karen335

pparx.org Is a website for people who can't afford to purchase their meds. It has listings by state and also by Pharmacutical Companies.

Welcome MOlly, Sorry you have to be here. Just Keep a positive attitude, doctors can't give you a time frame. They are just guessing. You keep on fighting and research about your condition. You will get a lot of support here and info. about treatments. If we can answer questions for you, please ask, one of us will find an answer for you or at least help you to find one... We care and want to helpf as much as we can. Please keep us posted and try and update your profile. This will help us to help you... Blessings and prayers, Karen

Thanks Rich, Hope we hear more about this vaccine. Hope it doesn't just get lost in paperwork and forgotten. Karen

Tracy, Glad treatment is on the horizon. Just know we are here for you. Praying for good results and getting back to routine. Keep us poted on which trial you get into and how you are doing. Your Aunt Kasey is a great lady and I'm sure she will be a huge help for you... Hugs and prayers, Karen

Marie, When my body ached from chemo and antibiotics. My PC told me to take Liquid Gel Advil,(2) every 4 hours. Said don't pay attn. to what the label said. It worked for me. Now ask your doctor 1st. I am not a doctor, each person is different. Hope you start feeling better, in my prayers. Glad you are getting a break to recoup... Karen

Debbie, If you can get a 2nd opinion, Do it. My father was admitted in AZ with pneumonia and they gave him meds that were not compatable. I was told this by the pharmacist at the hospital. He didn't have cancer, the meds made him incoherant and unable to talk, walk or eat or drink, he would choke. It was really frightening. You father's condition and downward spiral does not sound right. Especially in such a short time and he is too young to be doing so poorly... Please keep us posted. We are here to help if we can. karen

Lori, I know nothing about the insurance. The brother, is he your real brother, 1/2 brother or step brother. I think we're all thinking he is a real bro and not of your SF. If he really cares, he should help with your mom's PT. This situation with the SF and bro sounds fishy to me... Sending you prayers and hugs, Karen

Why is it we hear about all the new drugs or experiments. Than we never hear any more. It all seems to die wnd go away. No More news, gives people hope then poof it's gone. anyone have an answer? Thanks all,appreciate your answers Karen

pammie, Sending prayers for the right decision and complete removal of those brain mets. Have you had surgery to remove tumors. I have had two brain surgeries for one met each time. Last surgery was Feb. 2006.Has this been discussed with your neurosurgeon? Maybe get a 2nd opinion... Hugs and blessings, Karen

Larry, Thank you for the info. on the Medicare insurance. I still don't understand how this stuff works. I have an appt. next Tuesday with Medicare people. I had an HMO before and I have exhausted the time frame with them. It was Cobra from previous employer. Cigna, good ins.. I will miss your posts. I understand you need some time for yourself to heal. Sending you prayers and blessings.. Karen

HIV Infection Tied To Elevated Lung Cancer Risk NEW YORK APR 14, 2006 (Reuters Health) - Even after adjusting for smoking, HIV-infected patients appear to be at increased risk for lung cancer, according to a report in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Moreover, the extent of immunosuppression seems to have no bearing on the risk. The findings "suggest that smoking might not entirely explain the excess of lung cancer among HIV-infected persons, pointing to a need for research regarding the pathogenesis of lung cancer in this setting," Dr. Eric A. Engels, from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues state. The results are based on an analysis of data for 5238 HIV-infected patients who attended an HIV specialty clinic in Baltimore between 1989 and 2003. Lung cancer rates in this group were compared with that seen in an urban reference population. Thiry-three lung cancers occurred in the study group, yielding an incidence of 170 per 100,000 person-years. Increasing age was identified as a risk factor for lung cancer, but gender, race, and CD4+ count seemed to have no effect. Nonsignificant increases in lung cancer incidence were seen with calendar year and HAART use. Lung cancer incidence was inversely linked to HIV viral load, but the association lost its statistical significance after adjustment for age. The standardized incidence ratio in the study cohort versus the general population was 4.7, the report indicates. After adjustment for smoking, which was reported by 69% of the cohort, the standardized incidence ratio fell to 2.5. "As people with HIV infection live longer and age, lung cancer will likely grow in importance as a cause of morbidity and mortality," the authors state. "Clinicians should be alert to the possible diagnosis of lung cancer in HIV-infected patients." SOURCE: J Clin Oncol 2006;24:1383-1388.

