Andrea B.

Sara, I will be praying for your husband's clean scans today.

Dear Micki, I am so sorry you have to be here, but it is a great place for support and information. I know exactly how you feel, because my loving mother was diagnosed in March. It was the day my world stopped spinning. To say she is my best friend would be an understatement. My mom had a biopsy done and after meeting with her oncologist it was determined she couldn't have surgery. But she told them she wanted to be as aggressive as possible to beat this monster. So they started her on radiation and chemotherapy. Her radiation began first, about two weeks after the diagnosis. Chemotherapy started a bit later, because she was getting over pneumonia and unable to start earlier. My advice to offer would be to get a second opinion!!!! And arm yourself with knowledge...come here to ask questions, don't read the depressing statistics. Your mom will probably need help with someone being her advocate during treatment. I know my mom doesn't have the energy to do all the research, so this is what I do and it makes me feel like I am helping. Because it is very scary to have no control. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your mom.

Sam, Thank you very much for the information. This really helps. I can't say enough how glad I am to have found this site!

Oh Shelly, I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. I can truly empathize with your anger. I had a talk with my mom the other day and told her how angry I am (I don't have mine directed at anyone, but the damn cancer). I am angry, because she is the most selfless and loving person, so why does she have to deal with this. Why can't she be enjoying her granddaughter and life...instead of battling this dreaded disease. My mom (her usual amazing self) said to me, "Andrea, I am not angry, I have never been angry". "I am 65 years old and have lived an amazing life (she did say she plans to be around for a lot longer)". She continued to say that her heart really aches for the young people that should be enjoying life to the fullest, but have to deal with health problems. My eyes welled up with tears as I looked at her...even when she has every right to be angry as well as many other emotions, she is still her selfless self. I feel I continue to learn from her every day...it doesn't mean I am not angry. I am angry as hell. I guess I am trying to say that I can understand your anger. But I also try to take away things from this horrible experience and grow from them and become an even stronger person. I feel I can direct my anger in helping my mom and to bring attention to this disease, so we can get the much needed help. My heart truly aches for you and all that you are going through. I do hope that you continue to post...because you are a source of comfort to many many people here. I will continue to keep you and your mom in my prayers. Please know I am here. I send you a big hug.

I am curious if anyone has heard of the practice of doing radiation to the brain as a preventive measure (when no brain mets are present)? Thanks for any information.

Don, I am sorry to hear about the bumps in the road for you. I will be praying for both you and Lucie. You are such wonderful people. I am hoping you are on the flat part of the road soon. All my best.

It is always wonderful to read your posts. Enjoy your trip to Colorado. You are an inspiration!

Shelly, Sending lots of prayers your way!!!!! And don't be reading the depressing information on the internet! Instead, spend your time doing something else, like writing a letter to your mom, or some other activity. I will be thinking of you over the weekend, because I know how the days can drag out when you are waiting for results. All my best to you!

Kathy, My mom has been having leg cramps and we talked to her doctor. It can be a side effect of the Taxol she is currently taking. This didn't start until about her 5th week of treatment and they are not severe. Hope this helps!

Norme, I am so very sorry to hear that news. I am not knowledgable in the treatments for liver mets. But I want you to know that Buddy is in my prayers. Keep up the fight.

Amy, Glad you found the site, but sorry you have to be here. You will get a lot of support and information here. I think I can relate to how you are feeling, because it is my beloved mom who was diagnosed in March. This is a tough roller coaster to ride. But for your mom to have already survived 4 years, is wonderful. There are a lot of new technologies. I know it is hard not to grieve...at least for the way things used to be. Don't give up hope. Educate yourself and ask the doctor lots of questions! It is hard, because there are days I don't want to talk the language either. I just want this disease to go away. But by being knowledgable, you can get your mom the best care. Come back here whenever you need support or answers to questions. All my best to you. Andrea

Sandra, sorry you have to be here, but welcome! You will find a lot of support and information here.

Ray, glad to hear things are going well. I do enjoy hearing good news. I will keep you in my prayers that you are empty headed.

Dave, I am glad to hear everything turned out okay and that you have only two treatments left. I will keep you in my prayers for remission! Hope you are still able to enjoy some golf.

Rana, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you and I wish you peace during this difficult time. God bless you.

My mom had radiation for lymph node involvement. She met with her radiation oncologist initially and he said there was nothing but good that could come from her having radiation. And boy was he right...the lump that was visible on her neck is now gone. The main side effects my mom had were burns to the skin (much like bad sunburns) and a burnt esophagus (hard for her to swallow). When she started the treatment she went in and was marked with "tattoos" as to where the radiation would be given. Then she went in daily for 33 treatments all together and it would take about 2 minutes for her to get the treatments. She said it actually took her longer to get undressed than it did to get the treatment. Also, about halfway through the treatments it is typical for them to remark with new "tattoos", because they didn't want her receiving too much radiation in only one angle. And you can only receive so much radiation in one place anyways. I hope this helps. I am sure once you meet with the doctor and get some of your questions answered it will give you a little peace of mind. All my best to you.

Shannon, You are an amazing woman and your posts always give me inspiration. I think your grace and strength are admirable. I can learn something from you. What an amazing love you and Mike shared and I know he is watching over you and comforting you during the difficult times. I wish you peace and continued blessings.

Shelly, I am sorry you have to ride this awful roller coaster. Please know your mom will be in my prayers.

She will be in my prayers!

I am sorry to hear the news. You are in my prayers. Keep up the fight. You are right, you have way to much to live for.

I believe in miracles and have a strong faith in hope. You will be in my continued prayers.

Hi Cheryl, Welcome to the board, sorry you have to be here. But you will find wonderful supportive people here with lots of information. My mom was diagnosed in March with Stage IIIB NSCLC. It was a very difficult time, because I felt so overwhelmed, lost and didn't even know where to start. I was researching the web and became depressed with the statistics I read. Then I found this site and it has been a God send. My mom was unable to have surgery. She underwent 33 daily radiation treatments and has had 8 chemo (carbo/taxol) treatments. The doctor says she will have around 12 probably. The CT scans show her cancer is shrinking. We remain hopeful for a complete remission. If I can offer you any advice, be very vigilant in your husband's care and never give up hope! Come here whenever you have questions or need support. You will be in my prayers.

Ginny, thanks for sharing the update on Earl and yourself. It continues to give me hope. I am happy to hear that all is going well and that Earl with have a bit of a reprieve from all the doctor visits. Enjoy the summer. I will keep you in my prayers for continued good news. All my best.

I am so very sorry for your loss! My thoughts are with you.

Jay, I am so sorry to hear that you have caught a cold now too. Get yourself some much needed and deserved rest. I will keep you in my prayers.