Annette

Nobody had as great an afternoon as I did - except maybe Judy in Richmond!!! I spent a great afternoon talking to Judy and we even got pictures that I will ask Bud to kindly post for me when she e-mails them to me. I was so excited to meet someone from here - especially Judy who was one of the first to welcome me here. I can't even remember everything we talked about but I will say that I was right in my thinking that she was smart, witty and had a great style about her. Now I know why it was so easy to consider her part of my on-line family and friend. I think I may just go crazy waiting for the summer when I get to meet Eric. Well it's after quitting time so I guess I better get myself out of here. I was so excited about today - I never even checked on FaceBook - now that says it all! Annette

Disclaimer: This information is for research purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or another qualified health care provider. Please use caution when making any decision regarding your health and always discuss it first with you doctor. U.S.NEWS & WORLD REPORT: AMERICAN’S BEST HOSPITALS SEARCH 2009: http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/best-hospitals AMERICA’S BEST HOSPITALS 2009 SPECIALTY SEARCH FOR CANCER: http://www.usnews.com/directories/hospi ... y+ihqcanc/ AMERICA’S BEST HEALTH PLANS HONOR ROLL FOR COMMERCIAL, MEDICARE AND MEDICARE PLANS: http://health.usnews.com/articles/healt ... -roll.html DISEASES & CONDITIONS: http://health.usnews.com/sections/healt ... index.html HEALTH ADVICE: http://health.usnews.com/sections/healt ... index.html HEALTHLINE DIRECTORY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS - A TO Z: http://usnews.healthline.com/directory/drugs FIND A THERAPIST: http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/usnews/ FIND A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: http://healthprofs.com/usnews/ ************ NCI: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE MAP OF NCI CANCER CENTER LOCATIONS: http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_ ... nters.html HOW TO FIND A CANCER TREATMENT TRIAL: A 10-STEP GUIDE: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/fi ... rial-guide SEARCH FOR CLINICAL TRIALS: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search LUNG CANCER: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/ ... ng/patient SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/ ... ng/patient DRUG DICTIONARY: http://www.cancer.gov/drugdictionary DICTIONARY OF CANCER TERMS: http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary NCI FACTSHEET: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/fact ... rt/hospice BOOKLET / WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LUNG CANCER: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/lung/page1 ************ NCCN: NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK NOTE: CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES IN ONCOLOGY™, THE NCCN DRUGS AND BIOLOGICS COMPENDIUM™, AND THE NCCN CHEMOTHERAPY ORDER TEMPLATES™ REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ACCESS. http://www.nccn.org/default.asp CLINICAL TRIALS: http://www.nccn.org/clinical_trials/default.asp FOR PATIENTS: http://www.nccn.org/patients/default.asp ************ ABOUT SCANS: CT SCAN: (COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY) http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap ... =ct&bhcp=1 MRI SCAN: (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING) http://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/article.htm BONE SCAN: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-scan/ca00020 X-RAY: (RADIOGRAPHY) http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap ... modal=xray PET SCAN: (POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY) http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet RASOUND: (SONOGRAPHY) http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/sitemap ... m?modal=us BONE DENSITY SCAN: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dexa RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION OF LUNG TUMORS: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=rfalung NEEDLE BIOPSY OF LUNG NODULES: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=nlungbiop ABOUT LUNG CANCER: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lungcancer GLOSSARY: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/glossar ... .cfm?pid=1 ************ CHEMOTHERAPY: LOW BLOOD COUNTS: http://chemocare.com/managing/low_blood ... asp#lowred CHEMOTHERAPY INFORMATION: http://www.chemocare.com/whatis CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS - DRUG NAMES: http://www.chemocare.com/bio SIDE EFFECTS - SYMPTOMS & SOLUTIONS: http://www.chemocare.com/managing MANAGING EATING PROBLEMS: http://www.chemocare.com/eatingwell BEFORE AND AFTER CHEMO: http://www.chemocare.com/lifeduring COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE: http://www.chemocare.com/complementary_medicine.asp ************ RADIATION: RADIATION THERAPY AND YOU: SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/radi ... py-and-you RADIATION THERAPY FOR CANCER: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/fact ... /radiation ************ WOOKSHEETS: (FREE DOWNLOAD) RADIATION THERAPY WORKSHEET TO TRACK SIDE EFFECTS: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mon/conte ... ffects.asp? CHEMOTHERAPY WORKSHEET TO TRACK SIDE EFFECTS: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mon/conte ... ffects.asp? INTERFERON/INTERLEUKIN WORKSHEET TO TRACK SIDE EFFECTS: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mon/conte ... ffects.asp? PAIN DIARY: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mon/conte ... record.asp? MY TO-DO LIST: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/clp/clp_2 ... tearea=mon MY LOVED ONE HAS CANCER: CAREGIVERS: http://www.mylovedonehascancer.com/ LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION / SURVIVORSHIP WORKSHEETS: http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khlxk1 ... sheets.htm MY TO-DO LIST: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templ ... 1438521033 MEDICATION LOG: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templ ... 1440991033 HEALTH WORKSHEETS: http://www.opa.ca.gov/healthcare/resour ... heets.aspx make the most of doctor visits: http://www.opa.ca.gov/healthcare/_downl ... visits.pdf MY HEALTH HISTORY: http://www.opa.ca.gov/healthcare/_downl ... istory.pdf CHOOSE A DOCTOR: http://www.opa.ca.gov/healthcare/_downl ... doctor.pdf CLINICAL TRIAL PATIENT WORKSHEET: http://www.cancer.org/downloads/eto/cli ... ksheet.pdf MY IMPORTANT CONTACTS: http://www.chemotherapy.com/pdf/my_contacts.pdf MY HEALTH AND TREATMENT HISTORY: http://www.chemotherapy.com/pdf/health_treatment.pdf MY CALENDAR; http://www.chemotherapy.com/pdf/calendar.pdf MY INSURANCE DISCUSSION RECORD: http://www.chemotherapy.com/pdf/insurance_record.pdf ************ MISC: LUNG CANCER LINKS: http://www.lungcancerclaims.com/lungcan ... dsites.htm CANCER & LUNG CANCER ORGANIZATIONS: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/sites/cancerorgs.html LUNG CANCER: ORGANIZATIONS, DIRECTORIES: http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics ... tegoryid=9 NATIONAL LUNG CANCER ORGANIZATIONS: http://www.nationallungcancerpartnershi ... _resources WEBSITES & ORGANIZATIONS: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/sites/index.html OTHER RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS DEDICATED TO LUNG CANCER: http://lungcancer.about.com/od/otherres ... cancer.htm 65 MATCHING ITEM(S) FOR LUNG CANCER: http://www.healthywomen.org/resources/h ... lungcancer LUNG CANCER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES: http://brittanysbattle.org/lungcancerinfo.aspx LUNG CANCER: http://dir.yahoo.com/health/diseases_an ... ancer/?b=0 WEB RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS: http://www.chemotherapy.com/web_resourc ... es_org.jsp DISEASE DIRECTORY : CANCER : LUNG: http://www.diseasedirectory.net/cancer/ ... fault.aspx ANNIEAPPLESEEDPROJECT: http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/luncanadgrou.html MEDICAL DICTIONARY MEDTERMS™: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/hp.asp DISEASES & CONDITIONS A-Z LIST: http://www.medicinenet.com/diseases_and ... rticle.htm PROCEDURES & TESTS A-Z LIST - A: http://www.medicinenet.com/procedures_a ... lpha_a.htm MEDICATION DISPOSAL: WHAT TO DO WITH OLD OR UNUSABLE MEDICATION http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=85048 GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PHARMACY VISIT: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=19667 DANGERS OF MIXING MEDICATIONS: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=87059 LUNG CANCER THE FACTS: (BOOK) http://books.google.com/books?id=qnc5w4 ... &resnum=15 LUNG CANCER: (BOOK) http://books.google.com/books?id=j0565n ... &resnum=14 WITH EVERY BREATH: A LUNG CANCER GUIDEBOOK: http://www.lungcancercap.org/lungcancer ... k/book.htm NCCS: NATIONAL COALITION FOR CANCER SURVIVORSHIP / THE CANCER SURVIVAL TOOLBOX http://www.canceradvocacy.org/toolbox CURE MAGAZINE: FREE http://www.curetoday.com CURE: HELP FOR PATIENTS & GENERAL INFORMATION http://www.curetoday.com/currentissue/p ... ients.html CURE: FOR MORE GENERAL CANCER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT: http://www.curetoday.com/toolbox.html MEDICAL ILLUSTRATIONS GALLERY: LUNG CANCER http://www.cancer.net/patient/library/m ... rtypeid=21 AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS: http://www.biooncology.com/bioonc/profe ... es/index.m FIVE WAYS TO HELP SOMEONE WITH LUNG CANCER: http://cms.carepages.com/carepages/en/a ... _ways.html TRAVELING TIPS FOR CANCER PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS: http://www.cancerwise.org/may_2004/disp ... color=blue LUNG CANCER GUIDE: http://www.iaround.org GET HELP - LUNG CANCER: http://www.cancercare.org/get_help/help ... nosis=lung HELPFUL LINKS: http://www.gulfcoastcc.com/helpfullinks.htm TIPS FOR THE CAREGIVER: http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/impro ... hgodvtfqza SOME THOUGHTS FOR NEW CANCER PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: http://www.theblackriver.net/mmsurvey/patientlist.html LUNG CANCER: http://www2.healthtalk.com/go/cancer/lu ... /resources ONCONURSE: LUNG CANCER RESOURCES http://www.onconurse.com/factsheets/lung_resource.html ONCTALK / DR. (GRACE) WEST: GLOBAL RESOURCE FOR ADVANCING CANCER EDUCATION http://cancergrace.org A HANDBOOK FOR STAGING, IMAGING, AND LYMPH NODE CLASSIFICATION: http://www.ctsnet.org/book/mountain/index.html MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda THE MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT LUNG CANCER: http://www.centrastate.com/workfiles/on ... ooklet.pdf THE MERCK MANUALS: ONLINE MEDICAL LIBRARY http://www.merck.com/mmhe/index.html R.A. BLOCH CANCER FOUNDATION, INC: http://www.blochcancer.org MESOTHELIOMA & LUNG CANCER: http://www.mesothelioma-lung-cancer.org COPING WITH LUNG CANCER / DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: http://lungcancercap.org/coping3.htm A GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S BEST AND MOST POPULAR LUNG CANCER WEBSITES FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT: http://bestcancersites.com NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE: http://www.nlm.nih.gov ARCR: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH http://www.aacr.org LUNGEVITY FOUNDATION: NAMED ONE OF CHARITY NAVIGATOR'S TOP-TEN FASTEST GROWING CHARITIES, LUNGEVITY IS THE PREMIER GRANT-MAKING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FUNDING LUNG CANCER RESEARCH AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THE LUNG CANCER COMMUNITY. http://www.lungevity.org FREE LIVESTRONG SURVIVORSHIP NOTEBOOK: http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khlxk1 ... tebook.htm BERNIE SIEGEL, MD: (MOTIVATIONAL / INSPIRATIONAL) http://www.berniesiegelmd.com ************ GLOSSRAY: LUNG CANCER GLOSSRAY: http://www.medicinenet.com/lung_cancer/glossary.htm CDC: LUNG CANCER GLOSSARY http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/glossary GLOSSARY: PDF FROM http://www.lungcancerguidebook.org/lung ... y_0605.pdf GLOSSARY OF LUNG CANCER TERMS: http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics ... ossary.cfm ************ TARCEVA: http://www.tarceva.com http://www.tarceva.com/patient/index.jsp http://www.tarceva.com/patient/caregiver/index.jsp ************ CLINICAL TRIALS: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials http://www.cancer.org/docroot/eto/eto_6.asp http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/trials.html ************ LUNG CANCER TRIAL RESULTS: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/re ... any&page=1 ************ LUNG CANCER ONLINE: FINDING THE BEST MEDICAL CARE: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/care/index.html SERVICES & SUPPORT: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/support/index.html LUNG CANCER INFORMATION: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/info/index.html LUNG CANCER TREATMENT: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/treatment/index.html SYMPTOMS, SIDE EFFECTS & COMPLICATIONS: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/effects/index.html TESTS & PROCEDURES: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/tests/index.html SURVIVING LUNG CANCER: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/surviving/index.html WEBSITES & ORGANIZATIONS: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/sites/index.html RESEARCHING THE MEDICAL LITERATURE: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/medlit/index.html HEMATOLOGIC (BLOOD) EFFECTS: http://www.lungcanceronline.org/effects ... fects.html ************ DRUG RESEARCH: DRUG INFORMATION ONLINE: http://www.drugs.com DRUGDIGEST: http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp RXLIST: (THE INTERNET DRUG INDEX) http://www.drugdigest.org/dd/home SAFE MEDICATION: http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURER INFORMATION: http://www.safemedication.com DRUGS@FDA GLOSSARY OF TERMS: http://www.drugs.com/manufacturers.html FDA APPROVED DRUG PRODUCTS: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drugsatfda/glossary.htm FDA: LISTING OF APPROVED ONCOLOGY DRUGS WITH APPROVED INDICATIONS. U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION • CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH / LISTING OF APPROVED ONCOLOGY DRUGS WITH APPROVED INDICATIONS. http://www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/druglistframe.htm ACS: ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, THERE ARE 5 MAIN CATEGORIES OF CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS THAT ARE USED TO FIGHT CANCER. THEY ARE: HTTP://WWW.PARALLELJOURNEYSCANCER.COM/POC/DRUGS.HTML ************ CANCER & MEDICAL WEBSITES: http://www.plwc.org/portal/site/plwc http://www.cancerindex.org http://www.cancerfacts.com ************ CAREGIVERS: http://www.nfcacares.org http://www.caregiving.org http://www.4women.gov/faq/caregiver.htm http://www.caregivers-usa.org http://www.caregiver.com http://www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp http://www.familycaregiving101.org http://www.bymyside.com/ http://www.chemotherapy.com/caregiver/f ... givers.jsp ************ HOSPICE: FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES FACING LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS: http://www.hospicenet.org HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA: http://www.hospicefoundation.org NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ORGANIZATION: http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm LOCATE A HOSPICE: http://www.hospicedirectory.org ************ CANCER SURVIVOR STORIES: http://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-survivors.cfm http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cancer/sur ... group.html http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/facing/hope.html http://www.lungcancer.org/patients/fs_pc_flc.htm http://cancerguide.org/stories.html http://www.mdanderson.org/patients_publ ... isplayfull http://www.blochcancer.org/articles/letter.html http://www.acscsn.org/talk_shows_and_st ... lores.html ************ GOOGLE: LUNG CANCER IN THE NEWS http://www.google.com/top/health/condit ... ncer/lung/ ************ SUPPORT GROUPS / NATIONAL TOLL - FREE NUMBERS & WEB SITES: SUPPORT GROUPS: http://www.cancerindex.org/clinks6a.htm NATIONAL TOLL-FREE NUMBERS & WEB SITES: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/genresc/gr5.htm TOLL FREE LIST: http://www.advocacycenter.org/tollfree.htm TOLL-FREE NUMBERS FOR HEALTH INFORMATION: http://www.focusas.com/healthinfonumbers.htm THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY: FREE CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS AND MORE http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE: http://www.alcase.org/facing/support_groups.html THE CANCER INFORMATION NETWORK: http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/support/index.asp LIVING WITH IT: http://www.livingwithit.org/lung/coping/groups.aspx ASSOCIATION OF CANCER ONLINE RESOURCES: http://listserv.acor.org/archives/lung-sclc.html CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS: http://www.weitzlux.com/asbestos/resear ... 28211.html LUNG CANCER RESOURCES DIRECTORY: http://www.cancerindex.org/clinks2l.htm ************ WRITING A FUND RAISING LETTER: http://www.fundsraiser.com/dec07/fundra ... igest.html http://www.southportlandrelay.org/fundr ... etters.pdf http://www.theovernight.org/index.cfm?f ... 4ac563119d http://www.fundraiserhelp.com/how-to-wr ... letter.htm http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/articl ... -tips.html http://www.komensacramento.org/rftc/sam ... etters.pdf http://www.better-fundraising-ideas.com ... tters.html http://www.writeexpress.com/effective-f ... etter.html http://stepbystepfundraising.com/donati ... -template/ ************ QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR: (LUNG CANCER) HTTP://WWW.CANCER.NET/PATIENT/CANCER+TYPES/LUNG+CANCER REGULAR COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR IS IMPORTANT IN MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH CARE. CONSIDER ASKING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS OF YOUR DOCTOR: FOR ALL PATIENTS WITH LUNG CANCER: • WHAT TYPE OF LUNG CANCER DO I HAVE? • WHAT IS THE STAGE OF MY LUNG CANCER? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? • SHOULD I SEE ANOTHER DOCTOR TO ASSIST IN MY CARE, SUCH AS A THORACIC SURGEON, RADIATION ONCOLOGIST, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST, AND/OR PULMONOLOGIST? WHAT IS THE ROLE OF EACH DOCTOR IN MY CARE? • DO I NEED ADDITIONAL SCANS OR BIOPSIES IN ORDER TO PLAN MY TREATMENT? • CAN YOU EXPLAIN MY PATHOLOGY REPORT (LABORATORY TEST RESULTS) TO ME? • WHAT IS THE GOAL OF MY TREATMENT? • WHAT CLINICAL TRIALS ARE OPEN TO ME? • WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS TREATMENT, BOTH IN THE SHORT TERM AND THE LONG TERM? • HOW WILL THIS TREATMENT AFFECT MY DAILY LIFE? WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK, EXERCISE, AND PERFORM MY USUAL ACTIVITIES? • IN ADDITION TO TREATING MY CANCER, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO TREAT MY SYMPTOMS? • ARE THERE ANY OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ME? • WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME? TO MY FAMILY? FOR PATIENTS WHO WILL HAVE SURGERY: • WHAT TYPE OF SURGERY WILL I HAVE? WILL LYMPH NODES BE REMOVED? • HOW LONG WILL THE OPERATION TAKE? • HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THE HOSPITAL? • CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT MY RECOVERY FROM SURGERY WILL BE LIKE? FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE TO RECEIVE CHEMOTHERAPY AND TARGETED THERAPY: • WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF THE DRUGS, AND HOW ARE THEY GIVEN? • WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF EACH MEDICATION? WHAT SIDE EFFECTS OR PROBLEMS SHOULD I WATCH FOR? • WHAT CAN BE DONE TO LESSEN THESE SIDE EFFECTS? • HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO VISIT THE DOCTOR TO RECEIVE THE THERAPY, AND HOW LONG WILL EACH VISIT TAKE? • WILL I BE ABLE TO GO TO AND RETURN FROM THIS TREATMENT ON MY OWN, OR SHOULD I ARRANGE TO HAVE ASSISTANCE? FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE TO RECEIVE RADIATION THERAPY: • HOW WILL MY TREATMENT BE PLANNED? WHAT TYPES OF SCANS WILL BE USED? • WHERE WILL I RECEIVE RADIATION THERAPY? • HOW OFTEN WILL I RECEIVE RADIATION THERAPY? • HOW MUCH TIME WILL EACH TREATMENT TAKE? • HOW MUCH OF THE NORMAL LUNG WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RADIATION FIELD? • IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO RECEIVE CHEMOTHERAPY WITH MY RADIATION THERAPY? