GrammyBear

Hi Donna G. Thank you for thinking of me.It's Gary (had trouble logging in). I hope all is well. I'm going for a CT scan this Wed. to check on my status.My last CT Scan showed some shrinkage of the tumor on the right side of my lung.It also showed, possibly some growth of the tumor in the center of my chest.The oncologist wasn't certain,because of an unclear picture (fluid?). I had the fourth chemo treatment on Sept. 12th. Last week was hard because of fatigue,but the nausea and appetite disruption wasn't as bad.I actually gained back the four pounds I had lost the last time. My oncologist was aiming for 6 treatments of chemo (1x every 3 weeks) before radiation,or sooner.I have an appt.with him to discuss the results of the CT scan before the next chemo date. I was the best man at our oldest son's wedding on the 6th of this month.It was a proud moment indeed. I continue to fight the cancer.I have my off moments.It has not been easy,but I can imagine that it could've been much worse. I think of you all on the LCS forum and wish the best. Gary

Hi all I wondered if anyone happened to catch the Warren Zevon special on VH1 and what your thoughts are.It showed him struggling to record his last record before begining treatment for inoperable lung cancer. I thought it was a brave and down to earth profile.He had some interesting things to say about his struggle,not to mention some great new songs. I also wondered if anyone knows of his current status,how he's doing?

I started a clinical study of Taxotere and Carboplatin in July.I have had two treatments,one every 3 weeks.Another is scheduled this Friday. I just recieved an explanation of benefits from Anthem Bc/Bs saying the charges for my first chemo treatment was denied.I haggled with them over the reason it was denied.(Technicalities over billing because I live on the state line and get services from two different states.My PCP is in New Hampshire,I am receiving treatment in Maine). I guess I was naive thinking that the treatment under a clinical study wouldn't be billed to insurance,(or to me).I thought the costs of a clinical study was covered by the hospital? The business office where I am being treated didin't even know I was in a clinical study.The study was being underwritten by Dartmouth/Hitchcock hospital in New Hampshire,or so I thought.Now I am scared.My insurance ran out on July 31.I haven't been able to work since the last week in June. I have applied for SSDI,but we know how slow that is,and it won't cover the treatment. I am in deep trouble here if I am responsible for the $5,600 for EACH Chemo treatment.There is no way I'll be able to pay for even a portion of it.I already owe $600 for Dr. bills that the HMO didn't cover,when I was insured,that I can't pay.My wife works between 32-40 hrs a week(depending on orders).She earns a minimum wage.We are barely surviving to say the least.She couldn't afford to put me on her insurance,because the premium would've taken too big a chunk of her paycheck.(We do need to eat). I went for a CT scan last Friday and won't know the results until this coming Friday at my next chemo appt.I am nervous enough about that,and now this.Can they throw me out of the treatment ,and just leave me to die,if I can't afford it? Or will they just take our house and everything we have? Aren't clinical trials usually covered by the hospital that is involved? Help! I feel like I have enough to worry about without having to worry about paying for treatment,too.It isn't helping to keep a positive outlook. Any info.would be appreciated.

