bobmc

Hello Curtis, Great question and by the responses you hit a nerve; Like Ry's John, I also have a wonderful GP. Very compasionate and caring. When I initially got sick, which we thought was the flu, he sent me for an X-ray because he knew I smoked and all the signs were there. That decision enabled the cancer to be operable. So I think besides the bedside manners the most important thing a GP can do is to know the symtoms and take the right actions, paticularly with smokers. Don't hesitate order the X- ray or CT scan. Also, I think it helps to know the stats. and help smokers quit. Don't accept the stigma, " if they smoke they deserve it". I think GP's can do more to change this . I think showing that compassion and caring by taking the time to explain and coordinate things comes next. All my appointments were coordinated by my GP, the specialists new I was coming and I was told to let him know if there were any problems at all. I remember getting a few calls at home after 9:00 PM from him, just checking up on my status. Lastly, I think it's real important to be able to step back and turn it over to a specialist. Because, I trusted and liked my GP so much, I wanted him to handle my follow up tests. I had an oncologist who I planned to see yearly to review everything. Well, after 8 months, we both came to our senses. My GP just could'nt answer the questions and concerns that I had. He stepped back and my follow up is now handled by a medical oncologist. I see him every 3 months and ct scans are now done every 6 months. Oh, I did have to see him last week and he was thrilled to post the new ALCASE poster in his office along with the story that I have over on ACS. great question, God bless Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Dana; thanks for the update, been thinking about you and your dad, ; I'm so very happy that they got it all and he is doing well. The recovery will take awhile but sounds like he's got the right attitude. It's always a good idea to seek a second opinion, but you may want to get that from a medical oncologist now. I started out trying to get follow ups handled by my GP, it did'nt work. In the end I found I needed a cancer specialist to handle this. Much more comforting. I also did not get chemo and 2 and 1/2 years later I wish I had it. New study says it can help, but then your dad is a bit older. I can see where it would be a difficult decision. again very happy for ya God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Marlon; So very sorry to hear that your moms cancer is back, I'll be saying some prayers for you all, God bless and hang in there Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Vlads; Also wanted to give you a warm welcome to the group, so very sorry that you have been diagnosed with this dreadfull disease but glad you are with us. You will find good inf., warm and caring people and most importantly survivors here dealing with exactly what you are. Know one should have to go through this alone!! I also would say that you could do with a second opinion and if at all possible seek treatment at a cancer center. With lung cancer its expected that we do this. It affords the best possible care as well as providing a degree of comfort for us. Certainly helps and sounds like you could use it. again welcome, and you will be in my prayers God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC-stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Lynne: So nice to put a face with your posts now, and a smiling one at that So sorry your going through the situation that you are; I think that only God knows when our times up and it's real important to hold on to each other every day that we can., I know easier said than done, but the more I try the easier it is. you'll be in my prayers God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Shauna; Just wanted to join the rest in welcoming you to our group. You will find much support , good info, and most importantly SURVIVORS dealing with the same things you are. No one should have to go through this alone!! again welcome, yes sorry you have to be but glad you are!! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stage IIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

thanks Sam; So very sad to lose another member; Just makes me angry, Yes she was a very kind and thoughtful person, Please give her family my very best, they will be in my prayers God bless us all Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB - left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 "absolutely insist on enjoying life!"

Ohhh Annie; That really stinks, so very sorry for you and Tim, , You'll be in my thoughts and prayers; Hoping and praying Iressa doe's it's magic on Tim God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Cathy; So very sorry the beast came back, Think I kind of agree with Gail, it just plain "sucks" I had my whole lung removed first time around so I can't really help ya with your questions, But more than anything I wanted to wish you well and let ya know I'll be praying real hard for you. I suppose on a positive note they did find it early enough for it to be operable again, just sucks to have to do it again, feel for ya!! God bless, be well and hang in there Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey Dave !!! YAHOOOO!! ; You made my weekend too; so good to be a SURVIVOR Today!!! I swear I just feel like cussin!!! God bless, stay well, been prayin for ya!! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Yes Sam:: Thanks for the update, So very glad your progressing well. Sounds like you need to do a little celebrating !!! keep it up God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Connie, So very happy your back with us again!!!! YES, you were missed very much!! ; a gentle (((HUG))) to ya, please rest up and get well!! God bless ya Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello tcandy; Sorry I'm late on your post, but saying a prayer for you anyway, Let us know how you make out, and please don't worry yourself sick God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Don, Lucie will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers!!! May God bless you and keep you safe!! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey Deb, Very, very COOL, , I for one don't believe in coincidences; God has a way of giving us what we need!! great story!! God bless Bobmc- NSCLC- stage IIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Kristy; So very sorry your mom is having a tough time, ; She will be in my thoughts and prayers!! hang in there!! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi all; Ran across this article on smoking, thought it kinda fit with the thread over on general, like my oncologist told me " were just not getting the message across", http://my.webmd.com/content/article/75/89610.htm God bless us all Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey Bud, Congrats, so happy for ya!! ; so nice to have a new little one in the family too, ENJOY!! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

YES Greg, Have run into the same thing, , It's very frustrating at times but please don't give up. As survivors we have to just keep on pushing, writing and telling our story. The message is starting to get out there, but way too slow. hang in, and keep doing what your doing God bless Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Nancy; Welcome and my very best to you, I'm a firm believer in getting second opinions. I got one and although it did'nt change anything it did provide me additional comfort with the knowledge that I was doing all I could. Now MD Anderson is one of the top cancer treatment facilities in the country so if you can, I would be making the calls and getting the appointments. again welcome and let us know how ya do! you and Dave will be in my prayers God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Dean; I think Fay's given you some good advice there!! I was dx' ed squamous cell, stage IIB and had a pneumonectomy 3 weeks after I was diagnosed. I realize were all not the same but 2 months is entirely to long. I think that was a very good thing you did by blowing up at them. You know the squeaky wheel gets the grease. My advise is squeak very loudly some more. I'm not a doc, but do know that squamous cell is a slower growing cancer and that you should be a prime candidate for surgery and this is the best chance for a cure. my best to ya Dean and please let us know how you make out. God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- STAGE iib- left pneumonectomy - 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

YES, Fay you are absolutely right !!!!; It is our responsibility to help others and always to be an advocate for each others health care. I remember calling my my insurance co. about second opinions and out of network costs. I was in no mood, I let them know I was diagnosed with cancer and wanted answers, I told them that if they were going to say no then I wanted it in writing and please copy my lawyer. I had no problems!! Fay, it's easy to forget these things sometimes because that's not my normal disposition, PLEASE, feel free to shake us when we need shaken; like I said, love your style and want to put a smily face on yer head! God bless ya girl, Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Betty; Welcome and so very sorry you have been diagnosed with this dreadful disease. You will find very understanding, caring and knowledgable people here. But, most importantly you will find SURVIVORS here. Again welcome and know you are not alone God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stage IIB-left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Norme!!! WE WAS WORRIED!!! missed on chat and was thinking about you and Buddy; Glad your back with us and so sorry Buddy was diagnosed with the colon cancer. You know we'll be praying real hard for ya!!, Somebody on the board has this quote that I love " God would'nt bring you to it if He could'nt get you through it" Have faith your not alone. God bless you and Buddy Bobmc- NSCLC- stage IIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey Fay; Just wanted to say that " you look MARVELOUS " I've had this thought of cuttin and paste'n a smiley face to the back of your head for a week now; and I'm not on any drugs, " just kidding!! God bless and stay well Bobmc- NSCLC-stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"