Annette

Yeah!!! Hoping good news brings good news brings good news - as you said this place could use some more of it! Annette

I am going to be the lazy one - haven't even looked out a window. I went to Best Buy yesterday and got a new printer ... and all the Seasons of Will and Grade and the Sopranos... So I will have to force myself to turn the tv off tonight. ... Is it nice out? Tomorrow is already a four letter word day "work". Hope everyone that isn't lucky enough to have a dvd to watch is outside enjoying the first gorgeous days of fall. Annette

Big congratulations you say thanks to those a little longer out to you and I say you are one who has helped me. Every day that someone has a milestone - gives us all a little hope and if you are like me it's like a little pressure off the chest knowing it is even possible. I am so thankful to have found this sight - and I look forward to saying congratulations to you again next year!!! Annette

There really are no words of comfort - only "ears" and "shoulders" to provide you a momentary relief. Although I've never been in your particular situation - I can say - that your the only one that can measure the "gets easier". I don't care if it's "better" a little every day, a little every week, a little every month, a little every year - it's only important that you know you thought of him with a little more ease this second. It may be a week before another easy thought comes - you have to recover at your own pace because if you recover at someone else's suggested time frame it won't help you one bit. Which of course is why all of the people that cried with you here are still very willing and ready to give you {hugs} to make it one more .... good moment down that road whatever "getting easier" really means. I offer you a {hug}! Annete

I think it must be a combination because I didn't have any post-surgery therapy after either lobe removal. But some perfumes just make me choke, some of the airfresheners in my house had to go and I had to reduce how much cleaner I use - not a happy time for me - I'm a little OCD about the neatness/ cleanliness. As for the smoking - {sigh} - almost 1 year and 4 months after diagnosis/immediate quit - I still would like to redo that last one. Even though I do admit things smell much better now. I also think it might just be a different awareness that we all form following the horrible mental wrestling we have done with ourselves - and still do come scan time. I gotta admit the extra smell has it's good uses - I can tell when the milk is going bad about 2 days before anyone else! Annette

Good to hear about Roses' August Scan - Amazing stories for both of you. I get my exercise by reading that you rode your bike to work - so please don't stop posting that. Judy - I know what you mean about the cooking duties - I have been a slacker the last year that's for sure. I keep one of those stoffer's frozen packages on hand just for such occasions as I'm forced to fend for myself. Making myself hungry just thinking about it. It's Monday again - where did the weekend go. I got to spend the day with my daughter (who turned 23 last Thursday) and the 2 adorable grand babies. Hard to believe the little one is not a year yet - he pulls himself up on his brother and walks behind him already - little speed demons. Hope this work week flies by for the fellow workers. Annette.

One year ago today I had surgery on my left side. So since that day I suppose I have been NED - or so they say. I am already bouncing my leg for my "technical" one year CT Scan on Sept 15 I think. I actually had a few good days these last few months that I wasn't absolutely convinced that I had cancer in my toe. Every day a few aches are a little more gone. But boy it is hard not to worry - cause I am very very good at worrying. I have found that worrying for all the great people on here every time a test date comes around has helped, hopefully not only me but them too. One year - not long in the grand scheme of things - but boy has this been a horrific year. Annette

It's warm and overcast here. Pecans, Texas Pecans, there are no other. I remember my sister and I used to pick brown grocery bags full of pecans up and take them up the street about two blocks to the processing plant and sell them. Made ourselves a small fortune we did, at about 30 cents a pound if I remember correctly. We always had money for soda when we spent every summer day down at the pool. . .the good memories. Good thing I drove my car to work today - oh wait I do that every day I'm such a slacker - we are having those "afternoon storms" that drop a ton of water in a few minutes and off they go. Hope everyone has a great - sunny - summer day. Annette

