Dear Members, My sister is terminal and I really could use your support at this time.
I read about Hospice, and the process , I just want you to know they are controlling the PAIN as much as possible.without Hospice right now. My sister was so well yesterday, then was in severe pain, that they had to increase her morphine. She was up all night, finally is sleeping now.
She is due for Radiation , they are trying to fit her in. I don't know if I belong here at this point. But I really need some friends right now. I need to know if she will come out of this yet,I am so lost right now. I try to read up on this with the internet, some things are hard for me to understand I try though. Hospice isn't there yet, she just has severe pain and the BEAST is letting her know he's there. Will she be able to communicate with us still.
Please help me to understand more, can they relieve her pain and will she come back and be as normal as she can be.
Love Teardrop
PS Can I come here if I need you?

oh sweetie, that's what we are here for. I can't answer your questions, but some of the caregivers will drop by soon with great information and lots of hugs.

Take care of yourself, as well as your sister.

_________________
(photo: me in '61)
Female never smoked, 52 at diagnosis, otherwise healthy
09/08: false cardiac event = finding of 3 cm tumor upper right lobe plus two .5 cm nodes elsewhere on chest x-ray at ER
09/08: CTScan with IV contrast confirms.
10/08: Pulmonary referral for EBUS - bronchoscopy - confirms NSCLC - adenocarcinoma, with bronchoalveolar features
10/08: PetScan - further confirmation, classified T1N0MX (false negative) VATS scheduled.
11/08: full open surgery - revised to T4N2MX with positive spread to 2 lymph nodes, removed upper lobe with 3 cm tumor and partial mid lobe with (1) .5 cm tumor, 3 lymph nodes on trachea - 1 lymph node and margins negative.
5 night hospital stay.
12/08: Port-a-cath implanted
12/08: Brain MRI and hearing test - good other than minor high end loss in left ear
12/08: start (4) 21 day cycles of chemo - day 1 cisplatin and gemcitabine, day 8 gemcitabine alone, day 15 off - tolerated it pretty well - a little hair thinning and follicle inflammation, some ringing in ears and vertigo, much fatigue, and nausea. Kept my taste-buds almost intact.
02/27/09: completed 4 cycles of chemo!
03/03/09: removed port-a-cath
03/27/09: tattooed for radiation
03/30/09: start radiation (IMRT) 5x/wk for 6 weeks - fatigue, moderate esophagitis
5/08/09: completed treatment
6/22/09: NED
9/18/09: Recurrance in the liver and scattered in lungs. No symptoms. Rx Tarceva.
9/25/09: start Tarceva
11/20/09: clear lungs, shrinkage in liver.
2/24/10: still good on Tarceva
6/3/10: graduated to 6 month scan
12/9/10: new 6 cm tumor in liver
12/28/10: stop Tarceva
1/10/11: carbo/alimta/avastin
3/11/11: scan after 3 cycles 72%ish met reduction, stay the course
5/26/11: scan after 6 cycles, stable.
5/31/11: begin Avastin maintenance.
8/17/11: met growth, stop Avastin. Start Alimta.
10/25/11: met growth, stop Alimta. Wondering what to do next?
1/24/11: start hospice

Dear Teardrop,

The role of hospice is to control pain and make the patient as comfortable as possible. Nobody can tell you if your sister will be 'as normal' as possible but for sure she should have her pain controlled.

It is very difficult for you to see your beloved sister like this. Come here for support whenever you need it.

_________________
Ginny
Please use gdecoursey@aol.com for email.

Earl born 1/28/42 - dx 9/21/02 - died 8/18/04. He was the sunshine of my life.

We are always here for anything you need. Pain management is PRIORITY ONE for hospice that is their KEY Job. THey can also help you understand what exactly is going on and the whole process of what is happening. I never had any Hospice issues because we never had the chance to use them but Our local hospice is wonderful people. You can be here every waking moment if you need or want to. Even if we cant get an answer we can always offer and ear to listen with and a shoulder to Lean on whenever Ya need it!!!

Hugs and Prayers for Comfort and Peace and strength right now........

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

((((Teardrop))))

Of course you can and SHOULD come here whenever you need to. We are here for you and we will continue to be here!

I am so sorry that your sister is having so much pain. I wish we could take that away for you both.

