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dadstimeon

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    Making A Difference With Lung Cancer

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  1. dadstimeon

    Roll Call

    Diagnosed Stage IV NSCLC (BAC) in May of 2002. Almost 7 1/2 years.
  2. Congratulations Patti on 3 years and many many more, way to go! Rich
  3. Fantastic news Joel/Maryanne-- that is wonderful to hear for sure! Rich
  4. Welcome Mariola, Sorry to hear about your dad. I was diagnosed in MAY of 2002 Stage IV with mets to my adrenal glands and I'm still here. My only option is chemo. So there is hope. Stay with us and keep us posted on dad and ask questions/research. Glad you found us. Rich
  5. Diagnosed Stage IV NSCLC (BAC) in May of 2002. Almost 7 1/2 years.
  6. Here is a good site you might find helpful. http://chemocare.com/eatingwell (Managing Eating Problems)
  7. Hi Kimberly, I have tried Provigil, Megace (also increases appetite), Concerta, and Ritalin. Right now on Concerta and does help get me through the day. Exercise helps (ride a stationary bike an hour per day) also. Below is an article on fatigue which is posted on GRACE. Also (see below) posted in Lung Cancer In The News forum is Provigil: Narcolepsy Drug Fights Cancer. I’m on a lot of meds which also can cause fatigue, just a thought. Other reasons lack of nutrition, stress anemia and depression. Worth discussing with Mom’s doctor. Of course everyone is different and reacts differently. Hope this helps. Rich http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewto ... t=provigil http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatment ... ed-fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms for patients with cancer, reported in up to 90% of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Patients who are cancer survivors can still be affected by fatigue months to even years out from their last treatment. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) specifically refers to the distressing tiredness or decreased energy out of proportion to activity associated with cancer or cancer therapy. It does not respond to rest. It can affect concentration, sleep patterns, and emotional coping, separate from depression. It is also a symptom that is easily overlooked, as it is often “expected” or assumed to occur alongside treatment, and patients with non-cancer diseases also experience fatigue. In cancer, there can be many contributing factors to the fatigue that patients experience, and oftentimes, the fatigue is from multiple causes, both directly and indirectly related to the cancer. As many patients experience, the cancer itself can cause physiologic problems, such as anemia or electrolyte imbalances (think of sodium or calcium), or these chemical changes can occur from cancer treatments. For both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, fatigue is a known side effect; in chemotherapy, it tends to be more concurrent with treatment or immediately in the days afterwards between cycles; in radiation therapy, the fatigue tends to accumulate throughout the course of the radiation. Pain, if not controlled, can contribute to fatigue. It is also known that in advanced cancer, fatigue is caused by a metabolic syndrome of the cancer, similar to how loss of appetite and weight loss are also caused by this same metabolic syndrome. If patients are hospitalized due to complications like infections, this can cause both fatigue during the hospitalization as well as afterwards due to deconditioning (generalized weakness after a prolonged period of decreased mobility). Despite the fact that fatigue is extremely common, it can be difficult to convey how much fatigue a patient has —how do you measure it? For patients, it can be helpful to consider how you would “rate” your fatigue on a numeric scale of zero to 10, similar to the scales used in measuring pain levels, and how much fatigue affects your daily life. In general, if there is a specific cause of the fatigue (i.e., anemia, infection, electrolyte imbalance, etc), then the primary strategy is to treat that underlying cause. This includes treating depression and anxiety, both of which can cause fatigue separate even from cancer. For CRF without a specific cause, there are several treatment approaches to consider for fatigue: lifestyle-related and medications. Among strategies other than medications, all patients can benefit from strategies to adapt to fatigue, prioritizing specific goals and learning energy conservation techniques. Exercise has been studied and demonstrated to manage and improve fatigue as well. The key is to set realistic goals and to not overdo it. A specific type of exercise (i.e., swimming versus jogging) has not been established, but regular aerobic exercise has been thought to be more beneficial than weight training. Sometimes, oncologists can refer patients to specific physical therapy or outpatient rehabilitation programs to help with types of exercise and exercise planning. In conjunction with exercise, good sleep habits can also help with managing fatigue and maximizing energy. In terms of medications, there has been study of treatments for CRF, but no definitive studies pointing to the most effective one. Certain psychostimulant drugs have been examined and found to be helpful in fatigue. Ritalin (methylphenidate), while known as a treatment for attention deficit & hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been seen in several small studies to improve energy and fatigue, though this effect has been equivocal in larger studies. Similarly, provigil (modafanil) has also been used for CRF as well, due to benefits seen in the fatigue associated with depression. Other medications that have been used for CRF include megace (megestrol acetate) and corticosteroids like decadron or prednisone with the goal of both improving fatigue and appetite. Cancer-related fatigue is certainly a pervasive symptom, but a multi-tiered approach including non-pharmacologic therapies can be helpful and provide patients with tools to manage fatigue.