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE ADDED SIDE EFFECTS OF GIVING THE CHEMOTHERAPY AT THE SAME TIME, COMPARED WITH ONE AFTER ANOTHER? • WILL I BE ABLE TO GO TO AND RETURN FROM THIS TREATMENT ON MY OWN, OR SHOULD I ARRANGE TO HAVE ASSISTANCE? FOR PATIENTS CONSIDERING A CLINICAL TRIAL: • WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR STANDARD TREATMENT? • WHAT OTHER TREATMENTS THROUGH CLINICAL TRIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME? • HOW WILL MY EXPERIENCE DIFFER IF I ENROLL IN THIS CLINICAL TRIAL, AS OPPOSED TO STANDARD TREATMENT (DIFFERENT RISKS, EXTRA TESTS OR TIME COMMITMENT, SCHEDULE)? • WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THIS CLINICAL TRIAL? IS THIS A PHASE I, II, OR III CLINICAL TRIAL? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? • WHERE WILL I RECEIVE THE CLINICAL TRIAL TREATMENT? FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TREATMENT: • WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT MY CANCER WILL RETURN? • IS THERE ANYTHING MORE I CAN DO TO REDUCE THE CHANCE THAT MY CANCER WILL RETURN? • WHAT FOLLOW-UP TESTS WILL I NEED AND HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED THEM? • WHAT TESTS WILL I HAVE DURING MY FOLLOW-UP VISIT? FOR PATIENTS WHO SMOKE: • HOW CAN YOU HELP ME TO QUIT SMOKING ************ QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR: (GENERAL) HTTP://WWW.CANCER.NET/PATIENT/DIAGNOSIS ... THE+DOCTOR THIS SECTION HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE CANCER.NET EDITORIAL BOARD, 09/08 STUDIES SHOW THAT PEOPLE WITH CANCER WHO ARE FULLY INFORMED ABOUT THEIR DISEASE AND TREATMENT OPTIONS USUALLY TEND TO FARE BETTER AND EXPERIENCE FEWER SIDE EFFECTS THAN THOSE WHO SIMPLY FOLLOW DOCTORS' ORDERS. BEING INFORMED GIVES YOU SOME CONTROL OVER YOUR DISEASE AND MAY HELP YOUR EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING. SOME PEOPLE CAN FEEL OVERWHELMED BY TOO MUCH INFORMATION OR DO NOT WANT TO KNOW AS MANY DETAILS ABOUT THEIR CONDITION. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO IDENTIFY HOW MUCH INFORMATION IS RIGHT FOR YOU. GETTING ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS YOUR DOCTOR SHOULD MAKE TIME TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN VARIOUS TREATMENT OPTIONS. THE FOLLOWING TIPS CAN HELP YOU COMMUNICATE BETTER WITH YOUR DOCTOR. • TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING AN EXPLANATION, DESCRIPTION, OR UNFAMILIAR MEDICAL WORDS. SOMETIMES, THE DOCTOR MAY BE ABLE TO DRAW A PICTURE OR GIVE AN EXAMPLE. • CONSIDER WRITING YOUR QUESTIONS DOWN BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT, WHICH CAN LOWER YOUR LEVEL OF STRESS AND HELP MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT. • BRING A NOTEBOOK OR A TAPE RECORDER TO THE APPOINTMENT. DURING THE APPOINTMENT, WRITE DOWN YOUR DOCTOR'S ANSWERS, OR ASK A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND TO WRITE THEM DOWN FOR YOU. THIS WAY, YOU CAN READ OR LISTEN TO THE INFORMATION LATER. • BE PATIENT. IT MAY TAKE A FEW MEETINGS WITH THE DOCTOR BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. • ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE WHERE YOU CAN FIND PRINTED MATERIAL ABOUT YOUR CONDITION. MANY OFFICES HAVE THIS INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE. THE INTERNET CAN BE VERY HELPFUL FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR TYPE OF CANCER, OR THOSE WHO ARE MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR TREATMENT. HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE REPUTATION OF THE ORGANIZATION POSTING INFORMATION, AS NOT ALL INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET IS ACCURATE. LIKE CANCER INFORMATION FOUND IN BOOKS, MAGAZINES, OR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES, INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET SHOULD BE USED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INFORMATION YOU FIND, PLEASE TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR. LEARN MORE ABOUT EVALUATING CANCER INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET. • IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SEEKING A SECOND OPINION, LET YOUR DOCTOR KNOW. MOST DOCTORS FULLY UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF A SECOND OPINION AND ARE NOT OFFENDED WHEN PATIENTS SEEK ONE. THEY MAY EVEN BE ABLE TO SUGGEST ANOTHER DOCTOR. SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR AN IMPORTANT PART OF MANAGING YOUR CARE IS KNOWING WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK OF YOUR DOCTOR. EVERY PERSON'S NEEDS ARE UNIQUE, AND YOUR QUESTIONS WILL CHANGE DURING THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF YOUR DISEASE. BELOW ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE TYPES OF QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR. GENERAL INFORMATION • WHAT TYPE OF CANCER DO I HAVE? • WHERE EXACTLY IS IT LOCATED? • WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR THIS DISEASE? • IS THIS TYPE OF CANCER CAUSED BY GENETIC FACTORS? ARE OTHER MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY AT RISK? • HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE DIAGNOSED WITH THIS TYPE OF CANCER EACH YEAR? • WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES (DIET, EXERCISE, REST) DO YOU RECOMMEND I MAKE TO STAY AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER TREATMENT? • WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY CANCER? SYMPTOMS • WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THIS TYPE OF CANCER? • HOW CAN I AVOID SYMPTOMS AND/OR REDUCE THEIR EFFECT ON MY DAILY ACTIVITIES? • IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE MY SYMPTOMS BETTER? • ARE THERE ACTIVITIES THAT MAY MAKE THE SYMPTOMS WORSE? • IF NEW SYMPTOMS ARISE OR EXISTING SYMPTOMS WORSEN, WHAT SHOULD I DO? DIAGNOSIS • WHAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS OR PROCEDURES ARE NECESSARY? HOW OFTEN? • WHAT WILL THESE TESTS TELL US ABOUT MY CANCER? • HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF FOR EACH TEST OR PROCEDURE? • WHERE DO I NEED TO GO TO HAVE THIS TEST? •WHEN WILL I GET THE RESULTS? HOW WILL I GET THE RESULTS (OVER THE PHONE, AT THE NEXT APPOINTMENT, ETC.)? • CAN YOU EXPLAIN MY PATHOLOGY REPORT (LABORATORY TEST RESULTS) TO ME? • IF I SEEK A SECOND OPINION, WILL I HAVE TO REPEAT ANY TESTS OR PROCEDURES? • HOW MUCH INFORMATION CONCERNING MY DIAGNOSIS SHOULD I SHARE, AND AT WHAT TIME, WITH MY FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES? STAGING • WHAT IS THE STAGE OF MY CANCER? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? • HAS CANCER SPREAD TO MY LYMPH NODES OR ANYWHERE ELSE? • HOW IS STAGING USED TO DETERMINE CANCER TREATMENT? • WHAT IS MY PROGNOSIS (CHANCE OF RECOVERY)? TREATMENT KEEP IN MIND THAT ALL TREATMENTS OFFER RISKS AND BENEFITS. DISCUSS THESE WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND CONSIDER YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY AND CURRENT CONDITION IN DECIDING WHETHER THE TREATMENT APPROACH IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOU. • WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS? • WHAT IS THE GOAL OF EACH TREATMENT? • WHAT CLINICAL TRIALS (RESEARCH STUDIES INVOLVING PEOPLE) ARE OPEN TO ME? • WHAT TREATMENT DO YOU RECOMMEND? WHY? • HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE TREATING THIS TYPE OF CANCER? • HOW WILL THIS TREATMENT BENEFIT ME? • WILL I NEED TO BE HOSPITALIZED FOR TREATMENT, OR IS THIS TREATMENT DONE IN AN OUTPATIENT SETTING? • WHAT IS THE EXPECTED TIMELINE FOR MY TREATMENT PLAN? DO I NEED TO BE TREATED RIGHT AWAY? • HOW WILL THIS TREATMENT AFFECT MY DAILY LIFE? WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK, EXERCISE, AND PERFORM MY USUAL ACTIVITIES? • WHAT ARE THE SHORT-TERM SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS TREATMENT? • WHAT LONG-TERM SIDE EFFECTS MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CANCER TREATMENT? • WILL THIS TREATMENT AFFECT MY ABILITY TO BECOME PREGNANT OR HAVE CHILDREN? • BESIDES TREATING CANCER, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO TREAT MY SYMPTOMS? • HOW CAN I KEEP MYSELF AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE DURING TREATMENT? CLINICAL TRIALS • WHAT ARE CLINICAL TRIALS? • HOW DO CLINICAL TRIALS HELP PEOPLE WITH CANCER? • IS THIS A TREATMENT OPTION FOR ME? • HOW WILL I BE MONITORED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A CLINICAL TRIAL? • WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DISEASE GETS WORSE OR IS NOT TREATED EFFECTIVELY WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A CLINICAL TRIAL? • HOW IS TREATMENT PAID FOR IF I PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL? • WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS? FIND MORE QUESTIONS TO ASK THE RESEARCH TEAM WHEN CONSIDERING A CLINICAL TRIAL. SUPPORT • WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME? TO MY FAMILY? • WHOM SHOULD I CALL WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DURING NON-BUSINESS HOURS? • MAY I CONTACT YOU OR THE NURSE TO TALK ABOUT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION I FIND? • CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SOCIAL WORKER TO HELP LOCATE SUPPORT SERVICES? • WHERE CAN I FIND RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN? FOR TEENAGERS? FOR YOUNG ADULTS? • WHERE CAN I FIND HELP WITH MANAGING THE COST OF MY CANCER CARE? • WHO HANDLES HEALTH INSURANCE CONCERNS IN YOUR OFFICE? FOLLOW-UP CARE • WHAT FOLLOW-UP TESTS DO I NEED, AND HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED THEM? • IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD BE ASKING? NOTE: SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS WERE DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH CANCERCARE, A NATIONAL CANCER PATIENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION. IN ADDITION, SEE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS IN THE "QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR" SECTION OF EACH CANCER TYPE. ************ M.D. ANDERSON: QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A CLINICAL TRIAL: HTTP://WWW.MDANDERSON.ORG/PATIENTS_PUBL ... ISPLAYFULL PAGE 1 OF 2 NOTE: © 2006 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, REVISED 04/25/06 PATIENT EDUCATION OFFICE AS THE PATIENT, IT IS YOUR DECISION WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL. SINCE