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Those pictures brought a huge smile to my face. I could feel the laughter and closeness in those photos. Thank you for sharing them. I am so sorry about your Dad. -Kathy

First of all, Rich, thank you for doing such a wonderful job of finding the most pertinent as well as up to date, scientific articles out there for us! I'm one of your biggest fans!!! I always scan down to see whether you've posted anything newsworthy...thanks for all of your effort. In terms of running a marathon after a lobectomy, I just can't grasp how it can be done...26 miles even at any speed is a lot. This man is amazing...Does anyone know what each lobe does? Someone once told me that the left lower lobe removes carbon dioxide but I really don't know.

Aaron, Definitely try a probiotic...especially when you are on any antibiotic.It really is good for everybody even without yeast, ibs, bowel issues etc. Whole Foods sells Culturelle (lactobacillicusGG) in the refrigerated section near where they sell vitamins....take two a day for awhile. It should do the trick! Kathy

Great job, Nick! Where do we go from here? I'm feeling it's time for me to get proactive here in CT. I am shocked to find that LC groups are non existent here in southeastern CT... Kathy

Nick, Hi neighbor! I was very fortunate 6+ years ago...after nursing a cough that wouldn't go away, feeling winded while walking up little hills and having really bad night sweats 24-7, I coughed up a clump of blood. Went to the ER that evening (you shouldn't cough up a clump of blood), had an xray and was sent home telling me I was fine. The next morning,an attending radiologist called and told me they saw a tiny spot hiding under one of my left lower ribs. Surgery followed: Stage 1 NSCLC. I am truly fortunate and blessed that they found it by xray. Kathy If I can help in any way, let me know.

I am so sorry. I have everything crossed today that the procedure goes well for Len. Good thoughts and prayers for him. Kathy

Ernie, What have I done? I mentioned with pride how you had run a half marathon to my daughters. Guess what: they are signing us up for a June half marathon ....Yikes. Nine miles straight is really inspirational. Kathy

Donna, Thanks for posting this. I was fortunate to have found ongoing programs for cancer survivors led by a MSW who specialized in meditation for stress at the free, non-profit Wellness Center of Phila... Getting my body, let alone my thoughts to stop racing was an ongoing battle! In Phila, Jefferson Hospital offer lots of alternative medicine courses and lectures for the public. Kathy

Hi Lori, Your sister sounds like a wonderful person and she seems lucky to have you in her corner fighting this beast with her! She sounds like she's had a few tough months not feeling well. I really hope that's all behind her now. I'm not sure where you live in NJ but you have great hospitals if you are near Phila (UPenn,Fox Chase,Cooper) or outside NYC (Sloan Kettering/Cornell, Columbia). Don't settle for a community hospital when you have lung cancer. There are several really great people on this board who know SCLC firsthand who will be introducung themselves in no time. But, I wanted to reply to your question about shark cartilage, teas and essiac...save your money. During chemo and during those first few years your sister really needs to let your oncologists and RNs know everything she is taking so that they aren't contraindicated. Unfortunately, lots of supplements are not regulated and can alter the effects of chemo. If I were you, I would spend time with her walking outside or in a mall before the stores open. We've been blessed with a very mild winter so try to get her moving! Her spirits and energy will rebound, I promise. When I was first diagnosed 6 and a half years ago, I would take long walks throughout the winter months. I went by myself and found it really invigorated me in many ways. Walking along the NJ shore in spring and winter are very special memories of my early recovery. I also ate simple, unprocessed healthly foods (I craved crunchy vegetables)and sipped on green tea throughout the day. My personal demon was worrying about my family and my future...During those walks I made note of when I had discursive thoughts popping into my head and learned a technique on how to get rid of them...Until the CAT scan gave me bad news I wasn't letting my mind go down that depressing path. So Lori, really encourage her to start moving. Take a yoga class with her. Thanks for being there for her. Kathy _________________ Sept 2000-coughed up small amount of blood after months of a lingering cough Oct. 2000-left lower lobectomy Dec 2004-CT Scan looks clear.. Prayers of hope for all of us.

I am so very sorry. Please hold close the memory that you and your Mom had such a special love for each other. Kathy

Hi, Thought I would pass this on because I have heard that this cream was developed by UPenn dermatologists for rashes caused by Tarceva and other chemos. On Saturday I took part in Heather's Walk and on my drive home I noticed that Lindi Skin creams had been part of the free goodie bag when you finished running or walking. I would be curious if it works. Those Tarceva rashes sound miserably unfair. By the way, Heather's walk was really outstanding with Brad and Heather and her family doing an amazing job. Sorry I missed seeing Ginny and Gail but did get to meet MaryAnne and Joel who look much cuter in person!! Kathy

I have heard that the new skin line, LINDI SKIN was developed by a group of dermatolgists at UPenn for cancer patients who are taking Tarceva in mind. You might want to contact them at www.lindiskin.com. This company was kind enough to provide free samples at Heather's Walk (SJLC Walk) yesterday. Kathy

Holy Cow, am I late in responding! In October I will be celebrating with pure joy my 6th anniversary. But the real heroes are those who are struggling through that first long year....it's so scary and way to real, right? Of course, blue ribbons should be handed out to all the families who keep our spirits up day in and day out. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Heather's and Brad's LC run in November. If anyone has a relative in the NY/CT area who needs a phone call from time to time, I would love to lend support. I'm way better on the phone than emailing!!! Kathy

It's official. Angela sailed through her surgery and is now a one lunger!!!! I congratulated her on her new special status and made sure she knew the good company she will be keeping! Believe me, she was up and walking around on the second day. When I have spoken to her on the phone she doesn't sound short of breath at all. Spirits are good. Snowflakes'A to Z was downloaded, and a pillow and spirometer are her new companions. She had asked me to thank everyone for their kind thoughts before surgery. She'll be online soon! Kathy

Fay, I have tears in my eyes because you have been my hero through all your posts...Your intellect, inspiration and persistence have only balanced your obvious warmth. You will be missed, Fay. Kathy