I had no idea where to put this post, so I ended up here, as always .

Just wanted to share that today was my son's first day of second grade, another milestone for me. When I first found out that I had cancer, I just hoped that I would make it to his first day of pre-k. So, not only did I make it to his first day of pre-k, I made it to the first day of kindergarten, 1st grade, and now 2nd grade (but who's counting?).

Just a side note- we almost didn't make it through today. It was his first time ever, riding the school bus home and the bus never came. His father is supposed to pick him up every day and I was home with a cold, his father called to tell me the bus didn't show nor did Eric. So I'm up and out of my bed, immediately in my General Patton mode, told his father not to move from the stop, and I'm driving to the school which is not even 5 minutes away. I trace the bus route-no bus. Long story short, I end up in the office with about 3 teachers and secretaries there and the principal who to me, are a little bit too laid back about this whole incident. The bus is missing, its 25 minutes late by now. By this time I am in my Cousin Vinnie, NY Debi mode. The principal is telling me- "Don't you worry, we have never lost a child" and I'm giving him my ice glare, and asking, "Is that supposed to make me feel better?" (this said twice of course, with the second time slightly louder and higher). The secretary is on the phone with the bus driver, telling him my son's name about 10 times and I'm about to leap straight over the desk to wrestle the damn phone from her. I'm asking her, "is the bus driver an idiot?" and she's a total nervous wreck by now. Then she says to me, "oh, we have to wait a few minutes, he's on Commerce and has to pull over to call your son's name out". And I'm looking at the principal, and screaming, "COMMERCE???" What the HELL is he doing on COMMERCE???? (That is the main drag, and nowhere near the bus route.) FINALLY, after what seemed hours, the bus driver relayed that my son WAS on the bus, and he would be dropping him off in about 3 minutes. Just then, my son's father called my cell and I'm yelling in the phone, "when the bus driver gets there make sure you find out why the HELL he was across town, make sure you ask him, you better ask him". The ordeal ended with the principal promising he would get answers for me, and me promising to call him tomorrow.

So anyway, moral of the story - I am so grateful that I am still here to go through the stress of first school days, even though I have not necessarily attained sainthood somewhere along the way.

_________________
Debi
50 years old
Stage 1a-nsclc,1.3 centimeter, adenocarcinoma
Surgery June 16, 2003-upper & mid lobe removed
17 lymph nodes removed - all clear
No chemo or radiation

Debi,

Your reaction and concern was justified. I wish I had a bit of your aggressiveness, it seems to get results. My husband would have reacted exactly like you (I am hoping he will mellow just a bit now).

Glad your son is ok and I hope the busdriver sticks to the schedule in the future.

Here's to celebrating another grade with your son! Hooray!

Mendy

_________________
Husband, 49 at dx now 51, 30-yr smoker stage 3A NSCLC
6 yr old son, 4 yr old daughter
6/22/06 pre-op x-ray shows mass
6/23 CT scan
6/29 PET scan meet thoracic surgeon
7/19 bronchoscopy/biopsy taken (good news-looks like mass may be appearing larger because collapsed lung)
7/25 dx'd cancer not sure of stage
7/31 mediastinoscopy/bronchoscopy
8/3 good news-no lymph node involvement-stage IB
8/21 LU lobectomy surgery
9/5 Pathology report positive lymph node involvement restaged to 3A; will begin chemo & radiation probably beginning of Oct.
9/22 Brain MRI, negative
10/10 start carbo/taxol last infusion 12/11
1/4/07 Pet&cat scan NED
1/11 begin 33 rounds of radiation to area where tumor & lymph node were removed
5/30/07 PET scan NED
9/19/07 Chest xray w/GP looks good
10/1 CAT/PET scan shows lymph node on right side lighting up...will need surgery to remove bulla on right lung and lymph nodes
10/23 Surgery to correct bulla and remove lymph nodes biopsy negative!! We are thrilled!

What, is this bus driver's other job driving a tour bus or something? I don't blame you for getting like that Debi, that's crazy. Can't wait to hear what the big explanation is.....

Cindy

_________________
age 56
surgery 6/20/03, stage 1B, upper left lobectomy
started adjuvant chemo on 08/14/03
3 cycles--cisplatin/gemzar
finished chemo 11/6/03
now 9 years post-lobectomy, annual x-ray and follow-up with surgeon
follow-up with oncologist every year/bloodwork and clinical exam

2001 early stage breast cancer/surgery and radiation only, no chemo needed. Mammograms once a year,

Just passed 11 year mark for the breast cancer and 9 year mark for the lung

Debi
Congrats on this latest milestone!
Like the others, I will be waiting to hear the explanation from the bus driver.

Chris

Gosh Debi. Sounds like you had a fun day. Wonder what he was doing across town? Can't wait to hear the explanition. What did your son say? Bet he enjoyed the ride tho.

