Elaine

I am sorry to read of the recent setback, but I see you have a plan of action. Pain is an awful thing, and in this day, no one should suffer from it, needlessly. You and yours are in my thoughs, daily. Elaine

And may I pls add, I hope you aren't "full of it" this time--lol Elaine

Mo Just want you to know I am thinking of you and hoping the side effects remain low. Elaine

Bruce, I want to add my congrats on your anniversary. I see you in chat from time to time. I don't talk much there, at first because I was in shock of my dx and ALL I could think about was Lung cancer, and that's not all we talk ab out there. Anyway, keep coming to chat. I know that you are thinking of us all, so don't worry about not posting all the time. Not everyone is a poster. Probably some people get tired of me posting LOL. How is the job search going? Just wishing and praying for all things good for you and yours. Elaine

I was on a site a few days ago regarding Ovarian cancer. There was a section called something like "stories" and people posted their stories, all in one narrative, mostly focusing on how they were dxed. Ovarian cancer is somehat like lc in that it often does not "present" early--thus it is hard to "cure." last week on the Early Stage section of this forum, people were asked to write their stories of Dx. That thread has been taken off along with whatever else was on there. Anyway, the conclusion seemed to be that nearly all early stages who posted had been dxed almost by accident. But that did get me thinking, (always a bad sign) and I know I have been going back in my mind over the past year, and I had signs and symptoms, that in retrospect, were indicators that something was amiss. I was dxed late, but had I known the signs, I could have been dxed at least a year sooner. That might have made a BIG difference. At least I might well have been a surgical candidate. Anyway, I wonder if those of who are Late stages could also tell think back and see if we can post some info that might help others. Most people just associate lung cancer with coughing. I have what seems to be a non-consequential cough, even now. Coughing, is not the only presenting symptom. ANd some of the symtoms are "strange" and/or seem to be something else, like arthritis, or just getting older. Anyway, jsut wondering what others thought of this idea and if it is of value. It might be its own section, so that people who come here don't have to read back through sometimes hundreds of posts to get the "story." Does that makes sense?? I am not feeling well today, and fear I am not making sense, even to myself lol. Elaine

It's a beautiful picture of three beautiful children. Thanks for sharing. Maybe I will get brave some day and try it. Thinking of you and yours Elaine

Cindy, You are in my thoughts as always, and even more so today because you are worried. I wish I knew and could speed up the wait time for you. Elaine

Kate,, Sorry to hear your father is having a hard time with eating. I think there are other posts that name specific drinks, such as Ensure etc. I am certain that someone will lead you to the right place. Do you know the name of the drug that you read about?? Thanks Elaine

Ry, Sorry I didnt' see this sooner. I hope things are going well under the circumstances. Glad to see you were posting last night, so maybe that is a good sign--or else it's just your addiciton--lol. Thinking of you and yours! Elaine

That really does sound promising. Especially the FAST TRACK and LACK of Side Effects. Wonder why we can't get the vaccine on a FAST TRACK here in USA??? I 'm new to this crazy world of Cancer. And so far, nothing seems to make sense. If there is medicine, let's do it, quickly, AND responsibly. Surely there is a way to do THAT. Elaine

Cookieman, Around these parts your known as MR, Becky--who sometimes gets confused with another Mr. Becky, CurtisG, so glad you have another "handle." I'm glad you are "on board" with us and hope you find many things to take away from here that will lighten your day or enlighten your way!. Becky is so beloved, you are a lucky man, and she a lucky lady, from what she has said. This road we are one is dang covered with brambles, but this is a place where we can stick them, --or something--lol. Welcome Elaine

Way to go, Dean. Thanks again for all you do, and all you know and especially for all you are willing to share. Elaine

Just wondering if anyone has heard from Howard. It's been a week or so since I got a PM from him and haven't seen him on board. I know he wasn't feeling good, but wasn't feeling bad either. I know his son was paying him a visit, so hopefully they are out having a blast. Elaine

