jane

Just one more "ditto" to ignore statistics. My sister's first doctor "spit out" statistics on the same visit as her diagnosis (Stage 4 NCSLC Adeno). Talk about devestating! So, my sister then had little faith in him, and "fired" him. She found a much more empathic oncologist who avoids statistics and encourages her instead. So far, my sister has responded well to treatment, and is very close to "outliving" the initial prognosis. She intends to WAY outlive that prognosis. Like, by years and years. And, just as importantly, surrounds herself with doctors, friends, and family that BELIEVE she can do it!!!! After eight months of this nightmare, I can tell you (as many others on this board can too) that the paralyzing fear and sorrow does ease up somewhat. Daily life does go on, and you will all learn the "new" routines. And as awful as lung cancer is, there are beautiful moments found in every day. Just face each day one at a time..... what a lesson to learn, and such as harsh way to learn it. I wish your mother the best, and pray that she responds to the treatments.

Peg, I'm so sorry for what you and your husband are going through. My 48 year old sister has Stage 4 NSCLC (dx 07-02). As you can imagine, she also has been through alot... and also has a teenage son (and a husband!). The best analogy she can describe is sometimes an oncologist visit feels like a bat was swung at the back of her knees and she is painfully laid out on the floor. After the "beating", she will cry awhile, then get up and face the news. She has been through brain surgery, whole brain radiation, four months of chemotherapy, and is currently taking a chemo "break". She is, at this moment, doing a few alternative treatments, and will probably return to a different chemo "cocktail". Her cancer is growing too. One thing that has been helpful to her, and I know it may sound "farout", is acupuncture. Now, if you knew my sister, you'd know what a "conservative" person she is, but she has benefitted from acupuncture. NOT to treat the cancer, but to help ease the side effects of chemo and other medications..... I urge you both not to give up hope. Prolonged hopelessness guarantees defeat. I am an LPC (counselor), and I firmly believe that the mind and body are closely intertwined. (Not that we aren't allowed to greive and to feel sorry for ourselves at times). Lung cancer is the scariest and fiercest disease to hit my family in my lifetime..... and I'll bet in yours too. Your husband is a lucky man to have you. I'll be praying for you both. Oh, and I say "go for" a clinical trial if it sounds reasonable. Or Iressa. IF that is what your husband wants. That is what I will encourage my sister to do if and when those options are discussed with her, if and when she asks my opinion -- which she usually does. (We, her family, have learned to respect and support her decisions, because ultimately, the decisions belong to her). Stay strong, Peg.

Thanks Connie and Katie. When my daughter gets home from college for spring break, I am going to get her to help me post a picture of my sister and me like you'all have done..... I like having "faces" to see. A few months ago my computer had to be totally reconfigured, but I have not "reloaded" my scanner software on....(and don't know how to).... Anyway, I appreciate your responses and, as you can see, am starting to post more often! My sister is doing really well, for the time being, except for being on the "thin" side (she had virtually no weight to "spare" when this all began last July). I'll be praying for us all.......

Thanks for the link to the article. Interesting information, and I pray that researchers unlock the secrets of cancer so that all of humankind can benefit. It would be wonderful if cancer ever gets to the point of a "chronic" disease, in which doctors can manage it... and the cancer patient lives a normal life span. My sister also is Stage 4 NSCLC.

I read the article. I just wanted to "ditto" the above responses. My non-smoking 48 year old sister has advanced lung cancer. She did everything recommended for a healthy life -- lots of fruits and veggies (has always eaten healthier than me), daily exercise, maintained her 'desired weight", regular medical checkups, only occasionally consumed alcohol...... late July of 02, the presenting symptom was vision change from a brain tumor. We never even considered that lung cancer could strike a nonsmoker! And I do not like answering the question "Does/did your sister smoke?", I always feel as if I must defend her by saying that she is a nonsmoker. I always do answer however, just to help spread awareness. And, besides that, NOBODY "deserves" ANY kind of cancer. Furthermore, ANYBODY is vulnerable to a host of cancers...... I don't post often, but read alot of your postings.... As you all can relate to, my sister is fighting for her life (she was "given" 6-12 months to live, even with treatment -- and she is well into month 8 since diagnosis and doing extremely well, considering all she has been through). I'd like to see more attention given to lung cancer, to the treatment of lung cancer, not JUST anti-smoking campaigns (although those are important too). Okay, I guess I have vented for now....... Thanks. And thanks to all of you'all for your support for one another...... I think I'll post more often....

You referred to "both" of your tumors..... were they both in the brain? Or one in the lung and one in the brain? It sounds like you are doing well, I certainly hope that is the case! Are you receiving any kind of treatments? If so, please let me know.... either on this board or via email. My sister (48 years old) has Stage 4 NSCLC with mets to brain. She has had brain surgery, whole brain radiation, and four months of chemotherapy. She is "taking a break" from chemo currently and is currently investigating alternative therapies........ Any information would be appreciated.