MsC1210

Hello Beth and welcome As Stacey has pointed out this is a wonderful source of information, support and hope! Please let us know how we can help you and your Mom and know that we are all here to make this easier on you. Keep us posted as you can, My best to you and your family Chris

Poniard Announces Positive Interim Survival Results From Ongoing Phase 2 Trial Of Picoplatin For Small Cell Lung Cancer 07 Nov 2006 Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PARD), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on oncology, today announced positive interim median overall survival data from its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of picoplatin in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The trial includes SCLC patients with platinum-refractory disease or platinum-resistant or platinum-sensitive disease who have progressed within six months after receiving first-line therapy. Based on these data, Poniard plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 trial of picoplatin in SCLC in the first half of 2007 and file a New Drug Application for this indication in 2009. The Company anticipates that the primary endpoint of the planned Phase 3 trial will be survival and expects to enroll approximately 400 patients in the trial. Picoplatin is a new generation platinum therapy with an improved safety profile designed to overcome and prevent platinum resistance associated with chemotherapy in solid tumors. "SCLC presents a critical unmet medical need with inadequate treatment options," said John R. Eckardt, M.D., a Phase 2 clinical trial investigator and medical oncologist at The Center for Cancer Care and Research in St. Louis. "Platinum-resistant or -refractory SCLC patients often experience rapid disease progression and low overall survival despite treatment with available drugs, which have significant associated toxicities." No new drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of platinum-resistant or -refractory SCLC in nearly a decade. "It appears that in addition to potentially extending survival in these patients, picoplatin may offer better quality of life because of its improved safety profile over current treatment options," said Jerry McMahon, Ph.D., chairman, president and CEO of Poniard. "We believe that the planned Phase 3 SCLC trial will be an important step forward on the path to market for picoplatin. We also believe our current financial resources will enable us to initiate the Phase 3 study, complete our ongoing Phase 2 trial in SCLC, and initiate and complete patient enrollment in our planned Phase 2 studies in colorectal and prostate cancers next year." Summary of Interim Phase 2 Survival Results Enrollment in the open-label, multi-center Phase 2 trial was completed in August 2006. This ongoing trial is designed to confirm the clinical activity of picoplatin as second-line therapy in patients with platinum-refractory disease or disease that has progressed within six months following first-line treatment with a platinum-based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin or carboplatin. A recent interim analysis showed a median overall survival of 26.7 weeks in the 72 evaluable patients treated with picoplatin. According to the 2006 National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines, the median survival for patients who receive second-line chemotherapy is approximately 16 to 20 weeks. At the time of the interim analysis, there had been 22 deaths from disease progression among the 77 picoplatin-treated patients. There were not sufficient data on the last five patients enrolled in the Phase 2 study to include them in the interim analysis. However, data for all patients will be included in the final analysis. In addition to overall survival, the Phase 2 trial is evaluating overall response rates, progression-free survival, improvement in disease-related symptoms and disease control. Final results of this trial are expected in mid-2007 and will be submitted for presentation at upcoming scientific conferences. "The median overall survival observed to date in our Phase 2 trial confirms our previous data and suggests that picoplatin treatment may represent an improvement over best supportive care alone," said David A. Karlin, M.D., senior vice president of clinical development and regulatory affairs of Poniard. "We have designed our Phase 3 trial with these observations in mind and are regularly communicating and working closely with the FDA in our efforts to bring this drug to market for these severely underserved patients." Poniard's planned international, multi-center, randomized Phase 3 pivotal trial is expected to take about 20 months to complete, with a 2:1 randomization comparing picoplatin plus best supportive care to best supportive care alone. The planned trial would enroll patients who are refractory to, or who have progressed within six months of completing, treatment with first-line platinum chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin). Beyond the primary endpoint of overall survival, the study would also measure overall response rates, progression-free survival and disease control. About Small Cell Lung Cancer SCLC is the most aggressive and deadly form of lung cancer and accounts for approximately 20 percent of all lung cancer cases. The current two-year survival rate for patients with extensive SCLC is less than 10 percent with current management options. The estimated incidence of lung cancer in the United States in 2006 is 174,500, according to the National Cancer Institute. The estimated incidence in Europe in 2004 was 383,900, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Poniard received orphan drug designation in November 2005 from the FDA for picoplatin for the treatment of SCLC. SCLC is currently treated with platinum therapies, but many patients do not respond, and if they do respond, they typically relapse within a short time after treatment. There is currently no FDA-approved therapy and no consistent and effective therapy for SCLC patients who have platinum-resistant or -refractory disease after treatment failure with first-line combination therapy with either cisplatin or carboplatin. About Poniard Pharmaceuticals Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative oncology products to impact the lives of people with cancer. Picoplatin, the Company's lead product candidate, is a new generation platinum therapy with an improved safety profile. An intravenous chemotherapeutic agent, it is designed to overcome and prevent platinum resistance associated with chemotherapy in solid tumors. Picoplatin is currently being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of small cell lung, colorectal and hormone- refractory prostate cancers. As part of the Company's strategic goal of building a diverse oncology pipeline, the Company also is collaborating with the Scripps Florida Research Institute on the discovery of novel, small- molecule, multi-targeted protein kinase inhibitors. For additional information please visit http://www.poniard.com. This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's business model, drug development program and clinical trial plans and preliminary results to date. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward looking statements based on a number of factors, including anticipated operating losses, uncertainties associated with research, development, clinical trials, the results of later clinical testing and related regulatory approvals, future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing, competition, uncertainties associated with intellectual property, dependence on third-party manufacturers, suppliers and collaborators, lack of sales and marketing experience, loss of key personnel, uncertainties associated with market acceptance, technology change and government regulation, general market conditions and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's current and periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. http://www.poniard.com Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=56020

