Janet B

I have four kids here ages 19 - 24. At 3:00 we are sitting down to 3 dozen eggs to dye! We also decorate Matzo for my daughter's boyfriend who is Jewish! It takes us hours because we get so into it - and at their ages - we still hide them in the morning!

64 tops - I am such a rule follower!

First of all I have to say I love this board!!! I have been going through this same dilemma and I am so excited to find out that I could qualify for SS disability! So here is my thinking on the work or no work - I am on Tarceva which is easier to handle than regular chemo - but it does have it's side effects none the less. I went back to work 3 months after diagnosis - I teach preschool. I thought I would go crazy at home doing nothing, that giving up work was giving in to the cancer, that I wanted to keep my life "normal". But the problem is that my life is not normal. I don't have the energy I used to have. I teach until 3, come home and nap until dinner and then go to bed. That is not much of a life. On top of that I catch every thing the kids come to school with and so I am always sick. So I have been going back and forth with the decision of not going back in September. Family and friends seemed upset that I wanted to quit - like it meant I was giving up - but I see it as me saying - No - my life is too important to waste. I want to visit loved ones, garden, write, enjoy the beach, be with my kids. I have so much to live for and I want the energy and the time to do it. As far as the money - that is another issue - I do have 3 kids in college. But things will work out - I have faith that God will provide - and he does by bringing me here to this topic and finding out about disability! So I guess if you really love your job and you are not too tired to do it and still have time for the rest of your life great - but if it is taking away the quality of your life - pick your life!

Ree I just wanted to welcome you also. It sounds like you have a wonderful support system going for yourself and your mother, this forum will be a great help for you also. God will help you through this - my prayers are with you Janet

I just sent one out from the Connecticut shoreline! Hope he is getting alot!! When is the last day he can get them?

Lisa - I am so glad you found this site. You can come here for answers, support, and just to vent. The others have given you wonderful info already - I will just add my hugs and prayers.

Welcome to the site! I know that you will find a lot of the answers you need here as well as a lot of hope and support. I did not have a lymph node biopsy - I did have a biopsy of the lung under general anesthesia. Like the others have said - just be sure she takes the pain meds as prescribed - before the pain gets bad. As far as the anxiety - I often wonder how I got through the first week or two of diagnosis without losing my mind - and I honestly have to say I couldn't have done it without the help of the Ativan. I also think that the more anxious you are - the more the pain will bother you - so consider Ativan, or some other anti anxiety meds. I am saying a prayer for you all.

I am so so glad you found this site. You are at a really scary confusing time right now, but the people here are so caring and helpful. Ask any questions and you are sure to get some answers! Important things - take lots of notes at the Dr. visits because you will get so much info all at once and it can get confusing. Write down the questions you have for the Dr. because when you get to the office - somehow they fly right out of your brain! And don't listen to statistics!!! Many of us here are "not supposed" to still be around !! I was diagnosed stage 4 with mets to the brain and spine 15 months ago - and I am still working, playing and loving life!

I loved a ninja because Big Bird said to and he's my leader!

Invisible. I would love to be able to watch my children without them knowing it I think seeing them act naturally without inhibitions from being watched would tell me alot about what is on their minds. BUT - if I could read their minds - or anyones mind, I might find out things I don't really want to know!

I have had monthly infusions for almost a year. I have had no side effects at all. Like Patti said - there can be problems with dental work - but since I fear dentists almost as much as the cancer - that will not be a problem for me! I hope your father's pain is resolved VERY soon - you are both in my prayers.

I just want to echo what the others have said - I too was given less than a year and it has been almost 15 months and I am still living my life as actively as before diagnosis. Don't believe statistics! Be positive, stay strong - my prayers are with you

I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband gave Marty a great gift by being by his side - and you gave your husband one by being by his. My prayers are with you all tonight.

That is such awesome news!! I am so happy for you!

Spring!

I notice Rosie in your avatar before I saw this post and she made me smile so much! I couldn't get through any of this if it wasn't for my best friend - my golden, Sean. Congratulations to you both for finding each other!

You are giving your mother a wonderful gift by being with her and giving her time with you. When I was diagnosed people kept asking what I wanted to do - where I wanted to go - and all I wanted to be was surrounded by my children. God bless you - my prayers are with you

Ha Ha! This has been the dinner conversation at my house this week - my lack of tolerance!! I have been trying to decide whether to continue on with my job next year (I teach preschool and the sick kids are NOT conducive to my health!) Anyway - I have such a lack of tolerance for the parents lately that I have been letting them know exactly how I feel instead of keeping my mouth shut! The consensus is if I don't become more tolerant I will lose my job soon and won't have to quit!

Amie - I am praying that the radiation will work to relieve your dad's pain as quickly as possible. I was in a lot of pain from spine mets also. The doctor's immediately put me on steroids and pain meds which helped alot. Since radiation I have been pain free (a year now!) Also I have a terrible fear of the MRI - it is hard enough when you feel well - but in pain it is unbearable. I had the doctors give me tranquilizers beforehand and they were a huge help. My prayers are with you.

Welcome to the site - it will be a very supportive and informative place to visit. You and your mother will be in my prayers.

Welcome! I too was a long time lurker - and you will be so happy you joined in because the support here is tremendous. My sister and I were not quite estranged - but our relationship was far from easy. She was the first one (besides my husband) to visit me at the hospital and she has been at every appointment since - she is a wonderful support. Your husband is making a HUGE difference in his brother's life - in many ways. My prayers are with you all.

Patti - I am so sorry you are having so much trouble. It angers me so much that when we should all be using our energy to get well, we have to waste so much of our energy worrying about the bills. Hopefully some of Rochelle's ideas will be helpful to you. As for the sleep - maybe some others will give ideas for that also. I find that sleeping with my ipod helps - it keeps the silence out! Also - try to keep reminding yourself of your quote - If God leads me to it He'll lead me through it. I LOVE that - thank you for it!

Welcome Karen! As always - I am sorry you have to be here - but glad you found us! The people here are very helpful and supportive - keep us posted with treatment plans etc. and ask questions - there is always someone here to help out.

Dana I am so sorry that you have to go through this again. It is okay to be sad and scared and angry. We all feel that way alot of the time - but don't stay that way for too long - like you said - you need to get back into fight mode! Have faith.

I am so so sorry that you are going through this. I know how hard it is and I pray that God gives you and your mother strength and peace.