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That made me cry! Thanks for that Jamie.

Hi Lilly, I hate that anyone has to think those thoughts. I know that my hubby is similar, specifically with spending money on himself. He's avoiding getting a tooth fixed because he doesn't want to spend the money on it. He won't get some cosmetic damage on his car fixed (a car he really loves) for the same reason. On the other hand, he wanted to buy me a very expensive piece of jewelry (which I managed to talk him out of, bless his heart). I can't imagine what it's like from your perspective (or my hubby's). But I don't think there's an easy answer, except to know you're not alone and that the feelings are natural. But also to know that you deserve to treat yourself well, whatever that means to you. Wishing the best for you, Lilly.

Bobby, There is a good listing of chemo drugs on the ChemoCare web site. All of the ones you mentioned are on there. It includes information on how they are used, as well as potential side effects. http://www.chemocare.com/bio/ Please keep us updated. I'm very interested in this combo too. There must be a reason he's going this route. I'm interested to learn more. Did you say she's having radiation too?

Thanks everyone for the info. I guess the answer we got is "right away." Scheduled to start Topotecan on Monday.

Terrie, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through such a stressful time. I know what it's like when the tears won't stop. Something just overflows. I was like that over the past week. I will definitely be saying a prayer for you and your family, and that everything is okay with Meg. Stay strong,

Once again, I really can't thank you all enough for jumping in to lend support, offer encouragement, send up prayers, etc. It REALLY makes a difference--a huge difference. Knowing that there were all these people actually praying for us yesterday and today really lifted me. It was awesome to think about. I wasn't going to post anything today, because we still have another doctor appointment tomorrow. I'll do a proper update in the Test Time/Updates section then. The short story is that the PET definitely showed progression from December. Our med onc scheduled Bill to start Topotecan on Monday. And yes, I too still believe in miracles. Much love to you all,

Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I can't believe all your kind words and support AND prayers in such a short space of time. And I KNOW you have all been there (and then some), which makes your words and sentiment so true and real. I did manage to make it to church and I asked God to show me himself. I think He just did in all of your responses. There's a relevant quote in the book, "Second Guessing God" by Brian Jones (which I only have because it was recommended on this site). It goes: "Those who believe they believe in God, but without passion in the heart, without anguish of mind, without uncertainty, without doubt, and even at times without despair, believe only in the idea of God, and not in God himself." -- Miguel de Unamuno. Thanks again. God bless...

Hi everyone, I'm mad at God today. Have been for several days, although I'm trying to work it out (had a few choice words for Him last night). As I was saying prayers over the past week for a good scan, I started thinking that it was a silly prayer. Of course we want good scan results, but does prayer have any effect? If you think so, we could do with some prayers. We get results tomorrow for Bill's PET/CT and brain MRI. We have reason to believe there will be activity showing on the PET -- it's just a matter of how much, I guess. Of course, we wouldn't say no to a miracle...

I think everyone has given you the great pracitcal advice. I just want to encourage you to come here with questions and concerns, and to stay strong. It seems like whenever someone asks a specific question, there is someone here who has a good answer and has been there themselves. It's very frightening at first, and you feel like you're in a fog and/or a panic not knowing what to do for the person you love so much. Especially when everyone is telling you that you need to act fast. If you haven't done so yet, I would encourage you to read Don's post called "What I did to fight sclc." It's at the top of this forum, but here's a link anyway. http://lchelp.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=18395. It's the very first positive thing I found on the web, and how I ended up on this site to begin with. It's the amazing survivors here and their wonderful loved ones that have helped me get through this from the spouses's position. In most cases, we're the most important person in the survivor's life, we're with them everyday, and we need to do all we can to help them keep fighting and to make sure they know that we believe they can do it. I guess the only other practical thing that I don't think has been mentioned would be to try to help her keep her weight up. Many people, my hubby included, drink milkshakes made with ice cream and Ensure or Boost to get the calories and nutrients when it's hard to eat enough "real food." Take care and know we're here anytime.

I'll join this admiration club 100%. Melinda, your heart of gold is shining through those dark clouds.

Nova, So happy to read your Harry is home. What an ordeal for you both. Hoping and praying he continues to feel better, now that the problem was sorted.

I agree, Katie. If I read correctly, I believe there was a suspicion of *possible* cancer cells showing on the PET, so the idea was to go for an aggressive attack rather than taking the "wait and see" approach, which would give the cancer cells time to gain more ground. It really is a war, isn't it?