  8. Hope this might be of help. Rich HELPFUL RESOURCES: THE COSTS OF CANCER TREATMENT CAN QUICKLY BECOME OVERWHELMING, EVEN IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE. PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED BY VARIOUS COMPANIES, NONPROFITS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO HELP PATIENTS WITH LITTLE OR NO INSURANCE GET ACCESS TO DRUGS AND MONEY FOR OTHER EXPENSES. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ENROLLING IN A PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, YOU MUST FIRST GATHER INFORMATION, USUALLY FROM YOUR DOCTOR OR THE MAKER OF THE SPECIFIC DRUG YOU’RE TAKING FOR WHICH YOU NEED ASSISTANCE. A DOCTOR MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS BECAUSE THE PHYSICIAN WRITES THE PRESCRIPTION FOR THE MEDICATION. MANY PATIENT ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS WILL REQUIRE PROOF OF INCOME, INCLUDING TAX RETURNS, SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME, INTEREST AND RETIREMENT TO PROVE FINANCIAL BURDEN AND TO MEET INCOME REQUIREMENTS. FAXING THE INFORMATION OFTEN SPEEDS UP THE PROCESS. IN ADDITION TO MANY STATE GOVERNMENTS, NUMEROUS ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDE INFORMATION ON PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE ONES LISTED BELOW. AMGEN REIMBURSEMENT CONNECTION 800-272-9376 WWW.AMGEN.COM/PATIENTS/ASSISTANCE.HTML FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED AND WHO HAVE LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES; BASED ON INSURED STATUS AND INCOME LEVEL. DRUGS IN THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE ARANESP® (DARBEPOETIN ALFA) AND NEULASTA® (PEGFILGRASTIM). BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB PATIENT ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION 800-736-0003 WWW.BMSPAF.ORG ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WHO GENERALLY HAVE NO PRIVATE PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE AND ARE NOT ENROLLED IN A PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE PLAN THROUGH MEDICAID OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL HEALTH PROGRAM. CANCERCARE 800-813-4673 WWW.CANCERCARE.ORG/GET_HELP/ASSISTANCE CANCERCARE’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES LIMITED GRANTS FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES RELATED TO TREATMENT. GENENTECH’S SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT 888-249-4918 WWW.SPOCONLINE.COM AVASTIN EXPENDITURE CAP: 800-232-2717] A REIMBURSEMENT RESOURCE FOR GENENTECH PRODUCTS THAT PROVIDES INFORMATION TO PATIENTS AND THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. GLAXOSMITHKLINE’S COMMITMENT TO ACCESS 866-265-6491 WWW.COMMITMENTTOACCESS.GSK.COM PROVIDES OUTPATIENT MEDICATIONS TO ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME PATIENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS. LILLY CARES 800-545-6962 WWW.LILLYCARES.COM PROVIDES TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS OBTAINING LILLY OR DISTA MEDICATION. MERCK'S ACT PROGRAM 866-363-6379 HTTP://WWW.EMEND.COM/APREPITANT/EMEND/C ... /INDEX.JSP ACT IS A TWO-PART PROGRAM SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO ASSIST INSURED PATIENTS WITH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT ISSUES, AND TO PROVIDE PRODUCT SUPPORT FOR THOSE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS LACKING COVERAGE FOR EMEND® (APREPITANT). PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE 888-477-2669 WWW.PPARX.ORG OFFERS A SINGLE POINT OF ACCESS TO MORE THAN 275 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION'S CO-PAY RELIEF 866-512-3861 WWW.COPAYS.ORG PROVIDES DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED PATIENTS TO ENABLE THEM TO AFFORD CO-PAYMENTS REQUIRED BY THEIR INSURANCE. OFFERS PERSONAL SERVICE TO ALL PATIENTS THROUGH CALL COUNSELORS. PFIZER’S FIRSTRESOURCE 877-744-5675 WWW.PFIZERHELPFULANSWERS.COM FIRSTRESOURCE PROVIDES PRODUCTS TO ELIGIBLE, LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED PATIENTS. RXASSIST AND RX OUTREACH PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS WWW.RXASSIST.ORG OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE WHO MEET INCOME REQUIREMENTS. RX HOPE 877-979-4673 WWW.RXHOPE.COM OFFERS INFORMATION ON ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FROM VARIOUS PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES; OFFERS AN ASSISTANCE FINDER, WHICH MATCHES PATIENT INFORMATION AGAINST AVAILABLE FEDERAL, STATE AND CHARITABLE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAMS. SANOFI-AVENTIS’S PACT PLUS 800-996-6626 HTTP://ONCOLOGY.SANOFI-AVENTIS.US/REIMBURSEMENT.DO OFFERS REIMBURSEMENT SERVICES AND PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR MOST PRODUCTS INCLUDING TAXOTERE® (DOXETAXEL) AND ELOXATIN® (OXALIPLATIN INJECTION). SCHERING-PLOUGH’S COMMITMENT TO CARE PROGRAM 800-521-7157 WWW.SCHERING-PLOUGH.COM/SCHERING_PLOUGH ... T_CARE.JSP PROVIDES FREE CANCER MEDICATIONS THROUGH PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO PEOPLE WITH LOW INCOMES WHO DO NOT HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE. TOGETHER RX ACCESS 800-444-4106 WWW.TOGETHERRXACCESS.COM ASSISTANCE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE INELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE, HAVE NO PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE AND MEET HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND AGE REQUIREMENTS.
  9. Joy, Glad to see things are looking up. Check out The Wellness Community, they have two in Florida as well Gilda's Place and it's free. Might be one near you. It's important to talk to people in person also who have been there, done that and not to go it alone. Hang in there Rich http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/Default.aspx (The Wellness Community)
  10. I'm very sorry and saddened to hear about Bucky. She was a sweet down to earth person, every now and then would get a nice PM from her. My condolences to all her family and friends. I will miss her for sure and will always remember her. Rich
  11. Congratulations and way to go! Keep it up and many many more for you.
  12. Welcome Joy, Glad you found us. It's a lot to take in at first and is understandable how you feel but as mentioned (Ned) don't pack it in yet. We have many members who have far out lived their prognoses. Lung Cancer in not a death sentence and one can live with it for many years. Often treated as a chronic (mine is) disease. Stay with us, ask away and keep us posted. Rich PS: I would get a second/ third opinion, your doctor sounds very negative and offers little hope.
  13. dadstimeon