Accuray Introduces First And Only Radiosurgery Products Designed For The Non-Invasive Treatment Of Lung Tumors 07 Nov 2006 Accuray Incorporated, the global leader in the field of robotic radiosurgery, today introduced three new products designed to improve the way lung cancer is treated. These products -- Xsight Lung Tracking System, Xchange Robotic Collimator Changer and 4D Treatment Optimization and Planning System -- combine with the Accuray CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System to offer a non-invasive, fiducial-free lung cancer treatment option that eliminates the risk of complications common with the implantation of markers or fiducials. Moreover, the products can shorten treatment times through treatment planning optimization and reduced treatment delivery interruptions. These products will be on display in Booth 219 at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, November 5-9. "Lung cancer radiosurgery using the CyberKnife System is growing, with more than a 130 percent increase in the number of patients treated in the last year alone. The Xsight Lung Tracking System offers a significant technological breakthrough which further enhances the CyberKnife System's position to become the standard of care for lung radiosurgery," said Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Accuray. "With the first and only non-invasive radiosurgical means to precisely target and treat tumors, Accuray is breaking down barriers for patients who may not otherwise be able to receive treatment." The Xsight Lung Tracking System uses sophisticated image processing and registration techniques to directly lock onto and track the tumor throughout the treatment. It works seamlessly with Accuray's Synchrony® Respiratory Tracking System to track, detect and correct for tumor and patient movement, allowing patients to breathe normally without the need for gating or breath holding techniques. Xsight Lung's radiosurgery accuracy may eliminate the need for the invasive placement or tracking of radiographic markers or fiducials reducing the risk inherent to traditional treatment methods. The Xsight Lung Tracking System is designed to offer a non-invasive, more comfortable alternative for patients while maintaining the precision and accuracy required for radiosurgery treatments. Published data(1) states that there is a risk of pneumothorax when fiducials are used to mark lung tumors. By using non-invasive means to precisely target lung tumors, oncologists will be able to more quickly and effectively treat patients, including ones who are now considered to be medically inoperable. "Radiosurgery with the CyberKnife System has proven to be quite successful in treating our lung cancer patients," said John J. Kresl MD, PhD of Arizona Oncology Services at St. Joseph's Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute. "Because these new tools from Accuray are non-invasive, we believe they will enhance our ability to treat lung tumors, including those in patients who may not be able to withstand the complications that could result from the implantation of fiducials." "A study in the most recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine showed that regular screenings detected lung cancer in its earliest stages, and was curable when treatment quickly followed," said Eric P. Lindquist, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We believe the Accuray CyberKnife System offers these stage I lung cancer patients an ideal alternative. With over 1000 patients treated on the CyberKnife System to date, we believe that radiosurgery will continue to be a viable treatment option for lung cancer patients." Also debuting at ASTRO today are the: -- Xchange Robotic Collimator Changer, which has the automated ability to change secondary collimators during the treatment, eliminating the need to re-enter the treatment room, while also minimizing related treatment delays. -- 4D Treatment Optimization and Planning System, which takes into account not only the movement of the tumor, but also the movement and deformation of tissue. Using this system, clinicians can better deliver the prescribed radiation dose to the targeted area while minimizing the damage to surrounding tissue. About the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System The CyberKnife System is the world's first and only radiosurgery system that utilizes intelligent robotics to treat tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy. The CyberKnife System treats patients in single or staged (typically 2-5) sessions by delivering multiple beams of precisely directed radiation that converge upon the tumor while minimizing injury to surrounding healthy tissue. Image guidance and computer controlled robotics combine to continuously track, detect and correct for tumor and patient movement throughout the treatment. Because of this precision and accuracy, no head or body frame is required. About Accuray Accuray Incorporated is a global leader in the field of robotic radiosurgery. Its CyberKnife System is the world's first and only intelligent robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy. More than 100 CyberKnife Systems have been purchased by leading medical centers throughout the world and a large body of peer-reviewed papers supports its clinical practice. To date, the CyberKnife System has treated more than 25,000 patients worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.accuray.com. (1) Reichner, Cristina A., et al. The Placement of Gold Fiducials for CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using a Modified Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Technique. J Bronchol. 2005;12:193-195. Accuray Incorporated http://www.accuray.com/ Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=56042

