Amy P

Hello all - I don't know if anyone remembers me or not as it has been a very long time since I have posted even though I do visit on occasion to check in on everyone. After an 6.5 year battle interspersed with 3 years of NED and then an amazing response to Iressa which lasted another 3 years, Mom passed away on Aug 10th. I miss her so much these days as I just had daughter #3 (the other 2 are 9 & 10)a couple of days before she entered hospice care so needless to say the past couple of months have been pretty emotional but I am getting through it with the help of a supportive husband and counseling. I continue to keep everyone associated with this disease in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to pray for a cure. Much Love, Amy P

My Grandmother never smoked and died from lung cancer while my Grandfather smoked and died from old age. My Mom never smoked and is currently battling her 3rd recurrence since being diagnosed 6 years ago while my Dad who smoked heavily for over 30 years is relatively healthy, outside of diabetes, and has never had anything show up on a chest x-ray or had any sort of breathing/lung issues. Mom's Dr has never tried to make a connection to genetics or second hand smoke but has rather taken the stance of luck of the draw as I believe someone else stated, everyone's bodies produce cancer cells, some can fight them and some can't.

When my MIL passed away from ovarian cancer my daughters were 5.5 and 4 and we consulted with a family friend who is also a pastor and he told us to be honest with the girls and to let them participate in all aspects of the grieving process, except anger, with us. We told them that their Nonna was very very sick and she was not going to get better. We told them that when she did die she would no longer be in pain and she would be back to her normal self and that even if they couldn't see her, that she would still be in their hearts forever. That was the most difficult conversation I have ever had to have but it was very beneficial. They were able to say their good-bye's on their terms, when they felt comfortable and for that I am very grateful. That was almost 5 years ago and they both still talk about her on a regular basis, they haven't forgotten because we won't let them and because they were able to spend time with my MIL when she was declining, they both were able to relive their favorite memories with their Nonna. Best of luck to you and remember that the kids will get through it, it will not be fun but they will be OK.

Hi Mark - this is ACP - I forgot I had a different sign on that I used for my work laptop. Anyway, I think what is so amazing about my Mother's response is that she has been on a half dose for 2 of the past 3 years. She went down to the half dose for the some of the same reasons, primarily the GI symptoms. She also seems to suffer from an extreme lack of energy. All in all her oncolgosit has been more than pleased with her results. The new symptoms however are very concerning. She has a CT/PET on monday to check out the new symptoms and from a new plan from there if needed. She has always been a quality of life vs. quantity life and she is so tired right now. We have a pact to support her in whatever path she chooses. Thanks so much for your inspiration!

(((((Peggy)))))) Prayers coming for you!

((((Tina))))) I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers coming for you and the girls. Much Love, Amy

My Mom has been on Iressa for almost 2 years and has been stable. As others have stated, Dr's will not prescribe Iressa for new patients. I think it was about this time last year that my Mom and her doc had to fill out paper work proving that she had been on it and that she has benefitted from the treatment. She can also only get it via the mail as the hospital pharmacy no longer stocks it. Obviously, I cannot speak to the Tarceva but the drugs in this group, when they work, tend to work very well. Best of luck to you!

I am with you Lisa - I would be incensed. How we deal with illness and death in our family is our business and I don't want anyone else talking to my kids about death primarily because I know how to approach the subject with my kids better than anyone else and I also know the language to use so that my kids will understand and it(hopefully) will not be as scary. I don't think it is sheltering, I think it is responsible parenting not to have or want the beejeebers scared out of your kids. Katie is right on the money - write the letters and follow up in person if needed. I would be raising cain if I were in your shoes. Best of luck to you and hopefully you will be able to get Leah back on track. Much Love, Amy

(((Peggy)))) I think about you every day and will continue to keep you in my prayers. Much Love, Amy

(((((Alyce, Larry & Family)))))) Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Much Love, Amy

Riding in the car with NO seatbelt - I remember crawling all over the place and standing up in between Mom and Dad in the front seat - it was my favorite place to be!

There are a few of these I should try Thanks for sharing!!!!

I have been debating on when to post this as neither Mom nor I can remember her dx date, all we remember is that she was dx in late January had her surgery just after Valentine's Day and we only remember that because my daughter had just learned to cut out paper hearts and we filled her room with them. Anyway, sometime in last couple of weeks, Mom officially became a 5 year survivor. In March it will be 2 years since her recurrance (sp?)and all in all she is doing pretty darn good. The Iressa still continues to keep her stable and also keep in mind that she has been on a 1/2 dose of Iressa for well over a year. In fact, my Dad's health is now where we are focusing our energies (he is having all sorts of fun things happen). I think my luckly stars that I found this website a year and half ago. It was only through this site that I was able to get hope after the beast came back. I pray for you all daily and read a couple of times a day - just because you don't see my name doesn't mean I am not here You all are an amazing group of people. Much Love to ALL OF YOU!!!!! Amy P

This is awful. I can barely type through the tears. Even though I don't post much, I will miss her. She gave me hope for my Mom. She gave me wisdom and life. I will miss her and am sending all my prayers for Mr. Addie and her sons - may they be comforted by the fact that she touched so many lives even if she didn't know it. (((((addies team)))))))

My youngest daughter LOVES Peanut Butter and Bologna - I can not bring myself to try it and my hubby refuses to make it for her!