CaroleHammett

Jude. Thank you so much for sharing both Sarah's poem and Don's obituary. He was such a wonderful man and loved his family so much. I wish you had had him longer, but am thankful for your sakes--and all of ours--that we alll had him as long as we did. With love and affection, Carole PS Your mortuary link was 'corrupted' so I am providing it again so that others here can find his memory and guest books: http://www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com/

Tracy: Don was one of the greatest men I have ever known--he was so helpful and such a comfort to so many of us here. He loved his family so much I cannot even begin to imagine how much you will all miss him. I do know how much I will miss him myself and send my heartfelt condolences to all of you. With love and affection, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Amanda: I missed your initial posting so am learning for the first time tonight of your father's death. Like so many others here, I was first greeted and welcomed to a lung cancer support board (both this one and another) by Don, whom I consider one of the greatest men I have ever "known." He was so much help to me and others in so many ways--too many to list here--but I can tell you that his greatness lay not just in his knowledgeability (he was so well-educated about all aspects of lung cancer), but most importantly in the comfort he provided to all of us, including helping to ease our fears of the future. I don't know what I would have done without him, and I will miss him more than you will ever know.He was a wonderful man who loved his family more than anything. Your loss will be great, but how wonderful that you had him all the years that you did. With great love and affection, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

I would definitely tell hospice immediately. Their number one priority is "comfort care" and your father-in-law is definitely not comfortable. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Rana: Very sorry to learn of your mom's latest developments. The others have provided some great suggestions regarding avenues of approach, and I definitely don't have anything additional to offer. I am wondering, however, if she has been put on hospice yet? Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Becky: What is the basis for your termination? (I'm not asking out of idle curiosity, but because I've got some background in labor law and I'm wondering if it was legit). Affectionately, Carole

I guess we're both weird, Ned, because I, too, always got a CD of my scans (MRIs, etc.) and checked them out myself first--to the extent I could--when I got home. As to when I got the "official" results, the radiologist always emailed those to my oncologist who looked at the report and scan himself and then immediately forwarded the results to me along with his own comments. In other words, no waiting for a appointment. In my opinion, those patients who have to wait for an appointment are patients who have oncologists who have a cruel and humane "policy" made by themselves and for themselves, with no regard for their patients. Affectionately (toward my fellow patients, not toward oncologists with stupid policies), Carole PS I use the past tense because I no longer have to worry about scananxiety due to being on hospice and having no need for scans! Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Again, thanks for the kind words, everyone, but if it weren't for all of you, my life wouldn't be nearly the treasure that it is. The support I've gotten from everyone here is what has given me the strength to carry on--with zest! With love and affection, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Hi, Barbara. I finally decided my procrastination telphone quotient was at 100% so tonight I sat down and emailed the Pfizer rep instead (a nice lengthy one that will hopefully give her all the information she might need to make an initial determination). I still have the option of calling her, but if I do this way I can also refer her to my email. Thanks for letting me knowabout Bill's neck lymph node. Definitely makes me feel better. My hospice doctor has since pointed out to me that it is also possible that the Prednisone is keeping lymph node inflammation down. I don't mind her having done so since I'd just as soon not end up with a false sense of courage (I prefer reality and always have). Will keep you posted. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Again, thanks for the kudos, but I'm neither amazing nor brave--just unwilling to waste my remaining time lying around moping when I can be treasuring each remaining day instead. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Hi, Barb. Confession time: I didn't make the call yet. There's also an email address. Tomorrow (now today) I may try to do that. If not, then Monday morning, I'll try to telephone again. I don't know why I'm procrastinating on this one, but in the meantime, on Friday my Vitamin C iunfusion physician informed me that she couldn't feel any lymph node enlargement in my neck or subclavicle, both of which were areas of metastasis as far back as Dec '07. She told me not to get my hopes up--that she wasn't declaring remission, but that at the very least, she believed the progression miust have slowed immenseley--if not halted (Remember, I am no longer tested because of being on hospice so feeling for enlargement of lymph nodes and liver (none), listening for lung air flow (clear) and blood draws for liver function levels (normal) are my only tests these days). I think that's one of the reasons I'm reluctant to rock the boat (if it's not broke, don't fix it?). Still, I should at least check out the CP 751,781, although in the meantime, I've become a strong proponent of large doses of oral Vitamin D and Vitamin C by infusion. Affectionately, Carole

