KerryToo

When I went home to say goodbye to my Dad who was then surviving his last few days from suffering with NSCLC, I decided right then that a cigarette would never take anything away from me again. That was 9 years ago and I have not had 1 cigarette since that day. I did crave them, but then when I thought about what they took away from me (all 4 of our parents, in-laws in a 5 yr. period) - I have no desire to feed the demon that is tobacco. I convinced myself that I am more powerful.

So wonderful to read this news! I think that the blessing of falling in love with someone that loved and respected Keith is a huge thing! Seems as though God is at work, doesn't it? Carleen deserves all the joy her new life can bring.

Karen and my Mom had the same Doctor at City of Hope. She was so supportive to me during my Mom's treatment and such a kind soul. I'm so sorry to read this news. God Bless!

I can relate to your history and think that you have chosen a great future! I find that I am living much more for "today" then ever before and hope and pray that neither you, nor I have to face a future with LC. God Bless! Kerry

What do you mean by "differently"? They might feel funny because they used to extend an invitation to a couple or may not know how you would respond? It is sad that people don't know what to say (from our perspective) when they really would like to say so much. In what context do you feel this?

Married 14 years to my soul mate, Mike and have 2 wonderful daughters (Lacey 12, and Natalie 10). We have lost all of our parents to LC in a 5 year time period. We are moving forward, living for our daughters and trying not to worry (too much) about genetics. I come here often to see how my LC friends are doing and so sad to see so many new friends joining the club that no one wants to join. But if we need to, THIS is the best club to join for support! My prayers, and my best to everyone dealing with this disease. God Bless.

Yea! Good news for you. I know that getting any kind of test after the results we are used to hearing can be trying. My best to you and God Bless!

Guess my point was: You get mad enough, you WILL be able to overcome the urges. GET MAD and don't let this contaminate YOUR future. Your Mom would not have wanted you to succumb to this, she would want you to fight on.

I smoked when I was in my early 20's for 3 or 4 years. Then I quit. In my very late 30's and early 40's I would have an occasional cigarette in a social setting. Then I would have 2 or 4 a day. When my Dad was diagnosed with NSCLC IV, I didn't stop. But when I went to see him for what turned out to be the last time, I looked in his eyes and decided that I would never give anything more to tobacco. "It" took my Pop away. That was Sept of 2000, and I have never touched another cigarette, nor will I ever. I was not going to give "it" anymore to take from me. My hatred for tobacco and what it did to me and my family seemed to really help me through.

My husband and I lost all 4 of our parents to LC in a 5 year period. My husband handles things differently than me, and he is okay. I have gone to a therapist about 5 or 6 times and I have to say it helped me immensely. I also was suffering from health anxiety over all of this LC and that, too, has been helped. I miss my parents and in-laws every day. But I don't let the loss of them make me an invalid for the time that I have left - to share with my husband and children. They never would've wanted this! Therapy can be a huge support during this time. I wish you well. Kerry

Happy 70th Birthday, Lucie! She WAS there. God Bless you, Don.

I read or heard somewhere during our cancer research that stress can play a part in cancer and it's progress. I'm wondering if all the stress that Dana Reeve went through with her wonderful husband, Chris, might have increased the speed of the cancer that she had? My Mom was diagnosed about 6-9 months after my father's death from LC, and she seemed to think that the stress from dealing with his illness and eventual death, contributed to her progression. She was treated at City of Hope, which is a great cancer tx center and they seemed to agree. Food for thought...

I understand your feelings. I remember feeling the same way. However, I would try to look at the intrusion as the Hospice folks picking up the supplies that they can use to provide comfort and care to another person in need. When we lose a beloved family member, any insensitivity stings, but they are people that are doing a job. A job that brings great support and comfort to the entire family during this very trying time. God Bless and I'm sorry for your loss.

