Connie B

May 19, 2003

Hi David C.

Well, I too wish to welcome you to our wonderful extended family, and I too know we would ALL like to be hanging out at the (LETS TALK sex BOARD)! Or something fun or funny?! hehehe!

I just wanted to share with you that I facilitate a Lung Cancer Support Group here in MN., and I have a couple long term SCLC survivors in our group. One is Limited and she is a soon to be 3 year survivor and she was 46 when she was dx.d. The other gal is a 3+ year SCLC survivor and her's is extensive SCLC and had spread to her liver. Both of these gal's are doing WONDERFUL and are still free and clear of lung cancer. I also know a lady that is a 14 year Limited SCLC survivor and she too is doing very well.

I wish you all the best and as for having a positive attitude, well my new friend, it sure as heck helps us through the rough spots of this journey, so I say, STAY POSITIVE!!!!

You have a beautiful family and I thank you for sharing them with us. And as for the STATISTICS!! HOG WASH, THROW THEM AWAY!!! The word

(STATISTICS) is FIGHTEN words for us Lung Cancer Survivors!! :wink: :roll:

I have survived LC soon to be 8 years and I shouldn't have made it this long!!! HUMMMM SURPRISE!!! Ya just NEVER KNOW!!

GOD BLESS and stay with us.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 14, 2003

Dear Carleen and Keith:

I'm sorry to hear that the Doctor's appointment wasn't what you had hoped for. (sigh)! But, I guess it wasn't bad news nor good news! Howeve, I'm with you, it SUCKS!!! None the less, I am still going to PRAY for you both, and hope that things will turn around in a positive healthy way for you both!!

Prayers, Prayers and MORE PRAYERS

Warm and Gentle Hugs to you Both,

May 12, 2003

Dear Ada,

Well........ Not the worst news, but not the best news either!!! However, you have your strength and your wonderful positive attitude and I have NO DOUBT my friend you will give this DOG GONE LUMP a run for it's money!!! I will NOT stop my prayers though. They are on going as long as I am still able to pray I will continue to do so for us all!!

Sending you a hug ((((((((((((((ADA)))))))))))))) Maybe I can SQUEEZE that lump away!!! :wink:

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 12, 2003

Dear Ada,

Sending lots of PRAYERS that your lump is just that, a LUMP that is NOTHING!!!! We'll be waiting to hear from you later today!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 12, 2003

Terrie,

Sending you positive VIBES all will be CLEAN AND CLEAR!!

God Bless and Good Luck today!! Let us know how it goes!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 9, 2003

Hi Karma and Karma's Dad,

Oh that is great news that he is going to give this his all! Bless his heart!

I am so very happy for you all!! I don't have any answers for your question regarding Chemo after Iressa! But, I am sure someone here might.

Have a GREAT weekend Sweetpea, and Karma's dad, you have a Great weekend too! My Paryers are with you ALL!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 8, 2003

Hey Estelle,

That is better then GREAT NEWS!!! That is STUPENDOUS NEWS!! WOW............... You HAVE to be flying HIGHER THEN THE CLOUDS TODAY?!! WAY TO GO MY FRIEND!!! I just LOVE hearing these AWESOME GOOD NEWS STORIES!!! We CAN beat this crap!!! YES, YES, AND MORE YES!!!!! Celebrate my friend, and know I am celebrating right along side of you. WOW!!!!! Can you hear me shouting "WOW" from Minnesota??

AWESOME!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 8, 2003

Hi Karma's Wonderful Dad!!

First I want to tell you that you have a WONDERFUL daughter! (got a feeling you already knew that)! :wink: She loves you very much and has been very active in your care. WAY TO GO KARMA!!! Enough of that!

I know you have been having some great difficult with your chemo's, but you do know they have other chemo's that may NOT be as harsh on you?!

Before you shut the page on this chapter, I sure hope you will try and to go into your Onc Doc with an open mind!! I know how hard all this is, and like I shared with another one of our members, (No Pain, No Gain)! If life were that easy!! :roll: And yes it's a hassle being in and out of the hospital, but I have heard of SOOOOO Many other people that have had MAJOR problems with there treatments along the way only to live years down the road from them.

I deyhidrated after my last chemo, and WOW, that sucked!! I was in the hospital for 5 days because of that. But, soon to be 8 YEARS later, HERE I AM!!! I was 43 years young when all this crud hit, and now I am looking at 51 come August. Can't beat that!!!