BTW...loved the pictures.

_________________
Bruce
-------

03/03 CT Scan showed a 7 cm mass on left lung as well as a spot less than 1cm on 2 lymph nodes. Biopsy was done and was Dx with NSCLC Squamous Type.
03/03 Bone, PET, Pelvis and CT of Brain showed no Mets outside of Left Lung (except on the lymph nodes).Surgeon said he did not know if he could get it once he got in there. After 25 Radiation treaments and 5 weeks of Carbo/Taxol. Surgeon took another look at CT and was well pleased with results. I was never given a Stage
6/03 Complete Pneumonectomy of left lung.
CT and Chest x-ray ever 3 months (rotated each 3 months).
12/03 CT showed small cysts on liver. Onc is not worried about them.
3/04 CT shows cysts are the same. Also a hiatel hernia. Onc is very pleased with my progress.
12/04 to Present
Scans continue to show show NED.
11/05 PFT shows some improvement as compared to 12/04 PFT
1/06 Small nodule (1 mm) on right lung
5/06 Nodule is gone from CT
8/06 Still NED
12/06 Still NED
12/07 Still NED. Doctor says he will discharge me in 6 months if I remain clear
6/2008 Doctor released me and said he considers me cured
6/2009 Pneumonia. WBC elevated
7/2009 Dx with Chronic Leukemia (CLL)

So glad he got home okay, is this the last time you stay in bed with a cold?
Try to forget the trauma, go celebrate living to experience it!
Takecare
Geri

_________________
Diagnosed limited sclc Nov 2001
Clean PET scan May 2002
June 2004 Clear CT scan and brain MRI
Good for another 6 months!
Dec 2004, another clean bill of health. next check w/scans may be my last!
June 2005, another good check up, next appt in a year and then I'm finished!!!
Sept 2005, Pericardial effusion, window cut, no cancer found, thought to be viral in origin.
Back to 3 month check with oncolgist. but NED is still my best friend.
Jan 2006, everything still clean, this cancer officially cured. Next check up in a year. NED still in residence.
Jan 2007 clean bill of health again!
April 2007 dx breast cancer, surgery in May and June. Lymph node involvement
August 2007, started chemo, radiation will follow
Dec 2007 Chose no radiation, risks high for small benefit because of lc radiation. Chemo causing shortness of breath.
Jan 2008 Talc procedure done after needle aspiration doesn't work for long (2 days). Now using oxygen most of time.
Feb/Mar 2008 One month hospital stay due to congestive heart failure, low blood pressure and high heart rate. Permanant valve damage.
Mar/Aug 2008 fighting for breath and energy.
Aug 2008 started breast cancer adjunct therapy, life was miserable with side effects
Oct 2008 changed medications and life was even more miserable. This one lasted another month.
Dec 2008, feel better than in last 2 years, finally I am myself again and no bc treatments!
Jan 2009 PET shows no sign of malignancy ANYWHERE! Echocardiograms are now more regular for me than cancer screens.
I now take pills that conteract pills that conteract pills that conteract pills...............and on and on, but I'm still entertaining NED and life is good.
August 2009, CT still clear, back in 6 months for another CT. NED still lives here!
Dec 2009 More congestive heart failure looming.
Feb 2010 Heart block - code blue but eventually brought back, pace maker installed, new birthday Feb 6th - I came back!!!!
March 2010 Heart damaged beyond repair,only a couple of months left to live. Not a transplant candidate (2 cancers) so LVAD implanted. I'm still on the green side of the sod but now as the bionic woman and my future is still as long as it would have been before lc..........expiration date unknown (or long as I remember to change my batteries) !

I can't wait to hear what was going on either, Debi. Now having met you in person, I got a perfect mental image of you in that office. Dare say this is NEVER going to happen again. And don't make us wait to hear the story!

Kasey

Oh yea................forgot.................a big congrats on ANOTHER year down. Can't wait to hear from you the year he graduates from high school!

_________________
Kasey ~ 8 year survivor ~ Stage IIIb 'inoperable' (yea, right!) lung cancer
9/20/04 Dx lc
9/24/04 Bronchoscopy
10/08/04 CT guided needle biopsy
10/14/04 Dx Pancoast tumor - NSCLC 111a(?) - inoperable - incurable
11/02/04 2nd opinion - Sloan-Kettering - concurs with local dx and tx
11/03/04-12/02/04 Radiation x22 chemo x5 taxol/carboplatin
11/04 - 3rd opinion - FoxChase -turned away
11/04 FOUND LCSC & HOPE
11/04 4th opinion NIH - surgery possible
1/04/05 Successful surgery - RU lobectomy - all margins, nodes, and path reports are NEGATIVE
2/05 chemo x2 taxol/carboplatin
3/05 Esophagus stretched twice
4/06/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, NED
5/05 2 more esophagus stretches
7/13/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, brain MRI, NED
10/05/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
1/11/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
4/05/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
6/10/06 emergency appendectomy
7/12/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
9/26/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
1/10/07 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, CT, PET/CT scan, arm CT, brain MRI, NED
7/11/07 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
1/9/08 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT w/contrast.....mm 'spot' lower right lobe - watch and wait 3 months
4/8/08 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
10/14/08 bloodwork, urinaysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
4/15/09 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
10/13/09 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT/contrast, NED
4/13-4/15/10 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT/contrast, PFT, echocardiogram, EKG, stress test, NED
4/11-4/13/2011 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan w/contrast, brain MRI, NED
4/16-4/18/2012 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan w/contrast, brain MRI, NED

