-Cheryl-

David, Wecome to the "Empty Headed" club. So happy for your results so you can get on with being a Dad of that beautiful baby! Love the picture of your family! Cheryl

Cindy, What awsome news!!! So glad the treatment worked! Celebrate this weekend with your family. Cheryl

David, You are such an inspiration to me and eveyone on this board. We so need that right now! Thank you! We will be with you in that race, all of cheering you on to the finish! God's Speed David! Cheryl

Terrie, You are in my prayers. I would be a hypocrite if I told you not to be fearful or to worry. I so understand where you are coming from, as all of us here on this board do. I wish I could take away that fear. Just know that it is normal. Try to pre-occupy your thoughts with positive things. Talk to your supports. I wear a cross pin a friend gave me that simply says "Trust." It reminds me to put my faith in God to see me through tough times. We are all cheering for you!

Sue, This news is a disappointment to you, but there is no cancer elsewhere. I don't know much about RFA, but it sounds hopeful. Sue you have always been so supportive to all of us here on tis board. We are here for you. You know....it is O.K. to not be brave all of the time. It is impossible to be. I try to put on a good front, but we all have those days. Just take it day by day. Today was one of those days for me...I came home from work feling defeated and quite nauseated too. I just crawled up in my big sister's lap and cried like a baby! I must say it made me feel better. She is such a comfort. I wish I were there to give you hug! So I a sending you a (((((((cyber hug))))))))) Cheryl

Becky, THere is so much shame associated with this disease...as if lung cancer were a disease you bring on to yourself. I hate to even tell people what kind of cancer I have because they always assume you smoke to get it. I was a closet smoker, ashamed of the habit. I did not smoke in Public where people could see me. I quit right before I found out I had lung cancer. I do feel like I contrbuted to my cancer and it sickens me. People don't seem to be as sympathetic toward smokers. Nobody deserves this disease! But Becky is right, people just cannot imagine nonsmokers getting this disease, and they do. 40% of people with adenocarcinoma have never smoked! Several people in my family have gotten this disease, one never smoked. I want to educate people too about lung cancer, and feel my job is a good spring board for that. I work with kids ages 3-18. Cheryl

Peg, Glad Bill found a clinical trial! God be with you both and you are in my prayers! Cheryl

Donna, I have had many of the same problems with the oncologist and the overall care that comes with LC. I find the tacticts that some of these professionals use to be appauling and insulting. I must look like a stupid idiot by listening to some of the excuses and explanations my onc has given me. Yes, I am sure there are some great,caring physicians out there (Sam for one), but as a whole, there is little to be desired. I am not unlike Mainecoon, I think they are simply mechanics in white coats. Only difference is, the auto mechanic has to make good on his work before he gets paid...the doc gets paid either way. My wife is receiving treatment at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. From the Receptionist desk all the way up to the Doctors office, it is complete turmoil... the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. They make you feel like you have just walked into the Dept. of Motor Vehicles. Granted, once you finally receive treatment (chemo and radiation) and you are away from the front desk and docs office, it's all good. The nurses and the radiology techs are very efficient at what they do, and it's probably like that in most cases everywhere I'll tell you right now, I don't recommend one to go to Baylor, especially if you are older. They could care less if you find where you need to go or not...We are younger, and though we could physically get aroud the complex and find our way, the older ones were left out to dry. I spent half of my time there helping the elderly patients find there way around. It's sad to watch them walk aimlessly around the halls. No help from Baylor though... as I said, they could care less. Doctors put their pants on just like the rest of us... one leg at a time. I think after I had a meeting w/ my oncologist, he got the idea that if he told me one thing and did another, I would flatten his nose... guess what? He is right. Call me any name in the book you want (redneck doesn't bother me). He has not been true to his word on many occassions and I told him that I would not listen to another lie. When you don't tell the truth, it's called a lie, even if you are a doctor. Drs. have to answer to nobody and I think there should be a forum for people on this website to state names and locations of Dr.s that they are dissatisfied with. How else is one to know without finding out the hard way. NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE MEDICAL FIELD! -Jack-

Bonnie, Any and all tests are stressfull, Especially having them done on Friday and having the weekend to worry about them. I am sending prayers and good thoughts for your Howard. Cheryl

Deb, Katie is right, positive attitude is everything. I hope your Dad's visit with his brother helps. My sister is in visiting from N.Y. and she has helped me to regain some of my appetite! Cheryl

