Barb73

Hi There, Gail, That is the big problem with letting people know that everything is OK when the PC is down. I will need to think of a way to do that even if I have to go to the library and use theirs. We are doing fine, and will be going out today for a much-needed social with Claire and Bill. We look forward to these get-togethers. We do these outings about once a month - depending on our respective situations. Getting out socially is so very important in lifting us out of ourselves. They understand pretty much the whole scenario with this, and there is no need to explain much. Thank you, Gail, for thinking of us, and I hope all is going along well for you. Barbara

I am grateful that Bill and I will be going out to lunch with my sister and her husband tomorrow. We need some thoughts of "other things." Just being with people and smiling is going to be wonderful. Barbara

Hi There, Linda, I have been offline for a time due to my modem having sung a swan song. Our son installed the new one that arrived today, and happily am back online. Not that I was addicted, but Linda, he wasn't out the door two minutes, when I was typing away. Bill just laughed. He knows me well. Yes, I see so many here with us. They have joined a warm and gracious group, thankfully. It is enough pressure trying to deal with appointments, scans, and what-not, without trying to negotiate my way through a maze. No doubt many will enjoy the challenge. I am just too derned old. Thank you for shouting out the greeting. Love you, Barbara

Dear, dear Carol, You see? I scrolled every day, and thought I did not miss anyone, but I did. Please, forgive the faux pas. I have been "with you" and "you with our story" for such a very long time. Missing replying to you in a timely fashion should invoke, at least, an . Thank you for the warm and lovely welcome. I thought I would be missing so many people, but you guys saved my feeling down and depressed. God love you all. Carol, keep those "prayers going up, and those blessings coming down." Barbara

Dear Mary Ann, So very GOOD so to see you I'm sure you will get used to those new changes there. Everything new takes a bit of adjustment. This transfer back to my roots, so to speak, has been very warm and comforting. I feel "at home." Thank you for your blessings, and I send back my prayer, good wish and vibe to you, Mary Ann. Anytime I see something that pops up and gives me "that feeling" that it might be of some import, or more, I'll make sure I post it. This is, after all, a way for the many of us holding onto hope. Barbara

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/538888/?sc=dwhn Newswise — About one-fourth to one-half of new cancer treatments that reach assessment in phase 3 randomized clinical trials are eventually proven successful, according to a report in the March 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States, but continuous improvements have been made in survival and other outcomes, according to background information in the article. “To a large extent, this has occurred through the introduction of new treatments tested in clinical trials, with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) widely considered to be the most reliable method of assessing differences between the effects of health care interventions,” the authors write. “Cancer is the only disease for which the National Institutes of Health has consistently funded a cooperative clinical trial infrastructure. Despite this investment, little is known about the proportion of clinical trials that have led to the discovery of successful new treatments.” Benjamin Djulbegovic, M.D., Ph.D., of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida, Tampa, and colleagues extracted data from all completed phase 3 randomized clinical trials conducted by the National Cancer Institute cooperative groups since their inception in 1955. A total of 624 trials involving 216,451 patients were analyzed. Overall, 30 percent of the trials had statistically significant results; in 80 percent of those cases, new treatments were superior to established protocols. The original researchers reported that the risk-benefit ratio favored new treatments in 41 percent of comparisons, while standard treatments were favored in 59 percent of comparisons. “The real effects of new treatments compared with standard treatments in terms of patient outcomes such as survival is best measured by quantitative pooling of data,” the authors write. “When done this way, new treatments are, on average, found to be slightly superior to standard treatments, with a 5 percent relative reduction in the death rate. This, of course, should not be understood as the average effects of new discoveries being equally spread among all patients.” In 15 percent of the trials, breakthrough therapies were discovered; in 2 percent of the cases, these reduced the death rate by more than 50 percent. “In conclusion, society has received a good return on its investment in the cooperative oncology group system,” which funds the trials, the authors write. “The public can expect that about 25 percent to 50 percent of new cancer treatments that reach the stage of assessment in randomized clinical trials will prove to be successful. This pattern of successes has become more consistent over time. However, our results also indicate that the absolute number of discoveries might be improved if the proportion of inconclusive trials is reduced.” (Arch Intern Med. 2008;168[6]:632-642. Available pre-embargo to the media at www.jamamedia.org.) Editor’s Note: Co-author Dr. Bennett received consulting fees and grant support from Sanofi-Aventis and AMGEN. Co-author Dr. Bepler received consulting fees and grant support from Eli Lilly and Company and Sanofi-Aventis. This study was supported by the Research Program on Research Integrity, Office of Research Integrity and National Institutes of Health. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc. (NewsWise, Medical News, Source: AMA, March 24, 2008) Disclaimer: The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not posted as medical advice of any kind.