Please keep posting and let us know how you are and how your dear sister is.

Much love and many hugs and prayers

Christine

My husband's pain became very acute and they had pain management people increase his fentanyl patch and give him dilaudid and later morphine. Xanax also helped as he became very anxious. Hospice was wonderful at helping us with the whole process and even now that he is gone offering grief support. She should not be in pain....and despite enough pain medicine to keep an elephant down, my husband was coherent right up until he was actively dying. God Bless You and come here often....you will be taken care of.

Teardrop--you come here anytime you need to. That's what we are here for. I'm so sorry you are having to face your worst fears now. I will keep you and your sister in my prayers. You are not alone.

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385

This is a tough road to travel, but you can have support on the way by visiting here.

We used Hospice for both my parents at the end, and they are WONDERFUL. Get them on board ASAP and be honest about needs, concerns, pain, etc. No question is too insignificant. They need you to communicate with them so that they can do their best job and help the family too.

So sorry.

_________________
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." Lance Armstrong

"Every moment is a breath-taking, transitory experience, never to be repeated again." - Don Juan Matus

Tiny
Age 58 at dx; lifelong non-smoker
12/01 dx NSCLC bronchoalveolar-type adenocarcinoma (BAC), Stage IIA
2/02 Lobectomy RLL; no chemo or rad
6/03 MRI = "empty"
3/05 Bone Scan = negative
2/08 CT = "No Evidence for Metastases or Recurrence"
Enjoyed 6+ years of NED
1/09 CT/PET:Recurrent disease: multiple new nodules in both lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and spot on liver.
2/3/09 Bone Scan: Degenerative arthritis (hooray!)
2/4/09 Started Tarceva
~~ picture: Temple of Poseidon, Greece 4/08 ~~

Dear Members, My heart is open to you caring and prayers for me and my sister. I would like to repeat from previously messages that I told you I live far away. But I plan on seeing her this weekend. Since she is terminal, and doesn't want a second option, I find it hard not to feel differently. Me and my youngest sister found Cancer Center.com, where they take advanced lung cancer, and to call a 1-800 # for her area, I know my sister doesn't want to travel or change her doctor, She told me this is her wishes, how do I reach her , should I ask her again, she was firm about it though. OR do you think my HOPE should not be so high, as the cancer is spreading Primary Lung cancer, and secondary Bone, radiation on knee bone, has in spine, and last night pain in breast. The doctor is giving her radiation one more time, and then he's going to try a different Chemo. Do you think this is Tarceva, a chance for hope? Or do they give this to you sooner. And the Chemo is just for pain.
God Bless All and my prayers are for you too.
Teardrop

My husband's cancer spread so fast and he had so many complications that he only got 4 rounds of Alimta/carbo. In the hospital, when the cancer was advancing rapidly, they began Tarceva, but he only had it for 6 days until I took him off of it because he had such shortness of breath and had deteriorated so fast, that I felt if Tarceva was a drug to stabilize him, he was no longer at a point where being stabile would mean quality of life. Teardrop, it is a difficult question. I think when you see your sister, you will better be able to judge what is right. In the end, it is her decision but perhaps having people there who love her will bring out the "fight" in her. I know that is what urged my husband to fight.

Oh teardrop. You can come here anytime and as often as you need to for however long you need to. That is exactly what this site is for. Prayers that your sister gets more comfortable and that many more positive memories can be made.

Sandra

_________________
See my survival story at http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=39390

43 years old at diagnosis, wife and mother of 2 wonderful children (1 of each, 12 and 13).

