bobmc

Hello Kathy, A big welcome to ya!! Sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. I know you will find the comfort, support and inspiration from this group as I have. Know one should have to go through this alone !! again, welcome, God bless and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Dear Norme, So very saddened by the news, please accept my most sincere condolences, You, and Buddy have been such an inspiration and you'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May God now, provide you with strength, comfort and may you find peace and acceptance. be thinking of you, Norme! God bless us all! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey Dean --- RIDE LIKE THE WIND !! Enjoy! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey DAVE, !! Well said, and so true!!! So very gratefull not to have to do this alone!! Very happy to know you Dave! and to be a part of each others journey. Good to be a SURVIVOR today!! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Yahoo !!!! You go girl!!!! Count me in for a hundred !!!! What a bunch of wild and crazy people!! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Belladonna, Welcome to you, and glad you found us!! I was also a stage IIB and had my left lung removed along w/ 18 nodes a bit over 2 & 1/2 yr.'s ago. And, YES , I am also having residual pain and have had to make allowances for it. This is pretty normal for many of us. The operation leaves alot of scar tissue and nerve damage is typical. Now with that said, what did happen is that the pain in the back was becoming worse, this began this sept. and like you I became concerned. I discussed it with my onc. and had my scans moved up. You didn't say what ct scans you were getting but mine consist of a head, chest, abdomen, and bone scan along with x-rays and bloodwork. What they did find was 2 small brain mets which they said are NOT related to the back pain, Not sure if I agree but It really doesn't matter as further testing takes place. Iv'e also had MRI's to the spine and brain along with a full PET scan that also showed a "hot spot" in the center of my chest which is also being followed up on. OK, so what I'm trying to say is that I think your absolutely RIGHT to be conerned and to keep being an advocate for your own health. I would also make sure I was getting the best I could as far as follow- up scans. There unfortunately is a lack of consistency with lung cancer which makes it real important for us to be knowledgable. again welcome and feel free to PM me if you have questions. God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Kim, Welcome, to the boards, glad you found us!! WOW, the two of us are very similar, I am currenly completing WBR for two small brain mets that showed up after being cancer free for 2 &1/2 yr.'s. I also had my left lung removed 0n 5/2/01. Like your attitude, we just keep fightin the beast!!, brain mets are treatable and beatable, feel free to PM me with any questions you may have. I'm finally gonna be cutting back on the decadron, stuff made me nuts! Again welcome, and know one should have to go through this alone!! Ohh, 3 yr.'s without a butt on 2/18 - nothing right about smokin!! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi all, First thanks DaveG for reminding me, I should have posted this. CARRA is Consumer Advocates in reasearch and related Activities and is part of the National Cancer Institute. They are presently recruiting new members and are specifying LUNG CANCER as a targeted cancer. If you are an advocate and have the time this is a good one. The application is extensive but then so is the experience with lung cancer of many of us in this group. here's a link, http://la.cancer.gov/CARRA/announcements.html This was forwarded to me by my friends at the Cancer Hope Net. and I have started the process, It would be nice to have other group members apply. Good luck, be well and God bless us all. Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Ohh Carleen; My heart also goes out to the two of you, and yea I can tell ya that about a month before I was dx'ed with the brain mets I also felt something was not right. It was some back pain, but more important I was losing my appitite and also getting very fatigued and simply not feeling right , just sluggish if you know what I mean. Now, Keith could have other issue's but I think the important thing is to have it checked as your doing. My doc called for the scans, had it checked and found the mets early. Interesting though, they said none of my complaints would have been from the mets. I don't agree but I still have a " hot spot" that must be checked. As others have said it is treatable and beatable. I'm 17 of 20 WBR treatments done and it's not too bad to get through. So, Please, relax a bit, breath and try not to think so much. We have little control, much acceptance to do and continue to keep on keepin on! Know your in my thoughts and prayers! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

No Fay your not in DENIAL, As usual your right on in your assessment!! Agree with you and share the frustration!! Last month I met this new Radiology onc. and he tells me he would have never found my brain mets cause he only does x-rays as follow- up for lung cancer. I say with a 5 year survival of a dismal 15% don't you think you should do more ????, Didn't get an answer and havn't seen him since but MSKCC did get my opinion card of there interview process??? So Yes understand, and must compliment you on how well you put this together. I'd also suggest that may want to take the time to send a letter to ASCO or the NCI. These are things that need to be brought to there attention. I'm gonna PM you some inf. on NCI CARRA application , I'm presently looking at it. There looking for Lung Cancer Advocates. You know your one of my hero's God Bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life toda

