Anniemac

Yes, please tell us more! We all crave success stories.

Oh my God, Fay. You must be insane. I know mistakes happen, but wow! Pretty scary mistake. Thank goodness they caught it!! Imagine if they hadn't. I'm so glad to hear your OK. So much sad new lately on the boards; we do need a lot of good to balance it. Praying for the best. Annie

Praying as hard and as fast as I can. Please keep us updated. Annie

Connie, I am so sorry to hear about you dear mom. She is at peace now and has no more pain. She will watch over you for the rest of your life. I hope this will be of some small comfort to you as you go through these difficult weeks ahead. You and your family and in my prayers. Annie

Cathy, I'm so sorry about your wonderful dad. My heart breaks for you and your family. I will be praying for peace for him, like Katie, either feeling better (doctors don't know everything), or going to heaven. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Annie

Hi, welcome to the boards. Sorry to hear about your husband. My husband, Tim had his left lung removed and they had to remove his recurrent nerve to his vocal cord. There are two, one on each side and they run down into your chest and then back up to your cords. If a tumor is compressing this nerve, it can also cause hoarsness. Tim had a lymph node that was enlarged and somehow was stuck to this nerve. He will be going to see an ear, nose and throat doc to have an injection of Teflon into his vocal cords to help with his voice. His is hoarse, weak and kind of phelmy. I hope they can help make it stronger. I hope this helps. I had no idea that this could happen during the surgery, but there are so many things in the chest area, it was a small price to pay to remove the cancer. Annie

Shelly, We're so sorry to hear about your mom. No words can help at a time like this, but know that you and your family are in our prayers. Annie & Tim

Another route that might be helpful-get your congressman (person) or represenitive's office working on your side. They all have people who help their constituants with government redtape. See if it helps. Annie

Wow, Jodi-cancer free!! What a wonderful sound that is!! All the other problems can be taken care of. You've been through a lot and must be a very strong person. Whatever comes next is beatable. Annie

Hey, brother!! That is just the best news!! It's about time for some really good news, seems like it's been a sad couple of weeks. I couldn't be happier for you and I know this is going to work for you!! Annie

Gee, Connie-I'm with everyone else. Shocked and dismayed that one of longest term survivors and our best cheerleader has this happening. This d_mn disease!! When will it stop!! I know you can beat this because you have about 500 people pulling for you and sending up prayers. Annie

Welcome Muriel. My husband's disease was a bit further along than yours, but my opinion is go for the chemo. You can never go back if things turn sour and you should do everything you can to make sure you say cancer free--what a nice ring that has! Tim's chemo before his surgery was not too bad. His nasuea was controlled by pills, he didn't lose any hair and he gained a needed 15 pounds. The chemo he is having after his surgery-which is stronger-is depressing his blood counts. He had two treatments and had to have 4 units of blood because his red cell count was way down. All these things can be dealt with. He still has no nasuea, but is tired. I just figure it means the chemo is working. Good luck and keep posting. Annie

Janice, why would anyone think you should act like nothing has changed? Your whole world has changed and will never be the same. It's a scary and horrible ride, but certianly one that can be won!! Just read some of the posts on this board and it will fill you with hope. There is some much good information and advice here. Do you have good doctors? You need to have an oncologist you can talk to and relate to. Your job is to get your husband the very best care you can find and take good care of him. It will bring you a sense of peace because you are being proactive and doing all that you can to help him fight. Good luck and keep us informed on you progress! Annie

Michelle, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I can not pretend to imagine how you feel. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Annie & Tim

Wonderful news!! You inspire us all. Annie

GNC (if you have one in your area) has a powder that weight lifters use called Weight Gain 2200. It has 2200 calories in 3 scoops-lots of protein and vitamins-and Tim really likes the taste. You can mix it with milk or in a shake and it comes in a few flavors. If you mix all 3 scoops in one glass-use a blender-it's a bit thick, but you can water it down or just add more milk and make it 2 meals. Annie

Oh, Man!!--does this thing ever end?? I know you will kick butt; you have the right attitude. I love the thought of the neighborhood kids thinking you have a missle. Annie

Oh, I am sooo sorry to hear about Margret. My heart is breaking for you and I wish I had great words of comfort to give you. Just know that you are being held gently in all our hearts. Annie

Hope Lucie is feeling better. That's a long hospital stay and I hope she can come home soon. Try to rest up a bit while they take good care of her. I know that's easier said than done. Have a nice glass of wine in the evening. Of course prayers are on the way. Annie

Hey, Tim. I have a Tim too. I wish you would join us here, there is so much good information, support, laughs. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found all these people! Decadron can make people very emotional. Our doc told us about one of his patients who was weeding his garden and crying because he was killing the weeds! He said he knew is was silly, but he just couldn't stop feeling sorry for them. Please just take a quick look at the site. Annie

My husband has had two treatments of Gemzar/Carbo. He was having shortness of breath and was lightheaded. I thought it might be side effects of other drugs he was taking. It was his low red blood cell count. He went in for labs and it was down to 2.7. They were surprised he could still stand up. He got 4 units of packed red cells and feels much better. Not sure if that is your dad's problem, but worth checking. Annie

Michelle-add our prayers to the rest. Know that everyone on these boards is holding you and Bob in their hearts. Annie

Thought you all might enjoy this!! After 17 years of marriage, a man dumped his wife for a younger woman. The downtown luxury apartment was in his name and he wanted to remain there with his new love, so he asked the wife to move out and then he would buy her another place. The wife agreed to this, but asked that she be given 3 days on her own there, to pack up her things. While he was gone, the first day she lovingly put her personal belongings into boxes and crates and suitcases. On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their candlelit Dining table, soft music playing in the background, and feasted on a pound of shrimp and a bottle of chardonnay. When she had finished, she went into each room and deposited a few of the resulting shrimp shells into the hollow of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left. The husband came back, with his new girl, and all was bliss for the first few days. Then it started; slowly but surely. Clueless, the man could not explain why the place smelled so bad. They tried everything; cleaned & mopped and aired the place out. Vents were checked for dead rodents, carpets were steam cleaned, Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in, the carpets were replaced, and on it went. Finally, they could take it no more and decided to move. The Moving company arrived and did a very professional packing job, taking everything to their new home. ....including the curtain rods....

Brother Ray, Isn't it great to have positive doctors. Makes all the difference in the world that they have faith that they can cure you. I'm so happy that the news has gone from not to good to very good. Annie

Rick, how awful for Katie after being our cheerleader all this time. She has changed my attitude a few times over the last few months; but this must be very hard for her. Jessie is a fighter and has come back from adversity before and can do it again. Please know that we are praying for all of you and keeping good thoughts headed toward Texas. Annie