Nancy B

Karen, thanks for the info. My CEA has been normal through this whole thing. My surgeons say that my tumors didn't shed, so nothing in the blood stream. I have no way of knowing if the cancer is active til I have a ct scan I wish a blood test could tell me if something is active. Let's get together soon. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Tom, I had my upper left lobe removed 6 years ago. Stay on top of the pain, take your pain pills regularly, don't wait for the pain to start or you will be too late. Drink lots, and lots of water. I slept in a reclining chair for the first week or so. The hospital beds are not very comfortable so for my second surgery, I knew to request an air mattress to put on the bed. I was back to work in about 3 weeks (desk job). Removing the chest tubes wasn't too bad for me - I have a trick - take your right hand and squeeze the first two fingers of your left hand....really hard. It takes the focus off of where your pain is (taking out chest tubes). Just take it easy and take care of yourself - I am sure you will be just fine. Hugs, Nancy B

Wendy, good question. I have heard these advertised on the radio recently and wondered if there was any reason for me to have one. I still have alittle bit of my left lung, so I don't have the issue that you have without the left lung. I will be interested to see what others have to say. Thanks for asking the question. Take Care. Hugs, Nancy B

Prayers for your Mom Kelly and take care of yourself too. Nancy B

Dennis, so sorry to hear about your wife. I am so glad you were with her. I am praying for comfort for you and your family. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Shanna, hugs and prayers for your Mom and you. It is a scary time but stay with us, we can help you through this. Please stay in touch and let us know what we can do for you. Nancy B

Hi Kathi, welcome back. Good to see you again.

Thanks Darrell for the diet tips. I am doing most of that but.....I won't give up a good steak with a glass of Pinot Noir. There have to be some pleasures huh? Good luck with your treatment plan and stay in touch. Nancy B

Keeping you both in my prayers - praying for a miracle. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Jenny, I don't have any info on Taxotare but I am sure someone here will be able to help you. Welcome back - good to see you again. I will be praying for your Mom. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Tom, glad you have a plan in place. Six years ago I had an upper left lobectomy and not quite two years ago, a wedge resection of the remaining lower left lobe. At present, my lung function is at 98% and I don't have any sob at all. The surgery is not easy but is certainly doable. Let us know what we can do to help. Hugs, Nancy B

Tom, prayers coming your way. Let us know. Hugs, Nancy B

Kasey, prayers coming for Tracy and her family. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Jessica, Welcome to you and your Mom. My second tumor was too close to my heart and too deep in the lung to do a ct guided needle biopsy. Since I had already had my upper left lobe removed, they decided to do a wedge resection of my lower lobe to biopsy this one. It turns out it was sclc (my first was nsclc, and the tumor was the size of a tennis ball). I am six years out from the 1st one and almost two years out from this last one. I would not insist that they do a needle biopsy if they don't think they can do it safely - too much can go wrong. Hope this was of some hope, please let me know if I can help in any way. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Luann, welcome. Sounds like your Mom has a great attitude, and believe me, that really helps. Please let us know what we can do to help you and your Mom. Many prayers coming your way. Hugs, Nancy B

Good idea Steph, how about Cure Magazine or Coping Magazine? Coping might even do an article on us and talk about the cookbooks. Nancy B

Hi, just hang in there. I have nodules in my right lung, (not much left of my left lung) they are about 9mm to 1.2 cm. The radiologist and oncologist are not concerned. Just think positive thoughts and I will keep you in my prayers. Lung Cancer is not a death sentence - read some of the stories on this board - lots of survivors. Take care, Nancy B

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow" Unknown "Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change" Unknown

Rob, don't know if this will be any help or not, but my second diagnosis, I requested a chemo-sensitivity test. I guess it was up to my surgeon to order this test on the tumor that he removed. I am in the Pasadena, CA area and would be glad to give you the names of my doctors, just pm me. My oncologist said that the report "makes my job harder", I guess because what the sensitivity test came up with didn't agree with what his normal protocal was. I can sure look back in all my reports, I have a copy of the test, and see what it said compared to what chemo I was given. I am curious now as I know alot more than I did 2 years ago. Hope this helps somewhat. Nancy B

Hi Roger, I had chemo but not lung radiation, just brain radiation. There are alot of drugs out there to combat side effects. My first one didn't work, but the second one did (Zofran). I also got dehydrated from the chemo and once that was squared away (IV fluids with each chemo) then I really didn't had a problem. I kept water and ginger cookies with me at all times (helps with the nausea). Everyone reacts differently but just be sure to speak up and let the docs know how you are feeling. Best of luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers. Nancy B

I think it is a great idea.

Hi hon, just stay vigilant. I am praying that whatever it is will heal soon. So glad you quit smoking. I just hope that is not you on that motorcycle - I would really worry. (Just a Mom thing). Hugs, Nancy B

Welcome Pam, sorry you have to be here though. Lots of caring, knowledgable people here. Just let us know what you need. Hugs, Nancy B

Welcome Sher. I am so sorry for your loss. Stay with us and let us help you through this. I am praying that you will find some comfort. Hugs, Nancy B

I do believe in Angels. I met a gal at the races and we were comparing notes on being a Christian. I mentioned to her that I always say a prayer on the starting line right before my son runs the race car. She looked over at him and said to me "he has an angel sitting on his shoulder, and her name is ? " - I can't remember the name. That really was reassuring for me - he runs over 250 mph and 5.73 seconds in a quarter mile. I am sooooo glad he has an Angel sitting on his shoulder and I have great faith in my God.