Let me ask you this, what other types of treatments would you be willing to try? I also had radiation and I have to say, I was lucky and had no problems with that. But again, I know some people that have had some problems with it and later down the road are still here today!! I facilitate a Lung Cancer Support Group, and I'm not against people calling it quits, as long as ALL the options have run out, but I do TRY encourage HOPE and FIGHT in this battle. I just had a phone call from one of my members this morning and he is in the hospital, NOT FOR CANCER, but for a broken spine due to other issues. (long Story) He said to me, Well, it's a GREAT DAY to BE ALIVE and the good news is, I'm NOT HERE BECAUSE OF MY CANCER and that's a GOOD THING"! The man is a tower of strength. I need to learn how to bottle this stuff and share it with the world!!

Well, Karma's Dad, You will find GREAT comfort here on this board along with many many great SUPPORTIVE IDEA'S!! We ALL will do our VERY BEST to walk with you on this walk and get you and your family through the tough times. It's not EASY, but it IS DOABLE!!!! TRY REALLY HARD to KEEP A POSSITIVE ATTITUDE. (and yes that will come and go too) but, we have to TRY!!!

Keep us posted and Please know we are here for you!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs, (I'm a Hugger)! :roll: :wink:

May 8, 2003

WOW Janet !!! WOW, I just keep saying WOW!!!! That is AWESOME NEWS!!! I am so very happy for you! This is a wonderful SURVIVOR STORY!!! I will continue to keep your good health in my prayers.

(((((((((((((((((((((((Janet K)))))))))))))))))))

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 8, 2003

Dear ChrisSanJose,

Iressa has just been FDA approved here in the States. Unlike Chemo, Iressa from my understanding is in a pill form. Like any major drug it has it's major side effects. Talk to your mom's Onc Doc. It's ready for use.

You will also find some subjects on this board about Iressa. Check out the different forums. I am sure you should find something.

Good luck,

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 7, 2003

Hey Sue M.

What GREAT NEWS on the All CLEAR SCAN!! Love to hear these ALL CLEAR Stories!!! Way to kick some butt girlfriend!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!

Let us know how Rehab goes! Sure hope it works out good for you! It stinks when you can't breath well!!! Sure hope you pass the test and can be riding bikes with David P pretty soon!!! I think I am going to make that one of my goals (Riding a BIKE with my BUDDY DAVID P)! How hard can it be?! :roll: :roll:

Take care and keep us posted.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 6, 2003

Dear Don,

I too want to share the CHEERS of your THE DON FAN CLUB!! You remind me of a very dear freind of ours. If I didn't know any better I would say you were him. Our friend Wayne passed away 5 years ago from colon cancer, but he always knew just the RIGHT words to say to people and could always put a smile on others faces. One thing that sticks with me that he use to say to people is: "Smile, fresh air is good for your teeth"!

Don't know WHY that stuck with me, but it just has.

GOD BLESS YOU and LUCIE!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 6, 2003

Dear Darlin Renee,

Reading your message brings back memories for me when I was taking care of my mom. :cry: Oh Sweetie, you have NOTHING to be ASHAMED OF!!! NOTHING!!! My mom lived with me her last days, however after going with no sleep for 8 days in a row, it got the best of me! I too had to put my mom in a nursing home. I felt just like you do, like I didn't do enough or do the (right) thing. WRONG!!! My mom got nasty too! Not because she wanted to, or could help it, but it honestly took it's toll on me as well. When we were transporting her to the nursing home, my sisters told me to ride with her, so I did! (bad thing to do!) Well, on the way to the nursing home my mom looked at me and said, "HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME"!! My heart hit the floor! The look on her face was UNREAL when she said that to me. But, I know I did the best I could and I know that wasn't my MOM talking to me, but the medicines she was on.

Hon, you can only do what you can with what you have. And your only ONE PERSON!! Please don't feel ashamed of loving and caring for your mom the best you can? And YES you do need to take a break from her now and then. That is SOOOO important to do! She won't love you any less for that.

I am soooo sorry to hear about your boyfriend as well. Sounds to me like you need a RENEE DAY!!! OR EVEN A RENEE HOUR OR SOOOO! ((((RENEE))))))

Take care my dear, and remember, there is only ONE GOD, and he doesn't expect you to pinch hit for him. Your doing a wonderful JOB!

