Melinda

Congratulations, Tiny! What fabulous news. All the best, Melinda

Don and Lucie-- Tremendous, tremendous news! Love to you both, Melinda

I am all for supplements, provided you inform your doctors (for the reasons outlined above). However, Geoff and I have very strong feelings about Mannatech, per se--and I have to admit they are not positive. I do not mean to offend anyone who does take/like Mannatech--a question was posed, and I am simply expressing our opinion regarding the matter. Someone turned Geoff's mom on to Mannatech about two years before she was diagnosed with LC. Geoff and I objected b/c a) we were unsure about the product itself and we thought it was a pyramid scheme. She was extremely enthusiastic about the products, though; she gave us a bunch of it, which we never took. When Geoff's mom was dx'd with LC--and we collectively researched and questioned doctors, nutritionists, etc.--we ended up tossing every single bottle into the trash--at her insistence! We are not doctors, nutritionists, or soothsayers--and we certainly do not claim to have cornered the market on truth. This is simply our two cents on the issue. I wish everyone the best. Melinda

I'm really glad that there is an open discussion of this topic on the forum. Purely anecdotal--but my mother (and her doctors who were sceptical at first--to put it mildly!--but now "off the record" tell her to keep it up) swears that the only reason she is still alive is that she swore off all refined sugar and high sugar foods. She is appalled that these are the very food that cancer patients are practially force-fed by many of their doctors (and lie in enticing baskets in waiting rooms). Whether there is any substance to her claim or not--medical evidence does seem to agree (today, at any rate) that a high sugar (refined/prcocessed foods) diet is bad for one in many a way... Dr. Perricone even argues that it causes pre-mature aging and wrinkles, for the vain among us (like me ). Historically, people simply did not have the access to high sugar foods the way we all do now. What was impossible for them to comsume SEEMS imposible for us NOT to consume! As the ancient Greeks were fond of saying, "All things in moderation" (except the Spartans, of course!!!). I have more research on this subject; will try to find time to dig it out and post it. All the best, Melinda

Maureen, I am a life-long New York City girl, and yet was not aware of this foundation, either. I really appreciate the information and the link; I really like what I see, as well. Time to find time to do a little research... Thank you! Melinda

Tom, Thank you so much for your work. It will benefit both smokers and non-smokers with LC, alike, I am sure. My question is this: do you have any use for data on never-smokers who recently died from LC (and we have ALL the data, medical records, tests, etc.). I know that Geoff's mom would want to participate in this with all her heart in soul, if she were still with us. We simply heard about you six months too late... Regardless, all the best. Sincerely, Melinda

Hebbie-- It's good to log on for the first time in a LONG, LONG time--and see your smilin' face still up and at 'em in the activism forum. As you know, Geoff and I have been holding on to a "hallpass" for quite a while. However, I wanted to make you promise that you would contact us so that we can help with the event again this year (and not at the 11th hour! ). As always, my hat is off to you. Fondly, Melinda

Hey, Denise-- Thanks for posting about this; it was on my mind that it was about that time of year, again. (Sorry I have not been in touch.) For those of you who don't know--or may have forgotten-- this event (in its second year!!!) attracted over 5,000 runners and raised over $500,000 for LC research. YUP. Half a million dollars in a morning (!!!) earmarked for LC research thanks to this wonderful event, dedicated family and the foundation's staff. $500,000 ... So, like Denise and Maureen--I encourage you to become involved in this event if you do reside in the NY tri-state area. It only requires a few hours of your time. Best, Melinda

Hello, dear friends-- In honor of Andrea (all of her--but mostly her heart and her brain ), a check will be written tonight for a great cause--this site. I miss all of you--and hope you are well. Love, Melinda

