cherry45

Steve, you have definetly come to the right place to vent and learn and be encouraged. I was also recently diagnosed stage IV and on the same chemo that you are, except mine is weekly. Your friends will be a great help to you, it seems. Keep coming here and there is a chatroom on Wednesday evenings here that is wonderful and you can get to know the people a little better. I check in here everyday and find something inspiring or informative each and everytime. You sound as if you are in good spirits...keep that going, stay active as you can, walk, read and don't let any negatives get hold of you. There are so many wonderful success stories...stay focused on that. Cherry45

Welcome Ronna, albeit I wish for a different reason. You seem to have a wonderful, positive attitude and that's just what the doctor ordered. I know exactly how you feel about your friends reactions. I had one friend that ended up needing consoling over my condition more than I did!! And you know what? That was fine..it helped me by knowing that she cared so much and that I was helping someone! Your boyfriend and wonderful children will help you get thru this. Stay positive and please keep coming here. It is a relief to hear all of the encouraging stories and informative words of people that really can relate to what we are going thru. I feel much like you did..that it was a wake up call to really know what is important in life. Stay in touch and you are in my prayers. Cherry45

Hi Becky. I too, am sorry that you had to come here because of lung cancer but you came to the right place. The words you will read here are so encouraging. Your daughter is going to be your guide thru this and you keep that positive attitude that you seem to have. Don't look on the net for lung cancer information it is depressing and innacurate. Keep only positive things in your life and write here anytime you need to vent. You will meet wonderful people that will encourage and inform you. I am newly diagnosed myself with just 2 chemo treatments behind me, I have a 17 year old daughter that absolutely has no doubt that mom won't get thru this and I have no intention of letting her down...just like you for your daughter. You have been added to my prayers, Becky. Cherry45

One more thing...Listen to Candy and take it from my own experience...do not look things up on the net...depressing and not accurate as proof by the people in this room. Stay positive...if it's not positive..run hard and fast...don't let negatives ever set in...Good point Candy, glad you mentioned that. Cherry45

Brandy, hi... I just had to reply to your message. I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and have a daughter myself. I know she is scared and that is okay. It is normal and I am scared too...Don't ever think it's selfish to be thinking of yourself at this time, of course you will. But you're mom is scared as well, I'm sure just like me. My son and daughter are what drive me to beat this everyday. My baby who is 17 and not reallya baby anymore, has no doubts that I won't pull thru this and just like everything else I have done in her life, she knows I will not dissapoint her if there is a way. Your love that you and your mom share will guide her...step by step. Be there for her, but never feel guilty if you have a bad day. She will have bad days too. We all do, cancer or no cancer. Be strong but cry too..it cleanses and heals. Please let me know how things go...I will have you both in my prayers. Your mom is lucky to have a loving daughter such as yourself. Please continue to come into this room, the people are wonderful and encourage your mom to come too. It helps so much...I have been very encouraged each and every time I read a new message. Feel free to e-mail me @ cherryblossom32119@yahoo.com if you need to talk. Take care ..Cherry45

Well, Mainecoon, looks as if you brought up some deep thoughts among us all. I'm still so new at this, I have only one way of thinking...I'm surviving. But I am realistic to know that I may be, in the not so far future, facing the same things as your wife. You have faced this time with courage and I agree that you have to enjoy every single moment. I wish I knew just the right thing to say...but I admit I am at a loss for words. It has brought thoughts to me, that I am not comfortable or ready to think about for myself. as of yet. You and your wife are in my thoughts...thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. FayA...you promised me an e-mail when you got home, so I am waiting...hugssssss dear one...Cherry45

I've just begun with only one treatment of chemo, but was warned by my doctor not to be discouraged, if it had not shrunk at first check. The point is to keep it from growing and spreading, at first. Hang in there...give it time. Cherry45