IT IS YOUR CHOICE, ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU NEED TO ASK, AND CONTINUE TO ASK QUESTIONS UNTIL THE ANSWERS ARE CLEARLY UNDERSTANDABLE TO YOU. SOME EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT A CLINICAL TRIAL INCLUDE: TREATMENT-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS • WHAT IS MY PROGNOSIS? (YOUR PROGNOSIS IS WHAT THE DOCTOR THINKS WILL HAPPEN WITH YOUR CANCER – YOUR CHANCE OF RECOVERY, THE EXPECTED COURSE OF THE CANCER, OR THE LENGTH OF TIME YOU ARE SICK.) • WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS? • HOW WOULD THE STANDARD TREATMENT AFFECT MY PROGNOSIS? • WHAT PHASE IS THE CLINICAL TRIAL? • WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CLINICAL TRIAL? • WHY DO RESEARCHERS BELIEVE THE NEW TREATMENT BEING TESTED MAY BE EFFECTIVE? HAS IT BEEN TESTED BEFORE? HAS ANYTHING BEEN PUBLISHED ABOUT THIS TREATMENT? IF SO, BY WHOM? • HOW MIGHT THE CLINICAL TRIAL AFFECT MY PROGNOSIS? • WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM RISKS AND/OR SIDE EFFECTS? • HOW DO THE POSSIBLE RISKS, SIDE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARE WITH STANDARD TREATMENT? • HOW OFTEN AND FOR HOW LONG WOULD I RECEIVE TREATMENT? • WHO WOULD BE IN CHARGE OF MY CARE? • WHO WOULD BE MY MAIN CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS OR AN EMERGENCY? • HOW LONG WOULD I NEED TO REMAIN IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL? • WOULD THERE BE ANY FOLLOW-UP AFTER THE CLINICAL TRIAL? LOGISTICAL QUESTIONS • WOULD I HAVE TO COME TO M. D. ANDERSON FOR ALL TREATMENTS, TESTS AND PROCEDURES? HOW OFTEN WOULD I HAVE TO COME? HOW DOES THIS COMPARE WITH STANDARD TREATMENT? • WHERE WOULD I RECEIVE TREATMENT? • HOW LONG WOULD EACH TREATMENT APPOINTMENT LAST, INCLUDING PRETREATMENTS? • WHAT WOULD I NEED TO DO AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE TRIAL? • WOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL COSTS OF TESTS OR TRAVEL? EMOTIONAL AND RELATIONSHIP NEEDS QUESTIONS • HOW WOULD THE CLINICAL TRIAL CHANGE OR AFFECT MY DAILY ACTIVITIES? • CAN YOU PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL? • CAN YOU PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH SUPPORT SERVICES IF I NEED THEM? M.D. ANDERSON: QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A CLINICAL TRIAL: QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT A CLINICAL TRIAL PAGE 2 OF 2 NOTE: © 2006 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, REVISED 04/25/06 PATIENT EDUCATION OFFICE DECISION-MAKING SUGGESTIONS AFTER DISCUSSING QUESTIONS WITH THE DOCTOR AND/OR NURSE, TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS SO THAT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR ECISION. SOME SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU ARE DECIDING ABOUT A CLINICAL TRIAL INCLUDE: • LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. •TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE. •GO TO THE LEARNING CENTER AT M. D. ANDERSON. THE LEARNING CENTER IS LOCATED IN THE MAIN BUILDING AND THE AMBULATORY CLINICAL BUILDING. • LIST THE PROS AND CONS OF YOUR OPTIONS. • DETERMINE BENEFITS AND RISKS THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. IS IT LIKELY THAT THESE BENEFITS AND RISKS WILL HAPPEN? • GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED. • KEEP A LIST OF ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, AND CONTINUE TO ADD QUESTIONS TO YOUR LIST. • TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS TO YOUR DOCTOR. MAKE SURE YOU GET AN ANSWER FOR EACH QUESTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE. • DEFINE YOUR PRIORITIES AND YOUR ROLE IN YOUR FAMILY OR COMMUNITY. • WHAT OR WHO IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU? •CONSIDER MAKING A DECISION THAT HELPS YOU CONTINUE DOING WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU (BEING A PARENT, WORKING AS AN EMPLOYEE, BEING A FRIEND, ETC.). • TALK TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. •IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO DO WHAT YOUR FAMILY THINKS IS BEST? •ASK OPINIONS OF PEOPLE YOU TRUST. • CONSIDER PRACTICAL ISSUES. • DETERMINE TRAVEL TIME TO MEET YOUR APPOINTMENTS (ESPECIALLY IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON). • IF YOU WOULD NEED TO COME TO HOUSTON OFTEN, WOULD SOMEONE BE ABLE TO COME WITH YOU? • WOULD IT BE DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO COMPLETE ALL THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL? •WOULD YOU DISLIKE HAVING TO COMPLETE A PATIENT DIARY IF ONE IS REQUIRED? CONSIDER THE TIME COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIAL. • THINK ABOUT HOW PARTICIPATING IN A CLINICAL TRIAL WOULD MAKE YOU FEEL. • WHAT DECISION WOULD GIVE YOU THE LEAST AMOUNT OF STRESS? • IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO TRY ANYTHING THAT IS NEW IF YOU QUALIFY? WHATEVER DECISION YOU MAKE, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE THE BEST CARE AVAILABLE. YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOCTOR WILL NOT BE CHANGED BY YOUR DECISION. ************ LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE: HTTP://WWW.LUNGCANCERALLIANCE.ORG/FACIN ... TIONS.HTML NOTE: BEFORE YOU JOIN A CLINICAL TRIAL, TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ABOUT THE SPECIFICS OF THE TRIAL. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO TALK WITH A RESEARCHER WHO IS ADMINISTERING THE TRIAL BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION. ASK QUESTIONS SUCH AS: • WHAT DOES THE TRIAL HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH? • WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MIGHT I EXPERIENCE? ARE THESE WORSE THAN THOSE I MIGHT EXPERIENCE WITH STANDARD TREATMENT? • WHO IS SPONSORING THE TRIAL? • WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF I AM IN THE TRIAL? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IF I AM NOT IN THE TRIAL? • WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS TO ME AND MY FAMILY IF I GO INTO THE TRIAL? • WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TREATMENT? WILL ANY OF THE TREATMENT BE FREE? • WILL JOINING A TRIAL KEEP ME FROM BEING TREATED WITH OTHER THERAPIES, EITHER NOW OR LATER? • WHOM CAN I CALL IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS WHILE I AM IN THE TRIAL? WHAT PHONE NUMBER SHOULD I CALL IN THE EVENING OR ON WEEKENDS? BE AWARE THAT SOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE RELUCTANT TO HAVE THEIR PATIENTS PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL TRIALS. THIS MAY BE DUE TO ANY NUMBER OF REASONS, INCLUDING: • SOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS MAY BE GENERALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR PATIENTS PARTICIPATING IN MEDICAL RESEARCH • SOME MAY BE CONCERNED THAT THEIR PATIENT'S PARTICIPATION IN A CLINICAL TRIAL WILL RESULT IN MORE WORK FOR THE PROFESSIONALS AND THAT THEIR TIME IS ALREADY VERY LIMITED • OTHERS MAY WORRY THAT PATIENTS CANNOT WITHSTAND THE MORE FREQUENT OFFICE VISITS THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED • STILL OTHERS MAY BELIEVE THAT A STANDARD TREATMENT REGIMEN WILL BE BEST THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOUT A TRIAL INCLUDES A LIST OF RESEARCHERS AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONTACT THEM ************ CHEMOTHERAPY SURVIVAL TIPS: HTTP://WWW.CANCER-ROADMAP.COM/CHEMOTHER ... MENTS.HTML I NEVER LOOKED FORWARD TO CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENTS, BUT I DID FIND WAYS TO MAKE THEM A LITTLE MORE BEARABLE. HERE ARE MY CHEMOTHERAPY SURVIVAL TIPS: SINCE YOU'RE GOING TO BE DOING A LOT OF SITTING (IN THE WAITING ROOM BEFORE THE TREATMENT AND IN A CHAIR DURING THE ACTUAL TREATMENT), COME PREPARED. BRING BOOKS, MAGAZINES, YOUR JOURNAL, WHATEVER. MANY TREATMENT FACILITIES HAVE TVS IN THEM, BUT YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT THE OTHER PEOPLE THERE WILL BE WATCHING - IF YOU'RE NOT A BIG FAN OF FULL HOUSE RERUNS, YOU'LL BE GLAD TO HAVE SOMETHING ELSE TO KEEP YOU OCCUPIED DURING THE TREATMENT. ON THE SAME TOKEN, YOU MAY GET LUCKY AND EITHER HAVE YOUR OWN TREATMENT ROOM WITH A TV OR BE THE FIRST ONE IN THE ROOM AND GET TO DECIDE WHAT CHANNEL TO WATCH. I FELL IN LOVE WITH A SHOW CALLED "CASH CAB" ON THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL WHILE I WAS GOING THROUGH CHEMO TREATMENTS. I ALWAYS GOT SO EXCITED WHEN I GOT TO WATCH CASH CAB! BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU TO THE TREATMENT - AND DON'T THINK IT ALWAYS HAS TO BE THE SAME PERSON. MY MOM AND BOYFRIEND CAME WITH ME TO THE FIRST COUPLE OF TREATMENTS, BUT SINCE I WAS ALREADY SPENDING A LOT OF TIME WITH BOTH OF THEM EACH AND EVERY DAY, WE DIDN'T HAVE A WHOLE LOT TO TALK ABOUT TO PASS THE TIME DURING THE TREATMENT. FOR THE REST OF MY TREATMENTS, I INVITED OTHER PEOPLE TO COME ALONG WITH ME TO THE TREATMENTS - CLOSE FRIENDS, MY AUNT, MY SISTER. I REALLY ENJOYED HAVING THEM COME ALONG BECAUSE: I DIDN'T SEE THESE PEOPLE ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS SO WE HAD THINGS TO TALK ABOUT TO PASS THE TIME. THIS GAVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING TO SUPPORT ME. PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS ASKING IF THERE'S ANY WAY THEY CAN HELP YOU WHEN YOU HAVE CANCER - YOU MIGHT AS WELL TAKE SOME OF THEM UP ON THEIR OFFERS! A WORD OF WARNING ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU BRING ALONG FOR YOUR CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT: MAKE SURE BOTH YOU AND THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BRING ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE NOTION THAT THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE YOU MAY "GET SICK" DURING THE TREATMENT. YOU MAY OR YOU MAY NOT, BUT IT'S BEST TO BE PREPARED - THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT JUST CAN'T STOMACH SEEING SOMEONE ELSE LOSE THEIR LUNCH. WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE THE CHEMOTHERAPY VISIT MORE PLEASANT; HTTP://WWW.ONCOLINK.ORG/TREATMENT/ARTIC ... S=11&ID=70 BRING READING MATERIALS, CRAFTS (NEEDLEPOINT, KNITTING, DRAWING MATERIALS), CD PLAYER OR RADIO WITH HEADPHONES, AND OTHER ITEMS THAT CAN HELP PASS THE TIME. SOME PATIENTS GET A METAL TASTE IN THEIR MOUTH AS A RESULT OF THE CHEMOTHERAPY; MINTS OR MINT-FLAVORED GUM CAN HELP ELIMINATE THIS TASTE. