marym

I also had a benefit - getting rid of a rash. But it's not the chem, it's the decadron (or other steroid) that controls rashes. Mary

I'm in.

Tina, Great news! Mary

That's good news. You may find out it's just the chemo causing it. Mary

I'm sorry about your Dad's current situation. Tarceva can definetly be effective - and there are other drugs if this doesn't work. Hang in there Mary

Good luck! Mary

Hi Michele, I had gemcitibine and carboplatin for my first chemo,(after radio surgery for brain mets). I went 11 cycles so it clearly didn't present much of a problem for me. I did have some difficulty with my blood counts and in fact that is why I was taken off the treatment. I also recall nausea once or twice, but I just got in the habit of taking a compazine two days after chemo. I am also being treated at Moffitt and like you find the place to be great. And I think my doctors are all great. Hope chemo is as tolerable for you as it has been for me. Mary

Getting the MRI should identify the problem, and then hopefully it can be addressed. It may be something minor. I had problems with my legs sort of seizing. I was sure it was the start of my being unable to walk. But it is now gone and the doctors are not even sure what the cause was. Hang in there. Mary

Great news. I hope things continue to be "unremarkable"! Mary

Hope your Mom and your family enjoy the day. mary

Congratulations!

Hi and welcome, So sorry you had the need to find us. I'm glad to see that your Mom's seems to be doing better. May this just continue. Mary

Hi Mindy, Welcome to the site. I'm sorry to hear of your Mother's condition. What are the doctors doing for her? Is she on any treatment? She should be on pain killers - that will not put her to sleep. If she has mets that affect her walking, can radiation help? I think you need to have the doctor take steps to alleviate your Mom's condition. I was also given a year - 21 months ago and I am fine. But I have had several radiation treatments, radio surgey and chemo for most of the 20 months. I feel fine and live normally. If you need to, change doctors, but your Mom should not be in pain or asleep. If her condition or her choice makes further treatment not reasonable, then I would look to Hospice care for some assistance. Best wishes. Mary

Hi Sonia, I'm sorry for your situation. It's difficult to watch someone we love become weak. I suspect you Mum just needs to be with your Dad right now. Best wishes for your family. Mary

What a shame that a doctor could be so lacking in compassion. I'm glad your oncologist is of a different mind. My initial diagnosis included the 6 months, maybe a year because you are young (for stage IV lung cancer). I have not spent a day in bed, live a perfectly normal life, and feel fine. I have had radiation, radio surgery and I've been on chemo since the start. (I have tolerated chemo quite easily). Anyway, I was diagnosed 21 months ago. And by the way I'm not planning to go anywhere at this time. Hang in there And keep up the fight! Mary

Hi Loretta and welcome. I hope your husband continues to do well. If he is on decadron with the WBR, it can really disturb your sleep. And radiation causes a lot of fatigue. I have also found that after radiation is done, you get a second hit of fatigue - any where from 2 to 6 months later. Best wishes. Mary

Hi And welcome. I love your story and hope we'll have a lot more stories like yours! Mary

Hi Wendy and welcome, I'm sorry you have the need of the board, but hope we can offer support, information or whatever might be helpful. Mary

Sounds as if you have some fluid retention. I have had this problem several times - and I think some people have had this as a side effect of Tarceva. My doctor has prescribed a mild diuretic that is potassium sparing... I usually take one and that is all I need. I would just call your doctor and have him call in a prescription to your local pharmacy. The problem will be gone in a day. Good luck. Mary

I was diagnosed at 54, 21 months ago. Mary

Great news. Radiation can really tire you out, so make sure Dad gets plenty of rest. Mary

Joanie, I would also demand the testing. Why feel poorly at all, never mind waiting for something serious. Mary

Hi Robin, Glad it went well. You will find it so mucj easier than using veins. Mary

Hi Sandra and welcome to the board. Mary

Hi Tracy, Hope today you are feeling better. I guess it just isn't easy to ignore the reality of this disease - and how difficult it must be for all those who have young children. I personally try really hard to focus in what is good in my life..and so much is, but at times, you just give in to feeling sad. It's normal and necessay. Anyway hope you are able to shake the blues. Mary