Hi There, Peachy, You are happily remembered from the other site. So very glad to see you again. The profile tends to get a bit wordy (will just clean out the unnecessary verbiage). There won't be any cutbacks on the important stuff - dates, treatments, and regimens. They are important to know - promise. I do the same, Peachy, I read all the profiles, and then, I go back and read some more. My memory gives me a few "moments" and repetition helps glue it into crystallized memory. Bill and I joke that he had the WBR, and I have more short-term memory loss. Go figure. Thank you so very much for the warm welcome, and the noting of Bill's last scans. Right this minute, he is outside raking - no lie. It's his exercise. The wind around this area has had every one's leaves piled up against our side fence. Time for spring clean out. Sending you all my best, Barbara

Hi Judy, Good question, but I don't know the answer to that. It would seem to me that since this news has been sent to those in the medical field, that they would definitely be on the lookout. Being alert to it, as you have indicated, should give you the opportunity to bring it up for discussion. It would be a good question to our doctors. Bill hasn't been on any of this type,(as yet). I do tend to ask a question about a drug even if it isn't on the "menu." Barbara

Hi, I can only offer my experiences in having been in that same boat emotionally as your husband. I am a caregiver, and there were times when I went too far with trying to "control/parent" the situation. There has been much for me to learn over the three plus years in adjusting to this "new normal" way of life. This disease can be a challenge. I found that when people offered to help us, my acceptance of it was actually therapeutic. It wasn't in my nature - had to do it all - alone. Accepting that help gave me a chance to regroup. The very fact that your husband felt comfortable in telling you that he needs help, and/or an anti-depressant, is a sign of his love for you. Caregivers need to learn to take care of themselves first, or there is less ability to help loved ones. There is absolutely no shame in seeking help - emotional, physical, or medical. It's an intelligent, and proactive move. Each of us needs to address what we need. May you receive the help you both seek. I admire your coming here, and telling others of your concerns. You are both, no doubt, wonderful spouses. Both of you and your children are wished much success with finding the right solutions. Seeking help means you are close to the goal. Sending best wishes and thoughts to you both, Barbara

