-Cheryl-

Kathy, I have been battling that demon of "worry" myself. I think everyone on this board will agree that "worrying is normal!" Knowing that our feelngs are normal does help some....but how do we stop the worrying and make ourselves feel better? I wish that I could make everybody's cancer go away, but we would still be stuck with "worry" wouildn't we. I myself am one of the biggest "what if'ers on the planet!!" So, as one "worry wart to another" I would like to share with you some things that may help: * Find outlets for life's frustrations (prayer, meditation, walks, any activity that is fun or relaxing) *Believe it or not "Denial" is permissible. Let Hope dominate your emotions, yet prepare for the worst. * Seek "Control", but try not to control future events. Let go of the past and quit trying to "fix" everything. *Seek information, but if the news is far worse than you want to know, DON"T READ IT OR LISTEN TO IT! * Get support - this group has been a God Send for Jack and I! Kathy, I don't know if I have helped you at all, but know that we all share in your "worries." I am counselor, and have noticed something in working with children. Children actually cope with serious illness better than we do as adults? Why? They don't worry about the future and live for today, nor do they have all these preconceived notions about prognoses and statistics. It also helps me to set a time to worry that day, instead of worrying all day long. For instance, I'll worry all I can within an appointed time frame. After that time period is over, I stay buisy and preocupy myself with other activities. Try not to let the worry consume you. Take a break from cancer and do something non-cancer related. Make time for your self. May God watch over you and Tim! Cheryl

Rick, Katie Hopefully he is just having a bad spell and he will work his way out of it. Wish I could help with your questions... With all of the talent on the board, I'm sure we will come up wih something. Hang in there...our prayers are with you. Jack-n Cheryl

Persistance is the name of the game... Looks like you are keeping them in line and unfortunately, that's what it seems to take anymore. I myself have spent hours on the phone with doctors and the like in order to keep our ball rolling. Trust no one to get things done... only you will know it's done when you do it yourself. We trust that these Drs. are good at what they do.... it's all of the other stuff they can't seem get a grip on. A doctor is only as good as his 1st string nurse... If she can't keep things going in order ... mayhem usually breaks out. We are praying that CTCA will get Mike back up... our thoughts are w/ you both. -Jack-

Hey Linda, Great news for you and your dad!! We have had you in our thoughts and prayers... Keep up the good work Dad! -Jack-

I forgot to mention, it looks like Cheryl will start treatment(chemo and rad) this Wednesday! Keep us in your thoughts. -Jack-

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers... Results from Cheryl's Brain MRI on Fri., came back clean!! At least we know where to concentrate all of our efforts now- finally! Having people here really helps! -Jack-

Ginny I loved your story! Ha! Stories like this have such a positive influence on our healing. Since were sharing, I couldn't help but be reminded of a wedding aniversary several years back. Jack and I went out to eat for our aniversary at this swanky, upscale restaurant in Dallas. Jack doesn't like to dress up and really feels uncomfortable in a suit. He decided to wear a Polo sport shirt (which looked very good on him too I might add!) But, I tried to impress upon him that the restaurant we had reservations with would not let us in without him wearing a tie. So, I have him pull over to Wal*Mart because it was on the way, open on a Sunday, and withn our budget! I bought him 2 shirts to choose from for $10- can I shop for bargains or what? Anyway, he puts on one of the shirts and is none too happy about it. We make it to the restaurant and are seated, both feeling very uncomfortable and out of place. Jack asked the waiter what was the price of lobster? He told Jack $30 and wanted to know the size? Jack said "oh what ever people normally get" The waiter re-appears with our food and this huge platter of Lobster. Feeling like "wow, all of this for $30!" The waiter asked Jack "would you like a bib?" Jack responded, "No thanks, I'll just sop up the grease with my $5 Wal*mart shirt!" (Jak really sulked over that shirt thing! Ha!) The lobster was scrumptious!!!- Then came the bill, the lobster was $30 a pound, not $30 for the whole thing! We ate about 4lbs. worth.! Well, you do the math... Not quite the bargain we had assumed! (Thank goodness for "plastic.") On a good note, we did get to see Ross Perot eating there with his family next to us!

Yes, a perspective we can all relate to... I used to just think I had problems... now, they are trivial distractions. It really changes the way you view everything. We are pulling for your dad and hope that more tests will bring more answers! Thanks for welcoming us aboard. -Jack-

Lenny, I am so sorry about your news. I am waiting on the results of a Brain MRI myself. I will keep you in my prayers. Cheryl

Hello everyone, Since my Brain MRI on Friday I have been extremely anxious and unable to even think clearly. Jack demanded that we get out of the house and go to the zoo. So, after some coaxing I conceeded. It was nice to take a time out from my worrying. It is hard to forget about the cancer as the pain in the center of my chest is a constant reminder. I am hoping that treatment will soon remedy that. I hate to take meds to numb my existence just yet. Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine though. Jack and I stopped o eat at an "all you can eat" buffet. Once inside we followed this maze until we got to the food. It looked like cafeteria style because there was a man standing behind the food bar. Jack hands his plate to this guy and proceedes to tell him what he wanted on his plate and "oh no, give me more than that!". The man looked a little put off. We then sat down to eat, and Jack complained about the service. Next thing Jack notices is this very same man who fixed Jack's plate, sat down next to us with his family to eat. Jack then realized that this man apparantly did not work there, but was a customer like us! We laughed all the way home!!! Cheryl

Hi Ray, we are new to the board, but have been following your situation. We all share with you your frustrations in fighting this dsease. Your will to live and strentgh will see you through this. However, you are only human and when you need to rest let God carry this burden for you. You are in our prayers. Cheryl and Jack

