Barb73
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Posts posted by Barb73
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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
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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
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Hello there Toddy,
You are wished the very best on your upcoming second opinion, and in choosing which procedure to initiate.
It's ALWAYS good to get everything set up for making decisions - smart move
....and yes, nothing is straightforward. many of us begin to realize that in short order.
Always vigilant,
Barbara
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Dear Arlene,
Thank you for the welcome. Sending a warm hug, and welcoming you here, as well.
As always,
Barbara
"arlene"]Hi Barb73 - I found you on this site!!!! I wish you and Bill continued enjoyment of your "new normal." fondly- arlene -
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
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Yay, Judy, I shrunk the profile.
Thank you for your help.
Barbara
"jaminkw"]Barbara: Usually I'm the one asking for tech help but here goes. Looking back at my "My Profile," I think this is what I was told to do. Go back to your "My Profile" and place your cursor before the first word of the first line and insert this: then go to the beginning of the line below the last line and enter [\size]. These [ ] are brackets, not parentheses. If it doesn't work let me know or look for Ned in Hawaii and pm him. Tell him Judy sent you!Hope this helps.
Judy in Key West
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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
"recce101"]"Barb73" 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?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
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Dear Ernie,
I am "new again" here. You have sent me so many supplements as information for Bill at the other board. I have them all in my files, as you have suggested. You are a very special fellow.
I keep you in my very good thoughts and always thank you in my heart for all you do for others.
Bless you always,
Barbara (aka BarbaraEllen),
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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
"jaminkw"]Barbara: I'm not sure if I'm doing this right or not. My intention is to reply to both you and Alice. I hit the quote button and it copied your whole first post but here goes.I went to the other site too. I'm going in once a day for awhile but I don't feel the same kind of energy I feel here. I do enjoy going from here to onctalk.com. They really serve different purposes for me. I get the sense of community here and some really good academic stuff there.
My main purpose for posting. Please don't worry about a profile being too long. I've left a lot of stuff out of mine but realize I really appreciate the info in others, even the long ones that take a lot of time to read. Maybe even especially the long ones (like Rich I think???) because everytime I go through it, I really how long term a survivor he is and how much he's been through to still be so positive. So--think hard before you cut!
Judy in Key West
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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
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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
"SusanK"]I guess you already know that you are missed over there.
You put so much into your research for the site, and many people relied on you. I haven't quit that board, but I decided to try to be active on this one too - to stay in contact with you and other old friends. I'm sure there's enough need for lung cancer support to keep two boards running.
Actually, this may be serendipitous for me - since I live near Chicago, LUNGevity's home town, maybe I'll find new ways to volunteer
Susan
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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.
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Shelley,
I LOVED reading your post. It was very uplifting. You and your Mom are wished continued success.
Determination, and as you have said, "Never give up hope,"
Barbara
"Shelley (MLC)"]Hi everyone, I don't usually post our good news...It's not that I'm not thrilled and excited, but I worry that I'll jinx things somehow...Anyway, when my mom was diagnosed over a year ago, I was so very overwhelmed and scared. (as we all are) She has done so well with treatment and YES, she has been on some form of chemo since being diagnosed, but other than a few minor side effects, she feels so much better than she did the entire year before she was actually diagnosed. Her recent CT shows significant shrinkage and her Dr. was very impressed. I want to let the new members to this wonderful site know that there is definitely hope and although we'd give anything for mom to be cancer free, I am very grateful for how healthy she is today. I know this isn't the always the case and I am so very sorry for everyone that has lost a loved one to this horrible disease. Life is certainly different now and I'm so very proud of my mom for how she is handling this monster. I guess what I'm trying to say (with far too many words) is don't give up hope...You CAN live with cancer....it doesn't HAVE to win! My thoughts and prayers are always with all of you. Shelley -
Hi Anne,
It is good to welcome to this wonderful group. You have come to a place of many responsive and warm people. There is also so much helpful information.
My husband is presently on Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin and has completed three rounds. His side effects have been mostly a little fatigue, and a slight toothache. (Tooth is sensitive.)
Wishing all the best,
Barbara
"Attitude, Support, Spirit and Hope",(Quote: Dave Grant)
"AnneM"]Hi everyone, my name is Anne and I was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC in June of '07. I started having symptoms (I guess they were strange symptoms)in January of '05 but my doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with me until I started having severe back pain in April of '07 which eventually led to my diagnosis. I just found this board a couple of days ago and have been reading some of your amazing stories which have given me a push in the positive direction (I've been a bit down lately). Thank you everyone for sharing your stories on this board...I wish I had found it sooner.Right now, my CTs have been stable, I have another CT next week and an MRI tomorrow because I've been having headaches. I'm hoping it's just too much coffee or something like that.