Something that my Mom did at the suggestion of her best friend (an RN) was to mark off the milestones of the tx. When my Mom completed a chemo or radiation tx, she would add a silk rose to a vase. When she was finished she had a beautiful arrangement to appreciate and feel PRIDE in the fact, that she accomplished that. Is there something that you really enjoy that could represent accomplishment to you? Or is there some kind of reward that you want that you could "earn" when you have gotten through all this tx? There ought to be something to reward you for your journey through tx, don't you think? My best to you

My FIL was perscribed the pills that contain the substance found in marijuana. They really did seem to help his appetite. Have to say, it was kinda cute one evening when he called us and had the "munchies". He was telling us all the wonderful foods that he would love to endulge in. We were glad that he had his appetite back and that it seemed to give him peace and calm to boot.

I'm so glad for you. Seize the day!

I wish you a peaceful and memorable Thanksiving with your children. You have always reminded me of my own Dad (a wonderful, giving soul) , and my Mom who would've loved your support. I know the holidays will be difficult since your other half, our wonderful Lucie, now resides in Heaven. But know that you are an Angel on Earth and have brought so much support and calm to many of us that have had to deal with this terrible disease for many years. I wish you the best and THANK YOU for all you've given many of us here at LCHELP. XXOO

Please do whatever it takes to just "be there". The Onc told us that my Mom would survive another few weeks, I had a flight out to see her within a week, and she died the night before I got there. What I would give to just have been there, to hug her, to tell her I loved her. But we had no idea it would go this quickly. Just go - and be there. I was worried about what I would say, and I can tell you that I have relived over and over what I would say or do 1000X in my thoughts/dreams. I would tell her I love her and touch her to let her know I was there. My best to you.

Bioidentical Progestrone IS its name. It is formulated by the pharmacist (mixed up) and no, unfortunately, is not available over the counter. I would recommend that you call your insurance/medical provider and ask if there are any bioidentical hormone specialists. They are typically GYN/hormone specialists. They will evaluate you and see if your hormones are out of whack. Symptoms of too low balance of progestrone to estrogen are: heavy periods, anxiety, severe PMS, etc. Have to say that it has been a life saver for my sanity!

I know what you're talking about. I am 45, and have dealt with the loss of 4 parents in 5 years due to LC. My stress and anxiety levels have gone through the roof due to all of this. I had aches and pains and tension constantly. I started bioidentical Progesterone gel about 6-7 months ago per the direction of my GYN and it has made a world of difference in how I feel, both emotionally and physically. My best to you.

You might suggest "Wellbutrin" - that is the approved Rx (the one insurance companies will pay for) that stops the urge to smoke. It really does work. My husband uses this Rx and does not have the desire to smoke. Worth a try to assist your Mom.

I can relate (as you know). When I last emailed you, you told me that you were going to "slide into the grave, saying what a ride!" and fighting the will to let cancer take over your life. Get your boots on girl, and fight. It does not earn the right to take any more away from you! It IS difficult, horrible, overwhelming to have so many family members affected by this stupid disease. I know - it sucks! But you need to take care of YOU and YOURS - don't let cancer take any more from you. It does NOT deserve the power to do that. God Bless You, Shelly. I wish you well. Kerry

Oh no! My heart is breaking for you, Don, and your family. I always related my parents love to you and Lucie - they seemed so similar. My heart goes out to you and your family. God Bless and keep you in His loving arms. Please know that you ARE and HAVE been so loved by those of us here at LCSP.

I used to be a dental asst. A big part of why they would want to go ahead and pull the tooth, is that dental infections can enter the blood stream. (It's not just for the comfort of getting rid of a bad tooth.) You don't want to introduce any additional infection into the blood stream. Hugs to you both.

It's been 11 months - almost 1 whole year, and I still feel numb. All of the beautiful posts above about daughters losing their Moms are so perfectly written, and a wonderful tribute to their relationships. From the way I feel this past year, I could have written them. But to be honest, I'm still numb. I think of my Mom everyday in one way or another. I'm wondering when it will truly hit me that she is gone and I'm kind of afraid at how devastating it will be.