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Hi everybody, Being so new to this I am wondering, once a person has completed therapy with a specific type of chemo, and then moves on to a new type of chemo, can you eventually go back to the original treatment you were receiving and have it work again? Or do the tumors mutate and become immune? Thanks, Gail

Yea Carol! You go girl! Gail

Thanx guys, There's so much information out there. Hard to know what's valid and what's not. We have an appointment with Hank's oncologist on Friday, so at that time I will ask for any recommendations. Meanwhile, tomorrow is a week since his first treatment. We think he's come through it pretty well. For the most part, he's just more tired than usual, and had a couple of days of bone pain that he says kind of just kept jumping around to different parts of his body. Mostly in his legs though. We are assuming that this was from the Nulasta injection. His tongue was sort of sore and dried out yesterday, but that's improved today. His appetite is just fine!!! Thanks to you all everybody! Gail

Hi Linda, Sorry to hear about your situation. I know how frightened you are! I was standing in your shoes a few weeks ago when Hank, my boyfriend was newly diagnosed. Please believe that you will soon feel much better and much more in control once your Mom's treatment plan begins. I was just totally freaked out a few weeks ago, but now things are underway in treating Hank, and I feel relieved and hopeful that things are going to go well for him. Know that you are not alone in this. You have come to the right place. There are so many WONDERFUL survivors here ready and willing to help you, as they did me. All the best, Gail

Thanks everybody, I am glad to hear that you have not had to make any radical changes to your diets and are doing well. On top of being newly diagnosed with this disease I'm sure that Hank would be quite unhappy having to follow a strict diet plan. I am making him eat his veggies now and take a multivitamin!, but, his appetite is good, and he's eating well, so for now, I guess we'll leave it alone. He's not a big water drinker, but he's been drinking alot of juice, decaf ginger ale, so, I think he's staying well hydrated. Thanks everybody! Gail

Hi everybody, I'm curious to hear how and if you have made dietary changes since your diagnosis. Hank had his first chemo treatment several days ago, at that time dietary changes or suggestions were not discussed with us. I had been forwarded an article from Hank's sister which is something we believe was printed by Johns Hopkins. It talks about many issues including eliminating sugar, almost all red meats and pork, milk products amongst other things. I'd like to know what you are doing, and who told you to do it? Thanks, Gail

Hi guys, thanks for your replies. Today Hank is kind of tired, even though last night he finally got a pretty good night sleep. As for current side effects, he said yesterday that his tongue had sort of a metallic feel to it, and today it just feels dried out. He is also experiencing some pains in his legs (mostly the shins I think) and some pain in his lower ribs. He decribes it as bone pain. Is this from Nulasta? As for the Claritan, we were told by the nurse who gave him his Nulasta shot, that he should take a Claritan every day for a week after the Nulasta injection. Thanks again, looking forward to your replies. Gail

Thankyou all for your thoughtful and honest replies. I guess that as you all call it, "the new normal" will have to be accepted as our reality from now on. But, it is so hard. I just hope that we are still able to continue doing the things we so very much have enjoyed over the years for some time to come. The fight has just begun, and I am feeling overwhelmed. I don't really know what Hank is thinking, he is'nt talking much about it. All I can be sure of at this point is that he's fearful and sad. The days to come will prove his will to fight this fight or not.

Hi everybody, I have been wondering lately what effect the difficulty navigating the health care system has on the outcome of all life threatening health problems, not just lung cancer. I mean, it's so hard for anyone to accomplish what needs to be done in order to access appropriate, and timely care. You can totally forget about it if you're sick or old. Dealing with insurance companies, getting referrals, getting authorizations and pre-authorizations! It's just crazy. If I had'nt been here for Hank, believe me, he would have just accepted his diagnosis and walked away. He would have been unable to do what needs to be done to access care for this disease. I don't know how to fix this problem either, I'm just venting, but really, the system is broken! Another problem that I think is probably all to common, is the ineptness of some people working in the medical field. Here's what I encountered a few weeks ago. The oncologist ordered MRI's, Cat scans, and chest x-rays for Hank. Also ordered a PET scan. Had all the scans except the PET scan done. Then, went for the PET scan. They asked that we bring all other films with us to the PET scan for comparison. We did. After the Pet scan was done, I requested all of the other films back, so I could give them to the oncologist. They said, come back in a few days, and after they are read I could have them. I went back a few days later and they said that they had given them to us on the day Hank had the scan, and that they did'nt have them! Now, I'm normally very laid back, but I literally leaned into to window at the reception booth and said "You better get your butt back there and find them now!" Guess I scared the woman! She went back and low and behold! she found them. But again, if it had been someone sick or old, I don't think they would have walked out of that office with their films. The system out there has some serious flaws. Again, I don't know how to fix it, but it's scary. Gail

Thanks for your replies everyone. Well, we'll see what happens. Like I said, it would be nice if Hank does'nt have to deal with it, but it is the least of our problems. Tonight he said that as soon as it starts coming out, he's just going to shave it off. I think that's for the best. Take control of it, and get it over with. Gail

Hi everybody, Well Hank is doing alright. I think. First infusion of Carbo/Taxol was this passed Wednesday. We returned to the Doc on Thursday for Nulasta injection. He was doing alright as far as energy, appetite and no nausea or pain. Today, he's extremely tired and achy. Still no nausea or loss of appetite. Just wondering when his energy level is expected to rebound. Yesterday, pretty much all day he was feeling really quite well. Not today though. He's scheduled for the next infusion on April 9th, and I would like to see his energy return before he gets treated again. Thanks, Gail

Thanks for your replies everyone. I suppose hair loss is the least of Hank's problems at the moment. I just thought that it would be nice for his self image if he were not to lose it. You know, just another reminder when you look in the mirror that you have cancer. But, I guess he and I will just have to get used to it. It's only hair I guess. Thanks, Gail