God hears our prayers and answers them in His time not ours. What Randy said is so true. The plans for our future are predetermined and we have no control over that. Your father is a strong man and I pray that his time here on earth will be lengthened by our Lord. I pray that your father gains strength each day! Please keep us posted. Hod Bless and prayers, karen

Tina, I have no words to express my sadness about reading this news. It is always so difficult to lose a family member. That is who Charlie was, a family member. Praying for comfort and peace for you and the children. May he rest in peace and no pain. God Bless and hugs, Karen

Look forward to seeing the pictures. I am glad you are finding peace and friendship. Spring and summer always helps the days seem brighter. We are here for you. Please keep us posted. God Bless and prayers, Karen

Mike, Sorry you have to go through this with your mom. Is your mom alert and aware of her surroundings. if she is of a pretty sound mind. Maybe you can ask her how she feels ans what she would like to do at this point. It's a tough decision, but maybe if able she can let you know her thoughts and feelings. If not, speak to her RN that visits and ask her for an opinion. I am sure she has experienced this type of situation before. Is your mom still mobile? Have you tried getting her (mom) to drink ensure or boost? It had lots of calories and vitamins. Can blend with ice, bananas or different fruits. Smoothies, shakes and etc.. Sending you prayers and strength. Hope we can all suggest something that might work... God Bless, karen

Our God lives... AMEN

Randy, Sending you prayers and love for Easter. Thinking of you... Thanks for all the research you do for all of us. You are truly appreciated. Please keep the information coming.. God Bless and prayers, Karen

Your little Ryan's picture makes me smile. I can see why he was grandpa's special little guy. He is a precious baby. I am so sorry you lost your father. Just take care of your mom and know we are here for both of you. Your mom is special to us and so are you... God Bless and hugs, Karen

Hi Lori, Sent you a PM last week. Didn't hear back, thought all was ok. Sorry you have to go through this with your SF. Does your hubby say anything to your SF? My hubby wouldn't allow anyone to speak to me rudely or with no respect. I pray for you, Sandy and your family. SF included... Please keep us posted, God Bless and Hugs, "Happy Easter" Karen

Wish I knew your name, Linda's MOM This disease is beatable, hang in there and keep a positive attitude and keep fighting. NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP you have to much to live for, your daughter for one, plus your too young... Have a great Easter Sunday. Keeping you in my prayers. Plan on the future and enjoy each day!!! Sending you Blessings and Hugs, Karen

Hi Laura, Welcome!!! Ryan would be the apple of any grandpa or grandma's eye. He is a reall cutie and big blue eyes.. Such a happy baby... Sending Hugs and prayers, Karen

Randy, What is the link. Don't find anything there or maybe I'm just tired. Please advise. Thanks, Karen

Thanks Linda

Thanks Holly and Cindy, Holly, I have a private onc. for my trefollow ups. There is no advocate for insurance. Cindy, I have Cigna Ins. now. I wonder if I can use them as a supplimental ins. and also for prescriptions. I guess I'll have to check with them. Don't have much time. I am under age 65, but I have part A & B Medicare due to this illness. Appreciate all your help, if you think of anything else, please post... Need all the info. I can get. Hugs, Karen

Hi Cindy, Thanks for your help, very much appreciated. Is your father under age 65. It is my understanding that if a person is under age 65 and on Medicare. It alerts the insurance companies that you have a chronic disease. Have you ever heard of this? Thought they couldn't discriminate. This is so confusing, never dealt with insurance before. Very confusing...