March 2007-cough that wouldn't clear, gets progressively worse, can't sleep on left side by July 2007
August 2007-cloudy x-ray
Aug 27-finally a CT scan, and hospitalized, 3 litres of fluid on lung. Fluid drained, hospital stay, bronchs, mediastinoscopy, thorascopy. Had been told cancer earlier, not in fluid though. Tests done to confirm staging. Staging confirmed as Stage III A, later changed to III B.
Oct 4-PET scan for radiation planning.
Oct 17-Nov 28-30 radiation treatments
Oct 17 to Jan 11-4 rounds of chemo, cisplatin and etoposide
Jan 28-Ct scan/chest x-ray
Feb 12-doc said re CT scan "results are excellent, could possibly be a complete positive response!" Don't think it gets much better than that. I won't say NED yet....
Mar 18/08-NED!!!!! based on updated CT scan. Small pleural effusion left,difficult to tell, but rest is NED. And also cleared for START, liposome vaccine clinical trial.
April 3-1st day of vaccine, every week for 8 weeks, less frequently after that
-May 8-PET scan results, bone mets!!! Lungs still clear. Begin radiation/chemo planning. Off of clinical trial after 5 treatments.
-May 27 and 30, 2 radiation treatments, 14 greys total
-June 10-July 21-first 3 alimta infusion, also receiving zometa infusions separately
-CT scan results July 21-lungs still clear, back a mess, referred to a neurosurgeon for possible surgery
-Aug 13-1st gemzar infusion (stopped alimta, was intolerant and gemzar thought to be more effective)
Aug 16-MRI as reported pain in right leg, results were probable nerve damage from spine mets
-Aug20-end of first cycle of gemzar. Treatments stopped as was intolerant, too many side effects.
Sept 25-bone scan ordered by pain doc
Oct 3-started Tarceva, 150 mg
Oct 23 PET scan results-progression in spine and left lung with lymph node involvement-CRAP!!!!!
Nov 5-Tarceva down to 125 mg
Jan 20-failed bone cement procedure, pain worse
Jan 23-admitted to hospital for 10 days: full kidney failure, later discovered infection in chest which was lanced, identified dropped foot, off of Tarceva since Jan 20
Mar 31-1st of 10 radiation treatments to the spine
May 12-started navalbine

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will". -Mahatma Gandhi

"When the going gets tough, the tough get waterproof mascara" (assuming you have eyelashes left after chemo!)

Hi Teardrop. I'm so sorry for what you and your sister are going through. But I must point out that you should be very cautious about persuading your sister to go to cancercenter.com, also known as 'Cancer Treatment Centers of America'. First, the '.com' in their URL tells you it is a FOR-PROFIT organization. Second, if you do a search of them on google, you'll see that they've been successfully prosecuted for false advertising. While they probably do as well as any other cancer center with treatable conditions, they seem to prey on very serious conditions that other (NON-profit) cancer centers recommend hospice for. If you want your sister's pain management to be the best, which you clearly do, then I'd suggest you follow the advice of others here who've been down that road and have hospice called in. And hang in there and good luck.

Ellen

_________________
-66-yr-old woman
-Dx 12/26/07 at age 63
-Stage 4 NSCLC, adenocarcinoma, with mets to local lymph nodes, salivary gland, and pelvis, later vertebra.
-Have chosen to do no chemo or chest radiation -- have had radiation to pelvis and spine to lessen discomfort and, mainly, to lessen likelihood of stress fractures and nerve root damage. Successful!

Dear Members, I appreicate all the replies and love. I will tell you what is going on with my sister. She was throwning up, and she wanted to go into the hospital. She could not keep the food down, which is little what she eats,and she drank very little. Hospice care is short handed and would be able to come one day to check on her where she lives, she has a devoted husband who's taking care of her. My sister is getting a nurse through the county for the aged that will come 4 days though. The doctor put her back into the hospital friday 2/13 morning, he's giving her steriods, to build her up . I found out also that she has 6months to 1 year. I know from this site don't believe the amount of time left. She is a fighter, the pain is what getting her. I will be going up, and staying overnight in the hospital to be with her. I also plan on going up, and staying longer than 2 days, next time. What are the steriods for, doctor said he's trying to reverse the cancer. He was going to make his own mixture of chemo to give her, but right now he decided to give her steriods does this also reverse the cancer or boost the body ? It's so hard for me to understand things, could you be kind to explain.
Sincerely Teardrops

See if you can find out what his own chemo is for one thing that scares me. now for steroids, They are considered an anti inflammatory drug and relieve swelling and decrease muscle mass. This is where his theory of steroids as a cancer reversal come into play. They dont really stop or cure or treat the cancer but they do help relieve growth of tumors and this is what he is telling you. Be aware that there are side effects though. Especially pshycological effects and mental effects This can be bad if not monitored closely so be careful.

Wish I had more but this is best I can do right now.

Hugs and Prayers Randy in NC

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

((((Teardrop))))

I am so sorry that you and your sister are going through this.

