SJAS

Even though I responded 2, I should clarify. He was first mis-dx in E.R. (no chest x-ray, sent home with inhaler though never had asthma). Then saw family doc who ordered treadmill test and x-ray but didn't clarify that he could get x-ray (or should get it) immediately. Doctor did EKG and gave him nitroglycerin as heart problems were considered possible. The hospital kept rescheduling the treadmill and we thought the two tests were to be done together. A week and several calls later, I begged the doctor to do something. He said that Steve should get the x-ray that day (why didn't he say that before???). Then they didn't think they would look at the x-ray for a couple of days. I finally asked to talk to the nurse we had known for years and reminded her it was Steve - someone she knows NEVER complains or admits to being ill. If he was struggling, it had to be serious. She talked to doctor, he called the x-ray dept. then called me and said to take him to E.R. Left lung completely collapsed and the fluid-filled cavity was pushing on his right lung and heart.

There is no way to look at the beautiful Jory and not feel a warm glow and deep smile. Such a treasure....

Thanks for checking in Betty, Ann & Cat. I'm so sorry for all the suffering you've been put through (AGAIN!). Cat, your picture sends chills down my spine. Hope you all will get some help at putting your lives back in order. Four hurricances in one season - think I'll stick with our earthquakes !

Hurray Amy - such great news! Your mom is on her way again, thanks to you. Both of you keep up the good work now !

Hi Melanie, That "glue" they are talking about is probably part of a procedure called pleurodesis. My husband had it and the good news is that it didn't hurt a bit and has been very successful for him. (Actually it's not a glue, but sometimes a talc which irritates the lining and causes the lung to heal and fuses the two surfaces together.) There are lots of places to post as you've seen. I tend to just get to NSCLC and General, because my time is limited, so I hope to see you there.

Hi Ann, Always glad to have a new member in the family

Welcome Randired, Just want to say hello and let you know that there are lots of Stage IV people around here who are doing very well. My husband also had liver, bone and brain mets on first dx and even though it has been a rough ride, he is doing very well now on Iressa. He actually got back on a bike this weekend! Tell your mom to hang in there on the rough patches because there are smoother days ahead.

Just another week with lung cancer, eh Lisa Glad you got the good news. I knew about Iressa and the non-smoker, adenocarcinoma, female part, but the Japanese was new to me. Like my husband's onc told him, we can't do anything about the female part... but at least you've got two out of three. Don't think I'll share this with him!

I don't think my husband has ever had any symptoms of his brain mets (thank goodness!). They were there at dx, then disappeared with tx and then returned greatly multiplied - and the only way we ever knew it was from the scans.

So sorry to hear about the stroke, but thank goodness you were wise and followed your gut feelings. Hope things start looking up.

Fay, Steve has had so many CT's, MRI's and two PET's - it's a bit hard to keep it all straight. When Steve was being evaluated by a Tumor Board for possible Gamma Knife surgery, they had him do a couple of triple-dose MRI's which were said to be much more sensitive than the regular kind.

Fay, You definitely make a BIG difference in a lot of lives (e.g. all the posts above) and now add me to that list too.

Dean Carl, Your anniversary marks a special time for all of us who have had the pleasure of sharing your incredible insight and caring. Talk about who's the real "Super Bowl" hero....

Charlotte, I too am so sorry for your loss of your dear husband, Rich. You have been through so much and you continue to fight the beast. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Yep! Yep! Yep! Yep! Yep! You're awesome and I'm so grateful you're here.

Laurie, Your wonderful news put a lot of smiles on people's faces around here. Give your mom a hug and tell her to keep up the good work.

MJ, Boy, I can so identify with your feelings. I also talk about cancer a lot, because the truth of it is that our lives pretty much revolve around cancer these days. Every once in awhile I have my "cancer meltdowns" and I just let people know that's what's going on and have found them to be very supportive. I look around at other people and am amazed that they have "normal" lives. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to have that again. However, I do know that the things they let bother them and tear them apart often look so ridiculous and petty to me. Don't misunderstand me. I would go back to our old lives in a heartbeat if it were offered, but I can recognize some of the incredible moments we have had together because of cancer. Re. your mom's sleeping excessively. By all means, check it out, but don't panic. Steve slept most of the day for MONTHS after WBR. It is just in the last couple of months that there has been a big improvement. WBR just drains every last ounce of energy you have. Hang in there - your mom will come back to you. Just keep giving her your "special medicine" of love and support.

And people think Barry Bonds has done something great! (At least the folks in S.F.) That's one for the record books for sure.

Hellooooo Laura, I was just like you and took awhile to dip my toe in the pond (Glad you clarified the Lion King reference, Curtis, for those of us who had teenage boys who would NEVER allow us to rent that one!) You've already been around enough to know what a great group of people are here, so we're just glad that now we can grab your hand and pull you into the circle

Also not a health care professional, but wanted to welcome you all the same. We all learn so much from each other and especially from those with the health care background. Thanks for joining us

Welcome Doug, You certainly define the word "survivor." Thank you for spreading your hope around.

Welcome to your new extra family! First, I want to congratulate you on your successful surgery. That was a huge plus on the positive side for you, even if it may not feel like it right now. My husband was not a candidate for surgery, but did have the chest tube and he would certainly second Snowflake's opinion. After it was all done, I mentioned that one of the nurses said inserting and removing a chest tube could be "pretty uncomfortable." My husband replied that anyone who would characterize that as just "pretty uncomfortable" has obviously never had one . The roller coaster ride begins - but you have a whole trainload of fellow passengers. Glad you're with us .

Marge, Your sister and family have certainly been through so much. My prayers are with you all. Keep us informed and let us help if we can.

Marion, There are so many of us with "what if" questions due to a misdiagnosis - glad to know there are some doctors on here too. Many they can help get the word out. Sorry you had to end up here, but this is a place where lots of caring people will be here to help in any way they can. Take care.

Kim, Thanks for reminding us that it's not all about cancer. What a wonderful life your mom has engineered for her fine family. Sorry this had to be thrown into the mix, but there it is. Now we'll be here to try to help you all deal with it. Welcome