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Me too...

That's great new, Heather! Prayers for more of the same.

That is fantastic news, Bobby! A big congratulations to your sister from all of us here!

Grace, I've been thinking of you almost constantly since you first broke the devastating news to us. You are an incredibly strong woman and you are being everything you can be to Carlton when he needs you most. We are all here with you in spirit and will continue to be. Breaking down isn't weakness -- breaking down is human. We can hear your amazing strength loud and clear, whether you can or not. You, Carlton and your girls will continue to be in my prayers. Much love.

Congratulations to Lisa for beating the odds!!!!

Grace, You, Carlton and your girls are in our constant thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry.

Okay, I'll start this week. In addition to a "blanket prayer" for everyone here at LCSC, I would like to ask for special prayers for Grace (EastCoastLadi) and her family. Most of you probably know who I'm talking about -- if not, you can read her recent posts in the Family/Caregivers forum. They need our prayers now.

There was post in this section some time back recommending a book called, "Second Guessing God" by Brian Jones. I can't seem to locate the post (it's probably right in front of me, as is usually the case). I wanted to say thank you to whoever took the time to recommend it. I swore off any form of "self help" book many years ago. And this book is anything but that. It's really helped me to try to see the big picture, while still knowing it's okay to feel that "it's not fair" and to express feelings of doubt, despair, anger, fear, etc. It also makes me laugh, and that's always a good thing. Once again, thanks. Hopefully someone else who didn't see it the first time around might see this post and pick up the book for themselves.

Thanks for sharing that Nick. How true it is.

That's great news, Jen! A reason for hope -- that's what we like to hear!

Grace, I'm so sorry to hear of these recent developments. I haven't a single word of wisdom for you -- just thoughts, prayers, and a big "virtual hug."

I like the idea of prayer requests, Ernie. Maybe if the first person with a specific need starts a topic titled "Prayer requests for {insert prayer date}," then people could add onto it through the Monday beforehand? P.S. You look the picture of health at the race. LOVE IT!!!

Thank you, Pattie. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I too have been checking this forum for an update each day. I've been sitting here for five minutes trying to figure out what to write. I still haven't come up with anything, except that you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Frank, your dignity and grace are both humbling and inspirational -- oh, what an understatement that is. God bless you.

Hi everyone, Someone suggested this before, so I won't take credit for the idea. What do you all think of establishing a weekly prayer time just for all of us here at LCSC? That way we all know in advance. Off the top of my head, maybe Tuesdays at 19:00 GMT (that's 11:00 AM here in Los Angeles). I'm thinking that's early enough to include our U.K. friends and late enough so our Hawaii friends don't have to set their alarm clocks unnecessarily! Maybe we come up with a couple times in case one doesn't work for some people. What do you think? For those of you like my husband who can't figure out time zones, here's a link: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

Darn it, I missed it! I'll be the late-comer to the prayer meeting today...

So pleased that Carlton is finally back at home! If ever there was a time to put all of your focus and energy into your own family, it's now. I'm just glad you've been able to keep us up to date so we could be a support to you. We're all pulling for you and your family -- lots of prayers and positive thoughts!

Hi blueherron, Thank you so much for posting about your sister's treatment. It definitely helps to know what else is out there and what is being studied. I've never heard of Rebeccamycin, but I'll be doing some research to learn more. Thanks for the clinical trial info too. I hope your sister receives some good news from her MRI.

Jen, It sounds to me like you already are a great support to your dad, and will continue to be. I think your worries are inescapable, but perhaps you can find a way to acknowledge them, then pack them away somewhere where they don't have such a grip on you. As Deb says, if you focus your energy on the "what ifs" and the fears, the beast has the control. I so agree with that. You seem to have a very strong family. Just know that whatever comes your way, you will all deal with it as a family like you have been. Focus on the good news you have today. Everything else is still an unknown.

It's a hard one. I too am in your position -- the one everyone asks. The only people I really talk details with (other than my hubby, of course, as he's the one with the cancer) are my parents -- my mom, specifically. She wants to completely understand, and I need someone to just be candid with. I'm so lucky to have her. For everyone else, we realized up front that if people wanted to find out details about the type of cancer Bill has, then they'll research it themselves. If they don't do that, there's probably a reason. We take the same approach with family as we do with ourselves. Focus on where we are today -- because frankly, we have no clue about tomorrow. It's in God's hands. When we give good news, we just always have the caveat -- things can change at any moment and that the cancer has a bad habit of coming back, but we're keeping positive. We usually leave it at that and everyone accepts it -- it's honest, but not so detailed to make us have to repeat things all the time. (My hubby always has to add, "hell, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.") And you know what? People do beat odds. Also, an aside. My hubby also "felt" like his last PET/CT was going to be bad. He just had a feeling. You know what? It was excellent. Hoping the same for your mom. Hang in there -- your mom's lucky to have you.

Grace, I truly can't imagine what you're going through. I will keep you and Carlton and the girls in my prayers, as I know so many here are also doing. Thank you for keeping us updated -- I pray that you can feel all of our support there with you.

There is financial aid information on Lance Armstrong's web site also, including a phone number you can call for assistance: http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLb ... Future.htm

Hi Sonia, When we first started this process, my hubby would often brush off symptoms as not important. He also didn't want to "bug" the doctor! I explained my view, which is similar to what Katie said. Tell the doctor everything, and let him decide if it's normal or not. Then at least it's out there. And don't ever worry about bugging the doctor. It took us talking a bit about it, but he did realize in the end that it's important. And yes, sometimes I will just say, "just please do it for me." Maybe if your dad can see it that way, it may help. I imagine your dad wants to be strong for you too and to not worry you. I wish your dad the best.

Wonderful news, Lori! That's the kind of news we can never get enough of!

Grace, You hang and there and stay strong. Know that you have an awful lot of people keeping you, Carlton and your girls in their thoughts and prayers.

I PMed with Nancy a little over 3 weeks ago. She was going through chemo through Feb -- she said this round of chemo has been hard on her. I did write her again to let her know you all were asking about her, but haven't heard back. Nancy, I too hope everything is okay. You were one of the first people to PM me here, and I so appreciated it. Thinking of you...