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO BRING SMALL PACKETS OF CRACKERS OR COOKIES, DEPENDING ON THE LENGTH OF YOUR VISIT. A FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIEND IS USUALLY WELCOME. IT IS HELPFUL TO HAVE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER DRIVE YOU TO AND FROM TREATMENT IN CASE YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL. GETTING TO KNOW THE OTHER PATIENTS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE ALSO GOING THROUGH CHEMOTHERAPY CAN BE A VERY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. PATIENT TIPS: TIPS THAT MAY HELP DURING CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMEN: HTTP://WWW.SANCUSO.COM/PAT/STORIES/PATIENTTIPS.HTML FOR MANY PEOPLE GOING THROUGH TREATMENT, THE ABILITY TO LISTEN TO SIMILAR STORIES CAN BE A HUGE HELP. THERE’S NO REASON TO GO IT ALONE. SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER AND KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING OF OTHERS WHO ARE FACING A SIMILAR JOURNEY. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS THAT MAY WORK FOR YOU UNSCENTED PRODUCTS: SOMETIMES WHEN YOU’RE GOING THROUGH CHEMO, YOU CAN GET REALLY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN SMELLS AND SCENTS, EVEN IF THEY NEVER BOTHERED YOU BEFORE. YOU CAN STOP WEARING YOUR PERFUME OR COLOGNE, THAT’S EASY. BUT THERE’S ALSO YOUR DEODORANT, SHAMPOO, AND BODY LOTION, ETC. BEFORE YOU START CHEMO, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHANGE TO AN UNSCENTED BRAND. IT MAY HELP.—TESS THIRST: WHEN YOU NEED FLUIDS, BUT AREN’T IN THE MOOD FOR DRINKING LIQUIDS, POPSICLES MAKE A NICE TREAT, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE DRY MOUTH. CHOOSE SUGARLESS IF THE REGULAR ONES ARE TOO SWEET, OR PICK UP THE 100% JUICE KINDS. PLUS, THEY’RE FUN TO EAT.—ROB SOFT STUFF: BRING YOUR OWN SOFT THINGS TO YOUR CHEMO TREATMENT, SUCH AS TISSUES WITH LOTION, A NICE BLANKET OR PILLOW, A WOOLLY SCARF OR FAVORITE SOFT SWEATER.—JULIE TEETH, MOUTH, AND TONGUE: DURING CHEMO, IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND YOUR TONGUE MORE THAN YOU MIGHT DO NORMALLY. BECAUSE OF THE TREATMENT, ALL SORTS OF FILM CAN BUILD UP IN YOUR MOUTH, AS WELL AS SOME BAD TASTES. BRUSHING MORE THAN USUAL CAN HELP. IF YOUR GUMS ARE FEELING OVERLY SENSITIVE, USE A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH.—TERI FEELING TIRED: I FOUND THAT IF I SAT DOWN WHEN I DID EVERYDAY THINGS, LIKE SHAVING OR BRUSHING MY TEETH, OR BLOW DRYING MY HAIR, THOSE SORTS OF THINGS I DID EVERYDAY, IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER TO DO, ENERGY-WISE, IF I SAT DOWN. I WOULDN’T GET SO TIRED THAT WAY, AND COULD CONSERVE MY ENERGY IF I WAS HAVING A LOW ENERGY DAY.—RAY DRY, ITCHY EYES: MY EYES DROVE ME CRAZY DURING CHEMO, BECAUSE THEY BECAME SO DRY AND ITCHY. INSTEAD OF USING LOTS OF DROPS, WHICH DIDN’T SEEM TO WORK, I USED COLD COMPRESSES, AND ONE OF THOSE COSMETIC GEL MASKS, WHICH MY WIFE KEPT IN MY FRIDGE. IT SEEMED TO HELP QUITE A BIT.—GRANT WATER BOTTLE: WHEN I WENT TO MY CHEMO APPOINTMENT, I BROUGHT A HOT WATER BOTTLE WITH ME, MINE HAS A LAMB'S WOOL FLEECE COVER THAT IS REALLY COZY. I WOULD JUST HOLD IT ON MY LAP, AND THE WARMTH WAS A BIG COMFORT.—LISA ************ HELP OPTIONS: NCI CANCER INFORMATION SPECIALISTS CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER AND HELP YOU WITH QUITTING SMOKING. THEY CAN ALSO HELP YOU WITH USING THIS WEB SITE AND CAN TELL YOU ABOUT NCI'S PRINTED AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS. CANCER INFORMATION SPECIALISTS HAVE ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE, ACCURATE INFORMATION ON A RANGE OF CANCER TOPICS, INCLUDING THE MOST RECENT ADVANCES IN CANCER TREATMENT. THEY ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE, CARING, AND EXPERIENCED AT EXPLAINING MEDICAL INFORMATION. THE SERVICE IS CONFIDENTIAL, AND INFORMATION SPECIALISTS SPEND AS MUCH TIME AS NEEDED FOR THOROUGH AND PERSONALIZED RESPONSES. IMPORTANT: NCI PROVIDES CANCER RELATED INFORMATION FOR YOUR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE. PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT ANSWER PERSONAL MEDICAL QUESTIONS, MAKE REFERRALS TO SPECIFIC DOCTORS OR INSTITUTIONS, OR GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE. CONCERNS ABOUT A MEDICAL CONDITION - EITHER YOUR OWN OR THAT OF A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND, SHOULD ALWAYS BE DIRECTED TO A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. TELEPHONE: TALK WITH AN INFORMATION SPECIALIST FROM THE NCI'S CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE, IN ENGLISH OR SPANISH, WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. LOCAL TIME. 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) TTY: 1-800-332-8615 LIVEHELP ONLINE CHAT: HAVE A CONFIDENTIAL ONLINE TEXT CHAT WITH A CANCER INFORMATION SPECIALIST FROM THE NCI'S CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE - MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M. U.S. EASTERN TIME. LIVEHELP HTTPS://CISSECURE.NCI.NIH.GOV/LIVEHELP/WELCOME.ASP E-MAIL: IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS OR ARE UNABLE TO FIND WHAT YOU NEED ON THIS SITE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US, IN ENGLISH OR SPANISH, USING OUR ONLINE CONTACT FORM AND EMAIL US: HTTP://WWW.CANCER.GOV/CONTACT MAIL: WRITE TO THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE AT: NCI PUBLIC INQUIRIES OFFICE 6116 EXECUTIVE BOULEVARD ROOM 3036A BETHESDA, MD 20892-8322 ************ HELPFUL RESOURCES: THE COSTS OF CANCER TREATMENT CAN QUICKLY BECOME OVERWHELMING, EVEN IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE. PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED BY VARIOUS COMPANIES, NONPROFITS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO HELP PATIENTS WITH LITTLE OR NO INSURANCE GET ACCESS TO DRUGS AND MONEY FOR OTHER EXPENSES. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ENROLLING IN A PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, YOU MUST FIRST GATHER INFORMATION, USUALLY FROM YOUR DOCTOR OR THE MAKER OF THE SPECIFIC DRUG YOU’RE TAKING FOR WHICH YOU NEED ASSISTANCE. A DOCTOR MUST BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS BECAUSE THE PHYSICIAN WRITES THE PRESCRIPTION FOR THE MEDICATION. MANY PATIENT ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS WILL REQUIRE PROOF OF INCOME, INCLUDING TAX RETURNS, SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME, INTEREST AND RETIREMENT TO PROVE FINANCIAL BURDEN AND TO MEET INCOME REQUIREMENTS. FAXING THE INFORMATION OFTEN SPEEDS UP THE PROCESS. IN ADDITION TO MANY STATE GOVERNMENTS, NUMEROUS ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDE INFORMATION ON PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE ONES LISTED BELOW. AMGEN REIMBURSEMENT CONNECTION 800-272-9376 WWW.AMGEN.COM/PATIENTS/ASSISTANCE.HTML FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED AND WHO HAVE LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES; BASED ON INSURED STATUS AND INCOME LEVEL. DRUGS IN THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE ARANESP® (DARBEPOETIN ALFA) AND NEULASTA® (PEGFILGRASTIM). BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB PATIENT ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION 800-736-0003 WWW.BMSPAF.ORG ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WHO GENERALLY HAVE NO PRIVATE PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE AND ARE NOT ENROLLED IN A PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE PLAN THROUGH MEDICAID OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL HEALTH PROGRAM. CANCERCARE 800-813-4673 WWW.CANCERCARE.ORG/GET_HELP/ASSISTANCE CANCERCARE’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PROVIDES LIMITED GRANTS FOR CERTAIN EXPENSES RELATED TO TREATMENT. GENENTECH’S SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT 888-249-4918 WWW.SPOCONLINE.COM AVASTIN EXPENDITURE CAP: 800-232-2717] A REIMBURSEMENT RESOURCE FOR GENENTECH PRODUCTS THAT PROVIDES INFORMATION TO PATIENTS AND THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. GLAXOSMITHKLINE’S COMMITMENT TO ACCESS 866-265-6491 WWW.COMMITMENTTOACCESS.GSK.COM PROVIDES OUTPATIENT MEDICATIONS TO ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME PATIENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS. LILLY CARES 800-545-6962 WWW.LILLYCARES.COM PROVIDES TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS OBTAINING LILLY OR DISTA MEDICATION. MERCK'S ACT PROGRAM 866-363-6379 HTTP://WWW.EMEND.COM/APREPITANT/EMEND/C ... /INDEX.JSP ACT IS A TWO-PART PROGRAM SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO ASSIST INSURED PATIENTS WITH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT ISSUES, AND TO PROVIDE PRODUCT SUPPORT FOR THOSE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS LACKING COVERAGE FOR EMEND® (APREPITANT). PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE 888-477-2669 WWW.PPARX.ORG OFFERS A SINGLE POINT OF ACCESS TO MORE THAN 275 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION'S CO-PAY RELIEF 866-512-3861 WWW.COPAYS.ORG PROVIDES DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO QUALIFIED PATIENTS TO ENABLE THEM TO AFFORD CO-PAYMENTS REQUIRED BY THEIR INSURANCE. OFFERS PERSONAL SERVICE TO ALL PATIENTS THROUGH CALL COUNSELORS. 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You have definitely come to the right place. Even though you have seen the horrible statistics out there - this is a place you can find hope - and people who have been in the same terrified position you are in. Trust me - I remember how terrifying it was - and I can tell you that once you get the needle biopsy and then a treatment plan you will start to feel like you have some control back. I would also add that another great place to visit is cancergrace.org - visit there and you will see questions and answers by long time survivors, advocates and oncologists - it is without a doubt a great resource. I know your journey is just beginning - but check back there will be a lot of people that are here to lean on - let us know if you have any questions. I am gonna post another response that will contain a list of resources and questions that you may want to take with you to doctor's appointments. It is so very hard to pay attention and not get lost so I would absolutely suggest that you take a pad of paper to take notes on. And most importantly - ask here - someone will probably be able to help you. Definitely prayers and virtual hugs going your way, Annette