I agree with everyone on this one. There is absolutely nothing wrong with crying and missing someone who meant the world to you. Some say - don't worry about it - you'll feel better one day at a time, one cry at a time, one family gathering at a time. As mentioned above - there is nothing wrong with getting some antidepressant - but honestly in your writing here it sounds like you are going through the grieving process - your own way - like everyone has to do when they lose something precious. Don't feel bad crying I think it's natural and believe it or not pretty thought cleansing. Whenever you feel better and start thinking of the good times - one less tear will have to fall - but until the thoughts iron themselves out - there is no harm in crying. I hope you are feeling better one moment, one hour, one day at a time. Annette

This has to be one of the best posts I've read in a long time. As always the group jumps in to support someone - and that bouys that person and everyone who reads it. It is awesome to read some of the feelings that we all have voiced - and it is in many ways a relief to know that we are progressing with the support of everyone on this site. I was lucky and stumbled onto this site right after I was diagnosed in May 2009. I read and cried and felt for everyone here, then got up the nerve and posted. Now everyone is like family and you cheer for the good news and cry for the bad. I'm almost one year from my second surgery and when my toe hurts I still feel like "it's" back. I think I'm getting through that a little. I admire your strength - and hope you do stick with us on this forum. I know I am starting to feel better - starting to think about making a plan or two - well not for too long in the future..... Where did that strength go now darn it...... Annette

I know what you mean testy about that question. I have no problem telling anyone who asks and/or will listen that I have lung cancer. Yes, I smoked until the day of diagnosis - then I go off on my statistic speak about the number of great people who stopped years ago, got smoke only second hand, never smoked, etc. and truthfully - I would like to tell them - with their noses stuck so high up in the air I'd bet they have some smoke in there somewhere - and where there's smoke there just might be fire...... Annette

Absolutely wonderful to read such good news. Even better is that you describe the process that I know I go thru - it makes us all feel a lettle better to know we are not the only ones feeling anxiety - and it makes us do the happy dance every time someone posts a successful year as flown by! Can't wait to respond to the next good one! Annette

It's already hot here in Richmond - another thunder boomer afternoon expected. Grow and go - that's what the kids do. So have a great day fishing Bud. I'll be walking tomorrow afternoon/night in a Relay for Life event - my first one - and just after one year. I wish I was as good at the exercise thing as a lot of folks on here are - I feel guilty, not guilty enough to run out (walk out) and do anythin about it yet - but guilty. Have a great weekend everyone. Annette

Good morning All, Beautiful morning here - a little cool - but until later when it storms it's great. Yes - my tetnus arm is still not real happy and the cat bite arm is itching like crazy. Went to my 9:30 orthopod appointment only to discover the power was out - now I'll have to wait til Tuesday to get the okay to let it close - not fun at all. It's an early close day at work - so an early start to a hopefully somewhat restfull weekend. I hope everyone enjoys the holidays. Annette

It's nice here now but we are expecting storms later. Hey Judy - wonder if he is talking about the 7 mile bridge up by marathon - ? I watched Idol too - and I was happy and surprised that Lee won - they were both great. I absolutely screamed when Bret Michaels came out with Casey - (even though I'm a country girl I like a couple of his songs on Guitar Hero). This has been a good and bad week for me. My mom has been in the hospital for over 3 weeks - now they are going to release her Saturday which of course is good and bad because I certainly can't help her get up - but there is simply no talking to the Case Manager or Doctor - so I'm over it. Figure when she can't get up we'll call an ambulance. They are supposed to send some home health aides to check on her I guess for wound care. Speaking of wound care - I was caring for my mom's cat Wednesday night and the gorgeous green eyed thing bit the tar out of me. Went to the doctor how sent me to an orthopedic therapist - got a wonderful whirlpool out of it because they want to keep the wound open until they make sure the antibiotics work - get to go get another whirlpool tomorrow. Worst part was the tetnus shot - arm still not happy. And all of this comes a week before the dreaded checkup - which is only an x-ray. So my stress level is through the roof. Sorry for the ramble - but that is my air - hope it made somebody's day lighter - I want it to be Friday Ann - but could we have two Friday's and skip Saturday this week..... Annette