The American Lung Association would like to thank you and the thousands of concerned citizens across the five states that took a stand against Big Tobacco this Election Day by voting to increase tobacco excise taxes, fund tobacco control programs and pass smokefree workplace laws. Despite spending close to $90 million, the tobacco companies – including Reynolds American and Philip Morris – were defeated in five of the seven states where tobacco control measures appeared on the ballot. Thank you for spreading the word to your friends and family in these states. Together, we sent Big Tobacco packing. Here’s a quick recap of what voters in these seven states decided: Smokefree Workplace Laws Passed in Arizona, Ohio and Nevada Voters in Arizona and Ohio joined the 14 other smokefree states that have passed comprehensive smokefree workplace laws. This action protects the right of everyone in Arizona and Ohio to breathe clean air. Not only did Ohioans pass a strong, comprehensive smokefree law by a 58.3 percent to 41.7 margin, but they also beat back Big Tobacco’s constitutional amendment by almost 30 points that would have repealed comprehensive smokefree laws in many cities and substituted them with much weaker provisions. Voters in Arizona were also wise to Big Tobacco’s dirty tricks – they chose the real smokefree workplace law (54.2 to 45.8 percent) over the fake initiative financed by the tobacco companies (42.7 to 57.3 percent). Nevada also passed its Clean Indoor Air Act by almost 8 percent. It will protect Nevada workers and families from secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking in restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, other retail establishments and bars that serve food. It also gives local governments the authority to pass tougher smokefree laws. Voters also defeated a weak clean air initiative 52 percent to 48 percent. Tobacco Prevention Funding Restored in Florida Sixty-one percent of voters in Florida sent the message to elected officials that tobacco control programs are vital to their state’s public health. Florida – which once had one of the top tobacco control programs in the nation – will again fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs at a significant level now that voters decided that the state should use its tobacco settlement money for its original intent. Tobacco Tax Increase Approved in South Dakota: South Dakota voted to increase its tobacco excise taxes and use many of the proceeds to fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Higher cigarette taxes and increased funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs are scientifically proven ways to reduce smoking, save lives and save money by reducing smoking-caused health care costs. Unfortunately, voters in California and Missouri did not approve increases in tobacco excise taxes. Despite the tobacco companies pouring millions of dollars into negative campaign ads to defeat this initiative, the California initiative failed to pass by less than 5 percent, while the Missouri initiative lost by just 3.4 percent. We will continue to work in both California and Missouri to pass strong and effective tobacco control measures, which include tobacco tax increases and strong tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Thank You! Thank you for helping us defeat Big Tobacco at the polls this Election Day. Voters saw through the industry’s dirty tricks – despite the close to $90 million Big Tobacco spent on misleading campaigns to defeat good public health initiatives. Of course, Big Tobacco’s behavior is no surprise. This summer a federal judge found the major tobacco companies guilty of federal racketeering charges. Judge Kessler correctly concluded that tobacco companies have engaged in a long-term, fraudulent scheme to mislead the American people about the health risks of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, the addictiveness of their products, and in their tactics for marketing their products to children. Thank you for spreading the word and letting Big Tobacco know that we’re not going to take it any more. We look forward to working with you in the weeks and years to come to push for common sense tobacco control policies that promote public health. Thanks again!

