Connie B

Hello Diane, and welcome to the group that none of us wish to be apart of. But like you, we are all very glad to have one another. I understand the issue of being concerned about your family. I think all of us LC survivors go through that. This is when we learn how to take "baby steps" again in our lives. If you haven't seen Randy Pausch's last lecture on Utube I suggest you go see it. It's very helpful and inspiring. I too am a one lunger and I am dealing with a 1.6 c 1.2 cm mass in my left lung. Not sure what it is and can't do a biopsy because it's to risky. They are afraid they might collapse my lung. And I'm not a candidate for chemo because of my heart issues. I could get it radiated but for now we're just going to do another CT scan in 4 months. So, your story sounds a lot like mine! Mine went from 7mm to 1.6 x.1.2 cm, so it's is concerning. So, I totally understand where your coming from. I hope you'll stick with us and let us walk the walk with you. It makes the walk a little easier having someone walk with you. Hang on, it's a bumpy ride, but we'll hep you through those rough spots.

Sorry kiddo that you couldn"t open it. I just opened it from this page and had no problem, but here it is for you. Rather interesting I think! ******************************************************** Booster shots advised for teens, adults By Jeremy Olson jolson@pioneerpress.com Article Last Updated: 11/14/2008 08:15:32 AM CST (photos.com) In between West Nile and peak influenza seasons, the Minnesota Department of Health is notifying doctors about another emerging but expected threat: whooping cough. So far this year, the state has reported 275 cases of the bacterial infection that doctors know as pertussis. Of particular concern is the number of infections involving high school students and adults, whose childhood immunizations may be wearing off. "When you get to three to four years after your last dose, you start to see waning immunity," said Kris Ehresmann, who directs the vaccine programs for the Health Department. A rise in cases was expected: Pertussis comes in a three- to five-year cycle, and the last major outbreak was in 2005. That year, 1,571 cases were reported in Minnesota. The tally for 2008 is comparable to the totals for 2006 and 2007. But the number of outbreaks has jumped this fall, suggesting that pertussis, like clockwork, will become more common this year and in the next couple of years. Outbreaks have been reported in Hastings and in an unnamed elementary school in Dakota County, officials said. An outbreak in central Minnesota's Douglas County involved 24 cases, mostly among high-schoolers, that took time to uncover. "There were cases in adolescents that had been occurring, but it wasn't until a case occurred in a young child that it really came to detection," Ehresmann said. Twenty years ago, most cases of whooping cough were diagnosed in infants, but that Advertisement has changed with time and better vaccine coverage in that population. An adult booster shot became available in 2005 and is recommended for 11- and 12-year-olds during their pre-adolescent checkups. Many young teens missed this dose and should receive it, Ehresmann said, along with adults who have children or might be at risk for exposure. Antibiotics can treat whooping cough, which gets its name from the classic symptom — a coughing fit followed by an attempt to breath in air that often evokes a whooping noise. Other typical cold symptoms also are common. Jeremy Olson can be reached at 651-228-5583. ***********************************************************

Hey Jan, Yep, I knew you were busy. But it's nice to see people busy and it's nice when they check in. We tend to worry when someone just disappears. Hope the new business is going well for you. Kids will keep you busy for ever and ever. And the new PUPPY, well you have fun with that! LOL! I admire anyone who can go through that puppy stage. I think I have grown out of that. Thanks Sweetie for popping in and saying hi. It's always nice to see you. (((JAN))))

Bette from Texas Wrote to LCA member: I talked with Pat's husband, Tim, this morning. I told him how Pat had inspired me and many others at this site and the LUNGivity Site. He is continuing her wishes to promote lung cancer awareness and funds raising for lung cancer. He will continue to moderater her website and will post updates here and other lung cancer sites. God bless you, Tim. Bette ************************************************************************ I thought it was worth sharing this message regarding Pat Kitt who just lost her battle to lung cancer. LUNGevity is mentioned on her website as well. God bless her husband Tim for continuing to fight on behalf of lung cancer.

Hi Friends, I just thought those of you that are dealing with a cough might find this interesting. Whooping Cough Outbreak http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ ... ck_check=1 It appears it's baaaaacccck..............only this time in Adults. Just an head up.

(((((((((((((Kasey)))))))))))))))) Yep, I'm with you Kasey, lets NOT hold our breath. OY! It's sad and it's depressing. My friend Mel said she feels so let down. Frustration sets in. But she knew it would be this way. She's a 8 year survivor and she's been down this road many times before. We just have to HOPE someone will hold a door open and keep it open.

Hi Sarah! How good to see you. I know the ups and downs of being an LC survivor. Not always a good time to be had for all! BUMMER! I'm glad to hear your spending time with friends and family, but I am sorry about the job situation. Not looking good out there today. But, we LC survivors never say never and never give up hope, so I think there IS a JOB out there for you, one that has YOUR NAME ON IT! ((((Sarah)))) I too have a BIG DOG so I know just what your talking about. Sorry to hear your on the depressed side too. I too bounce back and forth with that issue now and then. I've been sick for 4 weeks and the last 3 the depression just jumped in my life, but it's going to be short lived for me if I have anything to say about it, and I'll hope and pray the same for you. Holler if you ever need an ear. Take care and THANKS SO MUCH for checking in.

Isn't that the Truth Ginny. My friend here sent a letter to Ellen (The Ellen Show) about it being lung cancer awareness month. She did so because for the month of Oct., Ellen had a Dunk Tank and they would Dunk people and donate the money to Breast Cancer Organizations. So, my friend Mel who is a Small Cell Survivor thought she would see if Ellen would be so kind as to do it for November Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Well, long story short, she never heard a word and Ellen is doing it this month for Feed the Kids or something like that. But, your so right Ginny. Maybe one day, maybe one day!