Thank you all for your responses. It means so much to me. I am in the process of researching. After having that doctor tell me out of the blue that my mother was "terminally ill" last week, I'm having palpatations and want data or stories relating to other people like my mom. We're still reeling from the death of Geoff's mom... Yes--when you type in "breast cancer", "breast cancer support", or any of the key phrases that come to mind--you get 1 million and 1 different sites. However, they are not all helpful, well organized, active--and most importantly, in my mom's case, they seem to have next to no information about people who had breast cancer and then 10+ years later developed another tumor that doctors do NOT think was related to the first tumor (in other words, her second tumor was also a primary). So--based on the research I have done so far--despite ALL the publicity and funding that goes to breast cancer, I have not yet found a site as informative, user-friendly, and active as this one. ***Yet another reason to express gratitude to Katie and Rick, the Board, and all of the members that make this such an invaluable resource in so many different ways.*** Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Love, Melinda

Dear all, Sorry this is not LC related--but if anyone knows of a site like this one (even remotely like this one) for breast cancer, could they please let me know? I know that some of you have battled breast cancer yourselves--or have loved ones who have. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. Melinda

Dean-- I can only speak for Geoff and me--but your post brought us great joy. Sure--life is unfair, his mom's absence is still so painful for those of us left who loved her (especially Geoff and his immediate family), and we don't understand so much... How, though, could we experience anything but happiness to hear that you are still doing well? And I'm sure if Geoff's mom were able to type a response it would be something along the lines of "Good for you! You are NOT a mere statistic. NEVER feel guilty that you are still able to enjoy--consciously-- each and every day on Earth." She'd be one of your biggest cheerleaders, I'm sure (and that is saying something, given how much you are valued on this site, alone!). As always, wishing you and Gay all the best. Melinda

Fay-- I am truly tardy on this one--but had to join in with the chorus of admirers! Thank you for everything. Melinda

Jane-- Good to see your post. This is the first day I've been able to visit the site in...weeks?...a month?...longer? To those of you to whom I owe a phone call (you know who you are)--please forgive me? It has been a trying time... I feel awful that I haven't been able to keep up with everyone on the board--but eveyone is in my thoughts and prayers every single day, also. Melinda

Thanks, as always, Don and Ginny for your words of wisdom. Melinda

Amy-- Gratitude both for the fact that your mom is still doing so well--and for the inspiration and hope that the story you kindly shared will give to so many. Melinda

No hard data-- But three cancers with two moms all happened a year or two (+) after some of the most prolonged traumatic times in their lives. Thus, I stress out when something horrible gets my mother so stressed again. Pragmatic, aren't I? Melinda

Justakid-- I have to echo the thought of Snowflake, Don Wood, and Heebie here. Please don't beat yourself up. You do not simply leave your children with the “legacy” of lung cancer. You leave them (if you leave them) with memories, mores, and love, as well. That’s the real “legacy”. I do not wish to belittle the fear that we all have when it comes to cancer, however. It is real and we have to learn how to manage it, lest it rule our lives. Geoff's mother never smoked--nor was around it. She also lived in non-urban areas with "clean" air. Her death in October made her two siblings start lobbying for CTs. Her younger brother managed to get one and last month we learned that he, indeed, has a "nodule" on his lung that is being "watched"--even though we want it OUT!!! (He has always been an athlete and never smoked). Her younger sister has yet to get a scan, but, as you can imagine, is quite worried. Geoff is beside himself about his uncle. In addition to being worried about Geoff's aunt and uncle--I am worried about Geoff, himself. Towards the end of his mother's illness, we discovered that his paternal grandmother (whom we had known had died of cancer while his father was in the army) had died of LUNG cancer. She, too, was a non-smoker. So--Geoff has immediate family on BOTH sides that have been non-smokers and have died of LC. My fear? That genetically he is at greater risk. Is my fear based on truly hard data--no. My fear is real, nonetheless. I flip out when people encourage him to smoke a cigar (or even when he is in a smoke-filled room). As many of you know, my mother has had two rounds with cancer (breast)--and I thought was doing okay (if not beautifully). However, just the other day, when I saw a doctor that treats both of us, he referred to her as "terminally ill". My heart stopped--and when I asked him what made him use that phrase he started back-peddling saying, "maybe I shouldn't have used those words". What am I left with? No knowledge--only fear. My mother, like you, seems to think that she is the "weak link" in her family (on both sides of her family people seem to live long--90 through 105 years--and healthy lives). She views herself as “defective”. How absurd is that?!? You are worried about the “legacy” that you leave your children. Well, I can only speak from my perspective--but if Geoff and I do have a genetic pre-disposition to cancer (of either sort)--at least we have a "head's up" on it (albeit, purchased at a price that neither one of us would have wished to pay). And we can use that "head's up" to our benefit--we hope. I will see a breast specialist on a regular basis--and Geoff will make sure that his lungs are checked as frequently as makes sense (given the damage x-ray radiation may cause, etc.). We will watch our diets -- and if we ever have children -- watch theirs. I have switched to all-natural household cleaners wherever possible. We use high-quality air purifiers (we live in the city). I avoid all dairy and chicken products with hormones and anti-biotics (extra estrogen being my main fear). We try to stay on a low sugar and non-“processed" foods diet. After my mom's surgery last year, her surgeon pulled me aside and said that--although there was no "hard evidence" (she only had anecdotal from her practice)--to please avoid using anti-persperants with aluminum in them. I hated to give that up--but did. I am also wary of all the photo-estrogens that leach into food from plastics. Maybe we are not at greater risk because of our family histories. Genetics, when it comes to cancer, is certainly not cut and dry. Maybe the steps we are taking will not prove to be of any use. However, maybe they will turn out to have helped us in some way or another--if not with the particular cancers we fear, with some other aspect of our health and lives. All of those things are minutiae, however. We do not know what the next hour—or day—has in store for any of us. We can try our best to minimize risk without letting fear consume us. For what we really have is simply each other—and the time we spend together. Sending you a big hug. Melinda