Linda, I am so sorry that this has happened. I can imagine you're feelings becuase when I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I was numb, sick, scared beyond any fear I've ever felt. Well, I still have those feelings at times, but this board has helped me so much. The encouraging stories and caring people in here keep me optimistic. Just stay in touch here and you will feel encouraged and enlightened. Keep the positive attitude, Linda for yours as well as your dad's sake. It will make all the difference. Your dad will be in my prayers...keep us posted. Cherry45

Bob, thanks for sharing that incredible story of your journey. it is very encouraging and although you have been thru so much, it seems you've done so well. I'm glad you are doing well...please keep us posted and welcome, even if it is for this reason that brings us all together. Cherry45

What a wonderful, idea...I would love to be your chemo buddy!! We can cheer each other on and every Tuesday I will have you in my thoughts. I'll update you tomorrow of my night...I can't imagine what it will bring... Thanks for a great idea!! Talk soon! Cherry45

Thanks for all the well wishes!! I survived my first time...I'm no longer a "chemo virgin" hahahaha... It really was easier than I expected...so far no sickness or tiredness. I have no idea what the night will bring on later, but I'm pleased so far. So this will be my routine for 9 weeks, chemo every Wednesday. I welcome each and every treatment..knowing it's killing this growing monster inside of me. I just pray for that and hope I can get thru it as easy as possible. I do realize it will get much tougher as time goes but I've got my bullet ready to bite and just deal with whatever comes my way. I'll keep you posted as the weird stuff begins...and you all are always in my prayers. You're the best support system I've found and feel lucky that I did and am ever so happy and grateful. Hugssssssss to all of you...

As of today, my adrenal gland biopsy had not been scheduled. grrrrrrrrrr I knew without these results the doctor would want to put my first chemo treatment off a week. I had my MRI of the brain today and I asked the technician about the results and she said she would not be able to say anything as to positive or negative.....Well, I survived the MRI with meds and a friend talking me thru it. After it was over I went to the screen with probably 14 pics of my brain, lookin very weird. I could have tried out for the "Alien" movies I'm sure. My brain looked bizarre. The tech moved them letting me see many angles...Finally I said, what would show up if it's in the brain?She said a bright white spot. I said, I don't see any white spots....I looked over at the technicican and she just smiled a big smile. I cried, hugged her and she said, it's not 100% but it looks good!!!!!! Not long after, I recieved a call from my doctors nurse telling me that I did not have to have the adrenal gland biopsy after all, as it was such a small spot it wasn't worth doing all the trouble it would be to get to it. She then said I could begin chemo therapy tomorrow!!!!!! :lol:I said, the chemo will work on the adrenal gland anyway, right? and she responded...Yes, it will. I am so happy...looks as if the brain is clear and chemo begins......Please think positively for me.....I feel truly blessed today! I'll keep you posted! Cherry45

My friend just e-mailed me this link and it is not the first I've heard of this laetril (B17). In fact the technician that did my pet scan went on about it. Is anyone familiar with it or checked into it? Just curious, sounds interesting, to say the least...http://www.worldwithoutcancer.org.uk/ Cherry45

David, your message is very heartwarming. I too, believe that a positive attitude is very important and you are very lucky to have all the support that you do. I feel as you do, that I have too much to live for, NOT to beat it. I am just starting out with all of this, waiting for treatment to begin... Keep that positive attitude going, David. You have a beautiful family. I will keep you in my prayers. Cherry45

Jenny, Ada, Don & Rocco...THANKS! Your words of encouragement really made me smile, that's the type of messages that help us all. I really stay so inspired by hearing about you, as do so many, I am sure. Thanks...you all are in my thoughts. Cherry

