Frank Lamb Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Hello everyone.Time for an overdue update on me.I have been to 2 VA hospitals (Butler and Pgh),UPMC Shadyside Hospital(in Pgh.),and Hillman Cancer Center also in Pgh. My PCP at Butler VA wanted to introduce me to all the hospice facilities and benefits available thru the VA.She seems to think the SINGING FAT LADY is looking for me.She is giving me 3 to 6 more months of existance.(obviously doesn't know me very well after all this). All the drs.at the other 3 hospitals actually met and consulted with each other.They are all highly regarded cancer drs.They are all in agreement that there is nothing more they can do for me at this time so far as any treatments.They said the main objective at this time is to keep me at home(not in hosp.)and on my feet (not laid up and sick ). The last round of chemo & radiation shrunk the tumor in airway & surrounding area enough that I'm not doing too badly.They all agree that there is nothing treatment wise that can stop the spread or kill the cancer cells I currently have at this time.This does not mean they have given up on me or that they will tell THE SINGING FAT LADY where I live. They all say I'm basically a terminal patient but we will watch and moniter and whenever I take any turns for the worse then as needed they will go in there and do whatever they possibly can to open airways,install more stents,or ???.(whatever) So for the time being I have every 6 weeks appts. with thoracic surg,rad & chemo oncs.Meanwhile I am to play golf,turkey hunt,fish,work in yard,drink bud lite,eat chocolate donuts,and shoot at THE SINGING FAT LADY if she appears.If for any reason I have increased problems (SOB,breathing,bleeding,prolonged coughing or other symptoms) get in there and they will do all they can to improve my condition and buy me as much quality time as is humanly possible.They too will shoot at THE SINGING FAT LADY if she appears. So all of you know,I am in an OK frame of mind with all this.My wife Connie (GOD BLESS her-what a wonderful woman)is handling this ok so far as well. However it would be advised that any overweight women that sing a lot should not stop by the house without a prior phone call and introduction. THE SINGING FAT LADY is not welcome and by all means should approach with extreme caution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Oh Frank...I love your post!!! Keep up that great attitude and fight with all your might!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, Attitude is half the battle and yours is terrific. I firmly believe that each day brings the opportunity for some pointy-headed scientist to yell 'EUREKA'. I have my fat lady slingshot at the call and will use it as needed. Hang tough, dear friend, we need you here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbays Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 So sorry Frank. We will all pray hard so that Fat Lady will not appear. God Bless You. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justakid Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Wow Frank you have a great attitude! Keep up the positive thinking and thanks for the update! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy B Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, I am so glad you aren't planning on going anywhere anytime soon - we need you here. I don't post often but I really like reading your posts and I love your jokes. Keep up the great attitude! Hugs and prayers Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, How about if I come with Katie too? I am close - in PA!!! I can bring Teddy, the dog. He HATES the fat lady! That would rally be some scene! Yes, everyone here loves you, Frank. So many heartfelt prayers going out - you and Connie just gotta feel 'em. You keep fighting - we keep praying. That's the way it works! (((Frank and Connie))) Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Don't worry, Frank. I hear the fat lady is too fat to get through your doors or windows, just be sure to keep the garage door closed at all times!!!! Never thought I would giggle so much at a post that contained information like yours did. You are such a great guy and an inspiration to all of us. With you standing at the door, and all of us on the outside, the fat lady doesn't stand a chance. Prayers for you, my friend. Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terriep Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Dear, dear Frank, You have been blessed with an indominable spirit - we so love your posts - God bless you and keep you FAT LADY free! My prayers will continue for you and your lovely wife, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikkala Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Wow Frank, I can only hope if I ever face the fight you have I have the strength and courage you have. You are such an inspiration. Many prayers for you and Connie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, I'm so sorry to read your news, but I am so inspired to hear your attitude. So many are, and will continue to be, praying for you. God bless and tell Connie that we are all here for her too! Love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, there is no way to convey what your post did for Brian and me. I could never type it if I tried a hundred years. Just know that you are a gift to us and we second all your motions and no matter how high you raise the bar we are determined to face our battle with the determination, grace, generosity of spirit and joyful living you set as an example. Our can of Fat Lady Whoop A** is at the ready......... Love Brian and Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Keep right on fighting and don't you dare give up. You too, Connie. We need you both right here! ((())) Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieD Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, You are truly someting else. God Bless you and now let'see what we can do about this fat lady. I'll be around Clarion over Memorial Day so I got the north end covered. The fat cow is history if she comes that way. Good luck Frank. You are an inspiration to all of us. Hoping and praying we can keep her at bay for a long long time. CharlieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, Not to worry....The Fat Lady is penned up in my back yard. As long as I keep feeding her Triple Chocolate Cookies she doesn't seem inclined to try to escape. And she certainly can't sing with her mouth full. I promise to let you know if she gets loose. Much Affection, Fay A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, What a great attitude you have! I am fat and sing, but would never come near your house. You will probably outlive us all with your great attitude. I am praying for you and Connie. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, I can't begin to tell you how I felt when I read your post. You and your lovely wife Connie are such an inspiration to me. I feel saddened knowing that there's nothing they can do for you right now, but I feel blessed to know someone with your inner strength, attitude and determination. We will all pray that the fat lady doesn't find you for a very very long time indeed. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddys Little Girl @ 35! Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, please don't confuse the fat lady with Santa, I could use some good presents this Christmas -- Keeping you and your family in our prayers here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmydog2 Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 If you get any advance warning that the "fat lady" is headed in your direction, give me a holler and I'll go find Dolly. Together we can teach that "fat lady" not to mess around with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindseysmom Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank you have a wonderful attitude. You are such a inspiration. Best Wishes, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 I think the chicken cult needs to send Frank some chickens...you won't shoot the chickens will ya Frank? Well hell Frank..this stinks. I hate to sound like a broken record but what about Tarceva? I love your attitude...keep drinking beer, eating donuts,kicking butt and taking names. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy P Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank - Your posts always bring a smile to my face (or sometimes at least a groan ). Your attitude is AWESOME and so inspiring. You continue to be my hero. If the Fat Lady gets too close throw some beer bottles at her and then pelt her with the donuts until she runs away. (((((Frank & Connie))))) Much Love, Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, you're one heck of a guy! I think there are enough of us on the site that we can keep distracting the singing fat lady for some time to come. Blessings. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haylee_38 Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Frank, You hang in there and keep the fat lady away. Your attitude is great and we want you here for a long time and there is no doubt in my mind that you wont be. Keeping you and Connie both in my thoughts and prayers. Haylee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 Dear Frank, If I were a fat lady in Pa now, I would have my house up for sale and move out of the state. Fat Ladies are no longer allowed anywhere near Pa. Best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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