karenl

Linda, I think that your post was spot-on. Bill, I'm not sure what information you are referring to either, and I also take your point that sometimes information relating to lung cancer generally can become extremely depressing to sift through. I know that when I was researching things relevant to Mum's disease and treatment, it was difficult to find much that was hopeful or inspiring. As time went on, I became somewhat desensitised to the negative information, and learned to focus on what might be useful for us. You never know what piece of information might just help someone - I learned things on this website that my Mum's radiation oncologist didn't know about. And a treatment or therapy that might sound wacky to some people might just be the magic bullet for someone else. There is a man well-known here in Australia, who basically cured himeself of terminal cancer through diet and meditation. He spends his time teaching others about his methods, and a handful of people over the years have had similar results. Now, his method probably won't work for the majority of people, but if I had a 'terminal' illness, I would appreciate being given the information so that I could decide for myself if it was something I wanted to try..... I think the more information we can share, the better, and as you say Linda, we each have to take responsibility for evaluating what is presented to us, and deciding what we are going to take on board. All the best, Karen

((((Lori))))

Frank Lamb, I just love ya! You can always make me smile, even when you are delivering less than wonderful news..... Karen

ditto everything that Val said. It's a scary, confusing time, isn't it? Love Karen

Totally. I know now, as a result of losing my own mother, as well as all the others we have lost on this message board, that bad things do happen to good people; that young people are struck down in the prime of their life. That illness and accident have no respect for youth. That people who are very much needed here can be taken away. It's scary, especially when you have young children. I try to turn my concerns about my own mortality into a positive by striving to be grateful for every great day that I get to enjoy with my family.....easier said than done sometimes...... But I know where you're coming from. Love Karen

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. Peace be with you in the days to come. Love Karen

Well, Val......I'm glad that you are feeling kind of OK about this. I can't even imagine being in your position, and I don't know how I'd feel, but I like to think that I would do my best to be supportive and happy. A good portion of my grief about Mum stems from watching Dad go on without her, and I think it would bring me peace to know that he was going to be alright and had someone to share his life with.....but no doubt, there would be lots of conflicting emotions flying around ! (And your Mom will ALWAYS be the grandma) Love, Karen

Deepest sympathy to Darrell's family.....so sad. Karen

Val, that IS funny I think that's the first time I've had a smile on my face while in this forum, so THANK YOU for that gift. Much love to you and yours, Karen

(((((Bubbins))))) I know .

Hi Mum experienced a great deal of cognitive impairment (similar to what you describe), but probably more pronounced, in the last couple of months of her battle. It started quite inoccuously, but proceeded very quickly to quite significant impairment. She did have brain mets and treatment for them about six months prior. Whether the symptoms were due to the lesions, edema, the treatment, something else altogether, or just the disease process, we don't know. Most of her blood work was OK. Some of the things (other than brain lesions) that can cause cognitive changes include blood sugar, serum calcium levels, dehydration, steroid use, side-effects of treatments....the list goes on. If his brain scan came back clear, I would take heart from that, but I would probably also consider asking for another one. Mum's lesions were apparent on CAT, but an MRI is the better diagnostic tool. If your husband is talking about going back to work, then his level of impairment is nothing like as significant as Mum's, and I would think it possible that there might be some other (hopefully less serious!) cause for his condition. I think that cognitive symptoms due to brain lesions tend to progress quickly and significantly, amd would be obvious to others besides yourself. But an MRI would certainly clear up that issue. All the best, Karen

Hello Your dad's doctor should be able to write a letter that will get the approval for SSI disability quickly. Because your Dad has distant metastases, he is stage IV, and this condition is considered 'terminal'. Of course, there are many people with stage IV lung cancer living much longer than doctors would have predicted (a quick scan of lchelp will show you this!) . Hope this helps, Karen

Hi All Interesting discussion....Mum used a Rife machine (which Dad purchased), for several months. Hard to say what effect it had, as she was doing other treatments concurrently. It certainly didn't save her life, but she did live well for longer than her doctors expected. If nothing else, it did no harm, and gave us all another reason to hold onto hope for a bit longer. And I totally second what Teresa had to say about Quackwatch. The guy is completely opposed to everything that falls outside of standard conventional treatments. Does not present a balanced view at all. All the best, Karen

Barb, so sorry to hear about this latest development. Please know that many of us understand well the fear you are feeling, and offer our support. Remember that there are lots of treatment options..... Love Karen

well cindi, it's been Monday for 8 hours down here!! Still waiting to hear that wonderful news....... Karen

Congratulations, Don! Avery Grace - what a lovely name! Karen

Wow, I can't even begin to imagine how you must be feeling....I'm so sorry. Karen

Hey Cindi Wow, that's awesome! Do you need a room mate??

Nick I am so sorry to read about your Mom. I know how hard it is, but please know that we walk beside you.... Karen

I too found him inspirational...I will miss him. Deepest sympathy to his family. Karen

Oh, Don. I am so sorry. Lucie's journey with cancer was so inspirational to me when we joined the board - her story of survival gave us hope at a time when we desperately needed it. I wish there were words which would help to ease your pain, but please know we are with you. Peace and love to you. Karen

Lots of love and support coming to you, Don, and to your Lucie. Karen

Wonderful news, Tracy.

Val, congratulations!! So happy for you and your family. Love Karen

Dear Lori Much love coming to you. Karen