenny

Ronna, That's FANTASTIC news. I'm so happy for you! Jenny

Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. Even the thought of losing my mom terrifies me. I can only imagine what you are going through. I am so glad she went peacefully and I hope that you can find some peace in knowing that you were there for her and how much your love must have meant to her. Jenny

Katie, Thanks for the info on the arenesp. I had seen you mention that before and I was wondering. What prompted them to give this to your father? Was it because of low red blood counts? Does it help with the fatigue as well? I think I'll ask about that. I hope things continue to go well for you and your father. Jenny

Hi, Welcome to the group. I just finished my 4th round of chemo and slept for 18 hours a day for the 4 days following. Last night, 12 was enough. It is frustrating to be sure, but if that's what the body needs, then it's best to give in to it. It has seemed to get a little worse with each treatment. I just figure my priority right now is battling this cancer and everything else just has to wait. Good information above about Procrit. It is for low red blood cell counts and I haven't had a problem with that so far. I do get an injection of neulasta now for white blood cell counts because I had a problem with that. Doesn't help with the fatigue though. Be sure to check for elevated temperature, drink plenty of fluids, and know that the chemo is doing its job. One day I got sick while at the doctor's office and they gave me a Zofran to dissolve on my tongue. I do know that it's very expensive and my insurance probably wouldn't cover a perscription. The compazine has worked ok. Do ask for different anti nausea to take as a preventative and I hope you'll find something that works. Best of luck. Jenny