Kim No words of advice, just letting you know you are all in my thoughts and prayers, Chris

Smokers may want CT scan for lung cancer Baltimore Sun By Michael Stroh November 03, 2006 Having a skilled diagnostic pulmonary specialist is really, really important Should I get scanned? That is the question some current and former smokers have been asking themselves in the wake of widely publicized findings on the benefit of early lung cancer screening. The study, reported last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that heavy smokers who undergo spiral computed tomography (CT) scans significantly improve their odds of catching cancerous lesions in the earliest and most curable form. Screening for lung cancer sounds like a no-brainer. But experts remain surprisingly divided. The American Cancer Society and other influential health care organizations have not endorsed CT screening for lung cancer - and said they likely won't until there's more solid evidence to show that it helps. 'Health policy isn't made on the basis of one study,' said Robert Smith, the society's director of screening. Most agree that there's an urgent need for new diagnostic tools against the disease, which kills at least 165,000 Americans each year - more than the combined toll of breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers. For more than a decade, a group at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York has championed CT scans. That's because a tumor has to reach nearly the size of a quarter before it's detectable with a traditional chest X-ray, which is widely considered to be ineffective at spotting early-stage lung cancer. CT scans - also known as CAT scans - can pick out cancerous nodules smaller than a centimeter. To test whether they can save lives, researchers scanned nearly 31,600 current and former smokers in seven countries. Tiny cancerous nodules were detected in 484 patients. In 85 percent of these cases, the nodules were classified as Stage I tumors, the earliest and most treatable form of the disease. With treatment, researchers estimated that 88 percent of the patients would survive 10 years. The typical five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 70 percent. Eight patients in the study diagnosed with Stage I tumors refused treatment for unexplained reasons. All died within five years. Many clinicians view the results as strong proof of the idea that early CT scans make a difference. Critics contend that while the study may have shown CT screening can catch cancer earlier, it didn't prove that the technology helps prolong life. For definitive evidence of that, many experts are awaiting the results of the National Lung Screening Trial, a large National Cancer Institute-funded study of 50,000 current or former smokers. Volunteers in the study were randomly selected to receive either a standard chest X-ray or a CT scan. Results aren't expected until 2009 at the earliest. Some clinicians are unwilling to wait. 'It's not hard to beat the miserable statistics we currently have,' says Dr. Esner Cole, director of the Lung Center at St. Agnes Hospital. Cole, who helped recruit patients for the CT scan study, said that he's confident that early screening is beneficial. Insurance companies, however, don't cover CT scans for lung cancer screening, which can run several hundred dollars. So St. Agnes and some other area hospitals have begun to offer discounted scans to qualifying current and former smokers. St. Agnes and Union Memorial Hospital charge $75 for the service. Franklin Square Hospital Center offers $100 CT lung screens. 'We felt we had an obligation to begin to offer this,' says Dr. William Krimsky, chief of interventional pulmonology at Franklin Square. Cost isn't the only reason for a cautious approach to the idea of widespread use of CT scans to screen for lung cancer. Dr. Elliott Fishman, a professor of radiology and oncology at the Johns Hopkins University , said another concern is that it may lead to risky and potentially unnecessary biopsy or surgery. As many as 60 percent of CT screens from smokers will be flagged as abnormal because smokers' lungs often contain scar tissue, infections, inflammation and suspicious-looking areas. Still, as long as people understand the limitations of scientific knowledge about CT scans, experts say that people who have had significant exposure to tobacco or other cancer-causing agents such as asbestos might want to consider it. 'It's very hard to say, 'No, don't do it,'' concedes Fishman, who is a principal investigator for the National Cancer Institute study. Experts advise people considering a CT scan to go to a place with physicians experienced in assessing the risk of early-stage lung cancer. 'Having a skilled diagnostic pulmonary specialist is really, really important,' says Dr. Young Lee, chief of oncology at Harbor Hospital. Gary Kaufman and his wife, Judy, went to St. Agnes for a CT scan last year. Both had once been heavy smokers, going through two or more packs of cigarettes a day for more than 20 years. 'I had one burning all the time,' Judy says. When the results came back, Judy's lungs were found to be clear. But the scan revealed a small nodule on Gary's lower left lobe. 'It was what I feared when I said yes to doing this,' he says. The nodule was too small to biopsy, so doctors decided to follow it to see whether it changes. So far, it hasn't. Gary, 66, who is a retired Elkridge mortician, concedes that the knowledge that he might be carrying around a tiny time bomb is worrisome. But he says he has no regrets about getting scanned. 'Now I can look out for this,' he says. michael.stroh@baltsun.com Copyright © 2006 Baltimore Sun, All Rights Reserved. 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Nick I am sorry. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your wife. Chris