Hi everybody, Hank is wondering when and if he's definately going to lose his hair. Just had his first infusion of Carbotaxol a few days ago. He's kind of concerned about it. Did any of you experience partial or little hair loss? Thanks, Gail

Barbara, Hi! You know, I'm sorry, I've been so caught up in our own situation here, that I did'nt realize what was going on in yours. Just read the the results of Bill's scan. TERRIFIC! news. Keep it going that way. You've been such an enormous help to me over the past couple of weeks. You're wonderful, and thankyou. Gail

Hello everybody, and a happy holiday to you and your families. My significant other, Hank, has been recently diagnosed. This new situation is slowly but surely seeping into our minds. Hank has had his first round of chemo, just three days ago, and has experienced little side effects, only a little bit more tired than usual yesterday, today he feels quite his normal self. So far, I believe that the biggest issue for us has been emotional. We have all, every one of us been going through our lives knowing that one day we will die. We never know from what or when, but we know that sooner or later it will come, and we don't worry about it, we just keep go about or normal daily activities and keep on with our lives. Now, a new situation appears in our lives that tells us that our days are numbered. I guess my question is this: When, if ever, after this diagnosis does one settle into a stable mindset, like the one that existed prior to this diagnosis. Will we ever again be able to put this diagnosis on the mental backburner, and just get on with our lives in a relatively normal manner ever again? I have found over the past couple of weeks that I have come through sort of a mental transformation. At first, I was totally panicked, and afraid. I was consumed with fear and sadness over this situation constantly every day. I am still fearful and sad, but to a lesser extent than I originally was. Will this diagnosis continue to become easier to deal with emotionally as time goes on? I hope it will, and I look forward to your replies. All the best, stay strong, Gail

Hi all, Happy Easter to you. Thought I'd drop in and report our progress here. Yesterday was a rough day for Hank, very tired, and mentally very stressed out. He has had very minimal physical symptoms so far. No nausea, last night some small pain in the center of his chest from Nulasta injection, but that's gone now. He slept pretty well last night, and today feels quite well. He's surprised, and I am to. Being so new to all of this we just don't know what to expect his reaction to this will be. It's like we're waiting for something to happen, and maybe it will maybe it won't. Should we go out for the day? What if he suddenly gets extremely tired? I think he wants to go to Atlantic City!!! I figured he'd just be laying in bed at this point. But I'm happy he feels so well today, and hope it continues. Gail

Thanks Patti, I'll check it out. HOpe you're doing ok. Gail

Hi there, I am very new to the issue of lung cancer. Have been snooping around the internet, and I am interested in knowing if any of you have had any experience with RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) Who is a candidate for this type of treatment? Looking forward to your replies. Thanks, Gail

Thanks to you all SO MUCH! Gail and Hank.

Thanks guys, we feel that the first treatment went rather well. Great facility, lots of terrific, caring people. I have updated our profile. Hank received first round of Carbo/taxol today. So far, so good. His attitude is great! No ill effects, nausea, etc. as yet. Ate a nice big dinner, and we're hoping that side effects will be minimal. I will be here, seeking your help, and reporting our every move. I really can't thank you all enough. I have never in my life needed help as badly as I need it now, and I never realized what a wonderful support community exists when you need it most. Thank you! Gail

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

All of you who have replied to me: THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have now finally started to think that we too can do this, and keep winning! You are all an inspiration, and I hope that soon I will be the position to offer hope and support to others. I have not yet entered specifics about Hanks diagnosis or treatment. But, as I gather all of this information I will do so. Tomorrow we begin. First Chemo treatment, the fight is on!!! Again, THANK YOU!!!!!! Gail

Hello to you all and thank you! I find these days that I need daily reminders from people such as yourselves to keep me mentally strong and positive. I see that this can be done, and I need to be constantly reminded of it. I think that one of the things that I am finding especially troublesome at this point is that there had been no mention so far of being able to treat this with radiation as well as chemo. It seems at this point that our arsenal is limited. I was reading about radio frequency ablation this morning and I am wondering if that might be something that can be used. Hank is set for his first chemo treatment tomorrow, as soon as I get more in depth details on his diagnosis and treatment I will post them. I am wondering if any of you have any advice to offer with regard to nutrition. Anything to add to his diet etc. There is a nutritionist at the facility we are using who I will talk to tomorrow, but I'd like to know what you did as well. Got to keep him strong!!! Thanks everybody, Gail

Hello everyone, My name is Gail, I am brand new to this site. My significant other of 21 years had just been diagnosed with a large tumor in the right lung, and a couple of spots on his spine. He is scheduled to begin chemo this week. At this time his doctor does not see radiation or surgery as options. We are just praying that the chemo will reduce the size of the tumor and maybe we can go forward from there with some other weapons of mass destruction! We live at the New Jersey Shore, and we are seeing a group of doctors that are located in East Brunswick, NJ. We will be seeking a second opinion at Sloan Kettering after the initial chemo treatment. I have been on the site at Lung Cancer Alliance for a couple of weeks now, but they changed the format, and I was not comfortable with it. So, here I am! I'm looking to get acquainted with as many of you as possible, looking to hear your success stories, to keep my hopes and strength up. Thanx, Gail

Hi all, brand new to this site. My significant other has just been recently diagnosed, and we are freaking out! So desperate for support and hope. Had his first visit to the oncologist this week. Has a large tumor in his right lung with metastizes to the spine. He is going to begin chemo next week. Apparently at this point the doctor feels surgery and radiation are not immediate options. Please! Please! write to me with your success stories and give me something to hang on to! Thanx.