rvillella

Congrats Aaron. Ralph

Good News. Ralph

Thanks Randy, Needed the laugh. This weather here has been beating me up. SOB is worse the higher the temps go. Ralph

Glad your back. Get better. Ralph

I've done 3 rounds of radiation. One to the area where my original tumor was removed along with the right lung. One to a spot on my left lung which seems to be dead. Will know more on the next CAT scan in July. Just finished 15 doses of radiation to the head. Won't know the results of that one until July also. I believe that it is better than just chemo alone. You get a little more tired and beat up but it is doable and I believe very effective. Let me know if there is anything else you would like to know. Ralph

Rod; Sorry you had to find this site, but I can tell you the people here are a godsend. My hardest part in all of this has been to tell my children. All are grown and out of the house so it was really difficult. Keep up the attitude it will work wonders for you in the long run. Quitting was the hardest part for me, and I had to do it before surgery to remove the right lung. Stress was my biggest problem. Keep us informed of what is going on. Good Luck and God Bless. Ralph

I can't remember now. Seems like the WBR has made it difficult for me to remember what I want to do next. Ralph

I would try option 3 or 4. Pain management should be part of the program anyway. And if you don't like what you ONC is saying get a second opinion. The more informed you are the less you fear. Ralph

Heidi; Sorry to hear the news. You both have been through this fight before and you can do it again. Just keep your chin up and positive thoughts and you and your mom will get through it. You and your mom will be in my prayers. Ralph

When they removed my right lung I was put on a ventilator. They were supposed to remove it before I woke up but the Fentanyl they were using was to heavy for me. I was completely out. When I would wake up I would fight the tube and they tied me down which made me even madder. They finally told my middle daughter and my wife that when I woke up the next time to tell me that I had to stay awake for 20 minutes on my own without fighting the tube and no external stimuli (TV or such) and they would take it out. Took some doing but I did it. From then on they only used lighter medications to knock me out and if they used the other it was in a very small dose. Hope this helps. Ralh

I stay here out of respect for those who have helped me and gave me hope while I was in that deep pit, and have passed on to their freedom from this dreaded disease. To many times I felt sorry for myself and just couldn't see going on any more and there was a posting on the boards from someone that would remind me how lucky I was to be getting treated and having the possibility of a cure. Snapped me right out of my pity party and brought me back to reality. Without all of you here I don't think I would have had the strength to make it. Ralph

Both of mine were squamous cell but they treated both as stage 1. Ralph

I've had both. The first time was radiation and chemo. I seemed to handle that one a little better than this last round of Radiation. I got really tired and couldn't seem to get enough rest no matter what I did. It's a lot better now but I belive that the radiation is worse, but doable. Ralph

The radiation really does a number on your insides. Since I've had it twice in different areas of the chest I have different pains. This last round ended up messing with a bundle of nerves that are near where they where shooting the radiation so they hurt inside. It is sometimes hard to explain but is is painful. I found that a heating pad under my left arm for a little while eases the pain in that side. Hope she feels better soon. Ralph

When I finished the steroids for the same thing I ended up with pneumonia. I ended up in the hospital with antibiotics becuase the steroids lowered my resistance to other things also. Hopefully they will get it under control really quick. Good Luck Ralph

And the little light bulb goes on over my head! Ralph

The worst for me is remembering words. I know what I want to say but I can't get it to come out. And now that I am back to looking for work I just don't know if I'll be able to be the productive person I used to be. Oh Well, Just blame the chemo and make everyone laugh. Ralph

Way to go Val. Keep it up. Ralph

My Radiation Oncologist says that my shortness of breath and overall tiredness is from the radiation. Even once you are finished with the treatments they continue to work for a few weeks afterwards according to my notes. Other than that they can look into Radiation pnuemonitis or COPD. Ralph

Smarter. Don't understand why though. Guessed right a couple of times I guess. Ralph

I always knew that I could boost my spirit by coming here to the boards and looking to see one of Franks posts in the Just for fun area. Franks picture and his bio gave me a lot of hope. I will miss his sense of humor. Rest in Peace Frank. Ralph

Good Bye Frank. I'll miss you. Connie you have my deepest sympathy. Ralph

Crabbyturkey Rottenshorts. Sounds about right up until I got the chemical additive from the docs that is supposed to even out my disposition. Don't know if it is working yet though. Ralph

Thanks for the Laugh. Each day I look forward to what everyone thinks is funny and this one blew me away. Ralph

Katie; Without yours and Ricks determination I don't know where I would be now. Your site has been the one thing I could count on when I wasn't feeling right. Thanks. And here's to many more posts. Ralph