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=87957 ARTICLE: . . . . . . . . . March 19, 2008 — Long-term use of the osteoporosis drug Fosamax may weaken the bones in a small subset of people taking the drug. Patients who suffer this unusual side effect suffer broken legs after minor falls. It's likely that other drugs in the same class as Fosamax — the bisphosphonates — have the same rare side effect. It is seen in only a small number of patients who took the drug for more than five years. Joseph M. Lane, MD, chief of the metabolic bone disease service at New York Hospital and professor of special surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and colleagues report the side effect in a letter to the March 20 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. "There is a subset of patients for whom the longer they take bisphosphonates, the more they turn off the internal repair of the bone. This sets them up for bone fractures after trivial falls," Lane tells WebMD. "Is everyone who takes a bisphosphonate going to get this? No. This is a subset of patients. But we cannot say what makes these patients unique. And is it unique to this one bisphosphonate, or to all drugs in this class? We don't know." Lane and colleagues report 15 cases of unusual bone fractures in postmenopausal women who had been taking Fosamax for more than five years. All had fractures along the length of the femur, the long bone in the thigh, after falls from standing position or lower. Ten of the patients had a distinct and unusual fracture pattern. These patients had been taking Fosamax for more than seven years on average; the other five patients averaged less than three years of Fosamax use. "People on prolonged bisphosphonates — and Fosamax is the only one we have seen so far — after five to seven years they are at risk of fractures in the long bone of the leg," Lane says. "They complained of thigh pain for months before the breaks. So it seems they start off with a stress fracture that is unrecognized, and it goes on to full fracture." Susan Bukata, MD, director of the center for bone health at the University of Rochester, New York, says orthopaedic surgeons and specialists in metabolic bone disease are well aware of this problem. Bukata was not involved in the Lane report. "This is not seen only with Fosamax. We see this in cancer patients given high doses of Zometa as well," Bukata tells WebMD. "Fosamax was the most commonly used bisphosphonate for the longest time. And it takes several years on the drug before it seems to be a problem. So more people have been on Fosamax long term than on Actonel or the several other bisphosphonates." What's going on? Bisphosphonates keep the body from reabsorbing bone. That slows bone loss in osteoporosis. But it also interferes with the body's natural bone-repair process. That's why a growing number of bone experts suggest that after about five years of bisphosphonate use, patients should take a "drug holiday" until blood tests show their bone turnover increasing. It's done in Europe and in Australia, and in a growing number of U.S. bone centers — including Lane's and Bukata's institutions. "Remember, bisphosphonates go into the bone like money goes into an IRA. Put money in now and it comes out, slowly, later," Lane says. "The general thought is that after about five years of bisphosphonate treatment, you stop for a year or two. And if bone-turnover markers go up, restart, and if not, watch. Some patients on bisphosphonate holiday followed for up to four years have not shown any change in these markers and are steady." Meanwhile, Bukata warns patients not to stop taking their osteoporosis drugs. "The average person should not worry about this — and certainly should not stop taking their bisphosphonates," she says. "We as doctors need to be aware of this and start finding out who is at risk and why. But the last thing we want is for people to stop taking their bisphosphonates because of this type of fracture." Lane notes that the rare leg fractures linked to Fosamax use are far less dangerous than the hip fractures the drug prevents. "Public-health-wise, I will take these [leg] fractures, because hip fractures, which are lethal, go down 50% with use of these drugs," he says. Bisphosphonate drugs for osteoporosis include Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Boniva, Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Reclast, and Zometa. Other bisphosphonates include Aredia, Didronel, Skelid, and Zometa. Merck, the drug company that makes Fosamax, did not respond to WebMD's request for a response to the Lane report. SOURCES: Lenart, B.A. The New England Journal of Medicine, March 20, 2008; vol 358: pp 1304-1306. Joseph M. Lane, MD, chief, Metabolic Bone Disease Service, New York Hospital; professor of orthopaedic surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York. Susan Bukata, MD, director of the center for bone health, University of Rochester, N.Y. . . . . . . . . . Disclaimer: The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not posted as medical advice of any kind.

Hello Bette Yes, that was so good for both of us to hear, as you might imagine. We learned those results day Bill was scheduled for the third round (that infusion was dependent on if the chemo it was actually working). Those sorts of things can brighten the outlook. As always, and holding onto hope, Barbara

Hello Noelle, It is also good to see you again. I was saddened to leave, but did not want to begin a discussion on leaving. My membership there went back so long and I knew that someone would be able to figure out that I would need to keep receiving/giving support - somewhere. This is one disease where bolstering and information needs to be continued onward. Bill received Alimta (without much other than a bit of fatigue following the infusion) every 3 weeks initially. Then, the doctor stretched it to every 4 weeks. It gave quite a run where life was pretty much "normal." He is doing well, but he needs to watch the immune system with the regimen he is receiving because it tends to push the wbc's downward. Many blessings are wished for you, Noelle. You have certainly made my day. Keep remaining positive, Barbara

Judy, My only passion in my life at this juncture, God Willing, will always be for lung cancer advocacy. When Bill was first diagnosed, I had absolutely no idea that the funding for research was extremely low in comparison compared to other cancers. At first, that angered me. Then, as Bill and I traveled along this continuum of treatments, we realized that it only takes each of us individually to cry out to the "powers that be" and things can change for the better. Remember the HIV/AIDS initial public response? It was considered a "self-imposed disease." Every week we saw deaths occur, sadly. I was in nursing school at the time, at age 50. The reaction to the disease was that of fear of being stuck with a needle of one of the victims of AIDS. Lung cancer does not deserve being considered an anathema. Treatments can be improved. Attitudes in the public domain can be changed. Thank you, Judy, for the kind words about me, but what is very important are our collective efforts in getting this disease in the realm of being treated more effectively, or even better - cured (I know, though, that this is quite a bit more complicated resolution). As always, an advocate for lung cancer survivors and their so very loved ones, Barbara

Hello Don, I cannot tell you how many times you have helped Bill and me with your postings. You have shared much information, and ideas through your experience with lung cancer. Thank you for the welcome, and also for all of your input. "Attitude, Spirituality, Support and Hope" (Dave Grant) As always, Barbara