I do agree, however, with Randy. What does the doctor mean by mixing up his own chemo??? Please try to find out what that is.

Hoping that things begin to go better for your sister.

Hugs - Patti B.

Dear Members,
I went on the weekend to see my sister, stayed in hospital with her. She was in pain so they gave her pain meds. IV feeding, as she doesn't eat to much,steriods. I really can see now what the BEAST does to someone. She had pains in lower back, gave meds we went to sleep for 1-1/2 hrs she woke up in pain in leg so gave pain meds again.Had eyes closed during the day, heard everything family was saying,not sleeping. Found out Monday will gave her for 15 days radiation, no chemo now. Saids she wants to die,because of the pain. She was giving away her possessions , while I was there. This evening won't take pills, still in hospital, say they are trying to kill her. I'm so glad she's in the hospital , as everyone is asking her to take the pills and she won't listen.
My heart hurts, on what she is going through.
Sincerely
Teardrop

Are they administering Morphine injections? PAin control is the Number one thing at any time. I wish i had more but just thoughts and prayers right now for everyone there!

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

I'm so sorry for everything she and you are going thru. We are here for you. And you both have my prayers.

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

Dear Randy, They are administering Morphine. She had radiation today on the brain.
Sincerely
Teardrop

Hugs and Prayers For everyone

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

(((Teardrop))),
I am so very sorry your sister is going through so much right now. My heart goes out to you and your family. Wish I could answer questions, but I don't have answers. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with your sister, you and your family.

Hugs,
Sue

_________________
[size=84]husband, Mike, 59 years old
**2-01 dx'd Stage 1 nsclc-9cm tumor to right lung-no lymph node involvement...
**4-30-01 pneumonectomy right lung removed. No followup chemo or radiation , but scans and xrays were done
**1-28-04 dx w/recurrent stage IV nsclc tumor on stump of where right lung had been removed , lymph node involvement, tumor adrenal gland -lft side, **02-04-04- taxol & carboplatin 3 treatments-didn't work
**02-12-04- radiation 10 to lung for bleeding
**04-2--04-taxotere had 4 treatments. shrinkage had occured in all after 3.. continuing taxotere. making him very tired ... upper body swelling ..
** 08-01-04-in hospital
latest..
**08-02-04 had stent put in .. superior vena cava.. the vein was being blocked by pressure tumor.
**08-05-04-started 10 radiation treatments,
**08-30-04- started Navelbine on 3 weeks and off 1 Scan after 5 treatments show chemo Navelbine not working -slight decrease to lung mass, but slight increase to adrenal ....
**11-01-04-starting Gemzar ... had 3 treatments... too many side effects... Ct of chest and upper abdomen done on Dec. 2nd -results some shrinkage
**12-06-04-started Alimta Dec. 6th- first treatment went well Had 2nd treatment Dec. 27th ... developed a rash and is tired, but otherwise ok Scan Feb 7th, 2005 STABLE doing good continuing Alimta April 18th scans showed stable disease (after 6 Alimta treatments), but he now has pneumonitis... no more treatments until much better.. on prednisone and oxygen..
**05-31-05 Ct scan of chest showed pneumonitis resolved and stable cancer
**06-06-05-our 35th wedding anniversary... onc confirms everything resolving and stable -reccommends break continued til August
**6-15-05 to 6-18-05 in hospital due to mental confusion ..
had MRI-member empty head club

8-3-2005-Ct scans chest , abdomen and pelvic....Waiting and praying...
**8-8-2005-Ct results were that the chest area looked improved, but the adrenal area had increased and involved some lymph nodes.
Started Tarceva 150mg 8-16-2005-8-20-2005 stopped 2 weeks due to severe rash on 9-8-2005 started back on Tarceva at 100 mg now.. stopped again on 9-19-2005
9-30-2005 scans slight progression to nodes behind adrenal..
10-10-2005-Camptosar- CPT-11 started
10-31-2005- CPT-11
refused more CPT-11 made him extremely fatigued and nauseated
Dec. 6th -CTscans chest, abdomen & pelvic. shows stable but tumor compressing the esophagus..
Dec. 19th- had stent to trachea put in
Dec. 21st- he had stent to esophagus and feeding tube put in
Dec. 22nd.. he will ill put in hospital... vomiting and also coughing and congestion in for 4 days... home for Christmas Dec. 25th... still recouperating with antibiotics etc.
Continuing cough and numerous doctor visits.
*Jan 30th-Feb 4th- hospitalized again with cough ..
Still has cough , but controlled most of the time Hasn't been able to resume chemo

