teriw

Hi everyone, I was telling Bill this morning about all the thoughtful responses I receive every time I post an update about him. He was so touched. He said, "I hope you always send my regards to everyone." I had to admit, "well no, not exactly." So here it is. I thought it best to create a new post here rather than have it lost in my own post in the Update section. He just wants to say thanks to everyone for their support. He wanted to encourage you all to keep up the good fight, to know he's thinking of you all, and to never, ever stop believing in miracles. We haven't seen a miracle of full healing (yet), but boy have we experienced plenty of others. Oh, and not to forget, a BIG congrats to Aaron! Bill & Teri

Excellent news -- so happy for you!

Don, Bless your heart. You will be missed, but I so understand why you would need to move on from the board. There are endless ways to give back. With your kind spirit and sense of humor, you will touch all those you encounter in your upcoming ministry. Thank you for the support you've provided. Hugs to you, Teri

I'm happy to hear your mom is being released. Hoping that she can continue to eat and will start to feel better soon.

It is hard to be the strong one. It sounds to me like you're playing an invaluable role in both of your parent's lives right now. Stay strong and come here for support from people who know.

That's a wonderful tribute to your mom and her memory. She must have been one special lady!

Bobby, I don't know. Bill's had 3 PET scans. Although they've required pre-approval, to my knowledge there's never been an issue. I don't understand why a PET wouldn't be considered a necessity for SCLC. Definitely praying for Beverly and another free scan.

Rochelle, Prayers from me too...

I'll definitely be praying for your babies too. I'm sorry for the worry you must be feeling.

Hi Tanner, I don't have any practical advice except what has already been given. We don't have children at home, so I can't even imagine what that's like. One of the favors you might ask of a friend (or a social worker at the hospital) is to check into local charities, churches, cancer support centers, meals on wheels -- anything that might offer some assistance. I'm so sorry for what you're going through, and I'm praying this new combo does the trick. P.S. If you think your brother is willing and able to help and that it would be a positive thing, ask him!

Debbie, The main side effect my husband had with the carbo/etoposide was fatigue and low white cell counts. (And hair loss.) On cycles 3 and 6 he suffered nausea. We found it was a little hard to plan in advance to go away. We wanted to go away a couple times for a weekend and had to cancel at the last moment. We learned to grab the chance when he was feeling well, and just go somewhere close that we could enjoy. Hoping your mum continues to have minimal side effects, and that you can have that week of vacation.

Hi Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. You will find support, information, and amazing inspiration from the survivors on this board. Stick around and everyone will help you through. Stay strong,

Peg, I'm sorry for the loss of your mom, and this new devastating blow to your family. We didn't have quite the wait that your brother is having, but we were frustrated by some things that seemed to move slowly up front during the initial diagnosis phase. However, my husband was started on chemo before his PET scan came back. Even if insurance won't cover a cancer center, I think they have to cover a second opinion.

Thinking of you both as you start up this new path, Mary Colleen, and praying that you get that cure. Hugs,

Great news, Laurie!

Flowergirlie is an inspiration and will continue to be. Even with all she's going through, she's consistently been a great help to me personally. I couldn't thank her enough. She's full of strength and compassion -- an unbeatable combination. Hugs to you Melinda...

Cindy, It's ALWAYS great to hear from you! Thanks for checking in. We all need the boost of good news!

Laurie, That entire scenario is so frustrating and just wrong. I sure hope the port works.

Nova, Hang in there and stay positive. He's only had three cycles. Hoping that three more will knock that cancer all the way down!

Rhonda, It's extremely difficult to be going through this everyday. Sometimes it simply becomes too much. My husband and I have always been very good at acknowledging that neither of us can possibly begin to truly know what the other is going through. I think that's helped us. It's really important that you are able to let out your feelings with someone (like you've done here). While I would never suggest that you deny your own needs, I would encourage you to really talk to your mom about what she's going through and try to take it in from her perspective. Because it's that compassion that will help you through, and help your mom too. And when it gets too much, take a step out even if it's something simple like going to a movie with a friend, or a walk, or whatever. Stay strong,

Congratulations Carol -- that's fantastic news!

I can't thank you all for providing all of that info. We're both relaxed about it now... Happy weekend,

Bill wanted me to post this article that he read on the BBC News web site. It's about a promising new targeted therapy being developed in Australia. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6646581.stm

Aaron, Congratulations! Wonderful news for you both. (Loved the blog too!)

Mary Colleen, Looks like you got some great advice from people with the experience that counts. I'm not one of those, but I do want you to know I'm thinking of you and hoping that you both find peace about this decision. The loss of eyesight is a frightening prospect, for sure. I'm getting ready to go to bed shortly, so you'll be at the top of my prayer list...