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cathyr

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Everything posted by cathyr

  1. You have it Sandy. Prayers are sent your way. Post the good news when you get it. Thinking of you, CathyR
  2. cathyr

    Connie B

    Oh Connie, My gosh, this must have been such a shocker for you. It is for all of us reading your post. Like everyone else who has replied - you are such a strong lady and we will be praying like hell for you! The Connie B. fan club is very strong and we will all be here for you just as you have been for us! Here a big cyber hug from me ((((((((HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGG))))))))))))
  3. cathyr

    What to do?

    I, too, did not have chemo or rad. I was dx. at Stage IIB, but the onocologist and surgeon both said once the lung was out, one is considered "cured." I have had CT scans every 3 months and 3 PET scans since my operation 2 years ago this month. So far, so good! I will continue getting scanned and hope for the best. Unfortunately, as we can see from the posts having chemo does not guarantee positive results even in Stage 1 patients. I try not to worry about it on a day to day basis, but nobody knows anything for sure. May all of us do well, have clean scans, and live a full, healthy life!!!
  4. Connie B, My heart goes out to you! Please, please, don't think of this as a sure thing yet. I've had several PET scans where things lit up and the onocologist said I would probably have to start chemo. Each and every time it turned out to be false. It even showed something "lit" in the spinal area which turned out to be inflamation from a bad back (I've had back problems for years). Nothing more than that. I sat down with the surgeon who looked at my last 3 CT scans, my last 3 PET scans, and said that it's not cancer. They have been watching a small something or other on my left lung for 9 months now. It has not changed in size. The surgeon said where it is located would only be a 2-3% chance it could be cancerous. He also said if you took everybody over the age of 50 and gave them scans, something would show up. We all have scar tissue and other junk from pollutants and the such in our lungs. But, with careful analysis from everything (CT scans, PET scans, age, previous history) they can usually determine the truth. Even now the radiologist who reads my CT Scan still calls it cancerous and the surgeon ( a specialist in lung cancer at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles says, "no, it's not." So, you see, it's not always what they think. Please stay your positive self! We all love you and will help you get through this. Just remember that waiting is the most difficult part. Keep us informed, Connie B! Hugs and BEST WISHES.............................. Cathy R
  5. Hi Kathy, Gosh. What a dilemma. Unfortunately, I know exactly what you are going through. This sounds so similar to what my husband Richard said and expressed. He was 56 when he passed from lung cancer and only 6 weeks before had been diagnosed. I must say that I think that the drugs have a lot to do with the emotions. Is he taking any kind of steroidal medication? That can be quite a mood unstablizer. I also remember calling Richards siblings (they had not spoken in 6 years) and explained how serious this was. Within 2 weeks, they all flew in to see him and it was wonderful closure for him and probably them too. Perhaps some good music (Streistand, Charlotte Church) over a pair of headsets would be relaxing for Tim. Anyway, you both always have lots of support from this group. We love you both and are praying for you!!! CathyR
  6. I agree with the suggestions already given and would also like to suggest a couple places. I love Pismo Beach and a hotel there called "The Cliffs." It is in the Entertainment Book that is available nationwide. I would suggest you get one if you don't already have one. You can get a room there at 1/2 price Sun-Thurs. The ocean suites have a sunken marble jacuzzi tub 10 feet from the bed. The bedroom opens up to the ocean. It is first class. Beautiful restaurant, health club, the works. Antique furniture in the room , bathrooms have bidets. Anyway, Pismo Beach is known for it's clam chowder due to the Pismo clam. Great beachside community. I also love Monterrey and Carmel. There is a fabulous aquarium in Monterrey and Carmel is known for it's artists community and of course, it's beauty. The Hearst Castle is not too far from there. Anyway, lots to do and see. I live 15 miles south of Malibu in Culver City, Ca.. This is where they film Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. This is also where they filmed the original Wizard of Oz. Let me know if you need anything else. I can always send maps, phone numbers, or brochures. Have a great trip!
  7. cathyr

    CT results...

    I am so happy for you and your mom. That is great news indeed. You know they say that Rome wasn't built in a day and cancer isn't destroyed in one either. But, you are on the way! Congratulations! CathyR
  8. Many thanks for all the love and support. Just got told I had another clean CT Scan. I've made it 1 year, 10 1/2 months. On Aug. 24, it will be my two year cancer free birthday. And, boy am I going to have a party. You all have been such an inspiration for me and a pillar of strength through all the "scares". And, there have been several. The onocologist said I can wait 4 months now instead of 3 before the next scan. Anyway, love to you all. My prayers are with you every single day. We are family! CathR
  9. cathyr