Lisa I am so sorry. I have no words that will help, but am sending prayers for strength and peace. Hugs Chris

Sending lots of prayers for you all~ Chris

Mary, Sending prayers and positive thoughts for great results with the new treatment. Chris

Hello and Welcome I am sorry about your Mom's diagnosis but glad you found this site. As you can probably see already there are many wonderful and caring people here who will offer you advice, answer your questions and steer you in the right direction. And of course there is so much HOPE and SUPPORT here. Although I cannot answer your questions at this point, I will give you this little bit of advice. Don't pay attention to statistics. Stats are numbers and your Mom is an individual who will have her own unique reactions to her treatments. And as for the doctor giving her any kind of time line? There are so many people here who have shattered those numbers as well and are SURVIVORS. There is no reason to believe your Mom will not be one of those survivors. And we will be here to help her and you to achieve that. Please let us know how we can help you and know that you and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers. Chris

Hi everyone, Just in from the doctor's office with test results in hand. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE PRAYERS AND GOOD THOUGHTS. The stomach biopsies are all BENIGN! Meg has a very severe case of Acid Reflux Disease which will be treated with increased doses of her meds and bland diet. I have never, in my life, been so happy to hear such a "generalized" diagnosis. I almost stopped listening after I heard benign. Again, we thank you all for the prayers and support. I wish I had words to express how I feel right now. Love and hugs to all Chris

Ann Congratulations on all the wonderful events happening in your life. I have not "known" you for very long but you have such a loving and caring way about you. Dennis will be with you all on these upcoming days and I pray you will feel him there with you. What a beautiful gesture the floral arrangement is. Your DIL sounds like a wonderful lady. I wish you all nothing but the best in the upcoming weeks and beyond. Love, Chris

Kat I am so profoundly sorry about your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences, Chris

I am so sorry about your loss. My sincere condolences and sympathies to you and your family. Chris

Lisa I am so sorry about your loss. Your words are a beautiful and loving tribute to him and thank you for sharing this. Your reminder to spend time with loved ones is such a wonderful gesture, thank you so much. Sending my prayers and condolences to you and your family, Chris

