Shar

Hi Tracy, I can relate to you on this subject. It's hard to understand how some people operate, I have just come to accept that is the way they are. The way they cope doesn't help me in any way, but nothing will change that. I have a younger brother (my only sibling) and he was great when I was first diagnosed. Him and his wife offered financial support because I had to give up my job and I was really touched by that. He has never really been one to show emotion, that was as much as he ever has, but I was glad for the support. He has never called me to ask how I am or to find out how any of my scans have turned out. I spent a week in hospital, he never visited. At family gatherings he never mentions my illness, never asks when my next scan might be or how I am feeling. It just doesn't exist for him. 18 months ago it all blew up. We were out at a family dinner and his wife made a not so nice remark to me. Totally unnecessary and I showed a lot of restraint, which is unlike me I must say. The next day my mum speaks to him to find out why his wife was in such a foul mood and he blames me for everything. Said I was probably under stress because of all my scans and tests. Things have never been the same since, I really can't be bothered. Apathy. I just accept him for who he is, he is not the person I thought he was. That's the key to my thinking now. People are not going to be who I want them to be during this battle. I just expect nothing now from anyone. Sorry to ramble on, but I totally feel for you because I have lived it. I am more independent now than I have ever been. There have been others who have let me down, I don't give them a chance to do that anymore by expecting nothing. It's taken a long time to get to where I am, sometimes I wish I had somebody I could call my rock, but I know now that everybody has their own way of dealing with things. You are a fighter Tracy, you have got a long way to go yet. You are strong and courageous and have handled everything so well. Go for the trial, your Aunt is a fantastic woman, take up the offer of support. Will be thinking of you, Sharon

Hi Guys, Just a quick note to let you know that my ultrasound revealed nothing sinister, just fluid apparently. They can't give me an answer as to why it is happening, they discovered another lump during the ultrasound, but I am just happy it is nothing nasty. So, I will put up with the pain and hopefully in time they go away. Sharon

Hi Jamie, Started in April 05. Hoping the miracle continues. Sharon

Thanks Wendy and Ernie for responding. I am off to see the Oncologist tomorrow afternoon. The pain in my ankle is getting worse and the lumps are just not going away. Not sure what the plan is, but I'm guessing a bone scan or a biopsy. Will let you know how it goes. Sharon

Hi Everyone, I'm not getting a lot of answers from my Onc at the moment, there is no better place to ask questions than here. I have been on Tarceva for over 2 years now, I was the first patient to receive it in the state where I live. The doctors here look at me for answers and there is nobody I can question when something that could be a new side effect happens to me. For the past month I have been getting lumps on the bottom of my leg and foot. They feel like a major bruise and are around the size of a pea. I have one on my ankle and it is getting harder to walk because of it. I had an ultrasound when there was only one lump and they said it was swelling. Weird. Since then 6 more have grown and the first 2 have doubled in size. Just wondering if anybody out there has experienced anything similar. I told my Onc that more have grown and he said to just wait and see if any more appear. They are putting it down to being a side effect of the Tarceva, but sometimes I feel it's just an explanation when things are too hard to figure out. Thanks, Sharon

All the best Don for the future. Thanks for your caring words and encouragement. You have had such a positive effect on so many people and you will be missed. Sharon

I am so sorry to read of this Kelly. Your mum was a fighter and you were always there for her. Will be thinking of you, Sharon

This has happened many times, including my toes. I am on Minocycline and that seems to help. Maybe ask your Onc about it and see what they can do. Sharon

Great news Carol, congratulations. I love hearing news like this. Sharon

Hi, I had a scan after 8 weeks and there was a significant reduction in my primary tumour and many nodules. I never really had major breathing problems, but within that 8 week period I did notice improvement. Hope it works for your mum, Sharon

Sounds great to me. The sooner Tarceva is approved the better. No more trials for it down here either. I am helping in launching a campaign regarding treatment costs for lung cancer patients. Hopefully the right people will listen, nobody should have to pay for life saving health treatment, it's ridiculous. Best of luck with it, Sharon

Congratulations on the birthday and the anniversary. Here's cheers to both of you, Sharon

I get what you are saying Tracy. I often refer to my old life as B.C. (before cancer) and it makes me sad that there is no going back. Trust me, congratulate yourself on what you have done this past year. I bet you have found a strength you never thought you had. As for the scan results, well the best indicator is you. If you're feeling well, it will be ok. Will be thinking about you, Sharon

Sounds good to me Ernie. All the best, Sharon

Great news Maryanne, glad to hear it. Lover hey???? What's on your mind there, lol. Well done, Sharon

Thanks so much for posting what is for me, very inspiring to read. What hope you have given others, Sharon

That is such great news. Congratulations, Sharon

Congratulations!!!!!!! Love that stable word. So happy to hear it, Sharon

Grace, I am thinking of you and am sorry to read of your loss. Sharon

I had a severe rash and finally after seeing a Dermatologist I now have relief. I am taking Minocycline, an antibiotic which has made my rash tolerable. I still have it, but it's far better since being on the antibiotic. Best of luck, Sharon

Tarceva has been nothing short of a miracle for myself. It has been 22 months for me now and I hope your husband has great success with it also. Sharon

Hi Aaron, All I can add is that the rash is the worst thing with Tarceva. I am now on a long term course of antibiotics which has controlled the rash. I lost a lot of hair from the rash, but the worst part was the discomfort. 20 months later Tarceva is still working for me, so it's all been worth it. Hope it does it stuff for you and enjoy Mexico, Sharon

Great news Kasey. I'm glad NED continues to be your friend. Sharon

Great news Kelly, if I could dance I would! Sharon

You are a fighter Lilly, that is a fact! Hopefully they will find something for you to ease the nausea. That part is so unfair. I'll be thinking of you, Sharon