Patti B

Barbara- I agree 100% with Ry. You can always stop or even ask for a change to another chemo that is easier to tolerate. I was on Alimta for about 8 months at which point I showed progression. I had a fairly easy time on it - some SOB and fatigue but not enough to stop me from doing anything - I still gardened that whole summer and painted my bathroon. Everyone IS different but maybe you will be lucky like I was and have an easy go with it. Good luck!!! Hugs - Patti B.

How sweet!!!! Thanks Maryanne. Too bad people who are "different" from each other can't act like that!! Hugs - Patti B.

Hi everyone- Thanks so much!!! This was a nice surprise. I know I don't post a lot but you all know I am rooting for each and every one of you. Its just been crazy here what with the holidays, being active on Nicks swim team and going to a million swim meets and doing some LC advocacy work. To catch everyone up - I had the WBR in August and am still waiting for some parts of my head to sprout some hair - am worried it won't all come back in. I look like someone ran a lawn mower right down the middle of my head!!! LOL!!!! I have been feeling good - had to have a couple of chemos cancelled because after 3+ years, my blood counts went to hell. Now I am on Gemzar every other week and my blood counts are bouncing back. I finally had to break down and have a port put in - that was one thing I never ever wanted. But all my veins were shot and they were worried the time would come when they would have to send me home because they couldn't access a vein (the last time prior to the port they had to stick me 9 times). I go for a scan Monday and results on Tuesday so of course my scanxiety is building. Will let everyone know the results of that. I just want to say, esp. for the newly diagnosed - I was given 12 months tops and just passed my 40 month mark. STAY POSITIVE AND ENJOY LIFE. PLEASE DON'T LISTEN TO STATISTICS!!!! Hugs- Patti B.

Melanie- I had an epidural when I had whats called a "cerclage" when I was pregnant. Needle stick was nothing!!!! You'll be fine!!! As far as the catheter goes - remember that once they remove it, many woman come down with urinary tract infections so if you have any burning or anything, contact your doc for antibiotics. I know we've all said this - but I want to say once again that your attitude is absolutely terrific. YOU ARE GONNA ROCK THIS SURGERY!!!!!!!!! Please keep us updated!! Hugs - Patti B

Melanie- I never had surgery so I cannot relate to that or give you any advice on it but I do know that your outlook is wonderful and I know you will come through none the worse for wear. Keep up that positive attitude - you will learn how important that is. Good luck and keep us posted. Hugs - Patti B.

Awesome!!!! Keep that positive attitude going!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Linda- I couldn't stand that onc. When he told me that he was "terminating our doctor-patient relationship" If not for the IV in my arm I would have done cartwheels across the chemo room!!! Abd I did tell him once when he was acting like God - "I can't go home at 5 pm and turn the light off - I live with this 24/7". We have to be our own best advocates or have someone who will be - should be our docs but it doesn't work out that way!!!! Good luck with your scan!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Jamie- Another late one here - but - CONGRATS AND MANY MANY MANY MORE 5 YEARS!!!! You rock!!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Snow- Don't know about H1N1 but we all know that computers can get a virus!!!!GROAN!!!!! Good luck!!! Patti B.

Linda- Good for you for demanding answers to your questions. Its your body and you are allowed to ask ANYTHING (at least in my opinion but then remember I was the one who got fired by my last onc for asking too much). Anyway, I have always had the contrast, too. The doc has to mark on the request with or without contrast - wonder if your doc just doesn't know what box to check - LOL!!!! Glad you won that one!!! Hugs - Patti B.

(((((((NICK))))) Hugs - Patti B.

Barb- Another post I missed - where is my brain lately??? SOOOOO glad that Bill will be home with you. I KNOW noone else can take care of him the way you will!!! Keep us posted please. Oh - and belated happy birthday - my dads would have been yesterday, too!!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Don- I had WBR in August and placed on a clinical trial using an approved Alzheimers drug (Memantine) to see if it helps with cognitive thinking and short term memory. I just finished the trial - you are only on it for 5 months - and I have had no memory loss - or at least none that I can remember - LOL!!! Hope the drug works!!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Denise- How did I miss this wonderful post. Congrats and a great big hug to Tom. Remember what I always told you about him - you can't keep a good man down!!!! I am just thrilled for you both!! Hugs - Patti B.

Melanie- I cannot give you any information of surgery since I never had it but many others here I am sure will be along soon and give you the lowdown. It WONDERFUL that it hasn't spread outside of the lung. Keep up your GREAT attitude - it goes a very, very long way in this fight. Keep us posted!!!! Hugs - Patti B.

((((((Denise)))) I am so sorry - please tell her family that I am thinking of them - and of course I am thinking of you!!! I just HATE cancer so much............ Hugs - Patti B.

Hi Jess and welcome even though I hate the thought you have the need to be here. Stage 4 is not the best to be diagnosed with but whatever you do, please do not listen to statistics. Your mom is an individual and NOT a statistic. I was diagnosed Stage 4 with mets to my spine and hip and only given a short time. Well, I decided not to listen and I am now at almost 40 months. And I feel great!!!! I am so glad you have a support base around you - thats very important. Will you be the one taking her to doc appointments?? If so, bring a notebook, have questions written down and write down the docs answers. Some people also bring a small tape recorder. Docs, as you know, sometimes talk so fast and you get home and say "what he say about that?" Let us know what chemo she is on so others here can help with possible side effects, etc. Please keep us posted as to how both you and your mom are doing. Your mom is very lucky to have you by her side. Hugs - Patti B.

YOU ROCK KASEY!!!!! Hey - unlock the Pub cause I am buying BIG time!!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Kasey- Mine started the day after the shot. I went to get out of bed and I couldn't. It was horrible and lasted three days. But with subsequent shots - nothing!!!! Hope this helps!!! And good luck to Chuck!! Hugs - Patti B.

((((((Michelle)))))) I have not been on much lately so I am sorry I missed this earlier. I feel so bad for you but I also feel that you did everything possible for Don. Remember you calling 911 to get him up the stairs at chemo. You were such a devoted loving caregiver (PM me if you want to know what some of us go through). It was always about him and NEVER about you. Your son needs you. If you allow something to happen to you - what happens to him????? I agree that you should see another doctor about the meds you are on. There are TV ads about some of these anti-depressants that say they can actually make your depression worse and cause suicidal thoughts. Michelle- if that happens - PLEASE - for all of us who love you and for your son, call 911 or go straight to the ER. Your husband wants you to join him when God feels it is time. I don't think he would want you to leave your son. I care Michelle, and so do so many others here. PM me if you ever want to talk and please take care of yourself. I know it must be so hard around the holidays - its hard for me, too thinking of how many I have left. But we care, Michelle - and we love you. Hugs - Patti B.

((((((Christina Marie))))) I am so sorry for you. You were both way too young to have to go through this. My prayers for you are for peace and strength in the coming days ahead. Hugs - Patti B.

Many prayers for Marissa. Hugs - Patti B.

Well, Santa sure outdid himself this year with the BESTEST gift!!! Enjoy your holidays!!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Hi Mitch- I was just thinking of you the other day - there are many here who haven't posted in a while. CONGRATS ON YOUR MOMS NED!!!! What a Christmas present that is!!!! And let me tell you - you look great!!!! Keep up the god work and enjoy school!!! Hugs - Patti B.

Good thoughts coming your way Mike - let us know!!! Hugs - Patti B.