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I am grateful to have been accepted, and am glad to be able to relax amid my inner turmoil of emotion that is lung cancer.
You have given me peace.
Hope to know and be known for a long time, at this place of hope.
Barbara
"Jyoung20"]I'm grateful for all of my friends here!!
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Dear Pat,
I received an email telling me that there was a topic reply to my posting.
When I clicked onto that link, it brought me here to this post. This is the only one, I think, that I received from you today, but I could be wrong.
I truly hope I haven't confused anyone.
Let me know if this is the post to which you refer?
Keeping hope alive,
Barbara
"Pat K"]"Barb73"]Jamie,Sorry to be so long in responding. I couldn't find the reply button. Had forgotten (long term memory loss)
It was the "Quote" button at the top, but you already knew that.
Thank you for the warm welcome Jamie. I needed something like that since jumping ship at LCA.
I told Bill, and he sends his love, too.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I'm not sure how to post or reply. Did you get the post I sent a little while ago? Wednesday 3/19
PatK..the BWP
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Hey Gail, Hello and a big (((HUG))),
I am so happy to see that you have arrived here, even though we all wish you didn't have the reason for ever having to be here.
Here, Gail, is where you will find the help you need. There are so many who are willing to share.
This is the place where the treatment histories/ taglines are given to let you know that there are treatments, and there are ways to fight this.
We understand the anxiety. It is only natural.
Sending all the best to you and Hank.
(I am so glad that Hank had a good day with the chemo. You have made my day!)
Please, let us know how it goes. We care.
As always, your friend,
Barbara
"peebygeeby"]You guys are all so GREAT! You have made me feel so much better, you have no idea! Thank you!Hank had his first round of chemo today. cisplaten/taxol. Along with additives to control nausea. Tomorrow going back for Nulasta injection. At this point, no signs of any problems, nausea, etc.
His diagnosis is NSCLC stage 4 with a couple of small spots on the spine. Sure hope we can get this under control.
Luv y'all! Thanx. Gail
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Sandra,
My husband was diagnosed three plus years ago with Stage IIIB. His treatment history is attached below.
Barbara
"SandraL"]good afternoon. I am wondering if any of you at either stage above could identify yourself for me. It would really help me to look at your medical histories as I go through my own journey. thanks in advance for your help -
Dear Judy,
I am new here and was reading the postings.
When I saw yours, my heart just sank. Your telling of your feelings made me want to give you a big hug, and tell you that my husband has been over to the cancer center - it seems - for eons. We are chasing the cancer.
He has asked me if I would like to stay home and relax. What? I told him, "NO." This journey is for both of us. Our trip, of course, doesn't match yours in any way. We go over there in Hackensack (a 15 minute trip) and we share the infusion time. It's part of the deal.
So far, the infusion times (Avastin/taxol/carbo) have been for four-five hours. He receives one of them very, very slowly.
Please know that what everyone has told you is true. How would I feel if I were the LC survivor, and needed the support/comfort of Bill to keep me afloat emotionally?
Know that being with someone you love is all part and parcel of being close.
I need that as much as he does. It brings me comfort.
Barbara
"jaminkw"]I've been struggling since yesterday after my oncologist told me Avastin maintenance would continue every three weeks until the disease progressed or until the person got tired of it. I feel like I'm sinking fast over the realization that if I want to continue to live, my life will be defined by my cancer and cancer treatments every three weeks--possibly forever. For the first time I wonder how long do I want to live at that cost. It's not just me but my husband. He's the one who hauls me up and down a seven to eight hour trip to Orlando for treatments. Will I ever be able to do that myself and give him back some of his life? Even when I found out I had cancer, and then not cureable but manageable, I didn't expect the final edict to be like this.Judy in Key West
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Well, Christine, that makes me feel a bit better.
Bill has been walking around the house with a faux fleece jacket w/hood, and goes to bed with a wool cap, and a sweater. He is cold even when the heat is up. I am roasting and he looks as though he lives in the Klondike.
I'm glad it's more likely related to the chemo and not something more ominous. The less worry - the better.
His blood counts have been kept to good levels, so I didn't think it was from that.
Thank you for looking this up at Onctalk. It's a relief.
Barbara
"christineb"]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
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:
You put so much into your research for the site, and many people relied on you. 
Bill Just Completed Third Round
in NSCLC GROUP
Posted
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