Thanks everyone. I'll probably post an update in the Update forum next week, because we'll receive the results of yesterday's PET and tomorrow's brain MRI then. As always, I appreciate the info and support.

Randy -- as always, thanks for providing a useful link. I had no idea they were the same. Any sclc folks -- Even with these therapies, it talks about "recurring" sclc. I'm wondering how soon do you try Plan B (2nd line) if the first 1st line doesn't completely knock it back? (I'm still hoping that cycle 6 did the trick and we go straight to radiation.) Of course, our doctor will go over this with us. I'm just seeking any personal experiences. It's always good when you're at the doctor appointment if you can ask a "what about this" questions with some level of confidence.

Thanks Laurie. I appreciate the info (and the support). Stupid question, but are Hycamtin and Topotecan the same?

I know a lot of people here have had Topotecan as a 2nd line chemo. Don just mentioned in a recent post that he had it a few months after completing his first 6 cycles of carbo/etoposide. My hubby is going for PET/CT today. We should have the results of this on Friday. We know from a CT in Feb that there has been some progression in the chest tumor since a PET/CT in December, but it was characterized then as "minimal growth." Regardless of the results, we're meeting with the radio onc next week to discuss radiation. And if we don't like what we hear from either doc, we'll look elsewhere. I have two questions. One is, how long do you have to wait before starting a 2nd line chemo, if it's decided if one is needed? (Just FYI, hubby has handled chemo very well.) Second question, our med onc mentioned "salvage chemotherapy" as a possibility (when I asked about what next). He mentioned a med that started with an "H". After looking through the list at ChemoCare, I'm guessing it was Hycamtin. He didn't want to discuss this any further until we knew the true story. There's so much experience here, I like to put it out there now and see what comes back. And if Dr. West is reading, his comments are always appreciated. As always, thanks in advance.

Bobby, How frustrating. We haven't come across anything like this yet (not for a scan anyway). I'm wondering if the insurance company has some kind of time span they use -- do the PETs have to be so many months apart from each other? If her doctor really believes she needs one now, hopefully he can write some kind of justification. Give your sis my best.

Excellent news! So happy for both of you. Thanks so much for sharing it with us and spreading the hope!

Sending prayers and thoughts your way. Hope your hubby is feeling better soon.

Missy, I think you need to take a deep breath, take a step back, and then look ahead. What I mean by that is, don't have regrets about not spending time with your mom. Most other things can be worked out in the long run, especially anything job or money related. Your situation is such that nothing is going to be ideal, something is probably going to have to be sacrificed, so make it the best it can be. Focus on what's important in the long-term. I know when I give everything important in my life equal value, I can't take care of them all at once, and then I freak out. I do understand the anxiety.

Thanks for sharing the wonderful news about your Mom. Tell her from us that she does provide hope and that she's anything but ordinary. Happy Easter!

There's a lot of information about it on the Internet, including this Wikipedia description: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coley's_Toxins I've talked to someone about it, but would be very interested to know if anyone had actually had the procedure in Germany or anywhere else they actually still do it.

Mary, I haven't a clue what that means; however, I wanted to suggest that you post your question on Dr. West's web site: http://www.onctalk.com/post/ in case he doesn't see this one.

Melinda, I can't even begin to express how sad I was to read your post. I am so deeply sorry for you and your family. I'm simply amazed at your poise and eloquence in the midst of this unbearable heartbreak. I know your beloved Kevin is ever so proud of you, and will always be. Your kids have an awesome mom who will help them through this time -- that I know for sure. I only got to know you recently, but I've felt connected to you since I first arrived here. I thank you for checking in to see how my hubby was doing while you were going through so much yourself. That's a true heart of gold. You've been in my prayers and will continue to be. Much love, Teri xoxo

Hi Liz, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better about it all. Although I'm not sure how your doc could say that so definitively (about always having cancer). I understand the need to be realistic, but isn't it also true that they consider a cancer "cured" if you're in remission for 5 years? Why can't that be you? Our own doc told us a story of a lung cancer patient that he thought only had months to live, who was going on for several years after that prediction. I honestly think that they really don't know. I can only speak from the observer's perspective, but I think when you're fighting this monster body, mind, and spirit, you have to do whatever YOU need to do to maintain the ability to fight. There's nothing selfish about that. It's just too critical. You keep fighting! You're awesome! I'll tell Bill "hey" from you. PM me anytime if you want or need to chat from someone on my side of the fence. Good luck with the writing. Hugs back...