    Tarceva

    Hi Renate, I was on Tarceva for about 7 months and had good success until it stopped working. I developed diarrhea and the rash. Lowered the dosage from 150MG to 100MG and that cleared up the diarrhea. The rash I only had for a short (and was not bad) period and it went away by itself. I never bought into one has to have side effects in order for treatments to work. We have had members with severe side effects and it did not work and members who had no/ or very limited side effects and it did work. Everyone is different and reacts differently, one never know until one tries-- keep the faith. One member who started on Tarceva in 2005 and I believe is still on it. Also keep in mind one can lower the dosage and still have good results. Hope this helps, prayers for the best. Rich http://www.tarceva.com/patient/index.jsp (Tarceva WebSite) Genentech Patient Resource Center Speak to a live operator today and receive more information about Tarceva; call 877-TARCEVA (877-827-2382) Hours Available: M-F 6am-5pm PST http://www.gene.com/gene/products/infor ... ribing.pdf (HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION - From There Website) Note: Skin reactions may occur or worsen in sun exposed areas; therefore, the use of sunscreen or avoidance of sun exposure is recommended.
  14. Oscar the Grouch --Here is a link to some of them and where they came from. Surprising stories behind 20 Muppet characters http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflif ... index.html
  15. Welcome Mary, Glad you found us. I'm Stage IV seven years out since diagnoses, not curable/operable etc. Had few problems with chemo all things considered. As mention everyone is different reacts differently. Tell day to take it one day/one step at a time. We have members doing well regardless of age. Research as much as you can, knowledge is the key. Forget statistics many of us have far out lived our prognoses. Stay with us, ask questions and let us know how dad is doing. Rich
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