(((((((((((((((((((((((RENEE))))))))))))))))))))))

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 6, 2003

Happy Days!!! Hopeful has COMPLETED PCI!!! HOORAY!!! WAY to go!!! Take it easy for a few weeks, you'll be back to your young-self in no time! So, what do we call someone with a red forehead?? I know what they called a raindeer with a red nose!!! :oops: :wink:

Hope you'll be feeling much better real soon! Your body needs the rest for now, take advantage of it!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 6, 2003

Hey Bob,

HAPPY TWO YEARS AND 3 DAYS!! I'm three days late, but the good news is, your hear to see I am three days late!!! hahahahahehehehe!!!!

Boy, do I remember that 2 year mark!! You made it my friend, and there's no reason you can't make it another two year, and so on and so one, and so on...... My husband Maurie always says: It's for the NEEDY not the GREEDY! so, sense I was first dx.d, I have learned that a year here and a year there works just fine for me. No long range stuff, then I don't have to deal with the let downs if my wishes and dreams don't come through!! :roll: And my mother-in-law (rest her soul) every New Year she would ask God for ONE MORE YEAR, and she lived to see 89 years old. She use to say that she didn't ask for too much at one time!! Gotta think it worked pretty darn well for her!!! I can only hope it works well for me too!!! I'll share the wealth with you too!!! We even need to take baby steps in what we ask for!! (smile)!

Congratulations on your TWO YEAR MARK!!! It really is a BIG DEAL!!!

(((((((((((((((((((((BOB))))))))))))))))))))))))

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 6, 2003

Tim's Kathy, and Kathy's Tim!

Wow that is AWESOME news!! I am so very happy for you BOTH!!! Tell Tim it's okay to celebrate the good stuff, besides, none of us may be here tomorrow so he'll have to get all the gusto today!!!! :wink: ENJOY the MOMENT!!! Also, it's okay to be happy tell him, the cancer won't mind if he laughs or enjoys a day here and there!!! Besides, his cancer is on it's way OUT HERE !!! HOORAY!!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 5, 2003

Good News Sam! (shuuuuuu!)

I like the name E l l i o t!!! ET COME HOME???!!! My granddaughter said the other day when we were at the U of M Clinic. Grandma why do those people have wires in there nose and ears???? (it was oxygen)! Gotta love the little ones!! (she'll be 4 in July) We have a commercial here in Minnesota from Verizon wireless phones that says, "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW"??? That's what came to my mind when she said that.

Glad to hear your doing much better. whisper, whisper!!

Continued good health to you.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

May 5, 2003

Hi Donna T,

How very nice to meet you!!! I just HAD to welcome you for three reasons. My first reason is, I am so glad to hear your doing well with your treatments. HOORAY!!! I have a couple in my support group with SCLC and they are 3 year survivors and doing very well. Second is, I know you must be very proud to have such a wonderful, loving, supportive and most BEAUTIFUL daughter in your Deanna?! She is a GEM!!! And third, I JUST LOVE your little Granddaughter in the picture with you. She is a Sweetheart and I know you must be one proud Grandma!!! Gotta love these Grand-kids!!!! I can see where the beauty comes from in your family, do your girls take after YOU????

Well Donna, welcome and I am sure you will be a wonderful support system for many on this board and I hope you get as much support from being here. Prayers to you that you will continue to beat this beast!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 30, 2003

Dear John,

Oh my friend, I am sooo very sorry that you all have to go through these tough times. However, it does sound very normal to me. Grieving comes in all shapes and sizes, and it has to run it course. Time my friend, it just takes time, and right now it's very fresh in all your minds, but trust me when I say it DOES get softer!! Lots of TLC and let the grief run it course.

(((((((((((((((((((John and your Dad))))))))))))))))))))

I know I find it comforting to be able to talked about wonderful memories that happened with my loved ones that have passed. Just because they have passed over, doesn't mean they aren't in our hearts and on our minds anymore. It's really okay to talk about your mom and to keep her wonderful memory alive! There is peace and comfort in doing so. It will bring tears and it will bring joy.

I will also suggest maybe a grief group for your dad. When my mom passed away 15 years ago, I joined a Grief Support Group, and it was so helpful. Most funeral homes offer them today. But, don't rush it, your pain and loss is new and you and yoru dad are still going through the early stages of your grief.