Hello Gail, Please, do not ever apologize for getting caught up in this disease. Getting a bit overwhelmed, at times, is a given with lung cancer. It is precisely due to all the concerns that we become so observant of so much about it. No matter what the stage, it pays to be watchful. Of course, you must also hold yourself in mind for what can keep you healthy. Caregivers cannot help their loved one if they do not take care of themselves first. Your immune system is compromised if you get too wound up in worry. Asking questions of the doctors, Gail, can put the energy into receiving help whenever you feel you have need. There is a group involved that can be an excellent source. That said, there is a life that we live in between concerns. If we keep that "new normal" in the mix we can get through this. I remember so many people describing this journey as a roller coaster ride. As I look back, that ride was and is, at times, very evident. Try to remember that you are not alone, and that we are here for you whenever you need us. Write me anytime you wish, Gail, and there are so many here who understand where you are with this. Thank you for the good words on Bill's recent scans. : ) Try to keep positive. Keeping you in my best thoughts, Barbara

Hi Judy, I had been there since it was SLCA, a cozy and comfy site with lung cancer as the main and only focus - as it should have been due to its being so unfairly neglected and funded so sparsely for ever so long. Lung cancer has always been weighted down with a stigma. As Dave Grant had said, "No one deserves lung cancer." Then, it changed again, but there still with Dave and Estrea, its co-founders. (He had given me so much encouragement when Bill was first diagnosed. He was a truly brave, wonderful person, and Estrea, as well.) After that, it became another whole different site, but still not too complicated. This most recent change, though, was more expansive than I could digest, and to me, seemed less personal, and comfortable. I am sure there are those who find it to their liking. When fighting to beat this beast into submission, we all know that we cannot be also dealing with what may be perceived as a less personal experience. Thankfully, I have heard from many of my friends from over there, and that has been an added joy. They are wonderful people, as are the wonderful folks here at LCSC. I have been welcomed so well here that it made the transition an easy go for me. I would have been so lost if that had not been so. "Attitude, Spirituality, Support and Hope" (Dave Grant) Barbara

Hi There, Janet, I am very glad to "see" you here. Here I was in the process of dressing up the profile and checking back and forth to see if I was doing it correctly. So very glad George is home from the hospital. I hope he is feeling much better. "Attitude, Spirituality, Support and Hope" (Dave Grant) As always, Barbara

Dear Arlene, Thank you for the welcome. Sending a warm hug, and welcoming you here, as well. As always, Barbara

Hey there, Ned, Now, I can say "I shrunk the . . . profile". It was the forward slash and closing up the space which resolved it. Hooray. Attitude, Spirit, Support and Hope, Barbara