I am so very happy for you and your mother. I look forward to hearing how the surgery goes and hope that everything goes as good as it has over the last months. Prayers and hugs! Annette

Ok - where is everyone - I know why I'm late, I was at court with my nephew and I know why Judy (KW) is late cause I just talked to her on the phone a few minutes ago. That's right - I am so excited she should be Judy in Richmond sometime early this afternoon. It is a little gray outside today, very overcast and wintery feeling even though I did not wear a coat today. But today is going to be a great day to actually meet someone that has become a fast friend on here. I suppose I should get busy working so I don't feel too bad sliding out this afternoon. Annette

Good Morning everyone - - I am sitting in bed taking it easy watching DVDs of the Deadliest Catch getting ready for the new season that starts Tuesday. My hip is really hurting today - my family thinks it might be my sciatic nerve acting up. Me - I think on top of that I'm lazy - but don't tell anyone. I can't lay about all day I have to go out sometime and start the stew and make the corn bread - yumm. Eric good to see you back - we di dn't even get the cake baked -I would bet that other men enjoyed her costume as well. Aside from that I hope that somewhere in Sally's mind she is thankful she still has a job. I don't think most employers would be so lenient here in the states. I have watched the Masters before - but for some reason it just still seems like winter to me and I can't get into golf yet. Might be the whole nephew escapade too - we have a court date tomorrow to check on his "progress". Bruce - I try to remember to hit "Ctrl - C" just in case. After losing long posts several times it seems that I am always trying to post at the same time as everyone else. Well I'm gonna relax for a bit before I gotta start dinner. Annette

