SharKats

Hi Jerrye, Welcome from another Newbie. Like you, I am ever so glad I found this site. I saw some rather depressing sites before locating this one - I know just how you feel. I am getting ready for 4th round of chemo next week and I have been having problems with being SOB upon exertion. I am almost 60 so I went on short-term disability through work until I finish my chemo. Do you have short-term through your work? I think it's important we rest and don't add too much fatigue onto what the treatment already causes. But everyone is different so you may be just fine with working. I just wanted to welcome you and wish you the very best!

Hi Chani, I don't have any info for you - I'm new to this cancer business myself, but I did want to wish your Dad the very best. I think it's wonderful that you're researching and looking for ways and means to help him. I have had a lot of not just support but also research from my sisters and words cannot convey how much it has meant to me. I'm sure the previous posters have provided some valuable links for you to check. PS. Being an avid animal lover, I also wanted to tell you I think your dog is beautiful!

Hi, As a fellow Newbie I would like to welcome you to the Board. I am truly encouraged by the warm and gracious reception I received from these wonderful people at this Board. I too hope you will share your story with us.

Just wanted to add that my main onc was adamant about my having radiation along with chemo. Went for radiation preparation but after radiation onc reviewed my films, she refused to do radiation. My main onc was quite upset and anxious for me to seek 2nd opinion to confirm her views. My 2nd opinion onc agreed with radiation onc - said since I was extensive stage he felt the radiation along w/chemo would not improve my chances for survival and would probably make me so sick I would have to quit chemo. He and radiation onc felt if cancer returned it would be to liver and if it returned in the chest I could have radiation at that time. So I went with the 2 out of 3 opinion. Wishing your Mom the very best!

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you! These warm welcomes certainly makes a person feel at ease, not to mention encouraged and hopeful. Healthwise I've led a charmed life - other than high BP and high chlosterol(?) - I've always been fine, not even a broken bone, just a tonsilectomy when I was 12. Since 1/15, however, I've had quite a jarring introduction to tests, different specialists, porte-cath installation, well, you all know what I mean. My sister Pam, who is a breast cancer survivor, told me I would really enjoy and benefit from a support group. I'm sorry I didn't listen to her sooner. Don, it's also nice to meet a fellow Houstonian. Yes, it's a GORGEOUS day - I wish I could bottle it up and bring it out in July and August. And Connie, you are definitely a very warm and caring person to be able to write such a genuinely welcoming post. It's a real pleasure to meet all of my new family members. I'm going to change my sig to reflect my current treatment as you'all have done. Thanks ever so much!

Thank you for the welcome! I'm always a little nervous when I first join a Message Board. PS. Standard procedure to list your treatment after your sig?

Hello Everyone, Boy has it taken me a while to get to this stage. I was diagnosed with SCLC January 15th and began chemo an hour later. I've had a difficult time accepting my diagnosis (as far as it really sinking in) and being able to reach out to anyone other than my immediate family. (hubby and sisters and really close friends). I began with tremendous pressure in throat and then face began swelling - I thought I was allergic. (Wishful thinking). Anyway, I am So glad to see there is a support group for lung cancer survivors. I'll be starting my fourth round of chemo next week. My last chest x-ray showed no regrowth of the tumor but I don't know when the next set of cat scans will be scheduled. I'm lucky that I live in Houston and have great local resources for cancer treatments. Except for a 2nd opinion at Baylor Hospital I've stayed in my "little corner" of Houston (Spring) and receive my chemo at a small cancer center. I look forward to "talking" with you all.