pplinfla

Thanks to ALL who have taken the time to give me such a warm welcome. I knew I wasn't alone, but you all have given me further confirmation. My oncology nurse started me on B-6 last week for the numbness, but after a few days, I had a reaction to it and broke out all over my head and shoulders. We stopped the B-6 a few days ago and I'm taking Benedryl to clear up the rash. So far so good. I'm fortunate, I guess, that I've always been a "glass is half FULL" type of person, so it's been easy for me to maintain a positive attitude through this challenge. I've had people ask me if I felt deserted by God and I could only respond that He must have felt that I could handle it better than someone else, or that He gave it to me rather than a child who has a whole lot of years ahead of them. Thanks again, y'all.

John...thanks for your recommendation. I met with my oncology doc yesterday (for lab work) and discussed my "tingling". She did a few little tests on me and advised me that, hopefully, the change from Taxol to Taxotere will make a difference. Additionally, she's recommending that I start on Procrit to assist in my red blood cell count. Now I have to wait for my insurance company to approve it.

Hey, Donna, thanks for the warm and rapid welcome. By the way, I also grew up in Massachusetts (Malden), but have lived in South Florida for the past 30 years.

I just discovered this forum and am so thankful to whomever created it and to all who post their questions, comments and responses. I'm a 64 year old guy, married to a great gal. Between us (2nd time around for each of us), we have 6 "kids" and 10 grandkids. The grandkids are my motivation for doing whatever it takes to beat this challenge. About 5 months ago, I was dx'd with COPD. The pulmo doc scheduled me for tests and biopsy which revealed State IIIB NSCLC. I started chemo in September 03 and had 3 sessions of Cisplatin. All that did was halt the growth of the tumors. In December, I started on what will be 6 sessions, the first 2 being with Taxol, and the rest to be with Taxotere. I've been pretty fortunate regarding side effects. Very little nausea, very little discomfort, etc. However, my energy level is always very low and my hands and feet are about 60% numb (feet worse than hands). My hair is gone (hey, I was already about 1/2 bald anyway), but I sure miss my beard. I have a great support team around me. Also, I have a great many friends and former co-workers (haven't been able to work for about 2 months) that are praying for me. Let me confirm that PRAYER WORKS! I'm a walking testimonial to that. Again, thanks so much, all of you, for participating in this forum. I'm happy to add you all to my support team.