    My first chemo

    Jay, you may be the most handsome cancer patient as well as one of the youngest. Let's thank God that you've been able to start chemo and are on the road to beating it. At least they can treat your cancer. My prayers are with you every single day. As far as the therapist, I would insist on talking to someone else, preferably a woman. It's your therapy, not his. And dad probably is feeling somewhat guilty right now that he couldn't keep you and your mom safe. I feel really bad for him. I can't imagine losing my spouse and having my son fight for his life with this terrible disease. He needs time, Jay. I just really feel in my heart that he feels so bad about not being able to protect you. Just know that you have a very big rooting section here. I'm sending out big, big "hugs" to you.
  10. Consider your request DONE. Prayers are out to your mom! CathyR
  11. Well it's that time again. CT Scan is set for Monday, June 30th. I've been cancer free for 1 year and 9 months. I almost feel guilty asking for your good thoughts or prayers at a time when we've lost someone as special as Mike and I think about Jay and how brave he is and how much he's gone through. And, Dave, his courage is such an inspiration to me. All of you. You're my other family. But, I still get nervous and afraid before each scan. I guess I won't ever feel completely safe again. Anyway, I will let you all know the results on Thursday, July 3 after my appointment with my oncologist. Thank you in advance for your prayers and good wishes! CathyR
  12. Hi Carleen, I need to reach out to you, too. I know how you feel. The day my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer, I left the hospital for a trip to my family doctor. I insisted he start me on anti-depressants immediately. My darling husband passed away only 6 short weeks after being diagnosed. I continued taking the anti-depressants. Thank God because only 1 year later, I, too was diagnosed with Stage 2B lung cancer. I had the lobectomy and have been cancer free now for 1 year and 9 months. I go for my 3 month scan Monday, June. 30. I still take the anti-depressant. I must tell you that I feel terrific and Iam really in a good place with myself. It wasn't easy, but I've survived and so will you. I would be happy to converse with you via the phone if you need or want to. Please let me know and I will be happy to give you my number or call you. Have faith. IT WILL GET BETTER!!!! I PROMISE. Big hugs!!!! CathyR
  13. cathyr

    Hi everyone

    Hi Jay, It's so good to hear your "voice" again. As you can tell from all the posts, we have all been thinking about you, praying for you, crying with you, and mostly loving you. You are so special. It's unimaginable all the trauma you've been through in 6 short months. I just know your mom is with you every day and will continue to be with you and give you strength. I keep you in my prayers always! CathyR
  14. cathyr

    Great CT Scan

    Oh Dave, I just love hearing your wonderful news! Thank God! You deserved some good news. I'm so happy for you. Can you feel the big cyber (huuuuuuuuggggggggg)? Next week I go for my 1 year and 9 month after surgery CT-scan. So far I've been fortunate. I sure hope to post more good news on this site next week! God Bless you Dave! Cathy R
  15. I get so tired of hearing - "Was he a smoker? when I tell people about my husband passing away 3 years ago. Now I have lung cancer and they ask me the same thing. About 3 weeks ago, my podiatrist asked me if my husband was a smoker? I got very angry and said," If I said he died of stomach cancer, would you ask if he ate too many fats? Or, if he died of liver cancer, did he drink too much?" What does it matter? The fact is, he died. He did not deserve it. Nobody does. It's insensitive, rude, and ignorant. I won't put up with it any more. He thanked me for educating him and I don't think he will ever make that mistake with anyone else again!
  16. cathyr

    Jay

    My goodness, what can anyone do to possibly make this better? We all feel such a loss I can't imagine how our Jay can cope with this latest tragedy, but he must. Too many people love him and are rooting for him. He is so lucky to have such good friends! Stay strong, Jay. It will get better. Life will go on. Just know that lots of people love you very much! Cathyr
  17. cathyr

    THE LATEST FOR ME

    Good Luck Ray!! Fight this with everything you have. I know you have a lot to live for and many more years to enjoy life. Listen, thank God they have chemo to offer. There was a time we did not even have that. I will be thinking good thoughts for you and praying for you! Cathy R
  18. Hi Kristen, I, too, was dx. stage IIB with NSCLC in July 2001. I had my upper left lobe removed in Aug. My doctor was fantastic and is one of very few drs. who does a procedure where he freezes the thorazic nerves thereby removing most of the pain. I did not even have to have an epidural for the surgery. I was out of the hospital in 4 days and at a shopping outlet in 7 days (only stayed for 1 hr.). I was back to work full time in 2 1/2 months. It does tire you out. It's important to get plenty of rest. I also sing and am happy to report that I still can sing without any problems. My pulmonary lung function test done 9 months ago shows I have 88% lung capacity even with the lobe removal. So far, I have remained cancer free. I get scans done every 3 months. I've had several scares, but the PET scan has always showed clear. Best of luck to you and your dad! Tell him to be very thankful that they CAN operate.
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