[Is there a chance for remission?]

Dear MomOTwins,

Well, let me see if I can answer that question!! hummmm!

First is there a possibility that you are a canidate for surgery now? I would suggest reading Judy B's messages and look and what she wrote in the Inspiration Forum.

I did NOT have pleural effusion however, I was a stage IIIA when I went into surgery and when I came out I was a IIIB. Reason being I had 2 lymph nodes that were cancerous. They removed them along with a few extras as well as my left lung and here I am 7 years and 8 months later, (but who's counting)?! hehehe!

As for will you be a survivor? You already are!! Will you live another 5, 10, 15, 20 years, I don't think anyone can answer that for you!!! But, you do have a good chance of beating this, just like so many others have.

Read over some of these messages and get educated so when you talk to your doctor, you know what your talking about!! It honestly does help to have the power of KNOWLEDGE!!!

Good luck my friend, and hang in there!! You are and can be a long term SURVIVOR!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Mom admitted to hospital]

Dear Minnie,

Thank God your wonderful mom is on the mend!! I know your heart has been very busy skipping a beat or two now and then. I hope she will continue to get stronger as time goes on! Good news!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Just had surgery]

Dear Sonjo,

You really are an INSPIRATION!!! David P said it best when he said it would be great to hear your entire story, from before dx.s to now. Please consider sharing your story on the Inspiration Forum. It's people like you, David P. Dave G. Judy B and even me, and many many more that give hope to those that thought there was NO HOPE! I am So Very Happy for you! Congratulations!!! And Continued Good Health to You!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[reality t.v.]

Hi Paul,

Some how I missed this message you wrote and I just now got to reading it. HOW INTERESTING!! WOW!! I don't know if I could watch it being done either, only because I have a weak tummy for major surgery things. But, I think I might have given this a shot being I had my Left lung removed.

Thanks for sharing this, and like you, I to am privileged to be alive! Like our buddy David P puts it, our Badge of Honor!! Oh how true!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Respiratory Illness]

Hi All,

As if we don't have ENOUGH to deal with and worry about, we now have a NEW Respiratory Illness to be concerned with. I just wanted to say, LUNG CANCER SURVIVORS/CAREGIVERS be AWARE!!!

The World Health Organization warned Saturday that a contagious and deadly pneumonia-like illness of unknown cause is fast becoming a worldwide health treatment.

SYMPTOMS, facts

* Sudden fever higher than 38 Celsius (100.4F)

* Cough, shortness of breath, difficutly breathing

* Headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite

* Incubation period of 2 to 7 days

* Unknown pathogen, non specific antibiotic or anti-viral drug yet recommened.

This is just a HEADS UP message. I am sure you have all heard about this on the news and read this in the papers. So, to all, please be AWARE!!

Please try not to hit the PANIC button just yet, but do be aware of this problem. However, most of us lung cancer patients have a LOT of these symptoms as side effects of our cancer.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Took a trip to the Emergency]

Hi Faylene,

Just wanted to send POSITIVE THOUGHTS your way and let you know your all in my prayers. Hope mom is feeling better soon!!! Keep us posted dear!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Black listed book]

Dear Teet,

I guess in my opinion, IF there really was a CURE for cancers, I really think someone would have brought it to everyone's attention by now. Even Doctor's, Research People, Politician, etc... have SOMEONE in there families that have dealt with some kind of cancer, and I can't help to think they sure would want it brought to the attention of the world!!! And I also know that a LOT of those so called CURED Cancer books are a dime doz. It makes me sick to think that there are SICK people out there that PREY on cancer victums. But they do!!! I keep thinking of that lady (MOTHER) who told everyone her little daugther had cancer so she could collect money, when in all honesty her daughter never did have cancer. So, you do need to BE AWARE!!! You also need to keep in mind that what works for breast, colon, or other cancers may NOT work for lung cancer. That could be applies and oranges!!

God Bless,

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Mesothelioma survivor]

Hi Jodi, (Sunshine)!

So glad to see you share your story with everyone. Your the sunshine in many people lives! And of course you give HOPE to those that never thought there was any! And of course you know I hole you near and dear to my heart!!

But also keep in mind, we're here for you too!! I know you haven't had the easiest time the last year, so, remember we are here to walk with you too!!! You know I am just thrilled by your 3 year survival and I am blessed to have you a part of our very own Support Group here in Minnesota, not to mention in my life!!

Jodi has GREAT knowledge when it comes to Mesothelioma. She will be a wonderful asset to this wonderful group.

Love with Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[dad being admitted into the hospital]

Sending Positive Hugs to you and your family Honey Bun!!!

(((((((((((((((Karma & Family))))))))))))))))

We'll be waiting to hear from you that all is FINE with Dad!!

Hang in there!!! We're here for you!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[vaccine!]

THANKS KARMA,

Karma, I just had to thank you for sharing that article on that vaccine.

