AdaW

Dear Bob, I'm so happy your news is good! Have a great time on your vacation. Ada

Dear Hope, Are you sure that your Mom's reaction was from the chemotherapy? I am asking because you mentioned Zofran. The absolute worst day during my entire lung cancer experience was the day I started Zofran. I had a severe headache and spent the entire day either in bed or in the bathroom throwing up. It made me very, very sick. I am now on Celexa and have had no adverse reactions--I took it through all chemos, surgery, and radiation with no problems. Another question. I am concerned that the doctor doesn't know whether your Mom has SCLC or NSCLC. Without a biopsy how do they know that 1)she even has lung cancer and 2) what chemotherapy agents to use? Please understand that I am not a medical person and don't know if this is a common problem. I have just never heard of doctors proceeding with treatments without knowing the cell type. My original tumor was located right next to my vena cava and I still had a bronchoscopy. In order to diagnose and stage me they did many, many tests--X-Rays, CT scans, PET scan, and a bronchoscopy. I may be forgetting something. These are the tests that people have. Has your Mom gone through this process of diagnosis and staging. I am sorry that your Mom got so sick. I am thinking of you both. Ada

Dear Becky, I don't know the answer to your question about fertility. I do know that Estrea, one of the directors of this board, gave birth to twins after she recovered. I think she is a very positive role model for everyone--to me there's nothing more hopeful than bringing life into this world, especially after what she went through. My son and daughter-in-law have friends around your age. The wife was pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy while pregnant. I am not advocating this at all, but just wanted you to know that there are a lot of wonderful stories out there. It sounds like you may need to get an oncologist who would be able to address your specific needs--I hate to sound sexist, but a woman oncologist may be more sympathetic to your youth, gender and life issues???? Thinking of you, Ada

Dear Mary, The following website has a lot of Hospice information: http://www.hospicenet.org/ My only experience with Hospice was in 1998 when my Father was dying of colon cancer. The doctor ordered Hospice and Mother and Dad's insurance paid for it. Dad passed away at home. The Hospice caregivers were wonderful to Dad, Mother and my family. I cannot praise them enough. I am thinking of your sister and you and remembering you both in my prayers. Ada

Dear Candy, I have worked very hard to try to stay calm when I am waiting for the results of my scans. In a way, after 2 years, I think I'm a little numb emotionally from trying to remain calm. I think I'm doing well in this area, but 2 weeks ago, when we went to specialists about a possible melanoma is my husband's eye, I had to take medication just to get in the car and drive to the doctors' appointments with him. I was worried sick about Jim. And yes, my worry didn't change the diagnosis, but I love my husband and I don't want him to have to go through the anguish of treatments and illness. Well, enough said. Until someone experiences cancer first hand or loves someone with cancer, they really don't understand what this is all about. Ada

Dear Shelly, I am always so impressed with how much you love your Mom and how well you take care of her. You are something! I wonder what your Mom is trying to communicate to you? As you know, we communicate with words, but also with actions, moods etc. If this were our conversation, and you were my daughter, I would be telling you that it really is just an "off day." I do have problems that have very little to do with the cancer. You see, sometimes I want to forget I have cancer and I don't want to make every little problem I have into a metastasis. Yes, I'm frightened when I have a headache--has this gone to my brain? If I cough, is it back? I could go on and on. When I get like this, my husband reminds me that I've just had an x-ray or a ct scan or whatever and he tells me not to worry. I think I would really get upset if he were the one who was freaking out over every little thing. I think you understand what I'm saying. Let your Mother be the leader here. Ask her what she needs from you. This is a new phase of your relationship and you are both trying to understand the new give and take. You are a wonderful daughter, Shelly. Relax and help your Mom. You are doing a good job. Thinking of you and your Mom, Ada

Dear Mary, I wish I could visit your sister in the hospital. I would hold her hand and just talk to her. I think I would learn a lot from her. I hope the IRESSA is her miracle. Ada

Dear Tiny, I will be saying special prayers for you. I hope all is well. Ada

Dear Bart, This is one place where you can come and just be yourself--we like you just the way you are--no need to be the tough guy here. I want you to know that it is very normal to feel overwhelmed by all that's going on in your life. Do you have a friend that you can talk to? I too feel overwhelmed by my cancer at times, and my husband has helped me so much through my low days. I hope you don't have to put off your PCI in order to return to work. I hope you are in a position to take care of your health, get some R&R and then return to work, but I know that may not be possible for you. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you. Ada

Dear Ray, I am wondering if you could keep a record of how you feel each day after treatment. There may be a pattern. If there is, would it be possible to get chemo on another day, earlier in the week, so that your bad day hits on the weekend? Just a thought. I am thinking of you Ray and wish you didn't have any discomfort. Ada

Dear Linda, When my platelet counts were low, the oncologist also told me that it showed the chemo was doing it's job. I also had to skip treatments. I was never offered any medications or transfusions--maybe the counts have to be lower than what mine were. I did have nosebleeds because of the low platelet counts--but nothing I couldn't handle. I think all of this just comes with the territory. I hope your Dad is feeling better soon, because when you have low counts, you can feel pretty lousy. Ada

