TAnn

Don, I'm so sorry to hear that Lucie's cancer has spread. I hope the chemo combination works for her and gives as few side effects as possible. TAnn

Cindi, So glad you are doing so well, and have something "cute" to look at! Sounds like all was a success! TAnn

So glad you are finally home for some REAL R&R. Those hospitals are exhausting! You must feel overwhelmed just to be back in your own bed! Enjoy the next week or so and take good care of yourself and get strong!!!! TAnn

Thank you Don for all your kindness, knowledge and encouragement. You ROCK!!!! TAnn

Stable is always good. Maybe he could put you on Tarceva and see how you respond. So glad all is going well. TAnn

Definately nightgowns. And not the long ones that get wrapped around your legs at night! TPBM Wigs or hats?

Pat and Brian, I'm a little late here, but know that I'm always thinking of you both. The shots are going to work. Be prepared for some bone pain with those shots. They get the white counts back up by stimulating the bone marrow and it can be quite painful. They gave me 1 shot in the hospital, Neupogen and my counts shot way up. Better to wait until his body can handle the new chemo, otherwise the complications could be terrible. Have a nice relaxing weekend.... TAnn

False!! I have 2 left feet! But I remember "back in the day" trying to keep up with my husband who is a great dancer!!! TPBM loves to water ski... TAnn

I was on Tarceva for 6 months and had both the rash and the diarrhea. It seemed to cycle with both getting better and then a new outbreak and new bouts w/diarrhea. I never had to take anything as it usually only lasted a day. Also, fatigue with Tarceva is common. Good luck with the treatment and I hope that you are one of the one's it works on! TAnn

Cindi, Hope you have a great weekend and store up plenty of energy to get through the surgery on Monday. Praying for successful surgery and quick recovery! TAnn

Geri, Hmmmmm, I'm still here. I live in Houston too, not too far from Don & Lucie. What do ya think Don??? How HAS Lucie and I survived living in this "third world country"?? Must be the margaritas that's keeping us going!! Well, Houston is almost as big as a country. It takes me 1 1/2 hours to get to my doctor appointment in rush hour traffic..... TAnn

Hi Kathleen, I am so sorry to hear that your mom has been diagnosed with this horrible disease. This website is a wonderful source of information and support. Please try to educate yourself as far as the treatments and side effects go. We have tons of information for you. Don't give up hope. Look at Don Wood's posts about his strong and courageous Lucie. She is a real source of hope for all of us here. There is plenty to be afraid of, but we are all here to help you and your family through this. Welcome. TAnn

When you go on chemo your body goes into sort of a "cycle". You feel ok for the first few days, then your white and red blood counts drop on about the 10th day. (It's probably different for everyone) This is the time to avoid anything germy: crowded places like malls, movie theaters and restaurants and small children. Your body can't fight the infectious germs. As far as I know, when they refer to avoiding the chicken, fish and beef, I believe they are referring to the "handling" of raw foods. My family would never let me touch raw meats when I was/am on chemo. Then you go back into an "up swing" and you usually know you are doing better because you are "feeling" better. It's better to be safe than sorry. I've taken all the precautions and still wound up in the ER with high fevers, neutrapenic fever and so on. And that is no fun. The condom things is probably like the others said, you don't want to get preggers while he is on chemo and to prevent any infection to him that may be lurking, and in a "healthy" person would not even be an issue. Hope this helps, TAnn

FayA. I'm thinking about you and hoping you get out of there before a month!!! Keep your spirits up and know that we are all here pulling for you. TAnn

I am also having noticable vision problems since WBR. From what I understand vision problems can be due to WBR, medications, and chemo. I know that Iressa causes vision problems in some people too. I saw my doc today and he is referring me to an opthamologist (sp) to check things out. TAnn

Jimben, So glad to hear you are feeling better. I've been wondering how you've been doing. So is this round of chemo tough? You always handle everything so easily..... It's great that you felt good enough to go fishing in this heat!!!! You gotta LOVE it TAnn

FayA I know you can't wait to get out of there. Everyone gets on your nerves after a while. Glad you are improving and hope you're home soon. TAnn

adee, I'm sorry you have had a rough time with the chemo side effects. I haven't heard of the low blood pressure either, I wonder if it will get better in time. I also did the Taxol/Carbo combination when first diagnosed and had the same results..no shrinkage, no growth. I then went to Taxotere and had some improvement on it. It is much easier than the Taxol. Welcome to our little community. Ask as many questions as you need, there is a wealth of information here. TAnn

Peggy, It is so good to see you back. Thank you for sharing your Don with us. I know he will always be with you. I'm glad you are staying in your home and are excited to add the sunroom. I've been keeping you in my prayers... TAnn

What a wonderful way to start the day! So glad he is having a good one. Enjoy.... TAnn

Thanks Cin for the update. I've been worried about Beth but I know she will be back when she's ready. She just needs a little break right now. We are here for you Beth! TAnn

Uh oh, get your running shoes on! She's on her way to mobility and it will be so much fun!! They grow up so quickly Thanks for sharing a little sunshine...... TAnn

I had the exact same reaction to my thorencentesis as Jim. I've had 4 since diagnosis and each time I either passed out or threw up! And the pain was horrible! My fluid did cause the lower portion of my lung to collapse and it has never re-inflated. But, my other lung really took up the slack, because even when I was in the hospital w/pneumonia my oxygen level was always 100%! Hoping Jim feels better soon, it usually takes about 3 days for pain to subside. TAnn

So glad to hear that you are feeling better, and so soon too! It took me quite a while to feel better while weaning off the Decadron. Just another testament to your fortitude Enjoy your day, now that you are well rested. TAnn

Oh Addie my dear, I know how you feel. For me the Decadron was far worse than the radiation. By the way, the radiation is a piece of cake. 30 seconds on one side of your head, 30 seconds on the other. You barely have time to notice your eyelashes are sticking to the mask and it's over! That evil "pill" had me in a cleaning frenzy. I'm usually calm and "go with the flow", but my son finally told me that I was just mean and I better get of those drugs before I drove him crazy!! As for the sleeplessness, my doctor prescribed Ambien and it really helped. It helped my brain settle down. And don't take naps, it only fuels the lack of sleep at night. Let me know if you have any questions about the WBR. Part of your mood may just be nerves! TAnn