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I believe Ada has had what you are speaking of (they put in radioactive seeds during the bronc. procedure). Hopefully she will see your post or you may want to send her a private message. Best wishes to you.

Oh Carol, so very sorry about Gene. The anology of the lost arm is so true, it will take a long time to adapt to life with out your right arm there. We are all here for you when you need us.

My husband tried and tried to quit. Tried classes, the patch etc. and went back to smoking. What finally worked for him was Zyban. It was a miracle he had no cravings, nothing. Made him feel great, he said, so great that after adopting 2 children years ago I got pregnant while he was on it! Anyway, that's what did it for him You take the Zyban while smoking and then pick a stop date once it's in your system.

Well here's a thought: I am guessing that the problem may be the radiation he had in the past is keeping him from healing now. Once someone has the maximum dosage of radiation it is my understanding surgery is not possible in the future because the area will never heal. This was explained to my husband and myself during his radiation. The radiation was stopped and he was reevaluated for surgery before they went on to the maximum dose. So if I were you I would ask for the radiation oncologist that treated him in the past to come in and do a consult. Let us know what happens. Thinking of you.

Wasn't sure where to put this but figuered more people would see it in the General section. Patients who received either Taxol or Onxol in the past four years (from Jan.1, 1999 to Feb 28, 2003) may be eligible for a reimbusement as part of a settlement with Bristol-Meyers and the attorneys general from all 50 states. Consumers may see funds from $400.00 to $2600.00. You can find out more at www.taxolsettlement.com

Ours arrived yesterday (first issue). What a great article, very encouraging on the increase in survival rates from lung cancer.

Somewhere I read that Iressa is not given until someone has failed to respond to 3 different chemos. It is a 3rd line treatment I believe they called it. You are correct that the response is about 20% but when it works, it works. My husband went through carbo/taxol, taxotere, and gemzar before starting Iressa, and it is working for him. I't s good to be in the 20%.

My husband is also inoperable because of the tumor being so close to the major veins and in the mediastinum. The surgeon said they would not be able to get a "clean field" around the tumor and may actually spread it and make it worse by operating.

Peggy go to the Tech support section and read the posts regarding getting into chat. I had a hard time too.

Linda, at the bottom of the dialog box is a white area, type your text in there and then hit the enter. Go to the chat room and practice putting in text. I did this yesterday because I was having login problems just to make sure I could really get in.

It is too bad for his mother as she will one day regret not saying things she should have said or helping support both of you during this time. You have to do what you know is best and let her live with however she decides to approach this. Best wishes. I hope your husband will change his mind about hospice, it's a wonderful program.

My husband is doing well on Iressa. His last scan showed a shrinkage of almost 1 cm.

Wishing you many more anniversery celebrations!

Oh Kathy, speaking for myself I don't answer a lot of posts unless I feel I really can contribute something. I usually leave them to the people that can answer the question the best. Also, if someone answers the question or responds to a post and there's nothing else to add I think (like me) most people don't respond to it. I have been following your posts and hope all works out well. I know this "wives club" sucks. We're all here with you, and we're all feeling your pain and fear.

Maybe you just talk too much! Ok, here's another thought. Sometimes sores are due to acid in the mouth like canker sores. A simple remedy is to rinse your mouth with an antacid like Malox or something that will neutralize the acid and help them heal. Been thinking of you and miss the chat. Hopefully I'll get a computer at home soon. Ours has a virus.

Hey Cathy, We went to the Art Fair Wednesday. It's bigger than ever if that's possible. We should all get together sometime.

Dr. Simonton is mentioned in Bernie Siegels books. He does sessions on visualization and has a web site. If you search "exceptional cancer patient" I think it will come up. I saw an old documentary the other day and they interviewed Dr. Simonton. Bernie Siegels books are wonderful to listen to on tape.

Boy can I relate to this topic! One day my husband's sister was whining to me about what a terrible day she had had, lost a bid on a condo, yada yada. I just told her I'd trade her problems any day. Shut her right up. I mean really, after this, your idea of a problem is put in perspective.

Hi Jonathon, So far the Iressa is working for my husband. From what I have read, it works approximately 20% of the time but it is not a cure. Our oncologist said that we would watch for the point where it was no longer effective and switch to something else. His tumor has gone from 4.1 to 3cm since the start of Iressa (would give you the date but I am at work and can't remember the start date). At his last check up, the doctor said his lungs sounded much clearer. He feels well except still gets tired.

I know there have been several posts lately regarding Iressa. We went for the results of my husbands CT scan today and his tumor is shrinking! It appears the Iressa is working.

One of the most touching segments of Lance Armstrongs book is when his oncologist comes to him and gives him the survivors speech. It went something like as a survivor you have a responsibility to give back to do something for others, to make use of your good fortune. You are certainly doing that in a big way. What an achievement! All the best and keep us posted.

Well I have to get my 2 cents in here and also reccomend the port. The nurses get real upset about having to stab at their patients like that. My husband started chemo so fast that he had 2 treaments before he could get the port installed. He had a vein leak and it was terrible. He had to have at least 12 shots into the arm to neutralize the chemo. You don't want to have further problems with your veins and you're going to be getting poked a lot. It's great for the blood draws, etc. Take care, wishing you all the best.

Iressa also seems to be working for my husband (knock on wood). We'll know more next week when we get the results of the CT scan he is having done tomorrow. I am so happy to hear that it is doing it's thing for your sister.

Geesh Marlon, I don't even know where to start. I am wondering if the house is your mother's? Is it in her name if it was your childhood home? If so, then then the funds need to be protected from the stepdad. The proceeds would enable her to leave if she wished, or help you with a down payment on something. Anyway, keep us posted. I always enjoy your posts and I hope my son will one day be as devoted to me.

I was thinking of sending an e-mail to Rick about either returning helpful hints or adding "helpful hints" to the Alternative/Complementary... section. There was some very useful information you could refer new people to such as weight gaining strategies, books, Bernie Siegel, megace, etc. and it's lost. It was easy to refer people to. It needs to be somewhere other than general so it can be accessed and not buried.