hopeandstrength

Thanks so much...it means a lot to me to be able to express my feelings here. You are all so great! Cathy

I'm so sorry about Lucie's results! I will keep you both in my thoughts! I know the strength you both share will help you through this next phase of treatment! Cathy

Hi, My dad has been doing pretty well (I think), but every once in awhile I just feel so sad that he is dealing with this disease. I truly feel so positive sometimes, but other times I just feel an overwhelming sadness. I just want to hug him over and over and makes things okay, but I can't. He has his 4th round of chemo on Thursday and I believe that they are going to do another CT scan at some point after this to re-evaluate. I'm just praying that there is some shrinkage or at least stability. He looks so good to me and it would be a surprise to me if things weren't improving...but what do I know? He is so hopeful and I just hope that he gets some good news. Thanks for listening to me. I just needed to get that out. Cathy

Don was one of the first people I noticed on this board and he just seemed so nice! I remember that when I posted for the first time, he was so friendly and he continues to be such a wonderful support system for us all! Cathy

That's so wonderful, Fay! I'm a Labor and Delivery nurse and I never get tired of seeing and holding those babies! My two children are 11 and 7 and although they are still my babies...it's fun to go to work and hold the teeny ones! Have fun with them, Cathy

Denise..I'm with you. It made me suck in breath when I heard the news. I think it depressed my dad today. He seemed quiet, which in turn made me sad. I hate this disease! Cathy

Thanks for posting that. I think that many of us were wondering about that. Cathy

I treat myself to a maple scone on the days that I work. I know they are full of fat and calories. I'm glad that I don't deny myself. Thanks for the reminder, Leslie! Cathy

Wow! I just had to say that you guys are awesome. I was just wondering about this question myself! My dad was diagnosed in May and was I thinking about the luminaria for the Relay for Life. I could honor him, because he is a survivor!!!! Becky, thanks for your inspirational words! I shed a few tears while reading it~ Cathy

Hi, Most of you don't know me well here yet, but I just wanted to let you know that I think you are very brave, Beth. Hang in there, okay? Cathy

I agree with what Ann said about the fact that being famous and rich can't even help you more with this disease. I feel so sad. He seemed like such a nice man. I am so grateful that my father is doing okay. I'd like to send his family a card. I wonder if it would be okay to send it to ABC news? Cathy

I will also keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Cathy

Welcome, but I'm sorry that you have to be here. My dad was diagnosed in May and this place has helped me a lot! There are many wonderful people here dealing and living with this disease and doing well! That is encouraging to me! Take care and write more soon. Cathy

I'm still sorta new around here, but feel like I know some of you well. Weird, huh? That was a neat story. Can I say that you are such a pretty lady, Ginny? Thanks for sticking around to support the rest of us. Cathy

My mom is my dad's primary caregiver...I'm just there to provide extra emotional support and run errands etc. It is hard for me because I would like to feel more helpful, but they really don't want it from me right now. I try and go to Dr. appointments and stuff,and I give probably too many words of advice (I'm a nurse, although I work L&D). Anyway...I guess I just want to say that is sounds like you are a great daughter and I just think that this whole lung cancer thing is scary for everyone...especially the patient! Just continue to be there, but also remember you must take care of yourself as well...as hard as that is sometimes. Cathy

Thanks for the address! I'll also send him one! I tried to email him shortly after my dad's diagnosis, but it was returned. I guess the email address was wrong! Cathy

I'm a Registered Nurse as well. My mother is my dad's primary caregiver, but it is helpful and difficult at the same time being the nurse in the family. It does have the advantages with the doctors, who are more open to discussing what is going on with my dad. I think that because he does have me living around the corner he was able to avoid a hospital stay with a bout of pneumonia. I love being a nurse, but it takes on a whole new meaning when someone you love dearly is the patient. Take care, Cathy

I'm also new, but your bio is amazing! Thanks for everything! Cathy

Let me join you in the "Whoo Hoo!!!" It must feel so great to see your husband riding his motorcycle and doing yard work! Cathy

I'm sorry for your loss. Please take care. Cathy

1. My dad looked good today..very handsome with his bald head. 2. I went for a nice walk with my mom. 3. My two kids are playing nicely together! 4. I'm on vacation from work for 2 weeks! 5. I can come here to feel better and hopeful about my dad! Cathy

I'm sorry the news was not the best, but I hope the Tarceva works well! It sounds like that you are both so positive! That has got to help! Take good care, Cathy

I'm new here, but my dad was diagnosed in May and has had one round of chemo, due for the next round on Thursday. I have to be optimistic. There are people who are fighting this disease and winning everyday. I don't think hearing the stats you have would be helpful, but hearing all the success stories from this board might be! take care!

Excellent! Have a wonderful day and many more wonderful years!!! Cathy

Hi everyone, I've been reading posts here for awhile and finally decided to introduce myself. My name is Cathy and my dear, wonderful father has lung cancer. I know that it is Stage IV, but unsure of what kind as I believe that the cancer started as esophageal, but even that is something I don't really know. He was diagnosed May 23rd after having some blood being coughed up. He started chemo on Thursday of last week and is pretty wiped out. I was wondering if anyone could give me insight on how long most people feel sick for after the chemo. They are doing Carboplatin and Taxol or Taxotere..I can't remember, although I saw it at the infusion center. I'm trying so hard to stay positive and you all have such incredible courage and strength, so it really helps to read about you all. Any suggestions to help make this easier for my dad would be appreciated..emotionally and for the side effects of the chemo would be appreciated. Thanks so much...take care!