Patti all I can share with you is that a few of my IN Person LC Support Group members were on it and said it was not harsh and didn't have hardly any side effects. Sorry that's all I can offer. (((((((((((((((((((PATTI)))))))))))))))))))))) Your in my prayers daily. Who know's this might even be the magic bullet!

This morning John Atkinson (stage IV LC Survivor) was on the Today's Show on behalf of LC Awareness Month. Go check it out. He did an outstanding job. Way to Go John! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/ ... 8#27697338

Hey Sweetie, So good to see your face. As I said, It just sucks that you have to go through all this pain. Wish I could wish it away and make you all better. ((((PATTI))))) I have a feeling I'll hear your screaming at your Onc doc all the way here in MN. I don't blame you. No excuse for waiting. Glad the pain is getting a hair better. I'll keep praying it just keeps getting better for you. Talk to you soon.

Well Hey John, your a sight for sore eyes! But it sure is GREAT to hear from you. I am so sorry to hear you've had such a bumpy ride for so long. I sure hope it does settle down for you. I am glad to hear your blood is back to normal. That's nothing to monkey around with, I know! I also can relate to watching our life savings go down the drain. We just found out today we lost over $22,000.00 bucks. And we're on a fixed income and retired too. can't afford to be losing that kind of money these days. Your right John, it really is depressing. I'm sure you doing like we are and trying to cut back a lot. It's not fun. I'm sorry the treatments are kicking your butt too. Please know your in my thoughts and prayers. I sure wish there was something that would come along and cure us ALL from this heartless disease. Thank you SO MUCH for checking in. I totally understand what you mean about not having much energy. But, now and then just drop in and say HI if you can do that. ((((((((((((((((((((((((((JOHN)))))))))))))))))))))))) Take care John and we'll be in touch.

I lose it too everytime I hear TAPS too. ((((CHRIS & MOM)))) I'm so glad it all went so well for you both today. It sounds like a very touching time. This will be a warm hearted moment you both will never forget. I'm sure Jerry was proud of the ceremony. And I'm sure you and your mother were very proud of Jerry.

Hey Colleen, this is FANTASTIC NEWS!!! Way to go girl! I know just how you feel beating the odds. I have done it for 13+ years, and so can YOU! Congratulations!

I just thought I would share with you what Pneumnonitis and Pneumonia means being Judy made a good point about it. Pneumonitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue. Pneumonia is one type of pneumonitis caused by an infection. Many other factors can cause pneumonitis, including breathing in animal dander, inhaling small food particles "down the wrong pipe" and receiving radiation therapy to your chest.[1]

CUREtoday.com The 2008 Special Issue of CURE is now online! - Unicode (UTF- CURE New Issue Alert http://media.curetoday.com/htmlemail/ne ... nline.html In a recent survey of CURE readers, a whopping 82 percent of respondents said they wanted even more information about the newest treatment options for cancer. With this year’s special issue on treatment innovations, we show you how far we’ve come in treating cancer with surgery, radiation, and drug therapy, as well as updates on supportive care and stem cell transplantation. We also give you a glimpse of what scientists are developing to better treat cancer, including oncoplastic surgery, pharmacogenomics, and hypofractionated radiation therapy. We hope this special issue provides you with the latest information on cancer and gives you hope for the future. We’ve also compiled some of the most important milestones in cancer in an expanded timeline. From the newly relaunched curetoday.com, here are some of the articles from CURE’s 2008 Special Issue:

I don't know how many of you knew Pat Kitt from LCA board, I know she popped in now and then here at LCSC too, but she also supported LUNGevity and fought hard for research donations for LUNGevity. Sadly enough Pat passed away. Here is her website if you wish to read about Pat and all she did over her two year battle. www.holdontohope.com She was a Princess Warrior who fought long and hard to beat this monster that lurks within so many of us. My thoughts are with Pat's husband Tim and there two young children. Pat you will be missed.

I talked to Patti today too. Just wanted to say she's in my prayers that this pain gets under control. She's being such a trouper and so positive, and that's not easy to do when your in so much pain. Way to Go Patti! Praying the radiation kicks in real soon girlfriend! Hang in there. I'm wishing this pain go away for you. ((((((((((((((((((PATTI))))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((CHRISTINE))))))))))))))

Well, that's the LEAST they can do in memory of Jerry. I hope you and your mom have a very nice time. Go and try and enjoy!

pneumonitis doesn't always clear up. We have had some members here have it for a very long time. I know it's not fun to have, I had it too. The SOB was horrible when I had it, but I was lucky in that mine did clear up. Hard to say what they will do. Tell Tom I am sending him Get Well Wishes. I sure can relate to what he feels like. IT SUCKS! Even with my heart problems I had SOB and I too was very tired. It knocks you on your butt being SOB. Hang in there Tom!

I'm sorry to read this Ry. I'm sure she did fight long and hard. She's in good hands. My Condolences.

Oh Don, On one hand I am so happy to see you beat this monster for the last 5 years, you sure gave it a run for your money, but on the other hand I hate that your having to face hospice. I will continue to say a prayer and hope that maybe a cure will come any day now. I just can't give up hope. (((((((((DON)))))))))))))

Dear Sue, Please know I continue to have you and your mom in my prayers. Hang in there my friend. We're here for you.

Thanks Chris for bumping this. I can't help but wonder where so many of our friends went too. I sure hope they will take the time to check in. But it sure is nice to see all those that did check in.