MSWKitty

That's wonderful news Stephanie. It's always so encouraging to hear all the good stuff!!! CELEBRATE.

My dad's doctor uses the markers as a guide. He recently went from about a 5 on his CEA test to a 15! He was then started on Gemzar, and his levels have gone down to 11. I'm so confused about what all of this might mean, and my dad seems to do everything he can to keep us uninformed and away from his doctors. Does anyone know what these particular level readings may indicate? Thanks a million. Kitty

Annie, Just wondering, how have things been going with Tim trying to kick the habit? Kitty

I knew you guys would come through! Thanks so much for the suggestions. I'm taking them all to heart as I go into this. I'll let you know how everything goes. Thanks again. Hugs and kisses. Kitty

I've been feeling pretty frustrated about my dad keeping us at bay (partially) about the details of his cancer. He is continuing to smoke (he's gone down to 3 to 4 cigs at night), and he drinks many nights to try to go to sleep. Anyway, I finally wrote him an in-depth, to-the-point letter about needing more-- much more from him, and he said that he would like to sit down and talk about it with me, my mom, and my husband. My husband and I are planning to bring dinner to their house on friday night and have the talk with them then. My mom is all for it. She actually knew far less about lung cancer than I realized (she wasn't even aware my dad had lung cancer!!). That's either denial, or she truly just thought there were some malignant cells in the tumor on his sternum (which is true, but they originated from his lung!). I dompletely filled her in, and I'm worried I may have put some extra fear and worry in her that she doesn't necessarily need right now. But when does anyone need this kind of worry!! So anyway, there's definitely been a communication gap, which my father has obviously been quite comfortable with. The advice I'm asking is how do I begin this conversation that we're planning to have on friday? I want to not only get information from my dad, but I would love to share feelings as well. I told my dad in the letter that if he's depressed and/or scared, whatever the case may be, that he is not alone, and he shouldn't have to internalize all of this stuff just to protect us. Believe me, I'm scared to death of this conversation, because our M O as a family has never been to emotionally open up, but at this point that's just not going to work anymore. Boy, has this all been so very hard, but I know I'm at a place where people will certainly understand here. I'm so sorry for rambling on! Thanks so much for the support I've received at this site, I love you guys LOADS! Kitty

Thanks for all of your posts. There is a Wellness Center in the hospital where my dad gets chemo. I think I'll visit there first. Here's to everyone having a wonderful day. Kitty

I'm trying to find support groups for me and my mom, but I'm not sure where to look. I guess I'm just so stressed and scattered about this whole thing, that it's hard to think straight sometimes. We live in the Los Angeles area. I guess I could look in the obvious places, even at the hospital where my dad gets his chemo. I just feel like my brain is on zone mode lately. Thanks for any suggestions! I love this website, it has given me the most peace of any place I've gone. Thanks again, Kitty

I am having a lot of frustration in the area of smoking and drinking, in regards to my father. He's been down to about 2 to 3 cigs a night since his dx in May, 2001, but he can't, or just won't quit. He also drinks some nights quite heavily (vodka tonics). His excuse is he can't get to sleep. We've told him to ask his doctor for sleep medications, but, hypocritically, he doesn't want to get hooked on them. He's so stubborn sometimes, and it's making all of us crazy! Don't know what to try with him. I do want to build a relationship with his doctor, but he tries to keep the doctor at arms length from the family. I need help! Kitty