About 4 weeks ago I heard something on our nightly news regarding a Lung Cancer Vaccine. Well, low and behold I got on the internet and looked all over the place and couldn't find a thing on it. Then I thought, well...... maybe I was hearing things and wishful thinking!! Then about 2 weeks after I heard about the Lung Cancer Vaccine, they came on the news again and said they had a promising vaccine for colon cancer. Again, I couldn't find anything. SOOOO THANK YOU for helping me to know I wasn't hearing things!! Thank you thank you!! God knows I need all the help I can get sometimes!!! Just ask Dave G, he'll tell ya!! hehehee!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Need informations please!]

Dear Gabriel,

I am sorry to hear your mother has lung cancer. However she on the road to becoming a SURVIVOR of lung cancer!!!!

I am NOT a doom and gloom person when it comes to the fight for our life living and dealing with lung cancer, however, you had asked if another tumor could appear, and from my understanding being a lung cancer survivor myself, the answer is YES!!! We are really never out of the woods as far as being 100% cured!! But, that's not to say she doesn't have a GOOD chance of beating this. It sounds like her doctor's are covering all the bases and the fact that she is getting chemo is a good thing as well! Better to be safe then sorry!!

I wish you and your mom all the best as she travels through her chemo. Try and keep a positive attitude and a stiff upper lip. It helps to get through the rough spots.

Keep us up to date on how your mom and YOU are doing! This is beatable and I am living proof of that!!! As are so many others!!!

Take care.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[what else can happen?]

Hi Estelle,

BUMMER!!!!!!! Sorry to hear you had/have a blood clot!! BIG BUMMER!! However they do seem to be one of the pit falls of having lung cancer.

BUT, the GOOD NEWS IS, they are fixable!!! HOORAY!!!!! Just one more bump in the road to being a SURVIVOR!!! THIS TO SHALL PASS!!!

Take Care my Friend, and keep us up to date on how your doing. I sooooo enjoyed our talk the other day!! Your a trooper and a SURVIVOR.

God be with you!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[I "give" I can't do this anymore]

Hey Shordy,

And they lived happily ever after!!! Oh I am so glad to hear you and your daddy made amends!! Bless you BOTH!!! Two broken hearts are now ONE!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Electrolysis]

Hey Laurie,

WOW, I am sooo happy you had such a great time with your mom!!! WOW!! how COOL IS THAT???

I have to tell you, that I too just love your bear picture. Way to cute!! But, I have to say, your message about being at the Zoo really put a smile on my face. Good for you ALL!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[My husband has lc]

Dear Sara and Ed,

Hi Sara, I think you are the wonderful person that came to our Support Group last Tuesday and I missed you because I was home with a cold! Am I right that you are that Sara?? Well my dear, you are the same age as my daughter and your husband is one year younger then my son-in-law, and this is just toooooo heartbreaking for all of us. You touched all the hearts of the support group members, (so I was told)! They wanted to take you and ED and fix you both! (sigh)! Having said all that.....

I was a Stage IIIA-B Adenocarcinoma as well, and 7-1/2 years later, HERE I AM!!! There are many out in this world just like me!!

My dear, I am so very sorry you have the need to find us, yet, I am SOOOO Very glad that you did!!

I think you even have my phone number and if you EVER wish to chat, please feel free to give me a call!!!

When your up to it, please share with us where Ed is in his treatments, and how he and you are doing!

The Lung Cancer Support Group members shared with me that you needed a BIG HUG last Tuesday after group! I'm sending you a HUGE HUG, (((((((((((((((((((((((((((Sara))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Everyone know's I A HUGGER!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[thanks]

Dear Sandy,

I am so very sorry to hear that you lost your wonderful husband Mark.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Discouraged by statistics]

Dear Kathy,

Just wanted to share with you that it's not uncommon for treatments to vary in each person. Some people do well the first few chemo's then get tired or sick with the last one's. Then some do will get sick right off the bat and but the last few chemo's they do very well. It's a horse a piece.

And then some do well all the way through. Just the nature of the beast!

Glad to hear you were well treated here in St. Paul, MN. What, you don't like our Mosquitoes? I've lived here all my life and I still can't stand the little buggers!!!

I'm also glad to hear you have been reading the board. There are a lot of encouraging and hopeful stories here!!

God Bless and Good luck. Keep us posted!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Discouraged by statistics]

Kathy,

I would say that being tired is a combination of a couple things. Chemo being one, stress being two. Yes chemo does add to fatigue. Did you get a book from Tim's Chemo doctor that might explain the side effects of Chemo? If they didn't give you one, I would ask for one. Also there is ALCASE. www.alcase.org You can look up and see what info they have regarding side effects of chemo's as well. They are a wonderful resource for us lung cancer patients and caregivers.

I am sure his stress level is very high at this time as well. Not to mention any other med's he is taking. Rest is very important at this time.

I was very lucky when I did my chemo and radiation treatments (together), for I had very few side effect. I sure wish I could pass that along to your Tim.

And as for being where you are for Tim's treatments, chances are MD Anderson would off the same treatments Tim is getting right now. Most major hospitals offer the same in treatments or protocal. I would take the word of those that told you they would go to U Mass Memorial. I went to a well known hospital here in St. Paul MN when I did my treatments and they did the same with me that the Mayo would have done. So, I am sure your in good hands. Even smaller hospitals have good doctor's dedicated to lung cancer treatments for there patients.