Betty, I did read your post and the one it referred to. I was kind of shocked when I read the post you replied too, as well. Like Connie, I think people often don't think about how what they are saying or writing can effect others, and how it can be interpertted (sp). This disease is ugly. What it does is ugly. You and we are not. I get pretty down sometimes and cry like a baby, but at least I can cry now. The first weeks, I was just numb and just full of anxiety too- a weird combo, to be sure. You are a beuatiful person, inside and out. The inequity in our society is the most heinous things about this world. I don't want to leave the glory of this world, but I won't miss social, ecomomic and political inequaility. Glad writing the post helped you feel PRO active, and I really didn't see much wrong with it. It came from the heart, the heart on one day, for a part of that day, and it is not the way you feel all of the time. If you need a friend, I need one too, so PM me. Elaine

Dean et al: Maybe this could be the forum for those who have chosen not to have treatemen, are choosing to end treatment, or who are considering doing either one. Just a thought. Elaine

Glad to hear that your daughter will be with you as you start your new regimen. That surely will be a help and blessing for you. Keeping you in my thoughts. Elaine

I am so happy to hear that your Bill is home, and pls know that you and your family are in the hearts and thoughts of many. Elaine

I know, lol, I know.

Becky and everyone: I too wanted to respond and can't do it. It is so painful. Last couple days, so many things have been hitting so close to home. But in retrospect, Becky, if there is anything that you can post that you feel might benefit more of us, then after consideration, you might wish to respond. I just know that as a patient, I seem to often feel like I am of "two minds"--I think TBone's reply says that, too. And what we ALL really want, is our old life back, and with the wisdom that our current lives have taught us. But what we want can never be... that old life is gone...but the new life can and often does get better, we see it here all the time. And Becky, you are one proof of that. Carlene, you are so dear, dear. And to have the stresses you have, even if both of you were healthy, would be a lot to deal with, so just think of how strong you and Keith must be. So very strong. I love you all Elaine

Cheryl, My heart goes out to you and your Jack. I am so glas you convinced him to go to the ER, and that they are doing what needs to be done for him. Pls know that you and Jack are on my mind, and that I am hoping for all things good for the both of you. Give Jack my best, and I hope to hear he is back home with you soon. Pls take care of you too, Elaine

I know what you mean, Donna G.--as far as being over-critical and depressed AFTER the DX. -- Anyway, when I read this, I sure did get depressed AGAIN. But I am trying to look at it as if ANYONE might be able to answer "yes" to those questions--well, not everybody--there are some people who are overly critical of others and not themselves--lol. But anyway, this did get me WAYYYYYY down, and I sure hope I can pick myself back up and soon. Then I felt bad cos maybe I felt that by posting this I made others feel as bad as I did- Hmmm--isnt' feeling that way (caretaker) on the list???? Oh well Elaine

Mary Ann: How does the compassionate use work? How do they choose who to be compassionate toward? This is the first I have heard of this, so I am curious.... And probably insurance companies don't pay, so then you have to pay yourself? I know, I am cynical--lol. But on another board, people were talking abuot the fact that people with money get better cancer care--and I don;t know if it's true or not. I know people outside my HMO get better care lol. Thanks Elaine

While browsing a page Hebbie (heather) posted a link to, I found the following. I don't know if such things have been discussed on the board or not. Havent seen it. Was wondering what others thought of the following. Cancer Profile Characteristics -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Researchers have looked for personality characteristics shared by all cancer patients. For many, the development of their cancer has been preceded by a significant loss in their lives and often a loss of hope. Although there is yet to be a definition of a cancer personality that fits all people with cancer, some experts believe that for many people, and for certain types of cancers, psychological elements are more of a factor. There are, however, psychological traits and stressful events commonly shared by people who contract cancer. Cancer profile characteristics include: having experienced a significant loss being overly critical towards oneself having a disturbed or emotionally sterile relationship with parents suppressing anger or strong emotions hopelessness, depression, and being a self-sacrificing kind of person. The adverse effects of these characteristics on a person's immune system could be reduced by working with a caring competent therapist, see the next section for guidance on "Finding a Cancer Therapist". Book(s):

I cant figure the site out. Are they selling something? What did his mother take? I can't find the product or how to see about getting it. Elaine

This is wonderful news! Elaine