-Cheryl-

Linda, Yeah! I know this is what you have been praying for! The surgery is your Dad's best shot for a cure! Linda the surgeon must feel your Dad has an excellent cance at recovering from the surgery or it would be unethical on his part to even suggest surgery. So your Dad never got any radiation? My treatments did more damage to the cancer than could be seen on the CT scan. I will possibly mop up any wandering cancer cells with chemo in 6 weeks. Perhaps chemo not only shrinks and kills cancer, but aids in preventing spread? Cheryl

Dear Sam, You are not the average person. You would not be where you are today if that were the case. Therefor, don't compare yourself to the average person who has this disease. You can still beat this! Cindy has had it in both lungs, and beaten back the beast. Now you must focus on your spiritual wisdom, not your medical knowledge, to see you through this. The practice of medicine, as good as it has become, still cannot solve all of our medical problems. But have trust in your faith to resolve any and all situations! I recall you saying that your spiritual guidance counselor has transferred. Can you still contact him, or perhaps talk to the pastor who took his place? I will be praying for you Sam. Cheryl

Hello Everyone, I am at home now resting in the easy lounger. I want you al to know that God heard your voices of prayer loudly. The surgery went quite well. I was actually rather calm going into it....sort of at peace. I felt Jesus holding my right hand and the fear abated. I was not given any drugs beforehand to relax me either! Five hours later I awoke painfree, breathing regularly on my own. I spent 5 hours in recovery, then on to my own room. I received morphine the first and second day only. I was not thrilled about having the drug taken away! I also had a Q-Ball that sent pain medication into the incision site via these little wires, that worked well. When I was taken off the morphine, and was given hydrocodone, then the pain became outrageous when I moved. PLus, I could not have more meds until my next scheduled dose, regardless of the pain. The tubes came out 4rth day. That made me feel so much better. Everytime my tubes were touched I would scream out in pain! The doctor wanted me up and moving to prevent blood clots, expand my lungs, and get the other bodily processes functioning. He said drugs prevent that. I have been having shortness of breath, but x-rays show clear and expanded lungs. Anyone experience this after surgery? My oxyygen level would be at 97, then drop to 89 when I walked. Also, the glue used to close my lung is a sealant called Thorex. I do believe I received it in this double blind study because my lung sealed imediately, no leaks! My surgeon said that none of the lymph nodes in my chest showed cancer, nor did the tissue surrounding the tumor. The nodes in the middle chest, that he was worried about, seemed to be fairly destroyed by the radiation! So all went well! Thanks again for your support and prayers! Cheryl

Norme, our thoughts are with you and your Buddy. This board is a great place to come to and you are one of the main reasons why it is. -Jack-

Wow, what a support group! Thanks for all of the comments... Cheryl will be coming home today (Wed.) and is "biting at the bit" to get caught up with the board. She'll be thrilled to read your responses! Thanks again! -Jack-

Hello all, A note to thank everyone for their support and prayers... Cheryl's surgery went very well. Doc said radiation was very effective and that the tumors were removed with no problems. Also, he did not have to take as much of her lung as expected saying that the borders of her lobes were not compromised. Her middle lobe was removed along with a small portion of her upper. She is resting comfortably now after a 5 hour surgery... am on my way back to hospital... something I will be doing a lot of this week! Again, thanks so much for all of your support and prayers and God bless each and every one of ya! -Jack-

Hello All, Tomorrow is the big day! I am not feeling as anxious as I was. I just do not have the energy to worry about it anymore. So, I have given it to the Lord to worry about for me. But any prayers would be so very appreciated. Thanks, Cheryl

Becky, I pray that you find relief and your breathing improves. Look how far you have come! Before, you were unable to make it to the bathroom without becoming out of breath. I wish for you to complete a story without having to stop, until then have your daughter tell you stories about the pictures in the book. Prayers for you. Cheryl

Keith, I continue to re-read "Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul." It helps provide me with hope and courage. Cheryl

Eileen, I work for a mental health agency. We were just assumed by another agency on Sept. 1, after the state came in to take over due to mismanagement by our last CEO. I have worked at this agency for 8 years. I was worried that I wouldn't qualify for insurance due to cancer being a pre-existing illness. The company just acquired new insurance for all their existing employees and added our agency, waiving the 90 day wait period. Fortunately the new insurance approved my surgery! The HR Director for this new company called me this past week to remind me that I will be terminated if I go over the FML time. Maximum time allowed off is 4 months, no exceptions. They are counting cummulative time, even before they took over our agency. I can obtain COBRA if terminated. My husband called one of the County Commissioners to rally support. He basically said to "wait to see what happens." My husband threatned to go to the paper and raise a huge stink! My agency had been in the paper quite a bit up until recently. I just don't have the energy to worry about this along with the surgery. It has really stressed me. Cheryl

