Elaine W

Disclaimer: this is sorta how I understand it for now as I'm still trying to figure it out. I've found that besides guessing what Drugs I may need for 2007, that knowing how to guess for another factor called the "donut hole", a gap in coverage, when you hit abt $2,400 in drug costs until you hit about $3,800. There are several parameters involved in how it works and there are usually 3 levels of monthly cost per provider choice. Today a company rep said that with cancer he thought I'd need more non-generic specialty drugs, and ones that are highly expensive. He said, and he just might be right, that I'd do better to sign up for a low cost insurance and then I'd run through that gap faster. After going thru the gap, past abt $3,800 out of pocket for Pharmacy Drugs, then it's just 5% of the drug cost I'd have to pay. Been spending a lot of time on this and learned only a little more. Being unsure about this gives me more incentive to take care of myself and avoid falling into a cost chasm. I don't think socialized medicine can solve the health problems of the masses either though. Here's to me making it to this time next year, then I've have figured it out better for 2008. Elaine W

Is SOB shortness of breath? Some of the LCSC jargon isn't in our glossary.

A couple of weeks before Christmas I began having a very drippy nose , like I'd never had before. I haven't been on chemo for a few months. When I was on Chemo it wasn't Tarceva. Along with the effussive drippy nose I had a lot of power sneezing. It developed into a cold after a few days with lots of Nose Nuisance and my lungs and I haven't fully recovered yet. I cough more when I talk and it's hard for women not to talk. I began getting some blood when I'd blow my nose in the morning and then I heard an NPR article on Christmas buns that Cinnamon was a blood thinner and I'd been using cinnamon more then. I've temporarily quit using cinnamon and cut back a little on some other natural things that keep our blood from clotting when it shouldn't which include good healthy olive oil, the salicylate fruits, garlic and onions. I've upped my dark greens which Googling said balance out the blood thinners. In a couple of days the blood spots stuff just happened to go away. I plan to soon go back to enjoying more olive oil etc. I've used it for years before with no problem. This info may be worth as much as it has cost you. No guarantee for others. Elaine W ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BAD JOKE: What is the upside-down disease? Answer: Your feet smell and your nose runs.

Thanks for you willingness to kick in with some suggestions for me. I want to clarify myself again on MediCare. I'm in CA and I don't know how other states go, however it's sorta like this: - Plan A is for hospitalizations - Plan B is for Doctor Visits. I think my chemo is under Plan B. - Plan D is for Drugs at the local Pharmacies My Pharmacist had been reluctant to say anything, even though I told him I was just asking for general info. Oh, well, he's a great guy and has helped me lots on other info. I like to use a small pharmacy rather than a big chain drug store one. I got a brief phone call from my Oncologist today. He's a good guy too. We mentioned Nupragen shots for the White Blood Count, about whether it could be thru him or thru the Pharmacy next year, and he said that it's hard to say because of several factors that are unsettled right now. My Oncologsit said on Pain Pills most every plan covers a few generic ones to choose from. I'm currently not taking any pain meds. I'm the type to use pain management techniques first and I do as many procedures as possible without sedation, and go home after without pills. However I'm not saying I won't be taking pain pills later. Zophran has been mentioned. That is one I was prescribed but so have haven't needed to use it, except when they put it in the drip with the chemo. ~~~~~~~~~~ I could just conjure up in my head some secondary condition, some creeping weird thing I haven't learned about yet, one that might need some Very co$tly pills. I like having a reality check like this. I've had trouble with my white blood count and we haven't been able to get very agressive with my case, so though I have very good health habits I just might have a bigger costlier fight by the middle of next year. An aside: New to all this MediCare. When I was nearing 60 I said I was a Jr. Senior Citzen. Then when I turned 60 I kept some denial and wouldn't give up saying I was a Jr. Senior Citizen, intending to admit it fully when I was 65, which I didn't -- although I don't mind telling people my age and I dress older and more modestly and most of my good best friends are sages my age. I'm glad at least I got old enough for MediCare before the diagnoses. Maybe I delayed it some with brocolli. Wow the taxpayers have already had to pay a lot for me. Still open to the enlarging the List of Pharmacy drugs one might have for Stage 3 or 4 NSCLC, though it looks like the cost of all the other things is a concern too. Thanx, Elaine W

