Lisa O

I have read about it on this forum. I think Becky has discussed it if you want to read back on her posts. I do believe that I have read that it worsens while the radiation is "still working" and then your lungs have a chance to start healing. I think on a recent post she was going to start using steroids in a nebulizer to lessen the amount of systemic steroids required. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. I have tumors in all lobes so I have not been a candidate for radiation. I hope someone with answers pops in soon. Lisa

I am glad you are not in pain. Hope and faith will carry you far too. I have very little experience in the treatment realm having only had srugeries and Iressa, however, collectively this group has tried almost everything. I wish you the best on your radiation. Keep us posted. Lisa

I am so glad you are feeling good and strong about your battle plan. I am pulling for you.... and looking forward to your success stories. Lisa

You sound like such a positive upbeat person.... that is such a great attribute! I look forward to getting to know you. Thanks for the upbeat post. Lisa

My story is not similar so I cannot help you there. I hope your Dad does not have lung cancer. We are here for you - no matter what - though.... so keep us posted. Hang in there. Lisa

I was reading some of your old posts and saw that this birthday was going to start a do-over year. I don't know if that is still your intent.... but I wish you a much better year - and am hoping that Monday's appointment brings a great deal of hope. Lisa

I wish you all the best with your chemo!!! Keep us posted. Lisa

I can't even remember my password to get on through another browser -- usually I have the automatic logon... oh well Lisa

Here's to hoping for scar tissue. If it is yet another challenge, I hope and pray it does not interfere too much or too long with your determination to enjoy each day -- and that you beat it in no time. Lisa

Norme, I am currently on Iressa. I have been on it since October 2002. Aside for some rashes and occasional GI symptoms and even rarer fatigue I have found it to be very easy. More importantly, it has held me stable. I pray it is effective and easy for Buddy. Lisa

I have had one doctor burst my bubble, only to find the next one full of hope and encouragement. Please don't hang hope on the words of one fallable doctor. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa

I don't know how much inpiration I can provide but I was diagnosed stage IV over a year ago. After progresing after my second surgery I was stabilized by Iressa. My quality of life is very good --- which is the best gift since my home is filled with children constantly. You have found a great forum... with many fighters willng to share their personal triumphs and tips. I wish you the best. Lisa

These are excellent questions Adam. You are obviously very in tune with your Dad. While it may seem to take time to get doctors appointments, I hope you Dad feels comfortable calling his doctors with any new symptoms which arise (such as wheezing). While wheezing may be a symptom for some of us -- if it is a new one for your Dad, it should be reported. As for radiation of the primary tumor, that is another excellent question for your Dad's doctor -- or doctors. There are many different opinions - even among the specialists. If you and/or your Dad want answers, it is not at all unusual to consult more than one oncologist or cancer center. This was a good place to start as I am sure many will share their experiences with you first. I had too many primary tumors for radiation -- so I was not a candidate (all 5 lobes). I wish your family the best.

Becky, I am really pulling for you. I know how hard you are fighting and wish you all the success in finding the right doctors, the right tools, the right medications... one step at a time. You are so strong and such an inspiration. The picture of you and your little girl is so touching. I wish you the best.

Have a fantastic time. I am so truly happy for you.

Your friend is certainly eloquent. I really believe that all we go through here pales in comparison to the significance of everlasting life with our creator. You have a true friend -- which is so valuable in times like this. Keep the faith Joe. Lisa

I don't know about video assisted lobectomy but...I do want to wish you well with whichever procedure you choose. I had a video assisted thoracotomy (VATS) for removal of three nodules 5/02 and a full thoracotomy 7/02 for surgery on all three lobes of the right lung. While the VATS is easier with a quicker recovery, the thoracotomy was tolerable. I am sorry you have to be here and require a lobectomy at all. I am sure some people here wil be better able to directly answer your question. In the interim, if you have any other questions, there are so many people here with volumes of knowlege....

David, that is too funny!!! I was at U of M from about 2:30 til 4:30.... I also see Dr. Kalemkerian. I hope you chemo is wildly successful and that you don't have to think about any next step -- but if you do -- Iressa is a pretty easy one in terms of relative side affects. How are you tolerating your current chemo?? Wishing you all the best.... Lisa

I just got back from the oncologist. My CT scans appear stable. One of the (eleven?) nodules even appears less dense. While the doctor seems to think it is probably just a different "slice" -- I prefer to think the Iressa is finally killing the cancer -- ) It can't hurt to think that way anyway -- right??? Thanks for all the positive thoughts and prayers. Lisa

I am new to this forum - this is a very knowlegable and welcoming group. You are right that one cannot just go with a doctor's "odds" -- that is a good place to start. There are several different types of lung cancer. It would be helpful in researching for you aunt if you first determined whether she had small cell or non small cell because the treatments and behaviors are different. The support lists on this board are also broken down into very educated groups on each. Nonsmall cell also has subgroups which include various types - for example, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell... I have no personal experience with whole brain radiation. My daughter had gamma knife for an AVM which went quite well but that is more targeted brain radiation. She has no after affect so far (procedure was last August) I wish you and your Aunt the best. She is fortunate to have you supporting her on the net!!! You will find a lot of help here! Lisa

I am so sorry he is having such a difficult time. It sounds like he is now on the road to improvement and that you have a very resiliant attitude. Keep it up.... that miracle might be right around the corner!! Lisa

Wow, This is really an awesome supportive group!!! Thank you so much for the warm welcome, support and prayers!!! John I really appreciate the tip on the HER -- especially so close to my upcoming appointments!!! I am currently looking for my next step "just in case"!! But as I am thinking positively now.... I am hoping for continued stability! Joe, I certainly do remember Bill. I hope he checks out okay. If you talk to him, please say hello for me. I am going to send you an email shortly. As to the other Michigan folk here.... I live in the West Bloomfield area, northwest of Detroit. I am currently treating at U of M which is about 25 minutes from my house (so it seems we are all pretty close in area). Again, I have been climbing the walls (as I usually do on scan night) so the support has done me a great deal of good. Thanks so much. Lisa

Hello. I know some of you from the ACOR list. My name is Lisa. I am a 42 year old "mom" of 2 lovely daughters, a wife to a wonderful man, and a contracting attorney. I have been battling adenocarcinoma/BAC since July, 2002. I have recently rediscovered this board and decided to log on and say hello! I had two prior surgeries during which time 11 nodules had been removed. After surgery, several nodulse reoccurred on the right lung and new nodules were noted on the left lung. I have been on Iressa since October of 2002 which has been holding me stable so far. I had my CT scans today and I am hoping for continued stability. I look forward to getting to know you. Lisa