Yay, Judy, I shrunk the profile. Thank you for your help. Barbara

Ned, My eyes have crossed, and my brain is becoming a bit jellied, but I am going to try this procedure tomorrow. Both you and Judy have given me some homework for tomorrow. Right now, I am going to give myself 40 winks. You guys are terrific - really. Wish I were faster in the learining curvd. But, I will do it - albeit, it may take some time. Barbara Barbara, in case Judy is tied up let me help you with that -- I just found myself with some spare time this afternoon because it's raining and I can't mow the lawn...darn!! To make the lettering in your profile smaller, type (size=9) at the very beginning of the profile text and (/size) at the very end, except use square brackets [ ] instead of parentheses ( ). I had to type it this way here so the codes wouldn't take effect and disappear. If I enter the codes correctly, with square brackets, the first part of your profile will look like this: Bill, diagnosed at age 74 in December 2004. Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma Stage IIIB - inoperable due to location. Jan. 3, 2005 - Feb. 25, 2005 - Concurrent: Radiation w/carboplatin and taxol - aggressive, 7-wk regimen with scans showing 50% shrinkage of tumor and nodes. Sept. 8, 2005 - Swollen gland in neck checked Sept. 13, '05 - CT scan of neck Sept. 14, '05 - Chest X-ray Sept. 28, '05 - Biopsy of neck nodule/positive In looking through your profile, I noticed some extra hard returns and line breaks that could be taken out to save room. By doing that, plus making the dates bold -- put ( before and (/b) after each date with square brackets -- you can save room and make it easier to read at the same time. You can use WordPad to take out the extra returns/breaks then copy-paste back into your profile window. So then your entire profile would look something like this: Bill, diagnosed at age 74 in December 2004. Diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma Stage IIIB - inoperable due to location. Jan. 3, 2005 - Feb. 25, 2005 - Concurrent: Radiation w/carboplatin and taxol - aggressive, 7-wk regimen with scans showing 50% shrinkage of tumor and nodes. Sept. 8, 2005 - Swollen gland in neck checked Sept. 13, '05 - CT scan of neck Sept. 14, '05 - Chest X-ray Sept. 28, '05 - Biopsy of neck nodule/positive. The New Stage became Stage IIIB-IV Oct. '05 - Jan. '06 Gemzar/carboplatin regimen Jan. 12, '06 - Scans determine results stable - except neck nodule. Oncologist changed regimen to Alimta Jan. 2006 -Alimta March 2006 - CT Scan - Alimta working. Neck nodule had shrunk in less than ten days after first infusion. July 2006 - Scans show shrinkage, Alimta still working. October 2006 Continuing with Alimta - Bill has received 12th infusion. Results of CT scans of abdomen and pelvis (ordered by urologist concerned about kidney cysts found two years ago). CT Scans: Nothing of concern in any organs. November 14, 2006 - Alimta infusion #13 December 12, 2006 - Alimta #14. Shoulder has been painful. MRI ordered w/wo contrast for closer look at that area December 18. Dec. 16-27 MRI results show possible tearing in shoulder? A mass is seen, and another scan is suggested for additional look due to "history." Scan taken by Radiation Oncologist. Alimta #15 - Appt. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, cancelled due to shoulder problem. Jan. 11, 2007 - Two bone mets (one was mentioned over a year ago, but "disappeared" on subsequent CT scans) to receive radiation tx over 15 sessions to lessen/eliminate pain in shoulder. Jan. 17 - PM - Begin rad. tx. Jan. 25 -PM Will be changing positioning for effective continuance of radiation, so as not to damage nerves in arm. Still experiencing pain in shoulder, taking Advil every 4-6 hours. February 13, 2007 - Last Radiation Tx tonight. Had 20 in all. No pain, discomfort. All feels OK. February 19 - Fatigue ending - energy level rising. February 20 - Scans scheduled, depending on results, chemotherapy break for three months. February 27 CT Scans Taken. February 28 call from oncologist's office - appointment tomorrow for follow up. March 1, 2007 - Chest CT scan fine, Neck CT Scan shows neck node growing. PET taken. After PET scan, we will confer with oncologist to determine what course to take. Received PET scan in the mail. No further mets anywhere else . March 15, 2007 - Met w/radiation oncologist. He conferred w/chemotherapy oncologist. The PET shows ONLY the bone met worked upon, and the neck nodule. Scheduled to radiate neck nodule. Everything else is OK. March 19/07 - Appointment with chemotherapy oncologist - blood work. March 20/07 Began plan and was mapped for radiation treatments. March 21/07 Xray and first treatment tonight late evening. March 30/07 More than 1/2 way through rd txs. Xrays taken yesterday. Doing well, eating well, fatigue, but resting at those times. 