Well, I finally met with the oncologist on Tuesday..I wanted to post here what the visit produced, but I was so overwhelmed... it was worse than I had expected and I was repeating it to so many people. On top of that, when you read about stage IV, it's ALWAYS so Negative. Well OF COURSE it is, and maybe I'm not being realistic but I don't want the negatives...I know it's serious, I know it's a tough stage..I want to focus on positive...the treatment, the good news, my family, friends, the fact that I do not intend to succumb to it...Okay, sorry, I'm off my soapbbox now and so many of you have just made it soooooo much easier for me and have been so encouraging and I truly thank you for that...Okay,here goes: Stage IV upper lobe / chest wall a little adrenal gland, too I have to have a biopsy of adrenal gland and an MRI of the brain..to check that out....unfortunately, the scheduling of the biopsy, which will not be till one day next week, is going to hold my treatment up, I was supposed to start on the 22nd of May, but Doc wants all these results back, so grrrrrrrr ....waiting again. Anyway, when treatment does begin~ it will be as follows: carboplatin Iv every 3 weeks x 3 = 9 weeks taxol Iv weekly x 9-12 weeks Then repeat scans.... chemo...cisplatin weekly radiation 5 days per week 5 - 6 weeks Then repeat scans.... Then if shrinkage enough...lung and adrenal gland surgery There!!! Now, if you had the patience to read as I ranted and read all of this... please let me know you're thoughts...Thanks again, all of you that have been so helpful and positive, I really enjoy being part of this board. And to Fay, I want to thank you for that message you sent me recently...I didn't see a way to respond to you and wanted too. Your message was very inspiring. I would love to talk more to you, if you would...Thanks everyone, sincerely...I will keep you posted and always keep you all in my prayers.

Hi Rocco...I am new here too. So sorry we all come together under these circumstances, but grateful this board is here. Everyone has been fabulous to me and it helps me alot. I have always believed that attitude & determination were huge factors in all parts of our life. I have also known that self healing is very possible, although I never knew that I would need to depend on these things like I do now. Your progress sounds so encouraging...way to go! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Cherry45

I'm sorry you've had to come here, but it's the place to be. Everyone here genuinely cares and will offer advice and support. Bring your sister here if you can, the knowledge of knowing and sharing stories is so comforting. Never say never.....miracles abound, as you will read here at this site. Your sister is in my prayers as well as you. ...Cherry45

Sue...How absolutley fantastic... I'm just starting with all this mess, but cannot wait to hear those words...clean scans. I am so thrilled for you!!!

Oh bob...I am so inspired by your news. I am a "newbie" and I know the path ahead of me is long, but hearing your fabulous news is just what I needed. I am so happy for you, in fact I admit, I cried reading it, knowing the joy you and your family must be feeling. Congratulations, bob, you earned every beautiful day ahead of you. Enjoy....and my best wishes to you. What a happy day...God bless you.

Donna...what good news! I think that's so encouraging. You have a beautiful smile and I'm sure you are doing alot of that these days. I am smiling for you...

Amazing what's good news is to me these days. My doctor called, remember I had been pipe dreaming when I said the tumor was 2cm and it was actually 5 cm? Well, now she says it's only 4cm. Yay! Then she said it doesn't appear to have spread anywhere, no lymph nodes or anything. Yay again...however there is a suspicious 1cm. nodule on my adrenal gland? So, all in all I thought it was encouraging... Labwork this morning and then finally those biopsies I was promised, no later than first of next week. I feel like it's dragging... Thanks all of you for all your help...I look in here every day, it comforts me so and everyone is so kind. I kep you all in my prayers.

Julie, I'm brand new at this myself. I just wanted to say that this room will comfort you. I come home everyday and look forward to reading something new and everyone is so encouraging. Like everyone here, would love to talk to you if you need an ear just to vent. The one thing I've learned above all, is no matter what, keep that positive attitiude...being newly diagnosed myself I can relate ot what is going thru your mind. In here you will see that we are all winners and we will make it just fine...keep that faith. You are in my prayers, Julie.

I mentioned that the doc. had said my tumor was 2 cm....my friend that was with me said no...it is 5 cm. Grrrrrrrr what was I thinking...or was I? I see now it is best to take someone with me. Anyway, catscan today was not bad and in fact I put him on the spot and asked if he saw smethin more...he siad it looked clean around it...now just the other spots. I want to thank each and everyone of you for responding...I can tell this is going to get me thru it...Thank you and God bless all of you! Cherie