Andrea B.

Dear Ray, I am so very sorry to hear your cancer is back! I know how that news can take the wind out of your sails. But regroup and don't lose hope. My mom never ever gave up hope...even up to her last breath. I will be praying that Taxotere beats this demon into remission. Blessings, Andrea B.

For anyone interested, my mom's online memorial can be viewed at: http://www.bonneywatson.com/memorialindex.html Scroll down and click on Lillian Ostlund. Thank you for your kind words and keeping us in your prayers.

My beautiful mom passed away during the night. She went peacefully and quietly during her sleep. My mom battled lung cancer as she lived her life with humor, a positive attitude, strength and dignity. My heart is filled with overwelming sadness. I know in time that I will begin to heal, but for now the grief is enormous. Thank you all for your love and support during the past year. You are each a blessing to me and have helped me during the darkest year of my life. I was blessed to call her my mother and to pack so much love and memories into 32 years. I will forever be grateful to her for all the love she bestowed on me. Blessings to each of you.

Thank you to each one of you for posting and giving words of love and encouragement. I honestly don't know how I would have made it this far without your support. Through tears I read your posts and can feel the caring in every word. I know I am not alone and so thankful to have you to help me. I want you to know how much it means. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Peggy, thanks for letting us know. Peg and Bill are always in my thoughts. Please give them my love.

Things have gone from bad to worse in mere days. My dad and I have decided we need to call in hospice to help my mom and us in her final days. I never imagined that I could endure such pain. My dad is barely holding together, so I am trying to help him and myself. I am barely eating or sleeping...the anxiety is taking over. Then on top of everything I feel guilty for wanting my mom's suffering to end. I don't want her to lose her dignity and I feel that I can't begin to officially grieve. Hospice comes tomorrow. Please keep us in your thoughts for comfort and strength in the coming days. I am filled with utter sadness.

Dear Berisa, I am sending you lots of hugs. I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. I am in the same situation as you right now, my mom is declining rapidly and my heart is breaking. Please PM if you need to talk. Blessings and hugs to you. Andrea B.

Dear Tammy, I am not sure how many mets your mom has to the liver, but check into Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA). My mom's oncologist told us that my mom wasn't a candidate because she has far too many lesions. But I think she said that will do it if there are 5 or less lesions. Also, not sure what your mom's chemo treatments have been, but they will use this also to treat them. Best wishes. Andrea B.

Dear Andrea, I know the anxieties of wondering whether every bump, cough or pain is related to cancer. But please try not to worry yourself sick, I know easier said than done. You have so much on your plate right now, don't forget to stop and take time for yourself! Take care of yourself. Love, Andrea

Dear MO, You are in my prayers! I am glad too to hear that you have been feeling so well. Hugs to you, Andrea B.

Curtis, Thanks so much for sharing Becky with us again. She was a remarkable woman and will be missed so greatly. I will keep you and Katie in my prayers during this difficult time and beyond. Blessings to you. Andrea B.

Dear MO, I am SO happy to hear about the shrinkage. YEAH!!! I am sending you a big hug right now and more prayers for continued shrinkage. Blessings, Andrea B.

Dear Andrea, Please don't stress about this! You need to keep yourself healthy for you, your husband, and your beloved mom. In my opinion, any fundraising you do helps! Sometimes we just have to start with baby steps. Last year I did my first annual, "Hike the Hills for Lung Cancer Awareness"...I solicited friends and family to raise over $1,300 for lung cancer research. I recruited a couple friends and we made tshirts. This year I plan to expand and raise even more money...who knows in 10 years maybe it will be a big deal. Even if you raise $20 you are making a difference. My taking care of yourself and your mom is making a difference. Everyone appreciates your efforts. I just don't want you to cause any undue stress. Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day". Take care my friend, Andrea

THE ROPE Eleven people were hanging onto a rope under a helicopter, ten men and one woman. The rope was not strong enough to carry them all, so they decided that one had to drop off. Otherwise they all were going to fall. They were not able to choose that person, but then the woman made a very touching speech. She said that she would voluntarily let go of the rope, because as a woman she was used to giving up everything for her husband and kids, and for men in general, without ever getting anything in return. As soon as she finished her speech, all the men started clapping their hands...

Denise, It looks like you probably already received your answer. My mom had fluid removed to see if she could be a candidate for the GVAX trial and there was NO cancer. It is not always cancerous. In fact my mom was hospitalized with fluid around both lungs and was given lasix which removed most. Prayers for you and your mom and hugs to you. Andrea B.

Dear Stephanie, My heart is breaking for you after reading about your beautiful mom passing. I sent you an email, but please know I am here if you need to talk. Hugs to you and my thoughts are with you and your family. All my best, Andrea B.

I am so shocked and saddened to read this message! I am so very very sorry. I am at a loss for words. Becky was so young. Please know my thoughts are with you and your daughter. I am absolutely saddened!

I want to let you all know that I probably won't be posting for a short while. If it is possible to say...I am worried about my mental well being lately. I have always prided myself on being strong (and deep down I know I am), but I have been very down lately. I feel I need to take a little time to get my head clear. I am going to finally talk to a doctor about getting on anti-anxiety medication. So even though I am not posting I want you to know that I hold you dear in my heart. You each hold a special place. This website (thank you Rick and Katie!!!) has been a saving grace for me and I don't know how I would have managed to get this far without it! Blessings and love to each of you. Thank you so much for always keeping my mom in your prayers.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the valuable information and the prayers. John, thank you so much for your post! I think my mom will be trying the Gemzar/Navelbine combo. I appreciate all of you so much!!! Blessings to each of you.

I am so very very sorry!!! You and your family are in my thoughts.

Dearest Berisa, I am so sorry to hear about the challenges your dear father is facing. Please know you both are in my prayers. I send you hugs. Remember to take care of yourself too. Blessings to you.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your kind words and loving thoughts. You will never know how much they mean to me. I have always thought of myself as a strong person and I am having a very hard time dealing with this right now. I am angry and so saddened at the same time. We are looking into another chemo option now. Blessings to each of you and thank you for caring about my mom and me. Love, Andrea B.

Hi All, Well the bad news continues for us...my mom is not eligible for the GVAX vaccine due to the fact that there is not cancer in the fluid around her lung. Can't believe I would ever wish for cancer to be present!!! Also, the cancer in her liver is rapidly progressing and one of her liver blood counts is high. So right now the only other option to pursue is another chemo. Her oncologist mentioned trying Navalbine, but I am wondering if any others of you have suggestions on ones to try. Thanks so much! This site is a saving grace for me. Blessings to each of you. Andrea B.

Deanna, I am so very very sorry! My thoughts are with you and I wish I had the words to help ease your grief. Hugs to you.

Dear MO, You are always in my prayers and I am thinking about you. I am sending you hugs. Please keep us updated on what your oncologist has to say. Blessings. Andrea B.