Toon I am so very sorry about your loss. Please accept my condolences, Chris

Minister Launches Lung Cancer Awareness Month, UK 05 Nov 2006 To highlight the symptoms of lung cancer health minister Rosie Winterton today launched Lung Cancer Awareness Month at the Royal Mail's South London Mail Centre, where she heard first hand the experiences of lung cancer patients and met representatives from Royal Mail, the voluntary sector and health professionals. Rosie Winterton said: "Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK but people don't realise that if it is caught early enough it doesn't have to be a death sentence. This is why Lung Cancer Awareness Month is so important. Working in partnership with the voluntary sector, we must ensure that people are aware of the symptoms and know to seek professional help at the earliest opportunity." Nearly 38,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year, and survival rates are vastly improved if the condition is caught early. Symptoms to look out for include: A cough that doesn't go away after two or three weeks Worsening of a long-standing cough or coughing up blood Persistent chest infections, breathlessness or tiredness Persistent weight loss and chest or shoulder pain More split or phlegm, especially with blood in it Losing your voice but no sore throat, or Swelling in your face or neck. Speaking on behalf of the coalition of charities coordinating the awareness month, Ernie Roberts, who had lung cancer, said: "Lung cancer is curable if it is diagnosed early enough. The message for this year's Lung Cancer Awareness Month is simple: see your doctor straight away if you have any of the symptoms of lung cancer. These symptoms may not be serious, in which case, you've got nothing to lose by getting them checked out. If they are serious, you've got everything to gain - diagnosis at an early stage could save your life." Dr Steve Boorman, Royal Mail's Director of Corporate and Social Responsibility, said: "At Royal Mail, we recognise the benefits of a strong and proactive employee health service to raise awareness of health concerns such as lung cancer and offer easy-to-access advice, guidance and support as needed. Keeping our people fit and healthy is of paramount importance to Royal Mail - it's the right thing to do for our people and benefits our business through improved performance to customers and reduced operating costs due to ill health." ### Notes: Rosie Winterton was speaking at the opening of a special bus which will tour Royal Mail sites and give information to their workforce on a range of health issues, including lung cancer. The Royal Mail and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are discussing opportunities to work in partnership on a pilot lung cancer awareness campaign for their employees. The Royal Mail were selected because of the large number of staff they employ, and their interest in supporting their workforce and improving their health WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LUNG CANCER Your lungs are crucial to your health and it is important you look after them: The lungs take in oxygen which is essential for the body to function. Your lungs protect your body against infection from the germs you breathe in. You can make a difference to your lung health: By keeping physically active, you help keep your lungs healthy. It is never too late to quit smoking. No matter at what age you stop, you can make a real difference to your health. If you don't smoke, don't start. Common symptoms of lung cancer include: A cough that doesn't go away after two to three weeks Worsening of a long-standing cough Persistent chest infections Coughing blood Unexplained persistent breathlessness Unexplained persistent tiredness or lack of energy Unexplained persistent weight loss Persistent chest and / or shoulder pain More spit or phlegm, especially with blood in it Losing your voice but no sore throat Swelling in your face or neck. There are many other causes of these symptoms, so just because you have some of them it does not mean you have lung cancer. However, these symptoms might mean something is wrong with your body. You should seek medical advice if you are concerned. There are many places you can get help: Check symptoms with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or NHS Direct and mention your specific concerns. If you are concerned, request a chest x-ray from your doctor which can identify problems with your lungs. If you want further advice, then you can contact a charity support line. Lung Cancer Awareness Month is supported by: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation; Macmillan Cancer Support; Cancer Research UK; Cancer Backup; British Lung Foundation; Men's Health Forum; Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain; National Electronic Library for Health; NICE; Department of Health; AS Biss. For further information please go to: UK Department of Health Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medical ... wsid=55586

Grace I have no words to ease this pain. I wish like so many others here that I did. I am so sorry. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You know I am here for you if there is ever anything I can do. Hugs Chris

Maryanne Thank you x 4000~~~~~~ Love and hugs Chris

How about a smiley face?

Jille Hello and welcome. I am sorry to hear about your mom but as you can see, you hit a gold mine of information and support when you found us here. Trish gave you some super advice with the binder idea. This is an overwhelming time and there is so much information being given to you right now that it is easy to get confused. Having everything in one place makes it a little easier. As for the chemo, I cannot add much to what the others have already told you. The best advice I can give is to make sure your Mom drinks PLENTLY OF FLUIDS!!!! Dehydration is very rough. Please keep posting, let us know how we can help and know that we will. My best to you and your family Chris

Hello Cheryl and welcome I am sorry you had reason to find this site but glad you posted. Please let us know how we can help you. There are so many great people here to answer questions, give advice and give you hope and support. My best to you, Chris

Hello Barb and welcome I am sorry you had need to find a site like this, but glad you found us here. Please let us know how we can help you. There are a lot of wonderful people here who are more than willing to answer questions, give advice and just be supportive. Best to you, Chris

Andrea Congrats to Mom and ditto to everything said before me here. Trust me on this? You have never failed me in the times I have needed some comfort and support and I am sure that everyone here feels the same way. THANK YOU for all that you do! Here's to the next 3 years~ Chris