4/11 - Doctor adding five more to treatments. Good to go. Will have 20 completed next week. April 18, 2007 - Bill was set up & planned out for 5 more rad txs (straight on). April 25, 2007 - Competed Rad Txs (20 to shoulder, 20+5 to neck). Feeling well. Has been active and hasn't lost energy level. May 25, 2007 - Followup visit to Radiation Oncologist. Bill told him of a "slight movement in back muscle" (twitch) which has occurred several times in left wing of back. Doctor said it could be involuntary message, so ordered CT scan of brain for May 30. May 30 - Results of CT scan of brain: A solitary met in midbrain. Discussion resulted in WBR prescribed for a month. If met is not obliterated then, cyberknife/directed radiation treatment. May 31 - Began WBR. June 11, 2007 - Bill has completed his 8th WBR tx. He began with 3 steroid tablets a day, but the dosage gradually lessened to one. He will be having 20 treatments in all. June 25 - Decadron over and done. Last 3 rad txs (total 20) will be completed June 27. June 27 - Last treatment today #20. Will visit radiation/oncologist) for observation and vital stats. June 28 - Post tx visit in one month. July 26, 2007 - There was an "uptake" on the right side of the neck in conjunction with the CT scan. A couple of others were too small, or undetermined as to what they were. Appt. next week for scan to see how the WBR worked. Next appt. for oncologist will be in 8 weeks. August - Still on a chemo break. September 20 - Discussed results of early CT Scan - Significant reduction of nodule in midbrain. Further shrinkage expected. Next Brain CT Scan October 8 Also, CT scan w/contrast of neck and chest. If shrinkage of brain nodule continues there may be no need for directed radiation - continued shrinkage. Bill continues to be "a bit tired," and Is eating well, but not in the mood to eat - has lost famous appetite. But, he doesn't allow himself to skip a meal - even though it takes longer to finish - very long. Keeps very active, but takes naps when needed. He has lost 8 lbs. since beginning of radiation. He was 180 lbs. - now 172 lbs. Oncologist said that if there is no growth on scans we will not attack, but if there is, we will. Still on chemo break. October 8 CT Scan of brain shows narrow sliver of fluid, appt. October 9 to see Neurosurgeon to assess significance of finding. He told us that we would watch it because it was a narrow ribbon on the periphery of the brain. Most likely, it would disappear on its own. No symptoms. Nov. 8 CT Scan of brain, office of Neurosurgeon called to make an appointment for November 19. Bill feels fine. Has been active, takes a nap if he needs, is still spending time outdoors, raking, etc. - but pacing self. November 19 - Report on (what was called "fluid" on first visit is now being referred to as blood)but down to a minute sliver and will be followed next month to assess once again. Asked neurosurgeon when it might disappear completely(ballpark estimate). He estimated in about three months. December 26, 2007 - Visited the neurosurgeon for liquid/blood issue in brain. On this last CT Scan, that area had increased slightly. Three options: Continued watching and do nothing as yet. Give Decadron for three weeks and see what that can do. If it doesn't work, go in and do surgery. The last option is to go in and do surgery now. Asked the doctor if it were his brain which would he choose. He said, "I would choose Number 2. Take meds and see if that could resolved it." We concur. January 3. 2008 - Had CT Scan of Neck/Chest. Dr.'s office called and said OK, but wanted PET as Gold Standard (also it has been six months from last PET). January 10 - PET Scan Today. January 15 - Bill will be having a CT of brain to determine if the narrow ribbon og fluid/blood on left outet periphery of brain has diminished with the Decadron. Otherwise, Bill is feeling very well. January 17 - Neurosurgeon called and said that Bill does not need to see him further (unless he should have an untoward symptom) because the "ribbon" of fluid is now extremely narrow. The decadron worked. January 21 - Visit to oncologist to discuss PET scan taken after CT scan of neck and chest. Will report back here after discussion. OK, here it is: Growth in neck area left side and rear, and new growth (small) in lung (all other organs NO uptake). Next Monday, January 28, Chemo regimen: Avastin/taxol/carboplatin January 28 - We were at Cancer Center 10 hours altogether from arrival (CBC/BP/weight) to completion. Had Infusion with Avastin followed by a VERY, VERY SLOW drip of taxol (starting out slowly w/taxol) and lastly, Carboplatin. Prescribed: One week daily injections Neupogen (wbc). Bill is fine. Coninues living "new normal." February 18, 2008. 2nd Infusion Avastin/Taxol/Carbo. Doing well. February 19-25 Neupogen injections for white blood cell count. Completed injections. Bill OK. March 6, 2008: CT w/Contrast Neck and Chest to assess effectiveness of regimen. March 11 - Visit to oncologist, read CT results, shrinkage, going forward with third round. To receive one week of daily injections Neupogen for wbc (white blood cell boosting). March 19 - Bill trimmed library books in basement - many bundles. Packed each bundle with cord, and set out for pick up. Still moving actively every day. Feels fine. Takes daily nap. Another tip: If you're posting several times in the same topic thread, you can enter some of the posts without the profile and save even more room. As you're writing your message, look at the check boxes at the bottom of the screen and uncheck the box that says "Attach signature." That will be effective for this message only, so you don't have to undo anything to have the profile appear with your next message. I've done that for my profile on this message, since it's repeated somewhere close to the beginning of this thread. By the way, I'm glad I took the time to do this, because it gave me another chance to read about your husband's amazing journey. You're both to be congratulated! Aloha, Ned

