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Hello and welcome. Six people in one family? Yikes, I am so sorry. Is there any indication that there was an environmental component involved (like radon in the family house?) Just grasping at straws here - as we all know, all it takes is lungs to get lung cancer. I hope your Mom responds well to her current treatment and I hope that you have some support for yourself as well. I can imagine it would be frightening to go through this so many times. Would you like to share some of the family history or your own needs with us or what can we do to be of help?

Judy in (not) KW - thanks - but we all have our share of issues. (Last night I had mine at 3 a.m. - thank you indoor plumbing!) I did get to group yesterday and it was excellent. M and I went for a light dinner and then to a jazz club for "A Night in Treme" music. Took a long time for me to get out of bed this morning. Judy in MI - you are such a good advocate. They say it might hit 90 this weekend - we have not seen this once this year. Not there yet - we're at 72F.

Happy to say that even though I did not sleep all that well last night, I woke with no side/rib pain and no headache. So, things keep coming, and thankfully, going. Makes it less likely that the lung cancer is causing the problem, but more difficult to diagnose or solve. Had some mouth sores, scalp issues, and other minor side effects of late as well. These didn't happen on the triplet, why on Alimta alone? Unrelated? My current frame of mind is to 'believe' that I am experiencing a healing crisis as my liver tumor dies. Can I hear an "hallelujah" to that? Realized I can't stand onions right now. That's a new one. M says, no problem, he can adjust his cooking. I know it is important to eat - and I can tell from my jeans that I have not been doing a good job of it the last week or so, despite the homemade chocolate chip cookies. I finally left the house yesterday to run some errands (and of course, forgot the main one), and almost passed out. Grabbed a Kind Bar (anyone else use these as instant food?) and that helped, but even that took some time. Group today - and then we are going to attempt to go hear "A Night of Treme" jazz. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can do both - and that the music isn't too loud. Where did I just see those earplugs in this house? Happy September all. It was 54 this morning, and we are looking at 72 for a high. Still rooting for ripe tomatoes and plums - it's happening.

Is there a reason you insist on continuing to promote a testing service that has been unable to show its value for over a decade? If this process had value, it would be a standard practice in cancer treatment. As good as it sounds, the results just aren't there. I just don't understand why you continue to promote this unless you have a financial stake in one of these companies. I don't bother responding to your posts in general, but I hate that people may get the wrong idea and order these tests based on your misrepresentation of their value. The best oncologists aren't going to base their recommendations on the results of this testing. Therefore, the test is basically one way to separate a patient from their money.

Serious riding Bud, even if you sometimes question it. That touring I did so many years ago? 50 miles was probably our longest day (and only that long because we took off in the wrong direction after our lunch break!) We aimed for about 35 miles a day. Distances are shorter in England. Nice blog, very nice. Good to see you back in the swing of things Eric. A new car now? I know, all about the mileage. And blue to match your eyes and kilt? I'm dealing with a bit of symptom pain and I do not like it. I suppose the fatigue and uphill shortness of breath may have been symptoms rather than side effects, but it was easier to brush those off. This feels like a symptom and I can only hope current treatment shrinks the thing enough to give me relief. Tumor seems to be putting pressure on a rib or diaphragm, spiking heavy duty a few times over the last couple of months. I consoled myself with homemade chocolate chip cookies this weekend.

Stay safe east coasters! It's actually been around 80 here for a couple of days - blue sky too.

Magnificent!

Paulette hon, I don't think we meant for you to cry. We are a bunch of strong women (since none of the guys are represented here - except dear Randy, who is passing out hugs) who recognize our mortality perhaps just a touch more than some, but we are living our days with a heightened sense of gratitude. I suppose some days there is a pinch of anger mixed in, perhaps some fear too. I don't want to lose anymore of this extended family either, but no one has that guarantee. Heck, my friend's grieving the sudden loss of a 25 year old right now. (I don't the circumstances - a friend of her son.) Another friend is at the funeral of his cousin in law - unexpected - the light is out for a "sweet presence". Unfortunately, death is part of life. I think perhaps we are just asking for a little understanding when we don't feel so peppy, and when we laugh to ourselves or out loud when we hear what great warriors we are (I'm trying hard to not fight my own body, thank you) or when someone says unconsciously "There's always next year" or some other normal saying that has taken on so much more significance. I hope you all have a good night's sleep, awaken to a fresh day with soft breezes, and treat yourself and those you love with kindness. Night all.

I have also been thinking about this a lot. And I think one significant factor is whether or not your diagnosis is Stage IV / recurrent and any other. I've been trying to find the words to express my feelings, unsuccessfully. Day after day, being bombarded with campaigns about "life after cancer" when that is not your reality gets almost as old as continuous treatment. It's really something to be looking at 3 years since discovery - a marvel - and something for which I am profoundly grateful. I am thinking a bit about the recent walk in Seattle - as far as I know, there were 7 survivors out of 400 or so people. 5 were Stage 4 (or recurrent.) Where were all the "life after" people? Living life away from cancer I suppose. Living life to its fullest? What does that mean when you try to do two things in one day and crash into the wall of fatigue? I've adjusted in so many ways to "my fullest". I see how the sun's warmth drains me completely, so I seek shade, or stay inside even though sunny days have been rare. I make difficult decisions about what I choose to do even on good days. On the best days, I think I could do more, but the price is almost always too high. It's hard because I look well and can push through something like a 5K walk - but I was wrecked for the two following days. I grieve what I have lost in terms of strength and stamina, but I also celebrate what I can still do and how much health I do experience.