Good luck and God Bless.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 30, 2003

Dear Sandy,

Wow....... that is wonderful news!! I am so happy for you! I know just how you feel about missing your nurse and doctor for a month. Trust me you'll get over it!! If someone would have told me 10 years ago that I would have spent SOOOO much time with SOOO many doctor's and nurses before I was dx.d with cancer, I would have told them they were crazy, and then after LC came into my life, I was so afraid of the thought of missing a treatment, or not feeling good enough to see my doctor, etc...... Well, I just released my Onc Doc as of 5 weeks ago, and boy let me tell you, does that feel like a MILLION dollars!!! Although I still have my Pulm Doc, and always my Primary!!! Here's one for you, a dear FREIND of mine who is a 3 year SCLC survivor said to me a few weeks back. We were talking about Onc Doc's etc... and how long do we have to go see them. Well I said to her, I asked my Onc Doc 8 years ago, how long will I have to see you after I complete my treatments? And his answer was: "For the rest of your life"! Now that sounded fine to me 8 years ago, but my dear girlfriend said to me. "You know Connie, I'll bet he didn't think you would be here 8 years from then!" Well we both got a good laugh on that one, but I have to say she was probably RIGHT ON THE MONEY with that comment!!!

Well Sandy, Good News is always just that, GOOD NEWS!!! Congratulations!!! You earned a month off!!!! :wink: :wink:

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 22, 2003

Dear Charleen and Keith,

First I wish to welcome you to our wonderful group, sorry you have the need to be here though! And second I wish to tell you that you two are a beautiful couple!!

I also want to share with you that when I did my chemo, I would have chill's as well. Sometimes I would even get so hot. My Onc. Doc said it was the chemo. But, none the less, stay on top of these issues and if they continue tell your doc.

Have a GREAT NIGHT OUT!! That's a AWESOME idea!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 22, 2003

Dear Sarah,

I am sorry you have the need to find and join us, but I also wish to welcome you to a wonderful group of new friends!

I have to share with you that I also was a Stage IIIA with two cancerous lymph nodes. I DID have surgery, 8 years ago. I had my left lung removed along with the two cancerous lymph nodes and several extra's to be on the safe side.

I also did chemo & radiation treatments after my surgery.

I would really suggest that your mom get a second opinion on having surgery though. And if need be even a third opinion. If it were me, I would try and find a surgeon that would agree to do surgery.

Good luck and stay with us. Your in a safe place here.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 21, 2003

Oh........ BABIES!!!! So Grandpa, when are you going to share a picture of your little Line Backer with us???? Happy to hear you had a great day!

(((((((((((((((((((((Dave)))))))))))))))))))))))

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 21, 2003

Has anyone sent Cindy a private email? She may be checking her email box but not the board. It can't hurt to send her a private email and well wishes. I have done this in the past, but she has not replied. But, I'll do it again!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

April 21, 2003

Dear Veronica,

EVERYTHING THAT ADA said is RIGHT ON!!!! Each and everyone that is dx.d with any kind of cancer goes through depression. And YES Chemo add's to it! I was very wheepy throughout my chemo treatments. I would cry when I would try to say, " I love you" to my family, and all I could say was "I - - - and the tears would come"

I agree you need a different medication. Everyone is different and sometimes it takes a couple try's before you find one that fits you! You HAVE To tell your doctor's all that is going on! And looking into a new counselor is also a very good idea. Maybe find one that deals with Cancer Patients, they are out there!!

And get a phone buddy through ALCASE and here is there number:

1-800-298-2436. The hell with ONE DAY AT A TIME, you need to do ONE MINUTE AT A TIME for now. BABY STEPS my DEAR BABY STEPS!!!

I know I was very depressed as well during the first couple of years of my journey. Then ONE MORNING, I got up and said, (I am either going to LIVE or DIE, and today I choose to LIVE)! As long as I have breath, I am alive!!! Hon, NO ONE wants to die, NO ONE!! You HAVE to stop focusing on death and START focusing on LIFE!! If you put as much energy into thinking your going to LIVE as you seem to be doing with dying, just think of how happy, cheerful, pleasant a person you would be to be around!

Maybe you need to get PISSED!! Take the BULL by the horns and say, VERONICA, THAT'S ENOUGH OF THIS CRAP!! Get up and get on with your life, TODAY!!! We all only have TODAY!!!

Venting here more often may also be helpful to you. You may wish to do it more often. It WILL GET BETTER!!! It's no cake walk, but it's for SURE

DOABLE!!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

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