My brain has been so full of things to learn and do. The deadline is only a few days away to declare what MediCare Drug Plan to have. For those of you not familiar with MediCare -- they have different plans under their Plan D for Drugs and you go through a List to find a Plan that you know or guess will match your individual drug needs for the next year. Before diagnoses last summer, Stage 3 NSCLC, I rarely needed prescription drugs. Since then I've only got a little nausea med at a Pharmacy. I did get Nupragen shots to do myself but those were thru my Oncologists office so not under the MediCare Plan D. It's very possible I'll have some harder fight ahead and will really need some expen$ive drugs. Are there any drugs (ones you get from the Pharmacy} that are common or quite possible that I maybe should consider in deciding what Drug Plan to buy? Thanx for each of your individual gifts - Elaine W

I got an inspired thought during my 3D radiation ... that since it is shooting a moving target with my lungs breathing, that perhaps using diaphragm breathing would limit the movement and let the zaps be more precise. Diaphragm breating is relaxing anyway. They tried the idea to see if it would work -- did a New Scan on me doing diaphragm breathing, and saw that my Targets Held Still. My primary tumor is as high as the middle of my breastbone, and my secondary tumors are near there too, along with the spread into the lymph, all about that level up away from my good breathing muscle. I let that muscle flow down, bringing in air, while my upper chest holds still. I figured I wasn't the first person to think of diaphragm breathing during radiation but couldn't google it out online. I saw a lot about GATING for lung cancer raditation though using electronics to catch the right place in the waveform to zap the moving target. For me for now though it appears I've gotten the same effect going low tech. Life is breath-taking, and giving.

Weight loss: Are there any <>? Sounds like many in the group have kept their weight, although it can take some work. I was Dx'ed with Stage 3 five months ago and have kept my weight steady with veggies and fruit, whole grains, legumes and soy, essential fatty acids, and meat sparingly. I didn't eat much sugar food before and continue to avoid it since seeing how my tumor glowed happy when they put that sugar stuff in my veins for the scan. Does weight loss happen much more in stage 4, and not much in stage 3? How common is it for people in stage 3 to maintain their weight?

A Traditional Oriental Medicine Doctor recommended to me, the whole fresh mushrooms, along with the chemo and radiation.

For the California law on No Smoking within 20 feet of a main exit or entrance to a public building. At http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html click the box for Government Code. In the search box type in "within 20 feet of a main exit" (with the quotes around it) and click on Search then you will see the law at Section 7597 (a)

The only place I got 2nd hand smoke for an extended period of time was 1986-1991 where I worked. It was actually against some city ordinance there as I remember, but they had cigarette machines right in the building. They even smoked in the computer room. Gosh you would have thought they would at least care about the computers. I bought myself a little desktop air filter for my desk. It was little help though turned out to be a good conversation piece. Otherwise the company and the guys there were very nice to me and treated me like Snow White. Some of the guys thought if they'd hold the cigarette behind their back while standing next to me then the smoke should be no problem. Many of the guys would like me to use my friendly persuasion to address the smoking and girlie pictures, being that men weren't supposed to be sensitive to things like that. Eventually, after abt 4 years, they took out the cigarette machines and our group decided not to smoke in the computer room or in our shared office space, but they could still smoke in the manufacturing area where I needed to spend a lot of time. Visitors would still light up in the our area though until I put up a sign that said, "Reading Test: No Smoking" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Around Campus: I guess you could find out how other colleges have done with the issue. Being around smoke for me now, even 20 feet away outside, physically hurts, hurts when I breathe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colleges have been very progressive and pro-active with ADA compliance for students. I don't know though about teacher's rights. You may get to know someone in the underground at the student's center for disabilities and get ideas from them. ~~~~~~~~~~ I would accept the air filter they've offered, if you didn't have to sign away any other rights. I'd write a thank you for it to show good faith, though continue in this challenge with lots of documentation along the way. ~~~~~~~~ Math is so beautiful in nature, like the code for opening a shaped flower petal. I sure would like to keep you to share what you know for another generation. Elaine W Life is breath-taking, and giving.