Judy - I "liked" the show for you... Annette

Eric - we were going to have a welcome back party - did you read yesterdays' air. Bruce was going to jump out of a cake for you wearing the tutu you sent him. I know we had a lot more planning to do - I imagine there might have even been a welcome back toast but you couldn't stay away from us. Guess we will have to have another reason to have a party. We just got back from the grocery store - wow to teenagers eat alot - he had to have a snack and now I have to go cook dinner (salmon cakes yummm). They (Keith and Marco) are out there in the living room playing XBox and Playstation - and after dinner one of them is gonna have to let me play - I picked up Rock Band Country Pack 2 - it may actually have some songs on it I can stand to play. It's a little chilly here and I just realized I left my light jacket at the detention center the last time I visited Marco - of course WalMart doesn't have winter stuff out they have already changed over to spring stuff - never will understand that. Anyway - guess I'll head to the kitchen to slave over a hot stove (good thing the rest of the weeks menu contains all the things Keith will cook). Annette

I think we should throw Eric a welcome back party Tuesday. He would never guess that we would think to do that. So we need volunteers to jump out of the cake.....Bruce..... if you could kindly ask your cows to hold off it would be just dandy if you would put your cheerleading outfit on and jump out of the cake for Eric..... Okay Who else has ideas?- - where is Becky? Annette

I'm sorry to hear about your friend - just as the season is about to get underway. I hate this disease. Annette

Eric you need some kind of protection if you are going to venture around on the internet. I used to have to carry around my boot discs so I could reformat every time I did something to get those viruses. I guess it's a pretty day out - had very little sleep last night after an evening of teenage attitude. I am having a very difficult time with this - not healthy stress. Thankfully I am at work ... and thankfully it is Friday - and I see a nap in my future. Annette

Bud, that makes me want to rush out and get some hearing aids - LOL. I remember how much fun my daughter, my nephew and I had with my mom before she went and got them - we would whisper at the dinner table and she couldn't hear a darn word we said. It was difficult at times to remember she had them - some funny funny moments when we realized we were no longer going "unheard" - let's just say my daughter got a ton of my sarcastic sense of humor and a ton of "colorful" humor from her dad. There was no topic not approachable at the dinner table - I mean - I grew up telling everyone (seriously!) that my mom analyzed baboon sh*t for a living. . . . . well she did - she was a biochemist and worked at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio - nobody believed me....come to think of it - I still like to tell that story. Of course her next job was not at all as fun - there she just did open heart surgery on fat rats once she dropped the guillotine. (That was at the UT Medical School Research Facility). I'm thinking I'd rather do that that manufacturing - although the offset in hours would definitely have it's advantages. I haven't Soprano'd anyone in the house - but after last night I may have dreams about it. I know I would never have been a good math teacher - I just don't get how it can be so hard for people to understand - so much easier with a right or wrong answer that having someone slash your grammar (and my grandmother was an English teacher supersonic slasher). I just have no idea how to get him to understand but I'm pretty sure ringing his neck is not the answer - well a little sure - well I guess I need to think on that one. He is doing very well though - we go back to court on April 11th for the "check-in" (he has passed 3 drug screens) and then back in court on April 25th for the actual charge I guess. Still has that over his head - but if he stays clean he probably will not have to go back to detention - or so that's what everyone is saying the judge will say but ultimately it's up to him. Overall - he is doing good as can be expected having missed 70 days of school so far. Back to the Grindstone - - - Later, Annette