**My "prince charming", best friend, husband and soul mate,, Mike passed away March 2, 2006 after being a 5 year survivor and fighting a very courageous battle**
______________________
Mom- 78 yrs old..
nsclc diag May 2nd, 2007-surgery 2sm tumors removed in wedge section... lymph nodes clear
Tarceva as adjuvant started on June 23rd..quit July2nd.. side effects numerous... am waiting now til next appt. July 13th
July 20th... Mom NED.PET clear and normal .. will go back on half 75mg Tarceva... see how that works..
Stop Tarceva 8-25 too many side effects
Oct. 22nd- Mom surgeon visit, chest xray and results .. all clear, no sign of cancer...
Feb. 18th Mom's PET Scan
March 7th Mom's PET Scan results.. NED
Sept. 22, 08 Mom PET Scan
Sept. 29, 08 Mom PET results new nodule 3/4 "...here we go again.... :-(
*Updated*- Mom surgery- Oct. 30th.. surgeon removed top part of upper right lobe. Nothing showed malignant. She had pneumonia after surgery and a 3 week hospital stay, but she is slowly regaining her strength and is currently NED..

March 3, 2009 CT scan.... results showed some little things along suture line that the doctor believed was healing.. will wait til next scan and compare.

June 2, 2009- CT Scan.. results there is an area along suture line that has increased in size and thickening.. doctor thinks could be cancer... a needle biopsy will be done..

A quick update.. the results of the needle biopsy did confirm that it was cancer...

Cyberknife was done the first week in November..

Pet scan .. Dec. 8th...
Dec. 11th -results .. cyberknife worked and the rest of the scan is clean... YAY!!! Happy Birthday (Dec. 19th.. 81st) and Merry Xmas Mom!
Dec. 2010 NED!!!
June 2, 2011.. Pet Scan results .. NED!!!
Nov 3, 2011.. CT scan results.. NED!!!
Sept. 18, 2012 .. our loving mom has passed on ..Heaven received a most precious angel.


graphic by
http://www.maryslittlelamb.com[/size]

Teardrop-

Know that you and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry that you are going through this.

Hugs - Patti B.

Dear Members, My sister is not eating do to fear of throwing up, is there anything that can be given her or said to her? Is it wrong for me to hang onto a miracle with radiation still given, will this kill the cancer cells ALL over her body or just in her brain OR control pain? Is there a easy way of giving her the pills to take ,can crushing them be ok, and put in teaspoons of tea. All I have is HOPE, and God only knows.
Sincerely,
Teardrop

Dear Members,
To tell you what the doctor said, IT"S premature to plan for a resting place yet.
As my sister husband is confused, as he has given her weeks, and 14 more radiations.
Sincerely
Teardrop

Teardrop:

If your sister is not eating because she's feeling nauseated, there are good anti-nausea medications she can be given. If it's mainly a FEAR of becoming nauseated, that may be more of an anxiety issue, and there are other medications for that. In either case, neither of you should be worried about her becoming dependent on drugs or addicted — they are intended for times like this.

About crushing the pills, check with the nurses. Some are okay to crush, but some are not.

Radiation is intended to kill the cancer cells or control pain in the specific area where it's directed.

With Aloha,

Ned

_________________
Ned is just my nickname, though it would be nice to merge it with the other meaning eventually...

Aloha means "Hello, goodbye, love, compassion, welcome, good wishes." It means belonging to others with a common humanity. It's defined better as a feeling in the heart than by words.

Dx NSCLC adenocarcinoma IIIb Sep 2006, now stage IV. Taxol+Carboplatin+Avastin 4 mo., Avastin 8 mo., Tarceva 16 mo., Alimta 12 mo. (sometimes combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin), Navelbine since Feb 2010, 10 sessions of WBR in March 2011. See My Cancer Journey: viewtopic.php?p=351369#p351369 — UPDATED 03/05/2011.

Above left: Our golden retriever Rosie, who joined the family on 3/5/08 at the playful age of 2.

Below: Hannah, our golden companion 1994-2007.