Good post Frank. Here's one I heard: A man was talking to God. He said, "What is a million years to you?" God said, "To me a million years is like what a second is to you." The man said, "What is a million dollars to you?" God said, "To me a million dollars is like what a penny is to you." The man smiled and said, "Say, God, could I have a million dollars?" God answered, "Sure, just a second." ~~~~~~~~ Again I liked your post. It had many good points in it. It's someone one could go back to and re-read.

Good for you for caring for your Dad so much. In My Humble Opinion, on healthy food choices I believe the plant kingdom has a lot to offer everyone. I am an Opportunist Feeder though and eat some meat. Broccoli is the all time standard as I understand it for it's little part in warding off cancer. Cauliflower is in the same plant group. Oils: not necessarily for cancer but in general I like using the Essential Fatty Acids like raw nuts and seeds and healing Olive Oil. Watch out for pumpkin seeds and popcorn and pretzels with sharp edges that can scratch inside and make little sores. Traditional Oriental Medicine: I used to think it was like voodoo but here in California they have people who are State Licensed with many years of training. They named a few foods for me for cancer that included Pearl Barley cooked in soups, Shitake mushrooms (also called black mushrooms though they aren't black or shiitake with 2 i's), and said Pears are good too. Sugar I think Cancer loves sugar. Isn't cancer higher with people who struggle with morbid obesity? When they put that sugar liquid in my vein and did my body scan wow those little cancer cells started glowing with joy. I got a CD with the picture. Elaine W

Wow, what an outpouring of gifts! Thank you for your time and thoughtful sharing. Such a buffet of wholesome variety. The sayings you gather ... some make me laugh with an Aha!, and others get me pondering. I'm still slowly rushing through the logistics of what needs to be taken care of and set up. Even letting go of projects and things takes a rush of communications and decisions and instructions as needed. Radiology: I have an appt this week to get fitted for a body cast for 3D radiation. Durable Medical Equipment: Because of a pre-existing condition I am already semi-amulatory (use a w'chair in the community) and my earth suit already has had considerable fatigue. With chemo I figure I'll need to be more resourceful due and have some homemade emesis bags around and even some provisions for nature's calls when I can't get up one more time. Support System: Mine is about 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. On that scale a 1 would be having deadbeat kids and no ability to say no to them, etc. A 10 would be to have 1 or more support people in a position to dedicate a lot of time for organizing things, transportation as needed, had their own life pretty much in order, good communication skills with the medical profession, good research skills, etc. I am real glad for what I have though. I have a home and a back yard and quite a few friends who already accept me for what I am, and I can go anywhere I want on the 'net. My kids are pretty good and are willing and able to help some. Last night my son and was getting sentimental about sosomething and he began crying. He doesn't look like the type of guy who would cry. My daughter and I are going to have a hair cutting ceremony. My hair is long and thick and she is going to braid it and save the braids. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks for all the info, like about the chemo choices. I have so much to learn. With my other health issues I have researched and learned enough over the years to talk intelligently with the Docs on being my own Health Care Manager, but this cancer stuff is all new to me. Love ya all, Life is Breath-taking, and giving, Elaine

LCSC folks, what a great place to come to -- A few weeks ago, with neither my Doc or me suspecting anything, I had a Routine Body Scan. Since then I've had the tiring rush of logistical things to take care of. Turns out I have stage 3 non-small cell LC. I've never smoked and was already into brocolli and other good things for my earth suit. I was diganosed in Orange County and began much of the preliminary things down there but have changed to a local Oncologist in L.A. County where I live. I have the Port-a-Cath in and will be getting 3D radiation. My treatments will begin in about 2 weeks, after what we need to do to set up that radiation. I have a pre-existing condition similar to M.S. so in a way that will add to my challenges yet in a way it has readied me for things in the system, for working with normies, for finding my own strengths and using work-arounds. I look forward to sharing more within the forums and from learning from you-all. I have found some of the brightest and best that get into support groups. What are the guidelines here for talking of a Higher Power, or God, or a Heavenly Father, etc? Life is Breath-taking, and giving. Elaine