Hi Connie This past July 10 I was at a Cancer Treatment Center about an hour away registering for my very first Chemo treatment the next day.I had to go between two different offices filling out paperwork,getting lab work done,etc.In between,I read a handout magazine there called "Cancer Care Health Monitor".The cover story was called "Chemotherapy for Advanced Lung Cancer".The story was anything but encouraging.It said that,with treatment the average survival time was 8 months,without treatment 6 months.I was dx'ed with NSCLC mat. to lymph nodes,inoperable, on June 5 of this year.(It took that long to get my first chemo scheduled,but that's another story).If I had taken that article on face value,I think I would wonder if I wanted to go through all the side-effects and risks of treatment.I would wonder if it was really worth it. I chose to ignore an article based on past statistics.We are all human beings.We are not stats to be filed away in some dusty desk drawer. I have decided that I have too many reasons to beat this thing and LIVE. I have had pain in my right arm for months.The very first night after chemo the pain was noticably decreased.My wife said it was the first time I hadn't moaned all night. I have read here,and have heard in my personal life,over and over how so many are beating the odds and living on well past the 8 months,and into years.I just got a very nice card from a friend of a friend who fought brain cancer,almost died from radiation,and came out of it.He is cancer free.He stated that I am where he was at 7 Years ago. I will start my second chemo treament in the a.m. I am a little nervous.I am a little afraid. But I am determined to beat this thing.I am hoping that for everyone who has lung cancer,or any type of cancer,who reads a discouraging article based on past statistics,they will have the strength and will to see beyond the stats and fight with all their power to overcome the cancer. I know it can be hell and torture,and my journey has just begun,but I do plan to "meet" you all as another surviver. Damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead! Healing thoughts and wishes for all. Gary Aka "Grampa Bear" Husband of "Grammy Bear" Dx NSCLC 3B Mat.to lymph nodes on right side lung and mid chest "inoperable" started clinical study Taxotere and Carboplatin on 7/11/03

Hi All I got through my first week of post chemo treatment with some ups and downs,but basically doing well.It has made some odd changes in my appetite,but I have been able to manage to eat O.K. I was never a picker eater.I am now. The fatigue seems to come and go,but it seems manageable at this point. I wanted to let you all know that I am sending healing thoughts to each and every one of you.I appreciate the support and kindness you have shown to both my wife and I. Thank you Keep the faith "Grampa Bear" Gary

Hi all I am Gary,"Grammy Bear's" stubborn husband.I came here for some inspiration and I must say that I am not disapointed.I had my first chemo treatment this past Friday.It was scary,but not as bad as I imagined.The side effects have been minimal compared to what I feared.Bonnie (Grammy Bear) says Friday night I slept without moaning from pain for the first time in awhile.I had been having a real hard time sleeping at night from pain in my right arm from the pressure on lymph nodes.The first night after my first treatment there is a very noticable difference. I actually spent the day at a country fair yesterday with Bonnie and our grandson. I was exhausted,but feeling satisfied that I was actually able to do more AFTER treatment. I am feeling hopeful.I am grateful for the sharing here.It is encouraging. I wish the best for all and look forward to becoming a part of this "family". Introducing me to this forum is another way that Bonnie has shown her loving support in my fight against the cancer. Thank you all for your support. Gary AKA "Stubborn Hubby" AKA "Grampa Bear"

Oncologist's first visit was yesterday. He says that Gary is inoperable, results of PET scan were that the lymph nodes in center of lungs involved now, in just the weeks since diagnosis. Dr. says Stage IIIB. Chemo will begin next week, and will be once every 3 weeks. We are scared. Gary has a great deal of pain and the doc says that his tumor is in apex of right lung, and so large that the nerves are being crowded, this is his explanation of the pain Gary has down right arm. Thank you all for your support. I have been passing along words of inspiration. Sometime, maybe I can convince him to register.

I want to thank you all for your warm support and welcoming arms. My husband and I had our 23rd anniversary the day after his dx. We are reeling still, and I am so ignorant about LC that I had to find out what all these terms meant. I have shown these responses to my dear husband. He is, hands down, the most stubborn man that I have ever known...I am hoping that this trait will come in handy. Again, thank you, I will grab a coffee and make myself at home here. Bonnie

I am so glad that I was led to this site. My husband, Gary, was diagnosed with NSCLC on 6/5/03. They say it has spread to his lymph nodes. He has had a brain scan that came out clean. He had a PET scan on Thursday, 6/19/03. Hopefully they will begin treatment soon. He is so depressed and in much pain. I know that his attitude is crucial. I also know that if I do not keep myself positive, that I will not be able to help him. Thanks for the site...I will check in frequently. Bonnie