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We just got back from a follow up visit with Earl's radiation oncologist. We are not sure why we needed the appt. We had to take his latest MRI and his latest CT scan. His MRI had been read 2 weeks ago - he is empty headed. His CT scan had been read last week - he is empty chested. But this doctor concurred. Really, it is always wonderful to get good news. I also like that another doctor is reading the films - just another perspective. However, his nurse told us that they are so BUSY they can't believe it. They have extended the hours in the radiation clinic at Fox Chase to accommodate all these new patients. Granted this is for all cancers, but this is scary news. She also said that 15% of their LC patients have no relationship to smoking. Praying for good news for all. P.S. Earl is driving himself to one of his customers tomorrow, first time to see a customer in 10 months. He would not do this is not ready, he is a cautious man.

Oh boy Rick, Am praying it is not mets to brain. My husband gets dizzy but it is from the whole brain radiation. Here's praying for an inner ear infection.

Candy, Earl and I just got back from a follow up visit with his radiation oncologist. We had to take both his CT scan and brain MRI. Now, I have to tell you that his neurosurgeon told us 10 days ago his brain is empty and the thoracic surgeon told us last week his chest was emtpy. These were the same scans, why was I worried? Guess what, he agreed with the other doctors. We worry, it goes with the territory.

Please read my profile and you can see that my husband had both radiation and chemo after surgery. The radiation was because he had some lymph node involvement, BUT the chemo is considered preventative since he has no evidence of disease. He is getting 3 infusions of Taxotere, 1 every 3 weeks. The infusion only takes 1 hour. Is this low dose, I don't know. He has had 1 treatment and has not had very bad side effects - about 36 hours of chemo crud, felt a little nauseous. And then a week later a day of fatigue. I think this is relatively low dose since it is a single drug, not a combo and since it seems most infusions take a lot longer to give which would seem to me they are getting more drug. Hope this helps.

Gail, How wonderful, I am sooooooooooo happy for you. Got a little nervous when I didn't see a post from you last night. Have a wonderful, terrific, superlative, fantastic trip.

Welcome Cheryl, To what you ask? TO THE EMPTY HEADED CLUB. That is wonderful news. Good luck with your treatments and keep us posted.

Cheryl, I loved it. But you have definitely gotten your money's worth out of that dinner for the entertainment it has provided your friends. I hope you and Jack enjoy many more dinners out but more important I hope you enjoy many, many more laughs.

Just read your post in Welcome section. My husband had his surgery on 12/3 at Fox Chase, went to regular room on 12/4 but back in ICU 12/5 due to atrial fibralation and stayed there like 2 or 3 days since they didn't have a regular room. The two of you were there at the same time, small world. Who is your surgeon? Our is Dr. Melvyn Goldberg.

Thoughts about this subject are just shooting through my mind. This is a devasting disease. Treatments can be gruesome and the waiting for the results are torture. But my thought is that Earl is alive. I will do anything and everything to help him beat this disease and as I have posted before we live with LC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HOWEVER, as I said Earl is alive and thus being we need to live this life. LC always there but hopefully not dwelled on. Yesterday we spent Father's Day at our daughter's house surrounded by our children, their spouses and our 8 grandchildren. (New picture coming). LC was not mentioned one time. Everyone told Earl how well he was looking but that was it. Just my thoughts.

Cheryl, Hysterical. One afternoon I drove into a new development and parked in front of the first house. Walked right in the front door. Suddenly a woman came into the center hall and said 'Can I help you?' I said, "No, I am just looking". Well you guessed it. This was not the sample house but a private home. I was dreadfully embarrassed and she did not think it was funny. However, within minutes I thought it was hysterical. We all do silly things, thank God.

Dear Carleen, Whoever said no news is good news did not just have a scan. But try and get your glass half full, remember it might very well be GOOD news. As others have said, keep your self busy and try to smile and laugh with Keith, he has to be worried too! Heres to good news. PS Jenny here's to good news for you too.

Oh Katie, I am praying for stomach flu. Things have been going so well, let's keep it going that way.

Wow Peg, late getting this GREAT news but it is even more wonderful on Fathers' Day. Earl drove for the first time since 9/02 this week. I was at work, he wanted to do this himself. Said he was drifting to the right when he first started but figured it out pretty quickly. He was exhausted when he got home.

Good job Ray. And by the way, at your age do you want to be a virgin anything?

Mary, Unfortunately, I offer no help, just prayers and good wishes for you and your sister.

Annie, This is fantastic news. This is tough surgery - Tim must be Superman. Keep up the good healing

Linda, Can't wait to read your tenth Good News post. Enjoy your weekend.

Curtis, My husband had his first chemo - Taxotere on 6/2. Considering all he has been through he has tolerated this very well. He felt crummy on the third day and was very tired on the 9th day. This is being given to Earl as a preventative treatment only 3 infustions - one every 3 weeks, so it may not be as strong. The infusion only takes 1 hour. Hope Becky tolerates it well and that it does the trick.

Small world, Ray. If my husband had stayed with Penn his onc. would have been Dr. Stephenson. We met with him once prior to Earl's brain radiation and liked him very much. Earl did not like the thoracic surgeon at Penn and chose Fox Chase for his surgery and we have stayed there. His neurosurgeon is at Penn, Dr. Kevin Judy and we are crazy about him. Earl is on a different type of chemo - taxotere once every 3 weeks for 3 treatments. Had first treatment 11 days ago. Had 1-1/2 crappy days, just felt lousy - did not throw up - about 3 days after infusion. And then this Wed he was really tired. But today he feels good and we are going out to dinner. Hang tough - I think attitude has a lot to do with it. Will be thinking of you.

Dear Peg, What wonderful news. It seems that every day there is exciting news about treatments for LC. May this treatment answer your prayers.

There are different patches that are used for extreme pain. I know one of these is morphine and I understand it is effective.

Rosanne, I missed your posts but am so glad that you had a wonderful time at the wedding and with your guests. The picture is just beautiful. Maybe Gianni is tired from all the excitement in addition to the blood prob. Can they do a transfusion?

Kathy, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!! When Earl first got sick I told my children and close friends that this strong independent lady was going to need them to get through this journey. Most have been there for us. I did have to remind my son a few times what needing him meant. My husband is wonderful, but you need others too right now - let them know.

I am right there with everyone else Ray. Jersey boys are tough and kick butt. You tell that chemo exactly where to go.

Sam, I echo a big ditto on the above responses. You are young (and cute) so the odds are with you. This will be it, you will be cured because as far as I know there is no medium cell LC.