shineladysue

Hi Bruce, My husband, Mike had Carbo and Taxol last February for 3 treatments. His reactions were tiredness, hairloss and slight tingling of finger tips. As for effectiveness as a follow up after surgery, I can tell you about a friend of ours. She had the same combo of chemotherapy before having her lung removed 4 years ago and she has had no recurrence. The jury is still out on this , as far as I know, but I think there are studies that indicate it makes a difference. Whether it would have made a difference if my husband had gone through the treatments then, we will never know. I just know that I would reccommend it to anyone who asks . None of this is scientific information, just my personal observations. I hope it helps. sue

Beth, Next order is change that Avatar to one with a more positive attitude. Every time I see those tears , I cry too. I think you should feel very encouraged by what the surgeon had to say. Just as I was trying to ask you... how big... ok peas.. and what does all this mean really.. well, we don't know... fungal infection? maybe... Beth, all you can do is take it one day at a time and hope for the best..Like Cindi says, maybe a letter ... Hope he will stay in touch with your case. If Alimta is next on the agenda, just know that Mike has been taking it since early December and if we can answer a question we will try. I just want to say that you have our prayers going in to this. Take care... Love, Sue

Wendy, I know in our lives, things will never be as they were and yes , we are constantly examining where we are , trying to deal with day to day struggles and make some sense out of all this. God and prayer have become a constant source of hope and strength. We feel lost, but I think there have definitely been spiritual gifts. I think I will feel I am more in control when I can express myself as eloquently as Don Wood and to be able to gain the focus in my life that he has. Thanks Don for sharing the best of yourself with us. Thank you Wendy for starting this thread. Perhaps I will think of a better way to express myself the next time I am up in the middle of the night... which is often. Sue

Hi Randi, Thanks for sharing your video with us. You did an awesome job and what a priceless gift it is. Aren't computers wonderful for helpfing us share so much of ourselves with friends and family? I just can't imagine life without all the benefits I've gotten from my computer. One of them, that is so helpful to me, is just being here with all of you. It's really something I never take for granted. My heart goes out to you in trying to make the best decisions for your mom. I personally haven't had that experience and I can't help you , but I know there are many others here that have and hopefully they will come along, if not you could try writing to them personally. Sure hope you get the help you need. My best to you. Will keep your family in my prayers. Sue

Barb, Sounds great to me...happy for you... God Bless. Sue

Sooo Happy for you Joanie!!! Celebrate!!! Sue

Tammy, When Mike was trying to gain weight, he drank Boost Plus (Vanilla is his favorite) 3 times a day. He also ate small meals consisting of pasta, rice etc. I bought lots of little snack packs of puddings, ice cream and fruits etc. I also remember buying lots of frozen foods in individual portions.. especially the macaroni and cheese dinners etc. The main thing is that if a person hasn't eaten well for a long time, you can't overload their stomachs. Small amounts, frequently works best. Prayers to you and your mom. Sue

Be thinking about you today in your biopsy and looking for an update. Sue

Angie, I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your Dad and your family. God Bless you, Sue

Addie, Mike had SVCS, as well. Aside from the neck swelling, so did the arms, hands, face and there were little broken looking veins across his upper abdomen . He was put in the hospital immediately, radiation was started and a stent was put in. The stent did the trick... actually, in his case the doctor put one stent over another for reinforcement. They put him on plavix for 6 months and the 6 months is now over . The procedure worked well for him. I am telling you this not for you to worry , but more for reassurance that it can be handled . The stent procedure only took about 45 minutes . One day at a time Addie, that's all any of us can do. Praying things improve for you soon. sue

"squirrel that runs up ladies pants leg will find no nuts"... (((Beth))), I like your other pic with the boobs better.. no one can kick u in the ummm with that... I don't know what to say. When I read this report, my first reaction was... this thing is so busy and what does it mean? Beth , please , find someone that you trust to sit down with you and tell you what all that stuff means. These scan reports drive me crazy. Depending on who reads them, they seem like almost no info or it's overkill. This has happened so many times with Mike. We would get a report that would talk about thickenings here and there with possible metatastic activity ... I can't begin to relay what they say, but I only know that the very next one will say, there has been no change and it's not likely that its anything or else things just disappear. Obviously , something is going on, but what? Do you trust your doctor? If not get another opinion. As for treatment, you seem to be thinking about Alimta. Mike is on Alimta and has been since Dec. 6th. He has had 4 treatments so far. I will be more than happy to answer any questions I can about his experience, but please know that it is his experience and his case . I wouldn't want to say anything to discourage or encourage you. The bottom line with him is that the last scans showed he was stable with some slight improvement. He is however tired and has a mild rash. Beth , let's all head to Cindi's pub and talk this over .. ok. There are a lot of wonderful people that are more knowledgeable than I am on this board. They will be here for you. You have stolen a lot of hearts here and there are tons of prayers going your way. Love ya kid... Pm me if I can be of help. sue

Melanie, I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad. Sure hope you can get in to see your doctor today and he can do something to help you. I want you to know that you and Greg are in my thoughts and prayers. (((hugs))), sue

Prayers coming David. Try to have good thoughts.... Be looking for your results.... Take care... Sue

Wonderful news , Wendy!!! You have a great sense of humor and positive outlook. Keep us informed on your progress. sue

Welcome Cyndy, Spend as much time as you can reading here . I think you will find plenty of hope and useful information. Every case of cancer is different, but there are so many ways of treating it these days. As you learn more about your case and a plan of treatment is in place for you, you will begin to gain the courage you need to fight this. Just know that we are here for you in the meantime and even though we are sorry you have to be here, we are happy to welcome you as one of the family. Sue

Prayers for all of you. sue

Sounds like he is on the road to recovery. That is really good news.. Sure hope he continues to feel better and better. sue

Don, You have my prayers as well for surgery... Will be anxiously waiting for an update. God Bless, sue

Congratulations Grandpa!!! Sue

Hi Jean, Glad you checked in with us. Sorry your husband has new mets, but sure hope Alimta will do the trick. From the looks of it, we have so many starting Alimta now that we should get a pretty good picture of how effective it is. My hubby started it on Dec. 6th and so far , so good. Best of luck and prayers to you. sue

Welcome to the "family", Greg, My husband is stage IV nsclc, as well. It's a real emotional roller coaster to watch our loved ones fight this disease, but we are all in this together. It really helps to have people you can lean on, ask questions of , laugh with or cry with. We are all here for each other and we welcome you . Let us know if we can help. sue

Cindy, That's wonderful news. Try to relax and enjoy your life. Springtime, yardwork and maybe some pretty flowers will be great. In my prayers. sue

Prayers for your friend's mom, family and friends. sue

Addie , Gather up all these prayers coming your way and go get em. I'm so sorry to hear this news, but praying for a big response from chemo. (((hugs))), sue

Wonderful news!!! Sue