Sam, I looked up the site that you posted on Dr. K.,and he appears to have a special interest in LC. Your visit with him sounded promising and full of hope. I bet you will be back in practice by Oct.. God Bless you! Cheryl and Jack

Annie and Tim, So glad that Tim is recovering so rapidly. There is power in prayer! Tim you inspire us all with your determination and strenth! God's speed in recovery! Cheryl and Jack

To hear that y'all have been thru and recognize my concerns sure makes me feel better... Thanks for your input as it certainly didn't hurt to know others had experienced this. Shelly, hope your July appt. is a good one! Your Mom is blessed to have a daughter as bright and persistent as you. We admire that and that's how we have learned you have to be! Becky, reading your post was right in ine w/ everyone else's as was yours Jenny. Thank's so much! We are all praying for Cathy and her father. Our thoughts will be with all of you! Thanks for being here! -Cheryl-

Hello everyone, I had a brain MRI late this afternoon. Of course no results yet. Is this the tyoical protocol prior to chemo/rad? I was given some IV solution to improve resolution about midway through the procedure. Of course this freaked me out because I thought they must of found something! Is this normally done? I hate the wait, and forget trying to read your results based on the techncians expressions. Cheryl

Gail says it best... one day at a time! Sounds as if Tim is responding well... Kudos to your onc. for stepping up!!

I know you hear of all kinds of stories of cancer cure, but was wondering if anyone had ever heard of the late Dr. Alivitos from Greece. To read reports on the internet of him you would think he was a quack... I know a person here in town that went to Greece and was treated and cured by this Dr. back in '89. Knock offs have sprung up here in the states ad was wondering if anyone had any experience with them or have known anyone that has. Does anyone have any faith in the metabolic diet? The guy I know swears by it? Cheryl has her first Oncology appt. today... As you can tell, I am searching avenues that I am sure many of you have already traveled. Just trying to gather as much information as possible. Thanks for your input... -Jack-

Your Tim sounds like a strong person, actually you both sound strong as team. So glad to hear all went well and hopefully you both can get a break and relax now. We will be looking for even better reports as the healing continues! Way to go Tim! -Jack-

BeckyG, It sounds like you have the same docs we have here in Dallas...After our first visit to the Pulmonologist, I made a promise to myself that I would not leave a Doctors office until I got the answers to my questions. Sure, they hate to see me coming, but surprisingly, I have found that even hounding them on the phone has been very productive. You hate to bother them, but you also hate not knowing... I prefer to know, even if it's not what we want to hear. Keep your thoughts positive... you'll never guess what they are really thinking anyway. Cheryl was not supposed to get the results of her mediastinoscopy until tomorrow. By working the phones and showing that I'm not going anywhere real soon, we managed to get the results last Fri. It wasn't what we wanted to hear, but at least we are prepared to take this thing on with everything we have. A little more time to do research and make decisions hasn't hurt a bit either. Remember, these docs are just like us, they put their pants on one leg at a time! Our thoughts are with you both. -Jack-

Hello all... I am Jack, the husband of Cheryl Ferguson and we are relatively new to the site. I must admit, in a world where we hardly have time for our friends and neighbors, I am quite impressed with the love and caring expressed from people on the board. Cheryl has been diagnosed with 3ab adenocarcinoma and we have a tough road ahead. Though we have a challenge, I can't help but think how being involved with you folks will be a bg plus. People like DaveG... what a warrior you are! I'd have you on my team anyday. We are all stronger by reading your words of wisdom...no fancy packages, just the facts. You are admired by all. Keep up the fight, we are behind you all the way. Please feel free to contact us anytime? Our thoughts and prayers go out to some of the caregivers and their loved ones as well. Carleen... you sound like me when you say "get mad at this disease," I have been saying it over and over again to Cheryl in hopes that she will be determined to do so. Our thoughts are with you and your husband during these trying times and thank you for our comments, they are very inspiring! LindaMRG has had some kind words as her dad is facing that in which all of us have in common. Thanks so much Linda, we are thinking of you daily. AnnieMac and her husband are facing surgery today... Praying for a successful outcome and please keep us posted. Don Wood and his wife of 44 years. Wow, congrats! We know your love for each other will carry you thru this. You are one of Cheryl's favorites... we have been married for 20 years and would truly love to equal your numbers! You are in our thoughts and prayers. We see that nothing is slowing down Tiny... thanks for your caring thoughts and yes, you are an inspiration too. It seems as if yo are living your life regardless of what you encounter. My hat's off to you and thanks for your show of support. Thanks to Terrie, both good advice and experience is what you bring. You seem to be doing very well since your surgery in January... keep up the good work! Both you and DavidA seem to be fighters and willing to take on the challenge. Shelliemacs also fills in with some positive advice and we are keeping our thoughts with you as well. Keep up the good attitude! I agree with BeckyG... If you are not happy with your doc...kick him to the curb. A lot of tmes they seem to be a deterent in ones recovery. If negetivity is all you seem to get out of him/her, send him packing! Finally, ConnieB. I am sure you have heard it a hundred times but one more time shouldn't hurt. You are the inspiration for most of us! These past eight years have had to change your life. One could only hope for your passion to live and the determination it takes to succeed. I am not only impressed with the ConnieB as a survivor, but also the ConnieB as a person. You and Cheryl were both dianosed at the age of 43 with similar problems. You are proof that this can be beat. Our continued prayers stay with you and yours. Cheryl and I just purchased our dream home.. with our horses and dogs we were really starting to settle in and enjoy life. We still want to live 'till we get old and grumpy! Having all of you on the team gives us hope! Thank you all so much! We love you all! (Jack-N-Cheryl)- Dallas area