christineb

Hi everyone, Some may already know that Chase Community Giving is going to distribute $5 million to 100 charities. I hope you and your family and friends will cast your vote for Lungevity. All voting is handled through Facebook. If you don't have a Facebook account, you likely have a family member that does. On Facebook: 1) Visit http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/ 2) Become a Fan of Chase Community Giving (that same page) 3) In the "Search for Local Charity", type Lungevity Foundation and hit "Go" 4) Cast your vote. You have 20 votes to cast, but you can only vote for each nonprofit once. I've been away so long, but the Lungevity Foundation has a permanent place in my heart. I just had to share this little bit of news. Best wishes and hugs to all,

I've dreaded coming back here to make this statement. I don't know why. I gained so much from reading all the encouraging words and the many many accomplishments of all the others here. I don't think we would have made it through the many little trials had it not been for the wise and warm words of everyone here. So here's a belated thank you. Everything for mom (LeslieB) took a turn for the worse in April. And by May, she was no longer able to bounce back or recover. Events accelerated so quickly those last two weeks. Mom, Leslie Bauer-Szczepanski, passed away at 2:30am on the morning of Sunday, May 18th after being home for a scant 30hrs of hospice care. She was so much more than what I've ever portrayed here on the boards. But I know that's true for all the people we've met here. But just a tiny bit of bragging: Mom was one of those 70's mothers that did everything. And looking back, I simply cannot fathom HOW she pulled it off. She went from housewife to star sales woman for Apple. Then from there to VP of Sales for Apple in Eastern Europe. She took risks and made mistakes like everyone else. She was bold, brave, loving, tender, kind, wise, goofy...she was everything possible to family and friends. No one will ever be able to say she didn't LIVE. There could not possibly be any regrets for more love, more money, more success. But we really could have used more time. We're trying to start something called the Kill Cancer Fund, established in mom's honor, to help build awareness for small cell lung cancer and fund research aimed at finding a cure for lung cancer. My best thoughts, prayers and hopes goes out to everyone that is part off this board. You've all been so strong and supportive. I hope to get to the point were I can come back and be one of those who help and encourage others. There can never be enough encouragement. (((hugs))) Christine B

My mom was doing well. Finished etoposide/cisplatin treatments in very beginning of March. All but one doctor strongly encouraged whole brain radiation (WBRT) and we hemmed and hawed. But sadly, I wonder if we waited too long. The cancer, which had been controlled in both the brain and lung, is more agressive than we could have known and is spreading through the brain arteries. I'm still a bit stunned. I just don't know what to expect. Doctors ordered WBRT start immediately, that same day. She's on dose two of WBRT and side effects include incredible fatigue, nausea and vomiting (vomiting wasn't a symptom during chemo), and some cognitive degeneration. Of course, I can't tell if it's caused by WBRT or the cancer itself. But I have to say I could clearly tell the difference in talking with her Wednesday night. I hope and pray this is only a setback. I don't know enough yet to understand the implications. Still...I'm terrified that I might never be able to talk with her again like we did on Easter Sunday. I'm trying to balance my reactions. I don't want her to see my fear, because I don't want her to think I'm giving up on her. But I'm afraid of wasting any time that I could be spending with her or taking anything for granted. ~ Christine

thanks everyone! I also shared this side-effect on OncTalk and the general consensus is "no biggie". It definitely seems to be a side effect of chemo in general. Hope everyone has a great weekend...and thanks for the feedback!! ~ Christine

First off...thank you everyone! I rely on this site in so many ways!! And now my question... For all the caregivers out there, has anyone heard about a patient feeling cold from the inside? To give an analogy, my mom says it feels like she's drinking ice water and feeling that chill from deep inside her chest. This symptom normally happens in the evening. Her doctor doesn't have any explanation. She has been taking blood boosters (neupogen for WBC and ?? something for the RBC). Those counts are being kept in check, but I wonder the cold feeling has something to do with sometimes lower red blood cell counts? To give a brief history, she has extensive SCLC with mets to brain. Neurosurgery and gammaknife have been successful on the brain mets. She's finishing round 6 of cisplatin/etoposide, interspersed with blood boosters. The combination of treatments seem to be working well. Whole brain radiation MIGHT be one the schedule next, but that's a big decision and she/we haven't yet decided whether that's what's wanted. ~ Christine