Good luck. Have you had a chance I hope to read some of the Stories here on the board? You will find much hope and comfort in reading some of these stories. I hope you can find a minute or two to do that!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[I "give" I can't do this anymore]

Shordy,

First off I think you need one HELL of a HUG (((((((((SHORDY)))))))))

Next I need to say, I can't say anything else that all the rest haven't already said. They all took the words right out of my mouth.

And last, I WANT TO EXPRESS that I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD LEAVE US!!! I THINK YOU NEED TO STAY RIGHT HERE where we can all walk through this nightmare with you!!! I only hope you will be checking these messages and that you will notice how much we all care and understand what your going through. Yes, your dad is going through a LOT, but my dear SO ARE YOU!!!! ((((((((((((((SHORDY))))))))))))))))

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Discouraged by statistics]

Dear Kathy,

I would suggest you sit back for a little while and do some reading of the board here. You will find many people that have shared stories to what it is your looking for. Please look at the different forums, such as "Late Stage" or General forum, or even Good News, & Inspirational Stories. You will be surprised what you will find.

I wish you and your husband all the very best. Your in a good place for education and support.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Radiation necosis]

Dear Patty Ann,

OH SO sorry to hear what the doctor had to say! Well for what it's worth, I'm not a doctor but I have opinions just like the doctor's do and I say: YOU CAN BEAT THIS!!! The only professional I know that can call those shots on how long we have to live is the man upstairs!! SOOOOOO!

I do hope your med's will work. I have heard of this, but never knew anyone who had it! Can I ask how long you have been done with your radiation treatments? Is this something that comes weeks, months or even years after radiation treatments have been completed? Just wondering if you knew?

One of my Support Group members has radiation damage to one of her lungs and it really causes her to cough a lot. But she is cancer free. (she is a Small Cell lung cancer survivor of 3 years)

However, I had radiation too, and I didn't cough very much for the first year or so after treatments. and now 7+ years later and ton's of colds that I have had over the last few years, I cough more often as well! My Doc's say I am fine and not to worry about the cough. hummmm! Easy for them to say! Some days are worse the others, but I have learned to live with it!

I also have shortness of breath now and then. BUT my Doc's all tell me my lung is clean and clear!! You wouldn't think so at times if you heard me cough!! OY!!!

Good luck my dear, and I sure hope your back on the mend real soon!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[MY HUSBAND FROM CANDY]

Dear Candy,

I just want to clarify something regarding your husbands throat cancer.

I am not trying to sound like you are not welcomed here in any way shape or form, however, I also don't want you to be mislead regarding your husbands cancer treatments. What we deal with on this board with our treatments will NOT be the same as how your husband's may be treated, being that lung cancer is NOT his primary tumor. So, I wouldn't want any mishaps for your husbands treatments to be comfused with lung cancer treatments.

I do with all my heart hope things work out well for you and your husband.

And if you need support, please by all means feel free to stay with us.

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Need some encouragement]

Dear Peg,

I too am so very sorry to hear the Chemo Cocktail your hubby was on has not worked for him. Why it is that some chemo's work for some and not for others is baffling. I would go as far to say I'm sure the Onc. Doc's would like an answer to that as well! However, I would ask if they are considering another type of chemo reg. for him? How did your husband do on his first types of chemo? They might do a change of chemo if he did well. That's a very hard call for us to make what will or won't work for you. Lung Cancer is and can be a monster, with NO rhyme or reason's to WHY it does what it does. It's MADDENING, CONFUSING AND FRUSTRATING!!! To say the least!

Being on Blood thinners also is common. Your husbands lungs are weak and it's a good thing his doctor did this. Glad to hear he is on them.

I honestly wish I could give you some ray of sunshine here, but it's beyond my wildest dreams what his doctor's may suggest for him. But, like I said, they may try another Chemo. You may wish to suggest this at the next appointment.

As for how fast this crud can grow and where it can go, like you it just puts me in shock at times, how one minute it can be slow going and the next it's off and running. (so to speak)! Totally Mind Blowing!!!

I will keep you and your hubby in my thoughts and prayers. He still has options, so don't close the book just yet! Try hard to stay positive and keep the fight. God know's this is one HELL of a fight!! It's just another bump in the road!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Results of appointments]

Hi Faylene,

WOW, yes we do have an East Side St. Paul, Minnesota!! We have St. Paul, but we have the East side of St. Paul and the West Side of St. Paul. Go figure!! How funny is that???? We learn something new all the time!! hehehe!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

[Record Number of Cancer Cases Predicted]

Dear Katie and Jane,

Just my 2 cents regarding (smoking campains). They also don't tell you that if and when a person quits smoking they are still at risk for Lung Cancer!!

Smoking is Legal and no one is breaking the law by smoking. Society has every person that smokes feeling they need to be ASHAMED of what they do or did. So sad that you need to defend your sister. (sigh)! Your right, no one deserves any kind of cancer for ANY REASON!!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,