Len, Thank you. You are such an inspiration to us all. Cheryl

Sam, Sounds like the arduous treatment paid off! Good for you Sam. Cheryl

Hello friends, I just got back from the oncologist's office and got my results back from CT scan. The report reads: 1. Area of RIGHT Upper Lobe has improved since previous examination. 2. Stable Nodule within Left Upper Lobe (Did not light up on previous PET Scan- Doctor just watching) 3. No Significant change in Precarinal Lymph Node 4. Possible Two Subcentimeter Lymph Nodes witin the Mesentery which were not imaged on the prior examination (Doctor didn't feel these were mets. Report states- small lymph nodes versus volume averaging with vessels.) 5. Normal pelvis Doctor said this is "a good report" and "what we had hoped for in 6 weeks." I will need to contact my surgeon to proceed with surgery. I should feel better about the results, but am scared still. I was given a shot of arsenap (SP) to boost my iron. I am just so tired. Anyone know how long the shot takes to do the trick? Cheryl

Marge, I agree with the others, you need to fire this oncologist! Your coughing is for a reason and you need to know what is causing it. I wish I had an answer for you and could be of more help. Cheryl

Terre, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. It sounds as though she will have good care through hospice. I am glad to know that she will be surrounded by those that she loves. I would want my pets with me too, because they are part of the family. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless. Cheryl

Marge, What kind of chemo are you on, and where is your cancer located? Perhaps others have experienced the same things as you, but more information is helpful. My doctor gave me a list of possible side effects and coughing was one of the symptoms to notify the doctor about. Have you talked to your doctor? Cheryl

Fay, Praise God that you have no cancer in your left lung! How awful that you had to go trough this scare. It makes me sick to my stomach to think what they put you through. Fay I am confused as to why you will have chemo again? Is it for preventative measures? Cheryl

Connie, I asked my sister to add you to her prayer list. You are in my paryers daily. May the Lord send his angels to watch over one of his mightiest of warriors while she mends and rests. We anxiously await news of your recovery. We love you and need you back in the fight against LC! Cheryl

Tammy, Is your mom getting both chemo and radiation. I can so relate to your mom. I got hit in the middle of my chest with radiation which makes food feel stuck there. Bananas burn bad going down for me also! All fruits do. It must be the acidity of them or something. I can eat cake though; albeit, slowly that is! Ha! The top of my stomach also hurts, so that got radiated slightly too I think. Plus, the chemo caused nausea and vomiting with me. Have your mom eat foods at room temp., no food with acid including fruits, juices, and tomatos. I can't eat ice cream, but popsicles I can. Try: puddings, jello, cream soups, chicken & stars or noodle soups, ramen noodles, baked fish, spinach, grits, oatmill cream of wheat, cream corn, saltines in broth, eggs, macarronni and cheese, macaronni salad with tuna, creamy peanut butter, and buttercraem icing! Tammy these are just a few of the things that I have managed to get down. One week ago I vomited every thing I ate. I am down 20 pounds... but I am starting to eat again. I have no appetite still, but eat to survive. Your mom needs protein and iron because of the treatment. Buy foods that are fortified with it. I start with the magic mouth wash. Then I immediately eat and chase each bite with sips of water. Keep me posted on how your mom is doing. Cheryl

Hello Friends, I am waiting for CT results Mon. morning, and so very anxious. Last week at this time I was in the ER getting hydrated from vomiting. So at least I am keeping the food down now. But I have no appetite. I force myself to eat, and with each bite I feel excrutiating pain in my chest and top of my stomach. My sisters and husband are very concerned because I have lost 20 pounds. They took me to the grocery store to pick out foods that I might eat. I can't eat meat. I can't eat anything without pain. The one thing that I can eat without too much pain is buttercream icing! So we bought cake. I know all about the sugar thing...but I will eat whatever goes in. It really scares me that I will waste away, or end up with a feeding tube. I am feeling so puny latelty. I just pray to God I can withstand the surgery! I just needed to vent. Cheryl

Gail, Thanks for sharing your experience. I needed your positive message. Cheryl

Joanie, Wow! That is great news. We so need to hear good news. Congratulations! Cheryl

Peg, Bill is eating and is breathing O.K.! It sounds as though Bill has not given up hope. As long as he has not given up, you find a oncologist who won't give up on him. Prayers and Hope for you. Cheryl

Dear Friends, I am very anxious about my first CT scan following treatment. This will determine if surgery is possible. Any prayers would be greatly appreciated! Cheryl

Connie, I am so sorry that you have to endure yet another battle with this monster, but you will prevail. May God see our Connie B. through this surgery and I pray for a complete recovery. By your stripes may she be healed. Thank you Jesus, Amen. Cheryl