Ginny-- Thrilled for you--and to "hear" the hapiness in your posts! I can't seem to access the pictures (I think I logged on too late)--but I have no doubt that the townhouse is stunning. Congratulations. Melinda

Cheryl and Jack-- I am sure that the knowledge that he no longer works there gives you a greater sense of peace--and for that I am immensely grateful. Best--as always-- Melinda

Great job! Thanks for both going and letting us know. Melinda

Thank you, Jackson. Melinda

Andrea-- I have had two x-rays in my life: 1) When I had a bout of pneumonia that kept me out of school for two months in high school and 2) This past spring when a student of mine had active TB (and I had been in bed with step throat that led to coughing up a lung and being dx'd over the phone as having bronchitis or pneumonia and given some very heavy duty antibiotics for two weeks). Mention prolonged exposure to active, untreated TB and you'll get an x-ray, stat! I never thought that an x-ray was standard, unless you fall into a particular category where the benefits may outweigh the risks. (After all, repeated x-rays run the risk of damaging your DNA--thus, the "are you SURE you are not pregnant" question). I'm pretty darn sure that none of us (my parents, sibling; his parents, siblings) have ever gotten an x-ray as part of a routine check-up. His mom's cancer was not dx'd despite repeated visits to various doctors for months with a persistant dry-cough for MONTHS because she did not get an x-ray until she was hospitalized for pneumonia (which she did not have) and was not responding to the treatment. Do doctors only give smokers x-rays? If I recall the data from Elaine's earlier poll--that didn't seem to be the case, either. Melinda

(((KAREN)))-- I'm with Andrea. Anyone who has told you that you have reminded people too frequently of your stressors can (pardon my French) officially shut their trap. As if you need them, whomever they may be, on your care on top of everything else. Grrrr. (Sorry--I'm a tad grouchy and this ticked me off). I'm glad you are going to see someone--and doing something for yourself. You have to. For your sake, as well as dave's, Faith's, and your mom's. Boy, do you have company!--and we all understand in our own ways--and to the best of our respective abilities. I have so much to say to you--but it takes thought (a luxury I do not have right now). Hang in there. I'll try to check in from North Carolina, if I have internet access. In the meantime--a big cyber hug. Melinda

(((FRAN)))-- I am so sorry--I had not realized what an extraordinarily tough time of year this is for you and your family (whom we all love and respect so much). I wish I had words of wisdom to share... I hope you are able to receive many a hug when you are down at your mother's. Y'all are in my thoughts. Fondly, Melinda