Angie

Oh, Karen, I'm so glad to hear the good news!!! Celebrate and enjoy family time!!

Woooohooo!!! Awesome news....I'm very happy for you!!!

Diane - I guess I didn't complete my e-mail address !!! It's angie.held@mchsi.com!

Oh, Diane, I can totally relate!!! I am close to your age, 34, but my sisters are younger. My dad was diagnosed in May and my mom had a VERY difficult time with the news. She became very bitter and short with us (me and my two sisters) and with the grandkids. My mom is a VERY sweet person and she became someone we didn't know. We mentioned counseling or a support group but she wouldn't hear of it. She said she didn't need anything like that. We prayed for her strength and it must have helped!! About a month after my dad's diagnosis, she became more pro-active out of no where. We were very relieved about that. We wanted to help her but didn't know how. She seems to cope better now, so I think just time helped her. My dad has ALWAYS been very optimistic about every situation and my mom always saw the glass half empty. So I hope time will help your mom. I'm sure it's very difficult since she saw her friend suffer so much with cancer, and that may be the only thing she can relate your dad to. My dad had always said if he had cancer he would NEVER go thru chemo. Well....when it actually happened, he changed his tune (thank goodness!). He has had seven treatments of chemo and hasn't been sick once. Chemo has come a long way!!! My dad gets a anti-nausea drug the same time as chemo and I think that has made the difference. He hasn't even lost his hair!! (It's thinnning, but it's hard to tell!) So I would tell your dad to give chemo a try. At least your family would feel he's doing something to fight this nasty beast. I am praying for you. My dad is 66 and is in perfect health (except for cancer) like your dad. Please e-mail me at angie.held@mchsi anytime you want to correspond. I feel we have a lot in common (unfortunately .

Michelle, I'm so sorry, Michelle. I read your post at work and it was so hard to hold back the tears. I pray for your strength at this very difficult time.

Oh, Cindy, I'm saying a special prayer for you. God Bless!!!!

AWESOME NEWS!!!! I am so happy for you. My dad has pleura cancer, which is probably the closest to mesotheloma than any other cancer. I was wondering if you had any surgery? If so, what kind? My dad was told that his cancer was inoperable, but is doing very well on chemo. So any info you can provide would be helpful. Again, congrats on the wonderful news!!!

My dad was on Gemzar but developed a cough and has become short of breath. His lung x-rays and other tests all look good (no fluid buildup). Since these two symptoms are both side effects from Gemzar, he is being switched to Taxol next week. His last treatment was two weeks ago and is still experiencing these two side effects. Does anyone know how long side effects can last? He is disappointed that he is being taken off of this drug because he didn't experience any nausea with this chemo drug, just a little tired. Thanks for any info!

Oh, Michelle, I'm so sorry. My heart aches for you. You have been on my mind since I read your post. I will be praying for you and your family for the strength you need during this difficult time.

Thank you all so much for your responses. Fortunately, my dad's temp lasted just two days. The doctors were watching him carefully, but thought it was probably from his cold. He has a lot of congestion and has been prescribed a heavy dose of Pretizone for seven days. Will meet with his doctor on Wednesday.

I have said a special prayer for you. God bless.

GREAT NEWS!!!! Love to read these positive stories - certainly a reason to celebrate.

I just had a question about a side effect of chemo. I've been calling my dad "Chemo Head" (affectionately, of course ) because he's had trouble remembering things, but doing well otherwise. I think I read somewhere at some point that feeling foggy, spacey and forgetful were all side effects from chemo, but would feel better hearing it from some of you. Can anyone relate?

So glad to hear you had such a great day! The right doctor makes such a difference. Keep up the positive attitude! It sounds like you've got a lot going for you! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oops, I forgot to log in!!! My post to you is under Guest!!!

So glad you had a great day - certainly reason to celebrate! Each day is a blessing, especially the good ones! God Bless!

How serious is a temp during chemo? My dad's doctor said to call if he developed a temp. Hopefully it's just a cold as he is coughing (painfully) and sneezing. His lung x-ray looked good today, but will be going in for more tests tomorrow. Cell counts good, platelets very low. Possibly some type of infection? Anyone experienced this? Is this serious? Appreciate any input...thanks!

Congratulations on your two-year anniversary! I LOVE your positive, never give up attitude! It's the only way to be!! God Bless!

Since my question of my dad's shortness of breath that I posted earlier, (see shortness of breath/chemo), I did some research. I found a website that posted side effects from chemo. (I went back to get you the site, but can't find it?? - do a search on "side effects from chemo") And yes, one of the side effects was shortness of breath common with Gemzar, one of the cancer drugs my dad is taking. It made me feel better because I couldn't believe his lungs were filling up after a week of taking the CT scan which showed no fluid! In my findings, it said to make sure to report this side effect to your doctor. Hopefully this is just a side effect from your cancer drug as well.

Does anyone know if shortness of breath can be caused from chemo? My dad had 4 liters of fluid drained on May 16, and until lately, was breathing much better. After his CT scan last week, we found out on Thursday that the four chemo treatments are working - no fluid build up at all! My husband and I met my dad for an evening out at a jazz club last night and noticed that he was quite short of breath when he got to the club, but seemed fine after a few minutes. Just wondering why he was short of breath when scans looked so good?

I'm new to this site....what a supportive place to be! My dad was diagnosed in May with pleural cancer. Anyone diagnosed with this particular type of lung cancer?? His doctor has said that his condition is inoperable. He started chemo on May 21. With two rounds completed, we will find out tomorrow if the chemo has helped. My dad hasn't been sick or lost any hair. In fact, he's gained three pounds since first diagnosed. (Has he really been receiving chemo??) He also walks a few times a week at the local Super Target (says the temp is so cool and comfortable during these hot summer months!) My dad was given 16 months, but my dad's doctor said that he is in excellent health and relatively young and that many older people bring down the average. My dad has such a positive attitude and it helps all of us!! I feel like I know so many of you. I was so touched and inspired by "Mrs. Mike". I am so thankful for this site.