wendyr

Maurice was on Social Security at dx & I checked into the same question. No luck. Once you're on it there is no increasing it for disabilities. Good Luck wendyr

Great News. Congratulations wendyr

Shirley, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences wendyr

Welcome Jean you've endured a tough time and I can only imagine the stress you've been under. Hopefully now that the brain mets are gone your hubby can begin his chemo. This is the right place to ask questions and find support. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr

Welcome Louise wendyr

Bump. Bump. Maurice's hemoglobin has been steadily rising all year. Last month it was over 18 and he had to go back in and have a pint of blood taken. Same thing happened again this week as hemoglobin was 17.4 The onc has ordered this done once a month for the next 3 months. I've never heard of this. Has anyone else? I find it unusual especially in view of the fact that he's on Avastin where bleeding is usually the main issue. Will also be posting the question to Dr. West but wondered if you all had ever heard of this. Thanks.. wendyr

Thanks for posting Ry. High hopes for Rich to get the infection under control and come back stronger than ever. wendyr

OMG Rochelle, I am so shocked to read this and so very very sorry. May God hold you close during this difficult time for you and your family. God Bless wendyr

Maurice experienced extreme fatigue when he first went on Tarceva. He was unable to get out of bed until about 4pm each day. After about 2 - 3 months of this it dawned on me that he was pretty good from about 4pm to 8pm each day and that seemed to be his strongest time of the day & so we asked the onc if he could take the tarceva at night & sleep through the worst of the fatigue. It has made a difference. Most days he gets up at a reasonable time ( 8am ) and is fine until about 11am when he goes & takes a nap for an hour or so, then gets up until about 3pm and takes another nap. Tarceva has to be taken on an empty stomach so we set a small alarm clock for 11pm and that's when he takes it. He also needed a shower stool during that time but doesn't need one now. Good luck with Dad, I hope this helps wendyr

I cannot address the fever issues but pain management specialists are usually pretty good at controlling pain at specific sites. I've had nerve root blocks in my low back and it has helped a lot. wendyr

I'm perfectly happy. We live in Florida during the winter and spend the summer in northern Michigan. The best of both worlds. I'm lucky and grateful wendyr

Hi Tom: Although I doubt diet can affect the rash, the good news is Tarceva is probably working. Talk to your dr about medications for the rash. Good luck with Tarceva, it has worked miracles for some. wendyr

Hang in there Nova, we're all pulling for you. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr

If going back to work takes her mind off things and makes her happy, then that's what I would encourage her to do. wendyr

Ken, the docs at MD Anderson are very good and you are at the right place for diagnosis and treatment. This is a very stressful time and we all understand that. I send the very best wishes for you. Please continue to keep us posted and don't ever worry about 'long winded posts' that's what we're here for. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr

Ditto Jane: Well said !!!! wendyr

Hi Carrie: Scan time is always stressfull and everyone here can relate. Unfortunately it becomes part of the new normal in dealing with this disease. Sending positive vibes and prayers your way for excellent scan results. wendyr PS have you considered xanax or ativan for anxiety????

You've received some excellent advice and I do think that pain management docs can be very helpful with all kinds of pain. They are trained to treat chronic pain as well as cancer pain, in fact any kind of pain. If you can get her to a reputable pain management doctor I think he could probably help. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr

I agree with Randy. Sounds like someone is dragging their feet at your husband's expense. Pain control should be #1 priority. Do not allow this to continue any longer. wendyr

What a wonderful post, thanks for sharing. God Bless wendyr

Hi Cat and welcome. Your sister is indeed lucky to have you as such a strong advocate. I'm sure you'll be a welcomce resource to us all. wendyr

Hi Sally and welcome. My hubby has been on Tarceva and Avastin since the beginning of the year. The side effects initially were fatigue and joint pain but now he tolerates the side effects much better and the best news is that he has been stable for 10 months. There are many treatment options for you to explore and I'm sure you'll find one that you can tolerate while still keeping the cancer at bay. Good Luck and God Bless wendyr

Welcome Connie wendyr

I'm grateful that Maurice was able to celebrate his 71st birthday today. Whenwe got the diagnosis 18 months ago I wasn't even sure that he would still be here, but he is and I'm very grateful to his medical team who have done such a great job of keeping him stable. wendyr

I have to confess I still get aggrevated when that question is asked by total strangers. The last time was 3 weeks ago in the waiting room of the chemo floor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando. Go figure. I looked the guy in the eye and said 'now why would you ask that?' That was the first time I responded that way and he was very uncomfortable so that is going to be my response from here on in.