Hi Sam, So great to hear from you again. I hate for you that you are having to give up your practice for now. My company will terminate me if I go past my FML when I go out for my surgery. It is the company policy. I think I have 5 weeks left. After that I too will have to apply for disability. I do hope that you regain your strength and perhaps can do some contracted work for the clinic, or consultation type of work. One of the most difficult things for me in having this dreaded disease has been me "needing help." I am so use to helping others in my profession, that I found it difficult to switch roles. But I have realized I can still be of some help to others, despite having cancer. I don't know if you have ever felt that way Sam, but know that you have been such a great help to the people on this board with your medical expertise and compassion. I just finished my chemo about 5 weeks ago and still am exhausted! My onc said that " even though the drugs leave your system within days, the effects of the drugs can last weeks, sometimes months." So be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal. Your body has been through a lot! Just remember "The mind, in addition to medicine, has powers to turn the immune systems around...." Jonas salk Praying for you to be healed! Cheryl

Connie, I am glad to hear that you are on the mend. Your news about the tumors not being cancer is an answer to our prayers! I am praying that your upcoming surgery goes well. Cheryl

Mary, What an awesome story. }We need to hear survial stories like yours! Cheryl

Cherbut, The hospital that you are talking about in Houston is MD Anderson. I have heard that it is ranked the best hospital in the nation. A lot of people go there for second opinions and treatment protocol. I have been getting treatment at Sammons Cancer Treatment Center in Dallas, Tx.. My doctors are very defensive when they hear MD Anderson is better. My onc says, "we have the same technology, but they are involved in more clinical trials." Check with this board to find out treament options once you have been staged. Treatment will vary dependent upon type of cancer and stage you are in. If you are eligable for surgery, make sure he is the best and has done many of those types of procedures. This board provides a wealth of information and support! I a sorry you have to be hear, but welcome you aboard. Cheryl

You have brightened many faces this morning with your post. So good to hear of your progress!! GO CONNIE GO! -Jack-

Annie, This isn't just good news, but rather great news!!! So glad to hear of the clean report! There is nothing better than being labeled with NED. Way to go Tim!! -Cheryl-

Hey Everyone, Dr. Kourlis called to postpone the surgery until Thurs. morning at 7:15 A.M.. JUST MORE TIME TO WORRY! HA! He said that he needed to do some emergency surgeries. This surgeon also does heart and lung transplants. The company that makes this new experimental glue is supposed to call me to get my consent. I hope it is as good as "Super Glue".... that stuff is great! Anyway, thanks for all the awesome advice and support. It has helped me to cope and prepare. You guys are my lifeline! Cheryl

David, My prayers for clean scans. Itseems like scans bring out every possible ache and pain with me. Perhaps your pains are nerves healing from your surgery. I must say that despite your pain you have had a positive attitude which is what one needs. Got you in our prayers. Cheryl

Cindy, Congratulations on your son's marriage. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the dogs dressing up in formal atire too! Ha! I am so glad that God gave you the strength to enoy the trip and ceremony! Rest up! Cheryl

Judy B., WE miss your posts. I am so sorry to hear about your back pain. I hope you find relief soon. I am sending up prayers now for God to relieve the compression of your spine and heal you. Cheryl

Dear Ginny, I am so glad that Earl is working some! You are right, it helps psychologically to contribute and be productive. Your upcoming adventure sounds exciting! Let us know how it goes! Thanks for the well wishes on my surgery. It has been postponed until Thurs. morning! Well that gives me three more days to worry! Ha! Cheryl

Hi Gang, Tomorrow I go in to Baylor Medical for Pre-op stuff, and my surgery is still scheduled for Mon.. My Onc on Tue. made me feel a bit more encouraged. He said, " You are healthy and active. One out of three will survive this and be cured. There are no guarantees in life, but your chances are good." My stomach is in knots, and I have not been sleeping. I can't seem to concentrate on anything at work. Anyone with some pre-op advice for the jitters? Cheryl

George, Your right, it really could be the chemo working! Stay Positive! Cheryl

Becky, You are such an inspiration. You are not letting this disease stop you from living your life fully. You go and have a wonderful weekend! P.S....I miss-spelled one of the drugs I mentioned. It is Tarceva. Keep me posted on the possible trial.

Tanya, I am so saddened by your loss. Your Dad sounded like a very brave man. I am praying for you and your family. Cheryl