Dear Members,
My sister is taking alot of medication. My question is she is terminal ,do you have the names of medication to fight the cancer cell in pill form besides Tarceva, that kill the cancer cells, as she has a list at home my sister can check to see if they are on it. She is doing well today, except eating not enough, do they have a medication to help her with this (like feeding tube subtitute in pill form) and what is the name? And doesn't a attitude of being positive around her, might bring her back, from being hopeless. As some of her children aren't around for her even though they live close. I hope she doesn't feel depress over that. I feel that could make her to give up to, as they see the material things, as they are poor, and don't show any affection toward her.
Sincerely
Teardrop

Teardrop, I'm frequently onsite but somehow missed this thread. I see it's been 10 days since your last post. How is your sister doing now? How many more radiation treatments does she still have coming and do they seem to be working yet at helping her pain?

You talk about her not eating and I will try to remember some of the things members who know about that have said. One thing was to prepare small snacks that she might like and just leave them within reach so she might nibble here and there. Also people offer nutritious drinks like milkshakes, something called Ensure or Carnation instant drinks. I do believe that people doing radiation often have no interest in or difficulty eating.

I hope things are going better for her but as far as her children go, there isn't much to be done except encourage them to visit their mother. Much positive healing energy coming your sister's way.

Judy in Key West

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

Teardrop this might help with some questions!

A pharmaceutical product, Marinol, is widely available through prescription. It comes in the form of a pill and is also being studied by researchers for suitability via other delivery methods, such as an inhaler or patch. The active ingredient of Marinol is synthetic THC, which has been found to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients and to assist with loss of appetite with AIDS patients.

Ask about MArinol It may help but not sure..

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

Dear Members, I'm writing to let you know what's going on with my sister. Since I'm far away I get pieces of information. She is still going to radiation, but missed two days, to weak to walk. She is not eating, but drinks milk,she doesn't like Ensure. She throws up every so often. Hospice came, will be coming every other day I believe. She had a blood test, what is that for, to see if she needs blood, or they won't give it to her no more. She had a headache this morning, could be from the cancer cells in her brain, got med for the pain, will be picked up by van,with wheelchair, to bring her to radiation. Once she has radiation, she is sleepy, but next day alert and talks. I feel that her husband should get more information on her care, as I learned so much from Hospice site, and uk hospice site. She is with us,and I talk to her everyday and she is ,in no pain. I'm learning everyday of the process, right now I'm cherish the time with her and love to hear her voice,and comfort her with all my Love. BUT most of all ,the time the Lord is giving ,for her to be with us.
Sincerely
Teardrop
GOD BLESS ALL, AND I'M SAYING PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU

Teardrop,

I pray you will have many more good days to hear your sister's voice and know that she is getting stronger. I know how hard it is to be far away. I will keep you and your sister in my prayers.

Susan

_________________
76 year-old mom diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer January 5, 2007.

15 radiation treatments to the spine and four rounds of chemo, Jan-May, 2007.

Stable disease May, 2007-May, 2008.

Bone scan May, 2008 shows new mets in the spine, pelvis and ribs.

July, 2008--finished radiation and has a Quadramet treatment.

October, 2008--Scans show mild progression. Began chemo (carbo/taxol/avistin). Will have four rounds of threatment (every 21 days) and scan in January.

01/05/2009--TWO YEAR SURVIVOR!

4/2009--STABLE! No treatment. Next scan in July

7/2009--Scan shows pleural effusion. Fluid drained and malignant. Cancer has spread to other lung and a 13 mm lesion is seen on the liver. Mom to begin Alimta on 8/3

11/2009--Alimta was hard on mom and scans showed progression.

12/2009--began Tarceva, noticed almost immediate improvement.

2/25/2010--Celebrated Mom's 80th birthday!

5/15/2010--Mom watched her oldest granddaughter graduate from college and then paritied well into the night! She's still feeling great.

6/15/2010--Mom watched her youngest granddaughter graduate from high school. Still feeling great!

8/2010-10/2010--Mom begins feeling tired and stays in bed more and more. Scans reveal that the cancer is moving rapidly throughout her body.

10/13/2010--Mom wins her battle once and for all, and passes to a place where the cancer can no longer touch her.

For a more detailed timeline see:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=360385#360385