Good morning all. It is a bit chilly today and they are saying that it is going to rain tonight - sigh. I am so tired today I don't know how long I will last at work. I had 9th grade algebra homework last night that almost led to less short people living in the house. It still might because this morning I found out the homework is not really due until tomorrow. Sigh - good to be at work where I can relax. Ronnie - Once your hair grows out you can still act like you don't hear things - there are probably a lot of situations that that would work really well in. I here someone unlocking the front door so I guess I better go and look busy so I got them all fooled. - - I'll check back in later. Annette

That is so very disappointing Judy - I'm very glad I didn't stop at the Food Lion and purchase those things myself. Whatever will we do now. I mean - what is this world coming to when you can't take a commercial at face value. Maybe that is why they created DVR's so we could stop being misled by commercials. I am truly sorry that you have to wipe that sink down yourself. I will have to rush out and do some more research and see what I can come up with. LOL Annette

Judy (MI) - I have much knowledge to share with you....now I don't know from personal experience of course - but I have seen many commercials where someone sprays this stuff from a bottle and these little scrubbing bubbles come out and clean up the whole bathroom. Iffn I ever feel like I better do something like that - well - there is that Food Lion right on the way home from work. (And if the scrubbing bubbles don't do it for you - what you do is tell Randy that you ran into Mr. Clean and you would much prefer to keep Randy that start over - betcha he helps then.) Annette And as an aside - Keith got his physical today everything was good except for his triglycerides - they were up a little so the doctor was telling him what he needed to cut down on. (That poor man is gonna starve to death in my house. I did, being the nice person that I am, volunteer to eat all the chocolate from now on. At least I can do that for him. There were a few other goodies on his list but that one struck me first.) Ok - I'll stop rambling for now, Annette

Bud - Let me think if I rode to work - I would have to call Two Guys In A Truck to deliver my bed because figure the odds of me making it - and what about my DVR - I'm thinking this is just not going to work. I'm gonna go and hug my car. Annette

Thank you - for all you do - Somehow your post just struck me. I'm glad someone is outfoxing hospice - it made me smile Annette

Stay warm up there Judy - won't be fun thawing out on the way back down 95. I agree about the news on Ned - good - then the last sentence is heartbreaking and I'm still hoping for better. This has been an interesting morning. Keith works at home on Wednesdays - so his office phone is forwarded - of course it rang at 6:00 a.m. It really wasn't that long ago that I got up at 6 everyday to get to work by 7. (That nut thankfully has gotten better). So I reset the alarm for 6:30 - when my mom called to ask what time the meeting was this afternoon (the one I had told her about for 4 days in a row now). So then I sent the alarm for 7 - yes I can still get up get showered and be at work by 8. (In fact - when I set it for 7:30 I was thinking I could still get to work by . But I couldn't go back to sleep so I wound up getting up at 7. I think I need a sick day - I'm sick of getting up so early in the morning. Tomorrow's a maybe!. We were watching the DVR til 10 p.m. last night so it was a late night since I can't sleet until I have read a few pages (which becomes a battle between me and the ambian when the book gets good). But boy am I tired today. It is chilly out there too - only in the low 60's today. Monday was summer and now we are back in warm winter. I don't think Canada is for me. I'm more like Judy (KW) with the little heater on if it's below 75. Anyway - I better get up and walk around before the nap mode kicks in instead of the work mode - I believe this may be a long long day. Annette

I'm here - I got you covered Bud - - I was just up at the AA's desk and we did some pointing and neck exercises. Not a lot but at least we didn't miss today - that's a good thing. I swear Lillian has more get up and go that I ever had - - I wonder where I left it. Maybe it is just on holiday with my brain and when they come back - I will be like a marathon racer who can do really hard math questions while running - like factoring 45x2y3 (45(x squared)(y cubed) - I swear this problem kicked my bootie last night - I'll never pass 9th grade algebra. Judy (MI) - I know what you mean - we have a cat that is mostly white. Drives Keith batty - I'm a cat lover so it doesn't bother me - I just try and remember to roll my clothes before I walk out the door - and if I don't well - I did mention that I've lost my mind right. Keith will vacuum and then trim the claws, give the cat a bath and brush him (not that it helps) - but they have a bonding going on there. Nutcases I tell you. Judy (KW) - when you are heading back the exit that we were talking about would be Parham 83B (South). When you come off the highway get in the left hand lane and at the first red light take a left and then up ahead is the Walmart parking lot. You will have to take a right or left to come around to an opening in the parking lot won't be too hard. I work maybe 5 minutes away from there. I am getting more and more excited as the days go by. Gotta get back to work - I'm a busy busy busy bee today. Annette

So sad to read this - Condolences to his family may they find peace. Annette

Wow - so much going on - where have I been. Oh - yeah - work - sigh. Judy (MI) - I think that laundry and cleaning take a lot, I mean a lot of planning. You should absolutely not rush into anything. That's the approach I take. Like today I will make a list of things I would rather do than clean. Tomorrow I will look over that list to make sure it is complete. Wednesday Keith works from home and will look at the laundry basket and poof all of a sudden I will have folded laundry on my side of the bed - I know it's a miracle - but who am I to complain. Did I mention that while he is working at home on Wednesday - the kitchen is usually cleaned up too. And while the cleaning fairies are at it they usually clean up my bathroom too. Okay so now Thursday I will make a list of things that need to be done. Hmm, "baby can you scoop the litter for me please". That does it - list complete. Of course, with Randy going back to work - it may not be as easy to get things done that way - but it's always worth a try. And you know that exercising the mind - it pretty much like exercising the body - isn't it? Eric on holiday - will you still go bowling? I'm surprised that they took her back after telling you they wouldn't - - maybe they found out that that was not a good policy and that they have to tell her in person and she has to get paid in full as they do so. I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again. Kinda like an invincible child - thinks that they will never get caught or in trouble. I was looking at cancer grace this weekend and did not see an update has anyone seen or heard anything? I better hit the work button - I have to leave early on wednesday to go to a meeting for the kid - sigh - then next week to court again - it is a vicious cycle. I'll check back later, Annette

I don't see how anyone can say anything bad about how you get through this horrible "process" of grieving. Every post you have made makes me think how I hope I could handle things as well and graciously as you. Your donating Pat's things to hospice is not only a wonderful idea - it may even become one of those happy memories. I hope that you continue to have good memories to share - Annette

It is already afternoon - I hope everyone slept late today - and is enjoying a relaxing Sunday. Keith is off in the kitchen getting dinner started - (I was hoping for a snack - but he hasn't brought me anything yet - - yes I am lounging around watching DVD's after a disappointment Basketball game last night. Overall it was a pretty good game - except for the ending. I am watching Season 4 of the Deadliest Catch. Keith bought them for me this is one of my favorite shows - I have watched them all several times - and the new season should be starting soon. (I am a reality show junkie - I admit it.) Maybe what I will do is sort the laundry right quick - after all he is in the kitchen he should be able to monitor the washing machine while he's cooking right. - - - My middle name is NOT Slug after all I am chewing gum - that's exercise - right. Come on people - "tell me something good". Annette

Ronnie - thanks for joining the "Air" - I think we will all be happy for some new stories - and hope that you enjoy our happenings. We have been known to have some pretty good fun around here - and what party isn't made better by more people. I have seen your posts in other forums and I'm glad you feel like posting in the Just For Fun. Looking forward to getting to know you - Annette

It is so easy for all of us to say - take it easy - - but one thing you have here are people who know what "I can't relax" means. Don't be upset with yourself for feeling like you can't calm down - you just heard the worst words ever. I cannot even tell you when you will be able to calm down. Because if you are anything like most of us even when you get your plan going - and they tell you things are looking good - there are still a lot of things to worry about. The internet is full of "doom and gloom" and it probably won't surprise you that those statistics may be right - but - they didn't measure those who made it past the 5 year mark - and you will find them here. So the best advice is - stop worrying about being worried - it's part of it and it makes you normal. Take one doctor's appointment at a time - be sure you write things down - and check out all the postings here and like Kasey said another good place to check out is cancergrace - you can ask questions and get a response from oncologists. Check out the link that Randy posted - there are a lot of good questions to ask. Don't feel bad because you cry - it is a relief valve - and check back in here - because you have a lot of people here ready to offer you support when you need it. Annette