silkee

Hi Beresa, I understand completely where you are at, and I think that it is very normal to break down "suddenly". I saw my mother in a dream about a month after she passed, and she indicated to me that she was OK, very similar to your experience. I felt like it was more than just a dream because I woke up whimpering, shaking and unusually cold. Chills were just running up and down my spine. I don't know that we can control who we talk to in our dreams, but I do believe that for whatever reason, be it a subconscience trigger in our brains or a true visit from a loved one- it doesn't matter- we will dream of people we have lost only when our minds are ready to. Does that make sense? This is not something we can control. I know it doesn't make it any easier, but it's OK to break down. It's OK to take as much time as we need to process the loss of our parents. And it's OK to hurt.

Hi Everyone, on Jan. 23, 2004, my mother lost her battle with NSCLC. Maybe some of you knew her. Her name was Marsha, and she was from Eastlake, OH. I am still struggling with this, and it seems to be getting worse instead of better. I am so grateful that I was by her side, holding her hand while she slipped away, but I feel like my world has ended. I've decided to dedicate my life to fighting this disease- it is the least I can do for her. I am just so disgusted with the treatment that LC patients get- not the chemo, but the quality of care. She was treated at one of the best hospitals in the country, but yet I always felt like she was being treated as a second-rate citizen because of the stigma associated with LC. It sickens me. I know that there are support groups in the area, but nothing seems to be geared toward LC. Does anyone out there know of any groups in the Cleveland area? Thx, Tia

Hi, am very sorry that you do not have a good prognosis. I am 31 and my mother passed away in Jan. of this year. It is never easy to lose your parent, especially if you have daughters. I cannot even begin to describe the intensity of emotions that I have experienced over the past 5 months. I know that this is painful for you and for your entire family, but I think that if this is something you want to do for you children, you should do it. after going through my mothers things, I found that she saved EVERYTHING of mine, from my first footprint to the last picture of us together. Everything has a date on it, and although it breaks my heart to sift through all of her belongings, I find that it is also emotionally and spiritually cleansing, and it does initiate a much-needed cry. Your children will relish the scrapbook you put together for them, believe me. Peace be with you. Tia

Hi. Does anyone know of any fundraising events in the Cleveland, OH area? I joined the ALCASE run for the lungs team, but I don't know of any support groups and/or activist groups in the Cleveland area. Thanks!

Hi, my name is Tia and I am in Cleveland, OH. My mother (marsha, some of you may have known her) passed away in January of this year and as a result of that, I have decided to dedicate my life to lung cancer patient advocacy. Alcase is the Alliance for Lung Cancer Awareness, Support and Education, and along with this board, can serve as a great source of support and education for people dealing with LC and their loved ones. My question is this- are there any advocacy groups in the North Eastern Ohio area? I have been looking for awhile, but no one seems to know about ALCASE or has heard of it. www.alcase.org Thanks!

As someone who has gone through this with her own mother, I understand your fears and concerns. Do you know what type of chemo your mother is going to be on? Here is also a website that may help you in your struggle. www.alcase.org. I know that this is scary. Unfortunately, lung cancer is not, in my opinion, dealt with on the same scale by the medical community as other forms of cancer. However, DO NOT give up hope! your mother has a fighting chance, and it IS possible to beat this disease! Be her advocate! If you don't understand something or you have questions, hound her doctor until they are answered. Ask about clinical trials/experimental drugs. If the doctor does not respond accordingly, keep pushing! This is your mother's right, and don't worry about whether or not you are being a pest by asking too many questions! You can NEVER ask too many questions! Please feel free to email me anytime you would like, if you would like to talk more. I'm sorry that you have to go through this, but you will find an unlimited amount of support here, as I have. Keep up your spirits, and I'll be praying for your mother.

Hello, My name is Tia and I live in Cleveland, OH. My mother passed away after a long struggle with NSCLC in January of this year. She was a big fan of this website and I was wondering if anyone knew here. Her name was Marsha, and she was 62. I moved to Cleveland from Atlanta to take care of my mom during her final days. I had no idea how sick she was until I came home for Christmas in 2003. Her "boyfriend" never gave me any indication that she was deteriorating-long story. But, I'm still so blown away by her death and there are times I feel like I'm going to shatter. I am trying to become very active with ALCASE (www.alcase.org) and I'm hoping that someone can direct me to any local chapters. Thanks.