palves

Andrea Please give an update on the babies. Your site is a little behind Paula

Kevin My dad was dx w/ Stage 3B. My dad started a trial protocol while we sought opinion at Sloan as well. We saw both a surgeon and an oncologist. Since we didn't have a definitive yes as to whether the lung needed to be removed fully or not, we were not comfortable with moving forward. We also decided because of the travel (from NJ) it might be too difficult to treat at Sloan on a daily basis (w/ radiation). The one thing that I have been told about Sloan but some who have been treated is that they are very agressive in treatment and trying new things. So there is the benefit there. While we opted not to treat there, others have had very good success. See dad's profile below for more information. Althoguh we didn't opt to start at Sloan, if I thought they could provide more, I wouldn't hesitate going back to Sloan to seek further treatment Paula

{{Happy Birthday Kelly.}} The first are always hard. Hope you can find some relaxation and joy in the day. Mom will be smiling watching you. Paula

Thanks for the prayers. I said a prayer at temple last night for her sister, my dad, and my mom's cousin. Life is just not fair. She said it could be anytime now. Just the waiting game ... Its so hard. Thoughts for everyone. Paula

Please keep a colleague of mine in your thoughts. Her sister is in the final stages of LC. She will be flying out to say her goodbyes in the next day. Thanks

Grace - just take it one step at a time. Yes, its very unfair for your 2 young ones. Reach out to those around you to help guide you. You don't have to shoulder it all alone. Sometimes its easier when you put pen to paper as you think of things. You are doing your best in a very tough, emotional situation. Just remember we are all here to lend you that shoulder. Paula

Sending good thoughts your way. Paula

Dana My condolences to you and your family. Your mom was certainly a rock and a fighter. Thinking of you at this time. Paula

Kelly - my heart goes out to you and your family. May your mom rest in peace with your dad. Paula

My dad had it - once he got on meds and breathing treatment he felt better. It did take a while though, so be forewarned. Hope its a quick recovery for her Paula

My dad is on it, and in general has tolerated it pretty well except for a problem with alternating upset stomach/constipation.

My dad has had 4 rounds (I think) of Alimta. He doesn't per se experience the SOB, but he is experiencing alternating diareha (sp?) and constipation. Anyone else experience this? I've read about SOB and fatigure, but not this. Thanks in advance Paula

Hi - my dad has been on 2 or 3 trials. The one thing I like about trials is the constant checkups/scans. In some cases the trials end, and in some cases they continue until growth/patient wants out. On the last 2 trials my dad was on, some growth was seen so the trial was stopped. Afterwards he was offered another type of treatment (one case a trial, one case standard treatment). With regard to limiting options, my thought is that you are not limited by the trials you do in terms of conventional treatments later on, but if you do conventional treatments and then want to try a trial you may be more limited. But that is only my thoughts. Not necessarily how it ultimately works. Paula

Congratulations. You should post this in Good News. And we want details and a picture - name, weight, height, hair/no hair, etc. Love him and let him be representative of all the good memories of your dad. Paula

I posted in the other forum. My dad just had his 2nd round of this. He is scheduled for a cat scan in 2 more weeks. Side effects - upset stomach. Thats about it. (Dr. said he also sees some loss of muscle tone, but that could be from other stuff as well so who knows) Paula

My dad just had his 2nd round of this. So far so good. Just an upset stomach the weekend after treatment. Paula

Grace my thoughts are with you and the girls during this difficult time. Paula

Grace My heart aches for you. I wish you strength during this difficult time. Paula

Don, someone once told me that its not that "things will be alright", but rather things will be different. .. its not so much that it will get easier or not, but rather that you begin to accept that they are different and begin to live in that world of difference. Paula

Great news - CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Enjoy ... Paula

Go Kasey!!!! - thanks for all your support Paula

Grace thinking of Carlton, you and the girls this morning. Giving you strength for today and the days ahead. Paula

Dr West thank you so much for your insight. I read the article and in fact scanned your site on Sunday. My dad started Alimta yesterday as I would think a 3rd line therapy or maybe 4th line? I don't know how lines are counted but anyway, per my profile he has participated now in 3 trials and has had radiation (lung and brain). He is a 3 year survivor to date. Hopefully this will help arrest the cancer for a bit - he needs to be here next year for my son's special day (I know I'm being optomistic but I'm trying and truthfully 3 years ago I didn't think we would even be here). Paula

My dad got dizzy. fell/passed out a time or two and had very low blood pressure. Was admitted to hospital, thankfully, after complaining his chest hurt him sometimes (but that was mild, but enough to hold him). He also was vomitting a lot/dry heaves and couldn't hold food down. Glad to hear that the Catscan came out clean. My dad wasn't so lucky, he had a tumor in his head that was the cause. Got treatment at RWJ in New Brunswick. Sounds like you might be close to me, let me know if you ever need to talk or need a real life shoulder. Paula palves@optonline.net

Same effects as Round 1, perhaps even earlier. Some temp after about 3-4 days, and the pain in the tongue came back. Started right away on meds, but just recovering after more than a week. He doesn't think he will continue this route. Will be assessed again 1 week from Monday before next round. This week catscan (lets see if this helped at all) and a MRI because his side has been hurting. Hopefully no spread to bones or other parts - wish us luck.