You know, Judy, what I would so dearly love? It would be to post Bill's history in small print. How can I do that? Thank you for any assistance in my doing that. Barbara

Alice, Wishing you a lovely Easter weekend, too. It's been like "old home week" for me seeing so many old/new faces. I have to admit it will probably take me a while to get the hang of posting here. When I saw the size of the type in Bill's history, the realization hit that it was way too large (besides, being too long). After experimenting with copy/paste, it may be resolved. Glad you feel at home, Alice. The people here are wonderful. Yes, I also do miss my old friends, but still hear from some of them. It's been a very nice transition, and I appreciate that. Again, welcome to you Alice. Holding onto hope, Barbara

Dear Susan, Yes, I have received several of the most heartwarming messages, and emails. They have brought me to a place where I know there is only one important goal - to get this disease cured for all those most in need - lung cancer survivors and their loved ones. This site was my original. It has been as though there has been a returning to roots, so to speak. Susan, no one can belong to too many sites regarding lung cancer. It's just that in my position, and at my age (73) challenges in my life have reached a pinnacle. Bill is the focas, and all the other "Bills and others" out there. Thank you, Susan, for your very lovely post. You are very kind. May you find great opportunities to "spread you wings" in the lung cancer endeavor. Love, and all the best. Please, always feel free to contact me. I know this journey - all too well - the good, the bad, and the coming back from it all. Keep your eye on the goal. We will succeed. Barbara

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/200803 ... for-cancer ARTICLE: . . . . . . . . . March 13, 2008 -- An FDA advisory panel said Thursday that companies should be able to keep selling anemia drugs for use in cancer patients. The drugs, Aranesp and Procrit, are used to stimulate red blood cell production in millions of kidney failure and cancer patients as a way to reduce the need for blood transfusions and reduce fatigue. But evidence that the drugs increase the risk of dangerous blood clots and death in some cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy has lead regulators to slap new warnings and restrictions on their use. Eight studies, two published within the last year, have suggested the drugs may shorten the life spans of chemotherapy patients who take them. Those studies have also suggested that higher doses geared toward aggressively boosting patients' red blood cells may be more risky. An analysis of 51 studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association last month concluded that the use of Procrit, Aranesp, or Epogen in cancer patients was associated with a 10% increased risk of death and a 57% higher risk of dangerous blood clots. Both Aranesp, made by Amgen, and Procrit, made by a division of Johnson & Johnson, are known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) because they stimulate the growth of red blood cells. New Restrictions Urged The advisory panel voted 13-1 to allow companies to continue marketing ESAs for cancer patients. But they also voted to narrow the drugs' approved uses to patients with terminal cancers. They also urged the FDA to exclude their use in curable breast cancer and head and neck cancers from its approved indications. "We got a clear message that they felt the drug should still be available, at least in certain oncology patients," said John Jenkins, MD, head of the FDA's Office of New Drugs. But committee members are "concerned about the risk," he told reporters.Panelists also urged the agency to step up patient information surrounding the drugs. "We want to know as soon as possible at what level, if any, these drugs are safe," said Helen Schiff, a patient representative on the panel. In a statement, Ortho Biotech, the Johnson & Johnson division that makes Procrit, said the company is "concerned" with the advisory panel's recommendation. "The company believes that fully informed patients and their physicians should have the choice to use this important medication, which is the only therapeutic alternative to blood transfusions," the company said. Questions of Dose The FDA issued "black box" warnings last year cautioning doctors to prescribe only as much ESA to patients as needed to cut the need for transfusion. But the dose has proven to be a moving target in many patients. Last May, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services said it would pay doctors only for ESA treatment designed to achieve a certain red blood cell level. Studies suggest that higher ESA doses increase a patient's risk of death. Amgen officials echoed that decision Wednesday, saying they would recommend that doctors aim for a targeted red cell level in cancer patients. The company also proposed distributing new safety information to patients and doctors, including a requirement that cancer patients sign a consent form before taking the drug. "It is clear that the signals that have emerged are important, they need to be addressed. Patients need to be aware," said Paul Eisenberg, MD, of Amgen's global regulatory and safety affairs division. View Article Sources SOURCES: John Jenkins, MD, director, FDA Office of New Drugs. Helen Schiff, patient advocate, FDA advisory panel. Paul Ginsberg, global regulatory and safety affairs, Amgen Inc. News release, Ortho Biotech. The Journal of the American Medical Association, Feb. 27, 2008; vol 299: pp 914-24. . . . . . . . . . (WebMD, March 13, 2008) Disclaimer: The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not posted as medical advice of any kind.