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Val, Cancer is cancer and it stinks. It doesn't matter what type. Hopefully it was caught early (yeah for early detection) and they can treat her so she will make a full recovery. ((((Hugs)))) to you for a tough week. Susan

I wish you could be celebrating your mother's survival as well. ((((Val)))) Susan

I'm glad your mom got some good news and y'all can enjoy the holidays. We have to be thankful for all of the little battles we win because someday we will turn the tide and win the war! Susan

Shelley, It is so great to hear from you. It has been a long time. I hope all is well with your mom and with you. Mom has had a rough summer and fall, but is doing ok right now. She got scanned Tuesday, so we are in waiting mode. Susan

Nick, I agree. I have a significant history of breast cancer in my family. My mom was dx with breast cancer 7 years before her LC dx. The studies on which the recommendation was based were done in Rissia and China where there are very different standards for the detection and treatment of breast cancer. There is a reason that the US has the highest cancer survival rates in the world. Early detection of cancers is one of them. Like, you I think we need to be vocal advocates for early detection of all cancers. Susan

I'm doing the happy dance for you Dawn!!!!n WOOOOHOOOO! Susan

((((Tova))))

Donna, I'm glad you found us. Lung Cancer is one of the acariest diagnoses once can receive, but there are many long-term survivors here. Do not lose hope. Susan

So sorry to read about the loss of your friend and co-worker. ((((Bruce)))) Susan

(((Lillian))))

Karen, I'm so sorry. Our moms are special. I will keep you in my prayers for strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of the mother and continue to deal with your father's health issues. Susan

Congratualtions on the greatgrandbaby Barb!! And YES, we need more funding and need to get the message out that it is NOT all about smoking. My mom didn't smoke either. Did you see Kathryn Joosten on The View a week or so ago? Sherri introduced her"so you smoked and now you have lung cancer." Joosten corrected her and made the point that LC is NOT all about smoking. Susan

Dawn, sorry you had to go to the ER, but glad you found someone who took such good care of you. Sounds like she had some good news for you as far as the LC was concerend. Let us know how the scans go. Susan

Dorsey--It's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially in the beginning. Ned gave you some good resources. We can also try to answer any specific questions you might have. Sometimes it takes a little while to decide on the bext treatment and that feels frustrating, but is very common. That said, waiting too long before action is taken is not good under any circumstances. Sometime you have to be forceful in your advocacy to make sure that your husband doesn't get lost among all of the doctors and tests. Susan

Sheri--I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. You did your best. Your dad had no way of knowing your Uncle was going to behave so badly. Your mom knows you loved her and I'nm sure she's telling your dad how much right now. Susan

kristi, I know your dad would be proud of you for walking tomorrow. Shed some tears and some laughs as you remember him and take comfort in knowing that you are honoring his memory. Susan

I've heard of people with reactions as bad or worse pulling through and doing fine. I will keep your mom in my prayers. Susan

Diana--there's no right or wrong way to go through this. You do what you have to to get through. I'm glad your sense of humor is intact because it helps--alot! Oh and no one deserves this diease. Smokers and nonsmokers alike get it. It will help to quit, but the sad truth is you could have gotten it even if you had never picked up a cigarette. I'll be praying for you tomorrow! I'm betting that dreading it will be worse than actually doing it. When you are able let us know how you are doing and remember that we will be here for you! Susan

Judy--of course you both have my prayers. Your friend may need some time to adjust to the fact that the cancer is back before she is ready to deal with other people. I know mom (and she's the same age) had to have some time each time her cancer moved into a new phase. I hope your scans are good news and we are celebrating on Thursday! Susan

Tova, You've got a great doc. I will pray that this plan work for your mom so she comes back to you mentally and then can begin the Tarceva. ((((Tova)))) Susan

Debbie, Being scared is understandable. I completely understand your wanting to protect your family, but you are going to need them. I suspect it will be better in the long run for them to be fully informed so they can help you. It's a different story with children, but you need at least one adult who is up to speec who can serve as your advocate when you are recovering. I'll be saying prayers that everything goes well on Wednesday. Susan

((((Sue))))

((((Michelle))))

I agree-it sounds like a second opinion is worthwhile here. It may be helpful to try to get to a comprehensive cancer center where he can be treated by a coordinated team. He also sounds like he needs an advocate--cancer patients really need someone to do all the arguing for them. Susan

Cafe, Welcome to the LCSC! This is a great place for information. I'm sorry about your BIL's Dx. If you can tell is a little about the type and stage of the cancer and the treatment they are recommending, there are lots of folks here who can and will share their experiences and answer questions. There is also a great resource called GRACE www.cancergrace.org. GRACE is a physician mediated site that provides information on treatments, research and other information related to LC. Registration is free and the docs over there are super about answering questions in a timely manner. Susan