Hello Ann; Just wanted to say welcome to ya, and good luck on Mon. and I'd diffinitely opt for the PARTY !! , They took my left lung over 2 & 1/2 years ago. Yea, it was no picnic thats for sure but I gotta tell ya I made it alot worse in my head. There's already been alot of good advice, so I won't add. But also wanted to tell you that my family pic there on that bridge was taken 8 weeks after the lung came out. I was hiking through the rainforests of Costa Rica, again not easy but doable. Again welcome, my best to ya, and you'll be in my prayers. God Bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Kelly, Sorry to hear of your sisters brain mets. I am presently going through it now! I was dx'ed on 12/18 with two small brain mets after being cancer free for 2 and 1/2 years and am presently finishing my 17th of 20 WBR treatments. I went through the same questions as you and got 3 opinions. I am doing Whole Brain Radiation as a preventative and hopefully curative measure. Meaning if any more mets are developing we should kill them before they do and also to kill the 2 that I have. This seems to be the present "standard protocol" as a starting point. As others have said sterotactic Radiosurgery, or Gamma Knife is the next line of treatment and from what I got it's also becoming pretty standard. I will be re-scanned in Mid- March and a determination will be made at that time if it's required. If so, I will also go through Gamma Knife ( spot radiation), which from what I am told has a > 80% cure rate. After, that there also additional options of Chemo drugs that are penetrating the brain barrier, however this is a ways away right now. John, has some good sites there for you to look at, Also, feel free to send me a PM if you have specific questions. Good luck to you and your sister, and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi Bonnie! Congrats on your good check-up and it certainly does sound real good to me. Shrinkage is the direction we want!! And boy can I relate on the winter !! Think if I were you, I'd be scheduling the cruise, time for a celebration! God bless and stay well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hey Heather, FABULOUS , So very happy for all of ya, Just don't get much better than that! good to be a SURVIVOR today. God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello All An update from the PLWC web site, All about you lades and your health, check out the Feb. chat , http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=259385&l ... 00@aol.com may we all beat this Beast!! God Bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Yahoo TBone; Glad your done and know what you mean!!! It's a snowing up here and the top of my bald head is also glowing!! ; Got 6 more to go and some cream for the burn, ouch!! Can't wait to end this. Think I'm gonna do a jello mold with my mask,, sounds like it could be the beginning of a good party and we could certainly use one of those! Glad your going to MD Anderson, thats a smart move, good luck with getting a solid plan that your comfortable with . Know, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hi all, Just an update from ACS, looks like Budget issue's are gonna raise some havoc with cancer funding, rather than complain, write a letter!! it does help! and check out your state for issue's. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/gi/conten ... itearea=gi God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Yea Michele; I'm with ya, hate this cancer stuff too, But regardless we still have to deal with the beast !! so hang in there!! and remember good to be a SURVIVOR today!! Be praying for you and your dad! Keep on keepin on!! God bless, be well and your dad will be in my thoughts and prayers!! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello Nausha; A great big welcome to ya, glad you found us, Very good to be a SURVIVOR today!!! Congrats on your 1 year, very, very important to celebrate these things!! So enjoy!! They took my left lung on 5/2/01 and I still have pain, you'l find that many of us do. Also,I see your top of your treatment, very good, again welcome, glad your here!! God bless and stay well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Yea Connie; I also caught that on Fri. night, I really do like that guy!! He's down to earth and keeps things simple!! Agree with you, gotta do the research and make up your own mind, just too much BS out there!! God bless and stay well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Dear Ann, So very sorry for your loss, please rest and take care of yourself and may God provide you comfort and strength in your time of need. God bless, be well and you will be in my thoughts and prayers Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Dave C, You are one " WILD AND CRAZY GUY" , and funny, I vote for the red head !! Ry, I lost 12 lb's and keep sucking down root beer floats to get it back!! good luck and keep burnin the fat!! God bless and be slim! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Hello, Daddysgirl; Sorry to hear of your dads situation, but DaveG's got some good info. there and we believe in beating this beast, So hang in there and keep doing what your doing. The subject of RFA, came up last week in chat and I found this link about it. http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe ... tion.shtml Hope it help's and know you and your dad will be in my prayers! God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

Aghhh Norme, Praying real hard for you and Buddy, Hang in there and may God give you strength and comfort. Be well, Norme, know your in my thoughts and prayers ! Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"

SANDY!!!; A gentle (((((( HUG )))))) to ya girl, Congrats,!!!! God bless and stay well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 MRI's taken 12/18/03 - 2 brain mets found- named em Frick & Frack PET taken 1/5 - hot spot in mediastinum May be cancer?? "Absolutely insist on enjoying life today!"