Katie, That radio interview was great. You really do have interesting people in your life don't you? Early morning to very late at night. You take care of yourself now so you can keep on taking care of all of us! Just kidding. Boundaries my dear. Missing the Heritage Festival parade. Beautiful day out there and I am inside. New neighbor invited us to a pig roast tomorrow. She even raised the pig! Mostly warning us that the fire gets going at 2 am. I think we may have to stop by and meet their pit bull at least, right? So far, they've been good neighbors. Judy - fingers crossed for a good talk and wedding. Lily - Judy's funhouse photo work has left you a wee bit extra vertical, yes? Takes those pesky pounds right off. Interesting background too - where is that?

That's a great start. I'm on the West Coast so tend to see posts later than most. I'm sure you'll get more of a welcome in the morning when the East Coasters wake up. Getting a comprehensive diagnosis and a plan for your Mom will help a lot. The unknowing is very difficult. Take care of yourself - you'll be of more help to your Mom if you are in good shape physically and emotionally. And let us know what questions you have.

Hi AC, On CancerGRACE there are many posts on SCLC - both limited stage and extensive. You'll notice that some of these are already 5 years old. From what I have read, there have not been great advances for SCLC, so the information is still of value. I am linking the resources for limited stage - no need to get ahead of yourself. If you want to read the info on Extensive, I think you will find the site is pretty easy to navigate (a recent improvement!) http://cancergrace.org/lung/category/lu ... d-disease/ I'm not sure any of this will be all that reassuring, but I function better with information from a reliable source. Does your Mom have good support at home? How about you? Try to not do this on your own.

Well Eric, I finally had a chance to hear some of the after party comments - none too surprising - you were a big hit with my friends! Thanks for spending the afternoon with us. So glad you found a buddy for your time here. I'm afraid my hosting abilities went cold after being worn out from the Walk and a bit of anxiety over the scan and results. I looked for you in this video at Pike Place Market, today - but didn't spot you.

Here's a link to the discussion (a bit old) on Grace on IP-6: http://cancergrace.org/forums/index.php?topic=4186.0 There are some studies on Curcumin, but more in the prevention arena than as a treatment. I did not try anything to maintain the usefulness of Tarceva. Frankly, after 15 months, I was pretty tired of the side effects. Will I return to it in the future if that becomes an option? Probably - and will hope for the best as far as the side effects. Here is also a link to second line treatment for advanced lung cancer on Grace - perhaps it will help: http://cancergrace.org/lung/2010/10/04/ ... lc-option/ I'm not a medically qualified individual either - but reasonably well informed.

Hey Katie, Judy in KW posted on yesterday's air that she was accidentally trying to use her email as her log in. Oops! Problem solved.

Is this the Air for Tuesday? Just back from the early morn scan. Other than drinking 1 1/2 "smoothies" all was fine. Did you know they are filled with sorbitol? Now I know why they don't agree with me! The nurse said it is intentional - they want that stuff to leave your body. See the doc tomorrow afternoon. Looks like Annette is playing possum, but reading? Have we said something (or not said something) that has upset you? Maybe just very busy catching up at work? Bud (and all) - 5K walk = shin splints! Guess I better start walking more regularly. Eric - glad you are taking it easy and that the weather is cooperating with your visit. This is about as good as we have seen this year. Wish I was up to getting out again - guess my timing was off. Lily - and Judy (not) in KW - glad that is straightened out.

Judy in MI, Just letting you know I am hearing you. I first thought you said you were given an ankle bracelet - I was thinking house arrest! But you've literally flown the coop. I hope things work out well. Enjoy your solitude and soul work.

Long day. At the walk at 8:30 a.m., met Katie, Eric, and Sara! Ended around 11:30. Dropped Eric and Katie back at the hotel around 4:30. That makes me - very tired! I will try to figure out how to load some photos or at least post them to a Flickr account? The baking element of the oven fried yesterday as I was heating the oven to make granola. New element may take a week plus to get here - no baking for a while.

Looks great Bud. Does it start post dx or is the dx somewhere buried in there? (I guess I could go look at your story and figure that out.)

Oh Judy, what a great day. (I'm awake after a 2 hour nap after dinner!)

Happy Birthday Judy in MI! Hope he hits this surprise out of the park. Good scan Judy in KW Cool riding Bud. Paulette - thanks - how do we hug you back? Katie - partly cloudy and cool...keep breathing.

Hey Eric, I decided to call on your behalf yesterday - and got voice mail. I wonder if the landlady is out of town? I have not gotten a response. You might try the number attached to the facebook message I sent you before. I just don't know what's up with that. It shows it open August 12-18 which would be great - your own bathroom, kitchen, and bed. Hot tub too. I'll let you know if I hear back, but you should try too! Watch out for those mountain goats - they can be dangerous - uhm, bears too!

Story of a guy with Stage IV lung cancer and his own foundation: http://www.shorebread.com/eastern-shore ... Y.facebook

Happy Birthday Rose! Sky is gray. 10 day forecast is sunny, with highs from 68 to 77 degrees and lows in the high 50's. No rain till the 17th. But some 'partly cloudy' or 'partly sunny' days. Did pick a ripe tomato yesterday. Didn't think that would happen.

I just had to laugh. Ask and you receive. Those photos are beautiful - and so Eric. Capturing the smiles and faces of all ages. Looks like your camera recovered fully.