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Steph--I am in Montgomery frequently. I'd love to get together the next time I'm down that way. I'm going to PM you with my contact info. Susan

Ronnie--thanks for sharing Pat's photo and that beautiful photo. I know you miss her. We are here for you. Susan

Steph--I'm glad you found us, but sorry you had to. I think you are probably in better shape than your brother when he was diagnosed. For sure there are a lot of weapons in the LC arsenal and more coming. My mom was diagnosed at stage iv in January 2007 and just passed her 43 month mark. Your tunors are very tiny so that's encouraging. You mentioned getting results from UAB, are you in Alabama? I'm in Auburn and would be happy to help you in any way I can. Susan

I agree that you might want to consider getting hospice involved. Hospice is designed to help individuals with a terminal diagnosis live with a higher quality of life. Notice the emphasis on "live." Susan

It took my mom a long time after radiation and chemo before she was back up to speed. Your dad's body is working hard to fight the bad cells and to rebuild after chemo so it is no surprise that he would have some fatigue.

Welcome--I can't help you with any surgery information, but I see you've gotten two reassuring replies already. One other thing to mention. Stage 1 and surgery offers the best chance for cure. While no one is "fortunate" to get lung cancer, you have many more options than those who are diagnosed at later stages. In LC world--we are grateful for every good thing that comes our way! Susan

David--I think you are one of the first around here on Crizotinib. Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Naps every afternoon are a good thing! Susan

keli--shrinkage is GOOD! Sometimes you have to try some treatments before you find the ones that work for you. Susan

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask your mom's doctors, ask us, ask the docs at Grace. . . .don't think any question is stupid or insignificant. We are here for you. Susan

Thinking of you. . . .

Mary--Don't stop living and don't stop thinking about the future. If you are early stage one there is every reason to believe that you can be cured and you can live a long and happy life. Too many people think the worst when they hear "lung cancer" but my own mom was diagnosed at stage IV and is doing well after 3 1/2 years. You can rock this! Susan

Keli, I'm praying that your fears about the nodes are eased. Radiation can have different effects so maybe it is a side effect of the treatment. All you can do is all you can do. Right now fighting for your health and your life is most important. We are here for you. Susan

Hello! I'm so sorry you had to seek us out, but glad you found us. I think we can all identify with the late night searches for information about this stupid disease. Has your mom received any treatment at all to this point? A lot of treatment decisions are made taking into account the patient's overall health at the time of disgnosis. My own mom was 76 at diagnosis with stage IC NSCLC. She was terrified of the chemo (carbo-taxol), but found it easier than she feared. Not that it was fun, but it was something she could handle. I wonder if your mom's response is based on a belief that (1) nothing will help and (2) that the chemo will be too unpleasant. A lot depends on her overall health otherwise. Is she ambulatory? Does she care for herself? Her oncologist will take all of those things into consideration. Another option might be Tarceva. It is an oral targeted treatment. It has some side effects, but many folks on this board have had a very good response to it. Finally, there is another source of excellent information about Lung Cancer and its treatments. www.cancergrace.org is a physician mediated site with information about treatments and the latest research and doctors who will answer your questions. Let us know how your mom does and don't forget that we are here to support you as you support your mom through this journey. Susan

Kim, Welcome to the sadistic world of LC. You will now view everything through the lens of lung cancer. I was aparayzed with fear when mom has swelling in her abdomen, sure it was liver mets. Nope, just a side effect from radiation. Then when here vision blurred I was sure the cancer was in her brain. Nope, just the opthamalic migranes she has had for years. If the nausea is something your mom was experiencing before the LC, most likely it is not from a brain met. And the description is consistend with Sundown Syndrome. It's always best to rule out what you are afraid of, but it isn't always the cancer causing problems. Susan ps--And we who live in LC word with you will appreciate that only cancer could make you treat an Alzhiemers Dx as good news..

Glad your dad found his "Zen" space. Attitude is so important. Let us know how the radiation progresses. Susan

Keli--Love that attitude! Also love your commitment to making this easier on the next person diagnosed. You are doing great. Susan

Ginny, I am so sorry you have three friends going through this now. And that, of course, means you are going through it again too. Susan

Please tell Deborah that I hope she has that plan in place and is better soon. Susan

Sharon, The shock of learning a loved one has lung cancer is pretty tough. In a lot of ways you begin grieving for the one you love as soon as you hear the news. As time goes on, you get used to what is called the new normal. But what you are feeling is normal for someone in your position. Susan

Hi Heather, I'm sorry to read about your father. If it is Tarceva your father is on, there may be a lot of folks here who can help. My mom has been on Tarceva since December and has done wonderfully. She was growing weaker and sicker and the Tarceva turned her around very quickly. It doesn't work for everyone, but many folks on this board have had remarkable results with it. Be sure to ask any questions you have. Someone on this board is likely to have dealt with the issue and can offer advice. Susan

Ronnie-- We are here for you. Susan

Welcome Mary, I'm a little late getting on to say welcome, but I've been on the road a lot over the last month. How are you responding to the Tarceva? A lot of folks here have had an excellent respons to it, so I am hoping that is your experience. Susan

I'm so sorry. I will keep you and your dad in my prayers. Susan

I'm so sorry Ronnie. The both of you fought this stupid disease so hard. At least she is out of it's reach now. I will keep you in my prayers. Susan

Keli, I second Randy's suggestion to ask Dr. West about your cancer. www.cancergrace.org is moderated by physicians with expertise in lungh cancer. They have answered many questions for me and for many others on this board. Susan