I don't really understand how you could offend non-smokers with your very well thought out and stated soap box speach. I absolutely agree with the importance of working to ensure that no one gets this disease - cancer. I balk sometimes at the pink brigade because I know how underfunded lung cancer is - but what the he** - if they cure that then maybe they will move on to a form of cancer that is killing more people now than that one. Like Judy in KW - I either clam up and let the "did you smoke" question go - or I start spouting off about the numbers of people that never did that are now getting the disease. I'm glad your dog listens to you - I have a cat that listens to me. He even ensures that I don't get to loud in my rants. Now that some of the steam is relieved - hope you have a wonderful day. annette

I finally figured out why I wasn't getting the view new posts - I was logged out - do I feel Un "computerized". It's almost a nice day here but for the having to be at work. It is Wednesday though - really looking forward to a relaxing weekend. My mom has been in the hospital for 2 weeks and 3 days now and they are finally talking about moving her to a rehab facility that won't be so out of the way. Bad thing is I am now taking care of my 14 year old nephew who lives with her - I am not a boy bringer upper - I had a girl - this is much much worse. 2 weeks to go til my just about one year post surgery x-ray - been so busy worrying about my mom that I haven't started to worry about that one. I will say that walking the walk from the parking garage to the hospital has increased my (bad word =) exercise/walking ability. Which will be good since I am walking in the relay for life here the first weekend in June. (Wow is May going by fast) I'm so glad to ahve the View New Posts back I have to get busy reading now - I haven't seen the one about Ned but I'm looking forward to any good / nearly good / positve news on everyone - cause it's about time! Annette

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Annette

Congratulations - look forward to seeing many more!!! Annette

It's a nice day here as well - the sun was sure shining at lunch time. But I believe we are expecting the weather to come up from Florida over the next few days. I did not stop for lunch on the way back from my doctor's appointment this morning so I was wondering what I should do about dinner - Taco Bell sounds good. I too hope Heidi is doing well. Have a great evening. Annette

Been looking forward to hearing you were home and up on the computer. It takes a while - rest - even if you feel like you are getting better rest for a bit. Jumping back into things can cause the healing the slow down. Don't become a couch potato but take things easy. I think everyone has glitches - I had a fast heartbeat after the second lung surgery - maybe too much too fast with two major surgeries in 2.5 months. I'm sure like most people here we look forward to hearing about how things get better and better for you - it always helps me to hear someone is doing better - like a goal for us too I think. So glad to hear you are on the mend, Annette

I have no idea what the temperature is my office is so far back I never make it outside anymore. I know we may have a chance at snow again tomorrow - global what..... I just wanted to say that you reminded me I need to get my kitten an appointment for his well you know..... don't worry about it though - I can help you - Many years ago I had a cat and took her to get - well you know - and when I picked her up I told her I would "never never let that happen again" - and I didn't. Hope I got a few chuckles out of that. Annette

A good Thursday morning laugh. Annette

Since you have already been told that they can't do VATS - I can't speak exactly to your pain. Like others I woke up with all the "tubes" in place or I don't remember them now. I know I was awake when they took the chest tube out - but even days later I didn't remember any pain. I have had VATS twice - once in June and once in August of last year - so I know partly what you can look "forward" to. Take the pain medication every chance you get in the hospital - you will need it and it's there for a reason. Once you are home don't just stop - taper so you can regular dose if it is still hurting too bad. Most importantly - you should realize that all this 'feaking' out is normal - and you should - it's a scary scary operation for a horrible disease. But you are young, other wise healthy and have a bunch of people here rooting for you. That said, you will feel like a truck ran over you for a while - but every day you can look back at two days ago and realize I am getting better - I might just survive. Then one day you won't have to compare today to tomorrow cause it's so much better. Well that was / is my experience. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Monday - I'm sure there are a lot of us here pulling for you - we can't wait to hear from you on the healing side of this mess. Annette

I'm happy to be the first to say congratulations - and let me pour myself a drink and join you on the roof.. Annette