chloesmom

Hi Denise, Well, I don't blame you for being worried, but it sounds like your answers are coming really soon, and with the answers will certainly be a plan. Please keep us posted about what's going on with Tom. As far as the rash, is he using anything new topical? I developed a strange rash just prior to starting chemo, and it turned out to be a bad reaction to a new lotion I tried. Cindy

Hi Dani, They can't do official staging until after surgery, but early stage diagnosis at this point is a really good report. During surgery they will remove sample lymph nodes and test them to determine spread. I had the upper left lobe removed almost 9 years ago and am still doing great. Good luck to you, Cindy

I had the cisplatin/gemzar combination. It was both on the first week, then gemzar, gemzar week two and three. No hair loss, but it can knock your platelets down. I missed a couple of weeks because of low platelets. Other than being really tired, I don't remember anything significant from gemzar. The cisplatin was the tough one for me. In my case it was not a long infusion. About 90 minutes if I remember correctly. Good luck with it Judy. Cindy

Stable is great news! Thanks for the update! Cindy

And here's to you for pointing others in the right direction to get the treatment they've needed! Cindy

Hi Kathleen, I am sure that the Tampa St. Pete area has a lot of large oncology groups-just thinking here, is Moffet in Tampa? I am sure Judy will be checking in here-she is in the Keys. Please keep us posted, Cindy

Yay for you! Now you can have a wonderful vacation without those worries on your mind! Cindy

I saw the clip when it was posted to Facebook-Kasey was a star! Cindy

My suggestion would have been to talk to the surgeon about it, and I see that was your plan. I hope he had some answers for you. cindy

Thanks for the update! I hope things stabilize and improve soon. Keep us posted.

Very sad news, I am honored to have met her and spent time with her last year in DC. Cindy

I woulda Muriel! Congratulations and wishing you many, many more great years! Cindy

Many, many congratulations to Kasey on the 7th anniversary of a very happy day! So glad things have worked out so well for you! Cindy

I certainly understand the anxiety over this, and the additional anxiety over two conflicting reports. My lung surgeon really upset me on my first visit by saying he thought my lymph nodes were enlarged and he suspected more extensive cancer than the CT scan indicated. But, the only sure fire diagnosis comes from tissue sample. Until then, they can only suspect. Turns out, in my case, he was wrong. I don't know about the fluid situation, but what would that second doctor know about it if he hasn't even tested a sample? I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the 'opinion' of a man who hasn't conducted a test, when another doctor who has conducted the test has said negative. Information is the only thing that will ease this anxiety, and, unfortunately, it takes a bit of time. Seems like forever for those of us waiting, but it will all happen. I wish your friend the best of luck and please keep us posted. Cindy

I was treated at the University of Chicago-one of the best. Cindy

Hi there! I wanted to let you know that I had the same chemo combination you are on, and did ok. The cisplatin treatments got me down, but, like you, I continued to work through chemo. I guess on my days off I didn't do much more than hang out on the couch, but you will get through this. I also quit smoking when diagnosed-and was in excellent health like you, except for that cancer thing. I never had avastin but people who are on it don't seem to have major complaints. Good luck to you, please don't pay attention to the statistics. I worried away too much of my life over them, and the truth is, they don't apply to everyone. Keep us posted, Cindy

Hi Beth, I remember you! I'm so happy to see a photo of you and your husband and that beautiful grandchild! Sometimes it's hard to believe how fast time passes by, and while we always remember, we do need to carry on and live our lives. I am thrilled that you've found some happiness. Please stay in touch-you are missed here! Cindy

Hi stranger-Congratulations on your wonderful news! It's so great to see that you are doing so well! Here's to another 9, and 9 after that, and so on and so on! Cindy

Happy to hear your good news Judy! Keep it up! Cindy

Hi Dee, I too experienced all of that worry, and I guess I still do to a certain extent. I've resigned myself to the fact that it just comes with the territory. What I can tell you, though, is that it all did get less intense with the passing of time for me. Congratulations on your good reports so far-there is nothing indicating that they will not remain good from here on out. This is a fantastic support site-you will get so much hope and encourgement from the people here. They have helped me through many hard times. Cindy

What fantastic news that is! Exhale! Enjoy your good fortune and I wish you continued good health. Cindy

That's really great news Maryanne! What a load off all of your shoulders-and now you can enjoy the beautiful summer! Cindy

Congratulations Muriel! I was right before you-and home and recovering. I remember it all very well! Cindy

Yesterday, June 20, marked the 8 year anniversary of my lung cancer surgery. It's interesting to me that I didn't even think about it yesterday until last night at about 7pm. when the Cubs/Sox game came on TV. I remembered that I was trying to watch the Cubs/Sox series that weekend I spent in the hospital. Normally I attach a real significance to dates and anniversaries so I'm kind of surprised at myself and wonder why this didn't loom large as it usually does. I do have some upheaval in my life right now-my mom is really sick and having a miserable recovery from a huge surgery, only to have another major surgery in September that holds a lot of uncertainty, and I've recently started a new, fantastic part-time job. But still-that lung surgery day has always been a big day of rememberence for me. I hope this means I'm having emotional recovery (finally!)-it's about time, wouldn't you think? I've already had my surgeon's appointment and chest xray a few weeks ago and everything was fine. Usually I get very upset in the time preceding my appointment, but actually the night before I went for my appointment was my mom's emergency surgery and I only got about two hours of sleep prior to going into the doctor's office-that will really take your mind off your troubles, but I don't recommend it! So, of course I am truly happy for the good fortune I've had being a survivor and wishing my story was more commonplace than it is among those who get lung cancer. Hopefully, that's changing..... Cindy

Unbelievable stories-makes me realize how fortunate I have been with my treatment and providers. It's surely difficult enough to contend with cancer and the treatment-we don't need providers messing up right and left on us. Cindy