Hi, Christine and thanks. It's great to be back! I just took another look at the "variations" part, after which I added shrimp and snowpeas to my list (I already have mushrooms) and since today is shopping day, this weekend's menus will definitely include miso soup. Affectionately, Carole PS I'm not a tofu eater usually, but I can tolerate it in miso soup, but think I'll stick with shrimp for protein since I have a choice.

Laura: My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, but what a wonderful way for your mother to pass. I only hope that when my own time comes I can exhibit anywhere near the same grace and dignity as your mother. With love and affection, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Great news, Tammy! Very happy for you both.. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Hi, everybody, and thanks for the kind words. Your pill story's great, Shelley (had me in stitches). As to the tediousness of scanning, I would agree if I were doing it alone, but most of my scanning has been a "two person" job--mostly either my mother or daughter which means that not only do we scan the pics, but we talk about the good times the pics reflect. As to the letters, those are definitely tedious when I'm doing them by myself, but starting next week, my hospice volunteer is going to help me get through them--not just the scanning, but reading them to me so I can transcribe them (after which I plan to footnote the transcriptions so as to identify the people (mostly relatives) and places that he writes about (this latter with the help of two of my older cousins and my mother). Your idea's a good one, Ned, other than the fact that even if I could get the TV thing going, I suspect I'm going to be so overwhelmed with all the "non-virtual" company that I'd split in two (virtually? LOL). My new(ish) laptop has a a webcam and after I got it, I bought web cams as gifts for my daughter, mother, niece, grandkids and several other close relatives (they're actually pretty cheap, especially since I spread out my purchases), plus a cousin, nephew and two step brothers also have them. It's been really nice, particularly in the evenings, being able to sit here* and visit by "television" with various family members, most of them out of state. * I have a hospital bed with a tray table and with the bed in sitting position and the laptop on the tray table, it works great and isn't tiring at all. Anyway, thanks again. It's great to be "back." Love to all, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Hi, all. I have a (natural) tendency not to write when I'm feeling poorly so the good news is that all my postings yesterday were the result of my feeling better again. The bad news is that my Prednisone dosage got off and as a result, I "lost" Christmas (instead of being with my family as planned, I was home throwing a pity party). The downturn was the result of my having missed one day of Prednisone two days before Xmas, making me ill for 5 days. Memory loss and failure of a private caregiver (for the second time in a month) to notice I'd failed to take my pills were the cause and I have remedied the problem by replacing the caregiver and enlisting family and friends to call me twice daily in order to ask me if I've taken my pills (including making me look at the pill box to make sure that I really took them as versus just thinking I took them). I did not, however, make a full recovery (got better after five days, but had definitely lost ground in terms of weakness and fatigue) so this Monday, my Brilliant Hospice Doctor decided to up my Prednisone (which you all know how much I hate, but after all, it does keep me alive). So, effective this past Monday, my Prednisone was raised from 20 mg to 40 mg (just for a week, and as you can see, my energy has returned (e.g., yesterday's postings and again this morning). I am feeling miraculously better (beginning yesterday, but again this morning) and am still pain free. Doc doesn't think memory loss is worse (i.e., probably not brain mets), but that previously it just wasn't so critical that I not miss a day's pills. My new "networking" system for pills is working beautifully (other than the fact that my phone is now ringing off the hook every morning and evening with reminders.) I will probably still not be doing as much--or as freqent--posting as I used to due to several projects I'm working on: (1) Scanning old photos into my computer, and organizing, editing and putting both old and new on memory cards for my new digital photo frame as well as my mother's new one (got it for her for Christmas), as well as for grandkids and extended family members. (2) Scanning my late father's World War II letters (1942-1947) to his father (written from stateside bases, North Africa, Sicily and Italy, and finally from the rural San Joaquin Valley, California ranch where I--his eldest--was born. (3) Creating a Hammett genealogy/history website for my family (near and extended), which will also be duplicated on CD. (4) After I finish the above, I will be creating a second genealogy/history website for my maternal side, also to be duplicated on CD. All this is in addition to my twice weekly Vitamin C infusions, weekly local general cancer support group meetings (when feeling well enough), and spending time with family, friends, etc. Oops! I almost forgot that on the 20th I'm holding an Inauguration Day Open House from 10:00 a.m. local time (swearing in ceremony) 'til whenever we run out of steam. I really do mean "open house" (over 75 on invitation list) so if any of you live in the Boulder-Denver area and would like to attend, just PM me for details. All for now... love you all bunches and will try to stay more connected--despite the fact that I've got so many projects I don't have enough time to post much, let alone die! Affectionately, Carole PS I really do believe that the combination of Vitamin C infusions and oral Vitamin D have made a huge difference in respect to slowing down progression (and possibly even new metastases), and even if they haven't, I credit them with continuing to allow me a far better Quality of Life than is normal for those of us with progressive lung cancer. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Hi, Linda. Great news that it's pnemonia and not new or growth of pre-existing. Hope you recover quickly. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Congratulations, Bette! Great News! Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

