Andrea B.

Dear Heather, I am so sorry for all the anxiety you are under. I know that my mom's cancer has effected my mental state terribly. I try not to let it, but sometimes it gets the best of me. If my mom coughs or sneezes or winces, I am certain it is cancer. Sometimes I feel that if I think this way that I can't be let down when I find out it is...like somehow I am preparing myself. Now it has transferred over into other areas...my husband complains about a pain and I am worried it is cancer. I have a headache and wonder if it is cancer. When all this is happening to me, I realize I am so overwhelmed by all the emotions and unknowns of cancer. I take the time to talk to my counselor, journal or do something else that helps get my mind off the anxiety. I can't know exactly how you feel, but I want you to know you aren't alone. Big hugs to you. Love, Andrea B.

Dearest Sharon, I am so very sorry to hear about your son. I can understand some of your emotions. My brother suffered through horrible substance abuse for over 10 years. It tore our whole family apart. I know the devastation it can bring with it...worrying about your loved one and trying to deal with your emotions. My brother finally went through a 30 day treatment program about 7 years ago and things have slowly built back since. Please PM me if you need to talk or any support! I will be praying for your family. Hugs, Andrea B.

Dear Andrea, You and your mom are always in my prayers and especially now for a successful surgery. Big hugs to you and we are always here for you!!!! Take care. Please let us know how your mom is doing and give her my best.

Great news, TBone. I pray that you will be feeling better soon to celebrate with your family. I also pray that you get continued shrinkage. All my best to you.

Berisa, you and your dad are always in my prayers. I will say an extra one for you that the surgery is successful. All my best to you.

Dearest Shelly, Thanks so much for the update on your dad. I am sorry things are so difficult and that you have to endure so much. Please know that you aren't alone on this difficult road. I am here if you ever need to talk or someone to listen. I always keep you and your dad in my prayers. I am sending you hugs.

Sorry I don't have the answers, Berisa. But want you to know my prayers and blessings are with you and your beloved father.

I am not posting about any treatment successes or shrinkages, but about the little treasures in life...time I get to spend with my mom. My mom and I went with my daughter today to the yarn shop so my mom can knit my daughter a sweater and beret. This is the first time I have been out with my mom (she hasn't gotten out much except for doctor appointments), since November. I can't begin to tell you how much I loved and appreciated this beloved time. The doctors told my mom she wouldn't make it out of the hospital in December...she proved them wrong...they told her she has 9 to 12 months and I pray she continues to prove them wrong. But mostly, I thank God for these special moments, because they mean the most. Blessings to each of you.

Denise, Prayers for you and your beloved mom...you both always remain in my prayers. Blessings.

Dear Linda, I am sorry your beloved father is having a difficult time. Believe it or not, my mom was actually worse when she was on Lorazepan and other drugs. Her doctor cut back and she seems to be doing better. I pray your father improves and that Iressa works for him. Blessings and hugs to you and your family.

I too am amazed at the comments people make. Several people (family, nurses, etc.) have told my mom oh I wish I could lose some weight like you. WHAT?! Then the other day I am at the store and this woman comments how much hair my baby girl has...she proceeds to say her granddaughter is almost two and still looks like a "chemo patient". I am so flabbergasted by people's insensitivity that it blows me away. We have to chalk it up to ignorance!

Dear Sweet Norme, Through tears I am reading your message. I can not begin to imagine your pain, but I can feel the love you and Buddy shared. One day again you will meet. Please know we are all here for you and come back often. My heart goes out to you. Hugs and love.

Dear Peg, I am so very happy to see the good news!!!!!!! How wonderful. You and Bill always remain in my prayers. Hugs to you.

Dear Peg, I am a bit late in reading this posting, but wanted you to know that you and Bill are always in my prayers. I am SO happy to hear things are stable!!!

Kelly, I am so sorry you have to be here. It is so very scary dealing with lung cancer and the unknowns. I know how you feel about being so scared to lose your loved one. My mom too is very close to my daughter and used to care for her several days a week. I see the pain in my mom's eyes now that she is no longer able to care for her the way she used to do. But it is funny how this whole thing makes you focus on the priorities in life. Enjoy each day to the fullest. Not one of us knows how long we have and no doctor can tell us how long we have. My mom told she wouldn't make it out of the hospital at the end of December and she is doing better today. I will keep your dad in my prayers. I am sorry I don't have any answers about the trachea. Blessings to you and come here whenever you need support.

Dear Carleen, I too have had different dreams that stay with me...I am either holding my mom and comforting her or her doctor is telling me she is completely free of cancer. I spend my waking hours trying to deal with all of my emotions, grief, loneliness, anger, confusion, etc., so I feel my dreams are a way of subconsciously helping me deal with my cancer. I don't believe you should read into anything. In my case, my mom is still alive but I feel terribly alone somedays. You too could be feeling alone, because things are so overwhelming. Try not to read into things and create worry. Enjoy the days, however many we have together on this earth. You and Keith are so blessed to share a love and connection that so many unfortunately don't ever get to experience. Cherish this bond and each other. We too are always here for you. Love, Andrea

Dear Francine, I am so sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. Please know you are in my prayers that you get strength during the anxious test time and receive good news. Hugs to you.

Hi Carolyn, Sorry you have to be here, but you have found a great group of people with lots of support and information. I am sorry too about the sudden turn of events for your mom. That is the awful roller coaster ride of cancer. I pray the upcoming treatments will be successful for your mom. You are not alone, hang in there and don't lose hope. Blessings, Andrea

Bless each and every one of you! I have tears in my eyes from the caring I receive here. Your messages mean more to me than words. How sad I am that we all have to be here, but how happy I am to have met you. Love to each of you.

Dearest Berisa, I am so very sorry to hear about the reoccurence! It too makes me so sad that our dear loved ones have to endure so much. I will be keeping your beloved dad in my prayers for healing and strength. You too will be in my prayers. We are all here for you. Blessings and hugs to you! Andrea

Dear Ray, My mom started Iressa back in November and had HORRIBLE diarhea. In fact, she had to stop the Iressa a few times, because of this. She was also taking Immodium and it only helped a little. She has now been on Iressa since January and no problems with diarhea. My mom was also feeling very weak, but that too has improved. I am wishing you the best and hoping things improve.

Dear Nancy, I know how cancer can play with the mind. I worry about every little "symptom" or "spot". I will be praying that the tests come out good and there is nothing cancer related. Take care of yourself and blessings to you.

Connie, Thanks so much for the update. Norme has been in my thoughts daily.

Dear Friends, I just posted that my mom found out the cancer has spread to her liver. My mom is an amazing woman and is staying strong, but if any of you can write to her (her name is Lillian) and offer words of encouragement. I will print them off and give them to her. Thank you so much! Andrea

Hi All, Well, we went for my mom's CT results today and needless to say we didn't hear what we wanted. The cancer has spread to my mom's liver (I guess I can keep hoping it actually isn't cancer). They found 4 new lesions, the largest measuring 2.5cm. This was absolutely heartbreaking! My mom has feeling a bit better lately and I thought it would be our turn to hear some good news. Once I get my feet back under me, I know I will be hopeful again but it is hard when we keep getting bad news. It was also the first time that the doctor put a "time" on how long my mom has. If anyone can offer me any information (I have read about RFA, but is it something for late stage NSCLC?) or hope I would greatly appreciate it. Also, my dad's CT scan came back with a suspicious spot, so his results are currently being reviewed by a tumor board. Blessings to each of you.