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Hi Bucky! Thank you for asking about me. Hope you are well and all is well. Doing well all things (as health issues keep mounting up) considered. Right now trying to address several (with several doctors) issues. Unfortunately at this point some of my health issues are not going to go away or get better, but hoping to slow things down. Not able to do a lot of things, things are getting harder and much more difficult for sure. Taking it one day at a time, making the best of it and going from there. Still plenty of life to live. My spirits are good and my attitude is even netter! Again thanks for asking Bucky and prayers for nothing but the best for you as always. Hope you are having a great summer with your family and friends! Rich

WOW-- Mom looks fantastic Patti and great picture's of the family!

Fantastic Carol! -- So happy for you and have a great summer. Rich

Congratulations Sharon!

Congratulations Tracy!

Type: NSCLC Stage IV BAC / May, 2002 Chemo: Gemzar/Carpo (6 Rnds) Taxol (16 Rnds) Iressa (About 7 Months) Navelbine (13 Rnds) Tarceva (About 17 Months) Alimta (6 Rnds) Note: Had very good success with all except Gemzar/Carpo.

Thanks Rochelle, everyone for the kind words. As mentioned my platelets (1 million) were too high, not good for my heart, raises the likelihood of a blood clot and was told to go to the ER. Also while their thought my infection was still hanging around so had me back on several anti-biotic. After numerous test and consultations etc. I was able to come home inspire my platelets still at 1 million. Not having a spleen raises them more during an infection. Well they say things run in three’s so hopefully that’s it for a very long time. Just need to follow up etc. as a out patient. Again thanks everyone for the very kind (thoughts, wishes, and prayers) words. Take care everyone and have an great weekend! Rich

Prayers for nothing but the best Carole. Rich

Congratulations Murial! Ric h

Hi Linda, I also had Gemzar and Carboplatin and the only side effect was low platelets. I also have ITP and may have played a role. My onc lowered the dosage and that took care of it. Hang in there and prayers for the best. Rich

Hi Sadra, I also experienced extreme fatigue while talking Alimta. However I did have great results with it. Hang in there and prayers for the best. Rich

Thanks Rochelle, everyone for the kind words. As mentioned by Rochelle had a very bad infection that went to my blood and septic. Also blood pressure was 50 over 40 when I got to the ER. They treated me very aggressively with IV antibiotics and meds to bring my blood pressure back up. Said I was very lucky. Never felt this worse in my life. Home feeling better and hopefully will be back on track soon to deal with the other health issues I have from when I was there earlier this month. Again thanks everyone for the kind words-- have a great and save 4th!!!! Rich

Welcome Linda, I'm glad you found us. Rich

Congratulations Linda on two years! --That's fantastic and I'm so happy for you, it gives so many hope. Have a great summer! Rich

Hi blueangel, I had Taxol alone and had very good success with it. Only side effect was Neuropathy, still have it to this day but with meds is manageable. If it was me I would feel comfortable with just the Taxol. Like your Mom I tried Gemzar and Carboplatin but with no success. So many factors determine treatments for each one of us. If you have trust and have faith go with your onc's recommendation, if not get a second opinion. Good question on using chemo over if it worked the first time. Don't recall reading that on the board but never know somebody might have. My want to ask Dr. West over @ http://cancergrace.org (Grace). Let us know the answer on that. That's great on Mom's success! Good Luck! Rich

Congratulations Carole!

Congratulations Debi-- I'm so happy and thrilled for you, you should be proud of yourself. Your certainly have been through a lot and you offer so much hope and inspiration too so many. Keep it Up! We all have those fears of the unknown perfectly understandable and very hard to get past it at times. As fas as why we are still here, well that's up to God and no one should feel guilty there alive. Like you said we are here for a reason, just have to figure out why. Does get hard to come hear at times with all the sorrow but keep in mind the flip side of it. Members being cured, surviving longer and all the hope, caring, sharing and support. Post when you can, no written rule one has to post every day etc or one has to feel guilty if they don't. We all understand and know each of us approaches things differently. Take care and God Bless. Rich

Hi Renate, Sorry to hear about your situation. I tried B6/B12 and it did help for awhile with my Neurapathy. If you haven't already ask about Gabapentin (Neurotin) it really has helped me. I'm on (no side effects) 800MG, 3 times a day. Does not go away completely but does make a big difference. I was also surprised how fast it worked. Some have tried Acupuncture with good results. Below is a link with some good info that I hope will help you. Prayers for the best. Rich http://chemocare.com/managing/numbness__tingling.asp (Side Effects - Symptoms & Solutions)

Congratulations Patti-- I'm so happy and thrilled for you, keep it up, you certainly are a trooper and give many hope and inspiration! Enjoy your summer with Hubby! Rich

Happy Birthday Andrea!

That's fantastic Bruce, I'm so happy for you-- Keep it up! Always great to hear good news. Rich

Patti-- So sorry to hear that and WOW on all the BS with your doctor. Prayers for ASAP relief and resolve-- no one should have to go through all this. No experience on having a blood clot but when they thought I had one did have a test so again don't get all the run around. And your right always push and don't take no for an answer. Keep us posted please. Rich

Welcome Cp, Glad you found us. Stay with us and keep us posted. Lots of caring, sharing and support here. Rich

Congratulations Lilly! I'm so happy for you, way to go! Enjoy your summer you deserve it! Rich

Hi Sandra, I worked (12hr shifts / 60+ hours a week) as long as I could after I was diagnosed with lung cancer and I wish I still were able to work. I feel it would not be fair to my family (nor would it be right) for me to stay home if I'm able to go to work. I’m on SSD and have lost 40% of my income. We live in one of the most expensive states, live a modest life and being on SSD has taken a huge financial toll on us. Also it's not just about the money. I enjoyed my (IT Field) job (even went back to school for 6 months at night to better myself for my family) and I think it benefits someone to be productive, gives one a feeling of self worth and meaning. Still had plenty of time for my family and we did lots of things together. Bottom line-- if you want to work, enjoy what you do and as long as you can perform your (the same way you did before you were diagnosed) tasks etc without it taking it’s toll on your health then do it. My experience with lung cancer is it’s all about making adjustments, being open minded about things as one goes along and being ourselves. Do what you think is best for you and your family. Good Luck! Rich