I quit five days after my dx in 1/07. Five days later, my daughter quit. Two months later, she began smoking again--with a 'tude--and hasn't stopped since. I tried to talk to her ONCE and if anything her 'tude got worse so i just shut up and accepted that she was suicidal. If she quits again, it won't be because of me, but only because of herself. I just hope it won'tbe AFTER she's dx'd with lung cancer. Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Hi, Denise. My sympathies to you for the stubborness of your husband; i.e., it's got to be hard enough being his caregiver AND trying to hold down a job, but when he ignnores medical advice (not to mention yours), he isn't just hurting himself, but you as well. As to his cough, if he has radiation pneumonitis, then the Prednisone should definitely help. That's what was prescribed for me, and it was the Prednisone that gave me diabetes so it should (theoretically?) help raise his blood sugars, too. Whenever my cough is bad, I take Hydrocodone (cough syrup with codeine) and Tessalon Pearls (those are miraculous!). I also have an Albuterol inhaler (with spacer). In addition to these, I also take an herbal compound called Rhodiola 18 (you can google it to find manufacturer and ordering). When my cough is really bad, I take.5 cc of Roxonol (morphine derivative) which, in addition to helping with pain, is also an excellent cough suppressant (this is particularly efficacious when taken at bedtime as it makes a huge difference in terms of being able to sleep through the night, which can be nigh impossible otherwises when one is on Prednisone). Hope this helps and that Tom improves quickly. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

My thoughts and best wishes... may the treatments work well and quickly. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Tammy: Sorry to hear of Greg's metastasis, but glad he's improving in terms of side effects and symptoms. Hope he makes it home forthe weekend and in the meantime, hats off to you for being there for him and the kids, too. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Affectionately, Carole PS to Denise: Ditto to you and Tom! Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Linda: My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. So sorry you've had to go through this, but so glad that you have the wonderful memories. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Congratulations on having hung in there (I know the feeling), and my sympathies on your job loss. I was fortunate in that I'd already taken early retirement before my dx so I didn't have that trauma to experience on top of everything else. I cannot imagine how horrid it must have been (Had I still been working, I would have been more devestated by the job loss than the diagnosis/prognosis). What we do know is this: If you're strong enough to fight the dx/px, then you're strong enough to handle the job loss, too. In other words: You go, girl! Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

Congratulations, Ellen. On my way to pour that Bailey's right now! Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin