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I've been wondering about Aaron too. If you can, let us know how you are doing. Susan

Jane--I'm glad you are getting some help--at least for a little while.

Missy, I hope you can enjoy the peace your mother seems to be feeling now as a gift. She seems to be a fighter, but she seems to have a great deal of dignity too. I wish you both all the best in the days and weeks ahead. Susan

((((Jane)))) I think this disease tests us all--whether we are the patient or the caregiver. Jane, I wonder, if because of your mother's illness you feel more trapped than normal or more guilty for feeling trapped. It's understandable. The situation is what it is, both past and present. Just from the short time I've been on the board it seems that even people who have great relationships with their families get tested when the disease makes the pain or disorientation so great that they no longer seem themselves. None of us are walking in your shoes, but know that we are here for you--if nothing more than to vent and release some steam. ((((more hugs))))

Good is good. I'm thirlled for you and your mom! Susan

Steph--You look great! I can see your fighting spirit in your eyes and that may be the best medicine of all! Susan

Randy--I'm so sorry about the loss of Daisy. Having just lost a beloved pet, I know how difficult it is. I hope you will find comfort in taking Daisy to rest with Deborah. I also hope you will find comfort thinking of them together. ((((Randy)))) Susan

((((Beth))))

Missy--when it rains it pours! Your sister's boyfriend was way out of line. Right now you have to take care of yourself and your baby as well as your mom. Your sister will have to make sacrifices like everyone else. So come here to vent cause we love you--no matter what!

I agree that you should keep Capullo. I think you would really miss his company at a time when you really need it. That said, it might not be a bad idea to go ahead and select "foster parents" in case you are unable to care for him. That way you will relax knowing that he will be taken care of. I don't think that's "giving up." In fact, I think every pet owner should have a "just in case" plan for their pets. I have contingency plans for my cat because I live alone and i don't want her going to the shelter in the event that something happens to me.

Welcome Steph! Like everyone else, I hate that you have to be here, but since you do I'm sure glad you found this site. It is a great source of information and hope. My mother's cancer was also diagnosed from the pathology of tumors on her spine. They thought it was a recurrence of breast cancer, but the pathology says lung. One thing I have learned is that a cancer is always the primary cancer, no matter where it spreads. e.g. if you had breast cancer and it spreads to the liver, it is still breast cancer and not lover cancer. It may seem like mere semantics, but it's not--it makes a huge difference in how the cancer is treated. My mother's primary tumer in the lung is very small and had given her no trouble there either. We wouldn't have found it when we did if not for the back pain she was experiencing. It seems to me that I have read somewhere (and if I remember I'll send you the link) that the primary tumor doesn't have to be large to spread. I know it is confusing. A second opinion is always in order if you are in doubt about your diagnosis or treatment. If you oncologist is not someone who will answer your questions, I suggest searching for another doctor who will. You need to be a partner in your reatment and an advocate for yourself! Please know that we are here for you! Susan

I'd get the pain checked out too. That weekend will be soooooo long if you don't. It may be nothing, but it may be something they can provide relief for. Susan

Congratulations on your sweet baby! I know that new grandbaby helps you mom to focus on life's joys. The fears, well, that is apparently part of the package. I hope it turns out to be scar tissue! Susan

Shelley They may be wanting to gve her the full recovery time between treatments. If she was at her nadir she should have a higher count in 6 days. We haven't been there yet with my Mom (knock wood)but I understand it is fairly common. I hope she has better counts next week and that she is LUCKY in her leisure activities Susan

I'm gald you have found us. Everyone here has been very helpful. My mother also has stage IV NSCLC. She is is NC and I'm in Alabama. She is not alone as my father is with her, but I feel like much of the understanding and knowledge of this disease has fallen on me. The first thing is to make sure that someone goes with him when he sees the Dr. If he is a member of a church see if they have a Parrish Nurse program or even a retired nurse or Dr. Who will accompany him. I know that when I have gone with my mom to the oncologist we've heard very different things. Second--if at all possible, try to be with him as he starts his treatment. It has helped a lot that I was with Mom when she first saw the oncologist. We swapped business cards and he has told me to feel free to call if I need to. I have and it has helped. For the trip where they discussed her chemo I couldn't be there, but I sent a list of questions for her to give to the Dr. He was very good about answering them. Other than that, I just spend alot of time on the phone with her. The week she has a chemo I call every day. The weeks in between (when she generally feels pretty good)I try to call every 2-3 days. Are there any other friends or family members close by? It will help you a lot to know that there are people he can depend on. Still, nothing substites for seeing for yourself. I was with my mom when she was diagnosed and a month later-right after she completed her radiation, but did not see her until after she had taken her second round of chemo. I knew she had lost her hair, and knew she was experiencing tiredness and soreness, but I was so worried. Now that I have seen her and have seen for myself that she is really coping well, I am a lot more relaxed. I'm thinking that I will be using all my vacation time this year for trips home, but that's ok because I want to make sure she is doing well. It's very frightening when it's all new. After awhile you learn to live and deal with the fear. It isn't every pelasant, but you learn to do what you need to handle it. Susan

Wow--your mom is brave! We are here if you have any questions. Susan

Welcome! This is a great site for information and support and we are happy to have you on board! Susan

I am so sorry for your loss, but happy your father has gone to a beautful and joyous home! Susan

Thanks Andrea--you and your parents have been a great inspiration to all of us newbies! Susan

Watch that lettuce--it could have ecoli!!!!!

Mitchell--Woo Hoo! I was getting a little worried, but then I thought, Mitchell will do it--I KNOW IT! Susan

Beth, so sorry to hear about your mother's progression. You are in my prayers. Susan

Loretta, I don't have any experience with either the shortness of breath or the itching, but I'm sure there will be many answers to your questions soon. In the meantime, I'm thinking about you and your husband. Susan

You have to do whatever you think is best. It is comforting to be at home, but it is also comforting to be among family and friends. I'm thnking about you. Susan

Taters! Any way, shape or form!