wenna

Wow, I am so amazed at you guys! This many replies was so totally unexpected! But what a joyous feeling!! Thank you all for your warm wishes!

This seems like an appropriate place to report that my 3 year anniversary is coming up fast and am doing better and better each day! Thanks to everyone for all the support and caring they have lent to me during all this time. Some days I thought it was hopeless; only to come here and hear the struggles of others who were having alot more trouble than I and were dealing a lot better than. Gave me alot of courage to see this thru! May God bless you all!!! Marilyn

Congrats Cindy!! Thanks for all those encouraging words you given!

Thanks so much guys for the good cheer! I'm crotcheting a blanket to help ends meet, so I'm keeping occupied.. and I find it calming. It seems that it's taking me longer, but at least I'm still doing something! My prayers are with each and everyone here! Marilyn

I'd just like to write to say.. I'm still alive and kicking! LOL It's been over 2 years since I was diagnosed with SCLC limited.. wow, seems like forever! I've been reading the board but haven't been replying and for that I am sorry! I've been on a "pity party" for a long time now, it's time I stopped that and started the "I'm alive" party! I've been trying to think if I have any words of wisdom to add, sorry.. I don't. What I do have to share, are my experiences. I was lucky. Plain and simple; God was looking out for me, as always. I was diagnosed after open-heart surgery when they found a lump under the surgery site. Kept telling them it was still hurting but finally my doctor took a real close look at other possiblities other than the obvious. Found it.. wasn't very big but causing alot of problems and pain. He set me up an appt. the next day with the lung dr. He ran alot of tests and had to wait out the weekend for results. Came for the results on the following Monday, found out the bad news.. He sent us to the Cancer Dr. right after that appt. and after a talk with him, he started me chemo. They didn't waste a moment. I was relieved they were treating it agressively! As far as the chemo treatment, I tolerated it well with few side-effects. Mostly no energy and that sick to the stomach feeling. Didn't lose my hair.. at the same time I was undergoing Chest radiation. Then came the good news.. finally. I was NED! Then came the decision of PCI or not. I know this is a personal decision and very hard to advise on. For me, it was the worst one I ever made. or the best.. you just can't tell if it saved you from getting brain cancer or not. The side-effects for me were terrible. I lost my hair.. well so much of it that I had my hubby shave my head. After 2 years only the part that I didn't lose has come back. The rest is thin and feels like I had a bad perm.. fried to say the least. I lost alot of memory. I work alot on the computer and had to re-learn almost everything. I use to have a very good memory. I've have other health concerns that keeps me from being active. But I am getting around still.. so that is good news. I don't mean to be down about this.. I really do feel lucky to be alive! I have complete support from my husband who works at home so he can take care of me. Four children and nine grandchildren who are constantly calling (they all live out-of-state). I was able to attend my son's wedding in Boston. Proud moment! So I hope this brings someone the knowledge that yes, you can fight and win! (Sorry for a long message) Love ya all, Marilyn

Thank you all for your replies! As usual I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude for all the help and support I have received from here. THANK YOU

Hi Everyone, Haven't posted in about a year. Got really weak after the PCI and have just been lazying around. I'm starting to get back some of the energy (and no more upchucking) that I use to have so that is also good news. AND my hair finally decided to come back a bit! Thought it never would! I still have some health issues.. as BC (before cancer) I had epilepsy, diabeties, heart disease, blah blah.. so still managing those ok. I've had several minor surgeries. Only worry now is why I am losing muscle instead of the fat. I'm eating enough for sure and all the right things, so that's not it.. one doc says more exercise will help; another one says less (extensive arthristis in spine) so I do moderate.. LOL As you can see from my sig.. I'm done with PCI now for a little over a year. There are some days I even forget I had cancer! Is this possible? YES!!! (Don't look in the mirror) I've kept busy, my husband finds things for me to do, and we keep one of our grandkids every Sat. evening! Life is Wonderful!!! Not one Dr.'s appt or x-ray this month! ah, but next month.. LOL One thing to remember is DON'T give up HOPE!!! Thanks to all here who gave me that hope! God Bless you all! Marilyn

Sandy, that's great news!!! So glad to hear your Dad is in remission!! I'm sorry about the breathing tho. I know that one is terrible to live with but it will get better! Congrats to your Dad! Marilyn

Oh Dan, I'm so sorry you're going thru all this pain! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers and hope we can see you thru this! I'm also going in for a day surgery to remove whatever is growing on my upper lip. But, my onc really wanted me to do it instead of needle biopsy. He said I had enough scars already and I'd be alot more comfortable.. So I think I know how you feel somewhat. Like I said, I'll be praying!! Big Hugs, Marilyn

Thank you everyone for the words of encouragment! Just what I needed!!! I am truly trying to live by that quote in my signature. But for a person like me that's so hard! Anne, I have a few extra "conditions" thrown in. The major ones being heart disease, diabetes, Epilepsy, lower back pain (what a mess) and COPD. I have a closet full of doctors and specialist.. The mess with my spine keeps me from doing alot of the therapy but I do what I can And I must say.. to me they are all the tops in their field. I'm lucky to have them on my team. Thanks again everyone! Marilyn

Just getting so I can type again and catching up on everyone. I've noticed a lot of new names, sorry you had to come but glad you have. I am (so far) one of the lucky ones have been told I'm in remission. So now for the update for those that know me. First I'd like to say, I had another full body bone Pet Scan done and a CT of my chest. NED!! Yes, I love him too! Now the but.... the PCI totally screwed me up. Sorry for the bad language, but I'm still ... angry?.. no, not the word I'm looking for. I just regret that I had it done. I have had so many complications since then that it's been hard to keep the spirits up. Thank God for my hubby (caregiver)!!! I've had surgery on my elbow, been in the hospital twice, dehydration, blood pressure problems, sugar problems and now there's this bump/cyst? on my upper lip. They are having the cyst removed and sent in for biopsy... yet more carving. At least this one is a cosmetic surgeon. Absolutely no strength ... I'm also losing muscle mass all over my body. I've lost 30# since having the PCI and 17# just in the last 2 months. Guess I've turned this into a "venting" post, sorry. I don't know how much all this is from the PCI and "they" can't tell either. I do know the swelling and scaliness on the head and the dead skin cells in the ears are from that. Memory was really bad but is getting better. So they keep treating the symtems of each case. Just fustrating. Wish me luck on my next bout! Of course I worry that it's another tumor.. but the blood work looks great so maybe not. I hate waiting!! Thanks for listening and hope this wasn't too long a post. Marilyn

I agree with everyone, second opinions can help if nothing but for information, which is a powerful tool. I had acid reflux and my bronchial tubes weren't that great to start with. So, yes, when the radiation treatments started, so didn't the pain. Eating has never been a problem for me.. but swallowing became intolerable! They gave me some stuff (mix) that numbed the area and made the swallowing so much better. Tasted terrible, but then you consider the alternative.... I believe your chances of getting better and keeping it that way are greatly enhanced by the radiation treatments. But that is my opinion and you will have to make the decision for yourself. Just do alot of research on it and then make your mind up. Here's hoping for your continued good news!!

I will be praying for your mother and your family!

WTG MO! Hope you enjoy the "time off for good behavior" and that it continues!!

Thank you everyone for the replies and good wishes. We did go out to our favorite Chinese Resturant. And I tell you it felt fantastic to see something other than a Dr. or lab office!! I hope to hear some good news (no matter how minor you think it is) soon; I'll be praying for all of you! wenna