SandraL

Hi Carol. I am so sorry to read of your latest developments. But never give up hope, you are still here and you still have treatment options. I have been on both Alimta and Tarceva. I didn't tolerate Alimta all that well but most people do. It really knocked me out good a few days after each treatment. The Tarceva rash got me pretty good to begin with but there are many ways to manage the rash and the dosage can be adjusted. Both of these drugs have helped many people though, so my prayers are being said that alimta does what it is supposed to for you. Take care Sandra

Hi Angela. I think the side effects to radiation can be very different depending on the location of the radiation. I had 30 curative doses to my left lung and really hardly suffered at all. Others though, who have it close to the parts that "swallow" can suffer a bit more. Radiation can be quite effective though, so I would definitely pursue at least the gentle radiation. I think you could always pursue more later if that isn't helpful but you might want to ask about that as a future option before deciding. Best wishes on your decision. Sandra

Am sending prayers for all. Sandra

That is most awesome news Bruce. I will meet you at the pub and buy you a beer. You will have to change caps for at least a few minutes when you graduate.....and take a picture fast! Continued best wishes my friend Sandra

Hi everyone. I am checking in on the air after a wonderful long weekend with my sister and her kids. We did lots of touristy things, including whale watching! And we went out for lots of yummy lunches and dinners. Topped that all off with a father's day brunch and a relaxing afternoon. I saw my med onc today and went for chemo. Unfortunately all my gallavanting about town has caused my right leg to swell (that is the leg that has the dropped foot). I told the doctor it was because I had been out and about so much but she still insisted on an ultrasound. So after my first chemo of round #3 of navalbine, I trotted off for an ultrasound. No blood clot as I suspected. Just means I have to sit around and keep my leg up for a few days. So after a very busy day I will now check out and go put my feet up! Have a nice evening everyone! Sandra

I am thrilled for you Debi....and for all the future things that life has to offer you! Congrats on all your accomplishments this year and I look forward to hearing next years..and the years after that. Sandra

Hi Michelle. I am so sorry to read about your husband. I am sure you are absolutely terrified. Unfortunately lung cancer can go undetected and symptomless for a long time, and in later stages. However, there is always hope. I too was diagnosed at Stage 3b with a pleural effusion and there are many here who were diagnosed at Stage 4. And many of us here, many months and years later to talk about it. So you have found a good place to come and vent and ask any questions. We get it here. I hope to see you more on the boards. And most importantly, I am sending prayers for successful treatments for your husband. Make sure to take care of yourself as well. Sandra

Hi Barbara. I am so sorry to read about your husband. It does seem possible that someone might have messed up along the way. But unfortunately this lc stuff is not an exact science. And really, it does no good to focus on that now. You need all your energy to deal with what is currently going on. So, like others have said, find a doc you are comfortable with and hopefully things will start to turn around for your husband. Please keep us posted on how both of you are doing. Sandra

Prayers for Milllie and her family....how awful.

So sorry about the news Denise. Continued prayers. Sandra

Wow that is amazing and awesome news for your cousin Lily. I hope she is celebrating. Sandra

Well that does sound good Muriel. But worrisome nonetheless. At least you have made it though your next 4 months of freedom. And you are a survivor, we know that. Enjoy your good news and take care Sandra

Hi there. I am sorry to read about your mom's update. Keeping her comfortable is the most important thing so please report the throwing up to the doc asap and see what they can do. And hang in there and take care of yourself as well. Sandra

Control freak just means we are on top of things, and we need to be in our circumstances. I hope the rest of the treatments go well and that hubby feels better. Sandra

Hi Tammy. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a cancer free surgery. And a quick recovery. Please keep us posted. Kudos on the lung cancer awareness night at the rink. That must have been a lot of hard work. Take care Sandra

That's awesome news Dave! I will meet you at the pub and buy you a round in celebration. Keep on being super dad and enjoying life! And don't be such a stranger on here. Sandra

Oh no. I am so sorry to read about your mom. I am sending my prayers. Sandra

Sending you big hugs Pat. I can not imagine having all of your life long dreams taken from you. And what a battle it must be to find your new road. But hang in there. I hope better days for you soon. Sandra

Of course you wish she was there Alyssa. Interesting though that you believe your daughter was a godsend to help you through this time....what a lovely thought. As others have said, focus on her birthday and may the day pass gently. Sandra

My mom "loves" to sing and is actually not a bad singer. Unfortunately though she likes to sing "loud" especially in church. My sisters and I got very used to people turning around and looking for that voice. On rare family road trips I do remember both my parents singing "You are My Sunshine".

Good morning everyone! Glad to see you back on the air Judy. I hope you start feeling a bit better. Particularly when traveling. Yuck re the bed bugs Anne. My mom winters here and stays with her S/O in a suite hotel. They always stay in the same room. And this year, they both got bed bugs! Not a really fancy hotel. They were relocated for a few nights while they got that mess sorted out. So, it sounds like bed bugs are more common than I thought. A cross country RV trip sounds like fun Janet. Sounds like some good pointers from Judy. We have thought about doing that and going across Canada. For sure not to be rushed though, we always thought we would need at least a few months. Good luck with your planning. We are still on a very long dry streak. Although it has cooled off a bit. There is now worry about forest fires this summer which we have had our share of in the past. My sister and her family are flying in tomorrow for a visit. I just had my other sister and her kids leave a few weeks ago. So more non-stop action on the way. We will play tourists in our own home town. I even think we will go whale watching. We have never done that despite living here for many years so figure it is about time. I am on an off chemo week so I should be feeling pretty good for their visit. Hope everyone has an awesome day. Sandra

Hi Caren. You are coping the best you can and what you are going through sounds perfectly normal. I am heartened to hear that your family is supportive. I am hoping that day by day things will start to get better. Take care Sandra

Sending you a huge WHOOP WHOOP Jamie! What an awesome graduation. Keep on doing what you are doing girl! Sandra

Yes please Judy. You have such a way in starting our day!

Hi Denise. I am sending prayers for your friend Martha. Sandra