Dear Friend, Donna is a nurse and a cancer survivor who has had surgery, so she is an expert when giving advice. I am also a cancer survivor who has had surgery. I read so many positive things in your post and wanted to answer one of your more specific questions. You asked if your adult children should be there for the surgery. I would say yes, if at all possible. This surgery is serious and both you and your husband will need emotional support during the surgery, while he is in the hospital and during the recovery period at home. Although the surgery and recovery are challenging, many people have gone through this and are now functioning very,very well--so be concerned, but not emotionally upset about the physical part of surgery. Your good news is that the doctor used the word "cure" and I would basically do anything to hear that word. You both have a lot going for you here, eventhough your husband has this second primary. He's lucky to have you in his life again because cancer is so isolating and lonely. Take care. I am thinking of you both, Ada

Dear Carol, It may be that the nodules are also too small for a PET scan to pick up. Usually a nodule needs to be larger than 1cm to "light up" if it is malignant. Good luck on Thursday, Ada

Dear Christina, One of my doctors told me that he wouldn't treat me if I ever started smoking again. He was very blunt, but honest about it. I stopped smoking about a month before I was diagnosed. To be honest, I smoked for many years and thought I would never be able to quit. I though I would fail. But the fact that I had a collapsed lung and possible lung cancer got my attention and slapped me into reality. I always thought I was smoking because of anxiety. Believe it or not, when I quit, my feelings of overall and generalized anxiety faded. I think the cigarettes made me anxious. I quit smoking (2 years ago) with the help of an anti-depressant called Wellbutrin which I believe is the generic medication for Zyban. Many people use the patch and some people use nicotine inhalers. Your husband should do whatever it takes to stop, if at all possible. People who have smoked for many, many years need assistance from the medical community to stop smoking usually. He can ask his doctor. I am thinking of you and hoping that all goes well for you both, Ada

Dear Carleen, I have been thinking of you and hope that you are able to get through the next few days without feeling overwhelming stress. I've been there, done that and it can be awful to go through the waiting period after scans. I have been dealing with my cancer with all of its ups and downs, disappointments and heartache for 2 years now. I absolutely hate getting these scans and going to the doctor. It takes all of my courage and psychic energy just to present myself for procedures and check-ups now. A few weeks ago, I had a biopsy on a suspicious abdominal lump. I wasn't going to be finding out for awhile whether or not the lump was malignant. My husband had to go to Mexico on business and I was at home alone for a week with this info in the back of my mind. You know what? I enjoyed my week. It's gotten to the point now that if I don't have a doctor's appointment or a scan scheduled, it's a great and happy day--and I enjoy every blessed minute of my free time! I just wanted to share with you that after 2 years of emotional and physical overload, I've evolved into someone who enjoys my "peaceful" times. I am thinking of you and Keith and hope your news is great. Ada

Dear Peg, This is really wonderful news. I am so happy for you and Bill. Ada

Dear Curtis, I had 3 infusions of Taxotere--once a week every three weeks for 3 months. It's the only chemo that worked to shrink my tumor. After I was done with this series, my tumor was a "scar" according to the oncologist. There are side effects, but nothing I couldn't handle. I think Taxotere is being used more and more these days. I am hoping this works well for Becky, Ada

Dear Ray, One thing that has helped me to maintain my sanity is that I have never asked any of my doctors how long I have to live. They don't know. There are so many promising therapies on the horizon, don't let negative information get you down. I am wishing you much luck with your treatments. I think you'll do very well, Ray. I'll be thinking of you. Ada

How about this one.................. "Do you have a cemetary plot?" (Close relative) Ada

Dear Peg, This is really great! Taxotere is being used more and more these days. I believe I read where it is now used as a first line chemo for NSCLC. I am so happy to hear your hopeful news. Ada

Dear Peg, Thank You! Ada

Dear Peg, I am wondering if you could share information. Where is Bill going for the vaccine trial that involves a tissue sample? I follow what you are doing very closely because I feel that I am right behind him in my diagnosis and treatment. If you have time to post information, I would appreciate that so much. Thank you Peg. I am praying that everything will work in Bill's favor. Ada

Dear Carol, When I had surgery, the hospital gave me a "cough buddy"-- a stuffed animal--a very firm teddy bear that I used instead of a pillow while coughing. Unfortunately, coughing is essential after this surgery and the coughing really hurts. Having a very firm pillow, or something like my cough buddy really helps. The nurse also told me that all systems in the body are mixed up after the surgery. I had so much acid reflux. I was on medication for it, but it still caused some problems. Even eating a banana was uncomfortable. These are all minor discomforts. This will all pass and after awhile, your Dad will be feeling much better. Have a safe trip. Ada

Dear Becky, I read your post this morning and thought about what I wanted to say to you all day. I am sorry that you have lung cancer. Like you, I was diagnosed with stage IIIA and it's scary and frustrating. People will always tell you that when you have cancer it's vital to focus on the positives not negatives, but of course it's difficult to know just how to do that. Here is what I would tell you if you were my close friend (who I knew was being troubled by deep anger). I would say--if you focus on empathy, compassion, understanding and forgiveness there would be very little room left in your life for anger. You just wouldn't have time to have angry feelings towards others if you focused all of your energy on getting well. You said something very interesting in your post. You said that you have their (smokers) lung cancer. That's really a curious way of putting this. Yesterday, my husband was diagnosed with melanoma of the eye--Eye Cancer--which is extremely rare. Who's cancer does he have??? Like me and all others with cancer, he has his very own disease and his very own battle. We just can't afford to be brought down by negative feelings. I have stopped asking why, I just want to know how. Ada

Dear Sam, I will remember you in prayer and hope that all turns out well for you. Ada