cindi o'h

oh, dear. Cindi o'h

Gail, I understand completely what you are talking about. You are right it is the administration that contracts with the ins. company. If all of the other people in your education system knew what their contract was like, they would be hollering too. You never know when it will be their turn to need insurance. Can you start a chain in the school system so that all are appraised of your experiences with Aetna? Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Good luck on this. Cindi o'h

Ask your doctor for a chest xray, without telling him/her about your suspicions of a "pancoast tumor". Let him/her know you are have a high pack history and want to be screened. If you report that you have been coughing more than usual, and even maybe short of breath, your doctor will quickly comply. I am hoping strongly that the xray delivers nothing to you but good news. cindi o'h

This is a good topic. Many of us and our loved ones have received the gift of blood. When I was having transfusions, I was humbled by the altruistic thoughtfullness and effort of a complete stranger. Please, if you are able to donate, put it on your calendar to give this precious gift of yourself. We are all grateful for you. Cindi o'h

Hi Rod, I guess I must've missed something.. did they confirm mets to your Dad's liver? Did he have the PET? In any event, congrats on the shrinkage. The chemocombo is doing the job for him. Glad you are here. Cindi o'h

Hi Eileen, Sorry to jump in here late. My thoughts were along the same as Gail's regarding How "lucky" to find a met because of lc....! I haven't heard of mets to colon though I suppose it's possible. I think the way they figure out if it's a met is the tumor make-up. The path puts it under a scope. One brother had colon cancer first and just surgery to cure it, but two years later ended up with advanced sclc and quickly succombed to it. Dang it. (He was too large fit inside an scan unit so it went undetected) It may feel as if you are getting hit from all directions right now. Later,(maybe even much later) you will be able to find the glory in the sequence of events. For now, just take it one step at a time and one day at a time. And remember, we are here for you the entire way! Cindi o'h

Glad you are feeling better, Betty Don't forget to have your heart closely monitored with the low blood counts. If your heart rate skyrockets, get it checked asap as permanent damage can ensue, okay? Cindi o'h

Brian, Thank you for letting all of us know to pray for Joanie. Tell her from me to get well very soon. I will pray for Divine intervention. Cindi o'h

when I went through pulmonary rehab, I was given a therapeutic tool for just the problem. It is called an "acapella". Also was given instructions by the RT to use it. It has helped me. Then given instructions on huffing rather than coughing to prevent collapsing something inside of the lung. Do you have a trusted RT you can consult? I was impressed with the program at the local hospital I attended. I learned quite a bit about my diseases and managing them. Good Luck, Roger. Thin secretions are easier to deal with than more viscous. Drinking water helps. Some meds will dry out the mucous membranes and turn your phlegm to paste. Cindi o'h

I heard out of the corner of my ear that he has lung cancer and will be out of work while he recuperates. Did I hear this right? Cindi o'h

My leg muscles became very weakened from steroids. It happened almost immediately. I had trouble climbing stairs, getting up from a sitting/squating position and falling off ladders and inability to recover from the fall ie/strength and balance. Steroids affect large muscle groups first. If she had a spinal cord problem, there would probably be other symptoms with the injury such as: Possibly One leg more affected than the other. Dermatome numbness. Loss of bladder/bowel control. Pain/aching down one or both legs. Foot drop. Cindi o'h

This study is staggering news and HUGE for not only lung cancers, but ALL cancers as well. Very exciting! Can't wait for the follow throughs and the lives that will be saved. Cindi o'h

At my initial meeting with the oncologist, I didn't know what end was up and had no idea anything about cancer even though it had claimed two brothers' lives. I knew my cancer was advanced. I asked about trials. The doctor left the room briefly and said that a nurse was going to look up current trials to see if there was something there for me. He checked back and said there was one with thiladomide and something else. At the next appointment he said that he decided that the current therapy is the one that he recommended. I didn' ask him on what he based this decision, and I was too naive to ask any farther. In hind sight, I wish I would have been a study participant. I hear they are cared for more closely. I did NOT like this doctor or nurse or the way that I was treated for my lung cancer. I would never, ever go there again. Maybe if I were in a study, I would have had a different experience. As it is, I am still alive so that's good, but, my lung/heart is fried, that's not good. Just thinking outloud. Anyone with study experiences to share? What's it like? Cindi o'h

Over the top! Mix favorite flavors? Cindi o'h

Congrats to handsome G'pa, Tammy. Blessings to your family also. Cindi o'h

Hi evalani What you are saying hits home with me. I have had many scares and close calls. I don't like living in the wait and see mode. I guess you don't either. What do you do to keep yourself sane? It's a challenge, yes? Cindi o'h

Hi Denise, Just saw this now. Hoping your Mom's surgery was a success and she is now pain free. I have heard so many very good things about hip joint replacement. Prayers for her. Cindi o'h

Jennifer... Keep at it. I haven't had Zometa. There are more chemos in the little black bag. One of them has to work at busting the mets' chops. Never, ever give up! (as Dadstimeon's daughter says.) Cindi o'h

Now that's something to smile about! Me too...I want wine! Cindi o'h

Dang jim. hope Duke holds something that will keep you upright and with us for a long, long time to come. You have proved already that you are a tough guy. I have faith that you will be here with us for a lot longer too. Will this ride be in your Mustang? luv, Cindi

I LOVE Sting......sexy.

brilliant news, Joanie! wear something colorful and elegant for your daughter's wedding. It's the mother of the bride's perogative. Cindi o'h

oh no! Glad you are alright. Cindi o'h

congrats on the brilliant checkup! Cindi o'h

dearest Sue, You two have remained in my heart for quite awhile now. You have helped so much with all of us. I agree this group is pretty special. I just wish this weren't happening to you and to your beautiful family. Just don't have the words to express my sadness as you go through this. love ya, Sue. Cindi o'h