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Harn

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Everything posted by Harn

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. I am so sorry. I have everything crossed today that the procedure goes well for Len. Good thoughts and prayers for him. Kathy
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. I am so very sorry. Please hold close the memory that you and your Mom had such a special love for each other. Kathy
  11. 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
  12. Harn

    Tarceva

    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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. Harn

    To Fay A

    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
  16. Hi everyone! I have a new friend named Angela who is going in for surgery this Wednesday. She is a 39 year old single mom of three. At this point she isn't sure whether the surgery will be a Right lobectomy or pneumectomy. She was diagnosed last summer and has had chemo to shrink the tumors...I've given her some info on what to expect during and after a lobectomy but I know there are tons of "one lungers" out here who would be invaluable to her in the event they take her entire lung. She's recently registered as "Angela". She is a really upbeat person, and keeps really active. I know she will be such a wonderful addition to this community. Watch for her posting or maybe respond to this one so she can read it all before going in on Wednesday. Thanks... Good thoughts and prayers for you, Angela! Kathy
  17. Harn

    My brother Mark...

    I am so sorry about your brother, Mark. I bet you have some wonderful memories to hold on to...any one memory you might want to share with us? Warm thoughts for you and your family. -Kathy
  18. Hi Marie, I felt the same way when I was diagnosed and needed a left lower lobectomy...five years ago this month! The ER doc missed it on the xray but fortunately the radiologist the next day reviewed my chart and noted something sitting on my rib. I had to wait a month to get the surgery done at UPenn and I cried (howled)non-stop for a month...my three kids were away at college and my husband was working in a different state. I was alone. I just paced and screamed pure fear and sadness. I too thought it was just another seasonal pneumonia...yikes! I kept cutting down with my smoking until the evening before my surgery. I felt too stressed. I was very fortunate in that I was discharged without complications four days later. My attitude was so upbeat. I decided that I didn't know what the future would bring but, in the meantime, I could eat more healthy, exercise(yoga was especially good)and stay away from anyone who had negative vibes. As a result you actually feel so much better even if you don't know what the future holds. My 2"incision is along the edge of my left breast under the armpit. That area has lots of sensations when you are healing so don't be alarmed. Many of us couldn't wear a bra for a long time because of discomfort. Make sure to move both arms gently over your head asap so no muscles tighten up.Also make circles with arms at your side.Make sure to move about the room with your IV pole when you feel steady.While hospitalized and at home use the SPIROMETER faithfully and often. ASK FOR A PNEUMONIA SHOT at your first or second month checkup. It's good for 5 years. If you are prone to bronchitis and asthma type illnesses, this will be great. The good news is that having a lung removed is the best smoking cessation program. No way will you want to smoke afterwards. However,if you do crave a cigarette, I found munching on raw veggies helped..carrots, fennel,radishes and daikons. I really craved fresh horseradish and made lots of soups with shitake mushrooms...all good things for lung health. You are so lucky to have the support of all these wonderful people right from the get-go. You will learn lots, be comforted and will be helping others in no time too.We'll all have good thoughts for you next week. Kathy
  19. Hi Heather, Can't wait to see everyone. Please put the Turner family to work behind the tables...we'll be there by 8am to help set up. Can't wait to catch up with Ginny and Gail and newer members of this board. FYI: Anyone who lives within a few hours of Phila should plan on attending this special day. Heather, Brad and their friends work so hard to gather support from local corporations and businesses so as to defray expenses for this walk. If you feel good about this website, you will feel great meeting everyone in person. Just a quick update: Have moved to Long Island (no New York accent yet---PHEW) and just celebrated my 5th anniversary. I am blessed. Hope to meet everyone at Heather's walk on Nov.5th --Kathy
  20. No question about it...go to either UPenn or Fox Chase. They are both top notch...definitely do not go to any community hospitals when you have these two at your doorstep. They are worth the drive. Make sure to visit this site at least once a day so that you learn everything about lc, treatment, side effects from treatment and for the best emotional support you will ever receive! Hospitals can't possibly provide what this site offers!!!!!There is a wealth of info here. Prayers and fingers crossed for you. Kathy Hospital of Upenn alum 4 1/2 years ago
  21. Harn

    okokokokokokok

    Gail, WOW! I have the biggest smile on my face right now. It was really great meeting you at Heather's walk on Saturday. I feel like you, Ginny and Heather are like new additions to my family. Ray, you're cuter in person! Kathy
  22. Harn

    FYI

    Thanks Alisa, Am forwarding these articles and others on to a science writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer for reference. I am hoping that by emailing her relevant sources of info, the writer will be interested in doing a story about lung cancer. I have also previously sent her the article on Heather so that she sees a face and has a personal story on someone local. Keep your fingers crossed that the Phila Inquirer's interest is sparked! Kathy
  23. I really applaud this Dr. Schiller. I only wish we could figure out a way for our own local surgeons and oncologists to come out and publicly speak on our behalf. Kathy
  24. I am reposting this as a new topic just in case people don't see this in a previous post. Just thought I would do a little bragging on behalf of Heather. She and her very cute husband, Brad have done an amazing job of pulling this whole event together. To meet Heather in person is truly wonderful. Not only is she incredibly competent, meticulously organized, and a self starter, she encourages others to take part in any way they feel they can participate. Plus, she has a wealth of family and friends who go the extra mile for her, for lung cancer in general. They all have this I Can Do attitude. So, if anyone lives within 2-3 hours of Phila area, please consider on coming that Saturday morning. Her run is just off 95, not to far from the Ben Franklin Bridge so very accessible from NYC, Baltimore, and even Wash. She and her family have done a particularly good job at getting oncologists, hospitals, donations, media, local businesses to participate. Besides, wouldn't it just be fun to all get together? As we all know lung cancer sure doesn't get it's due. Heather and Brad are trying hard to put a face on lc. Hats off to you Heather!! Kathy
  25. Just thought I would do a little bragging on behalf of Heather. She and her very cute husband, Brad have done an amazing job of pulling this whole event together. To meet Heather in person is truly wonderful. Not only is she incredibly competent, meticulously organized, and a self starter, she encourages others to take part in any way they feel they can participate. Plus, she has a wealth of family and friends who go the extra mile for her, for lung cancer in general. They all have this I Can Do attitude. So, if anyone lives within 2-3 hours of Phila area, please consider on coming that Saturday morning. Her run is just off 95, not to far from the Ben Franklin Bridge so very accessible from NYC, Baltimore, and even Wash. She and her family have done a particularly good job at getting oncologists, hospitals, donations, media, local businesses to participate. Besides, wouldn't it just be fun to all get together? As we all know lung cancer sure doesn't get it's due. Heather and Brad are trying hard to put a face on lc. Hats off to you Heather!! Kathy
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