Kasey's right Debi, Eric is going to get home on time in future - if the principal has to drive him himself..........I've met you too, you mother tiger you!!!!!!!!!
So glad you didn't take any crap.
Geri

_________________
Diagnosed limited sclc Nov 2001
Clean PET scan May 2002
June 2004 Clear CT scan and brain MRI
Good for another 6 months!
Dec 2004, another clean bill of health. next check w/scans may be my last!
June 2005, another good check up, next appt in a year and then I'm finished!!!
Sept 2005, Pericardial effusion, window cut, no cancer found, thought to be viral in origin.
Back to 3 month check with oncolgist. but NED is still my best friend.
Jan 2006, everything still clean, this cancer officially cured. Next check up in a year. NED still in residence.
Jan 2007 clean bill of health again!
April 2007 dx breast cancer, surgery in May and June. Lymph node involvement
August 2007, started chemo, radiation will follow
Dec 2007 Chose no radiation, risks high for small benefit because of lc radiation. Chemo causing shortness of breath.
Jan 2008 Talc procedure done after needle aspiration doesn't work for long (2 days). Now using oxygen most of time.
Feb/Mar 2008 One month hospital stay due to congestive heart failure, low blood pressure and high heart rate. Permanant valve damage.
Mar/Aug 2008 fighting for breath and energy.
Aug 2008 started breast cancer adjunct therapy, life was miserable with side effects
Oct 2008 changed medications and life was even more miserable. This one lasted another month.
Dec 2008, feel better than in last 2 years, finally I am myself again and no bc treatments!
Jan 2009 PET shows no sign of malignancy ANYWHERE! Echocardiograms are now more regular for me than cancer screens.
I now take pills that conteract pills that conteract pills that conteract pills...............and on and on, but I'm still entertaining NED and life is good.
August 2009, CT still clear, back in 6 months for another CT. NED still lives here!
Dec 2009 More congestive heart failure looming.
Feb 2010 Heart block - code blue but eventually brought back, pace maker installed, new birthday Feb 6th - I came back!!!!
March 2010 Heart damaged beyond repair,only a couple of months left to live. Not a transplant candidate (2 cancers) so LVAD implanted. I'm still on the green side of the sod but now as the bionic woman and my future is still as long as it would have been before lc..........expiration date unknown (or long as I remember to change my batteries) !

Hey Deb, you do know that the (secretary, bus driver, & the principal) now have a name for you?!?! I can't post it on the board, it will only get bleeped!

TOO TOOO FUNNY (NOW)! It's NEVER FUNNY when your going through it!

My grandaughter who is the same age as your son, missed her school bus the first day of kindergarten going home. (the bus left early) Well, long story short, my Granddaughter made it on the Front Page of the Newspaper crying her heart out and three kids standing next to her trying to help. NO ADULTS were trying to help her, 3 KIDS ages 7 where trying to help her! Where's the ADULTS HERE?????

Gald you found your son!

I have NO DOUBT you gave them a little hell!!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

I drive a school van for learning disabled school students. ANYTIME that we are later then 15 mins. of their scheduled arrival time, we notify the parents. I call my dispatcher, they call the parents. Sometimes if I have my cell with me, and I'm at another students house, I will call the other parents myself.
You had every right to feel the way you did. If the Principal and the secretary can't understand your feelings, then they need to check out their bus policies. Stand your ground!

_________________
If you see someone having a bad day and not smiling....give them one of yours.

Wow Deb, what a day! I think you handled it pretty well. I know I probably would have had my hands around someone's neck if it were my child. How dare that principal be so cavalier when your child is missing!!!!!

Anyway, I'm glad your son was okay, and can't wait to hear the bus driver's explanation.

Sharon

_________________

Picture is me and my big brother Tommy who also has lung cancer.(June 2006)
Sadly, Tommy was called home 6/29/2008. May he rest in peace.


12/28/05: Admitted to hospital for L pleural effusion.
12/29/05:1400cc's drained from L lung, biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. CT, MRI, ultrasound, and bone scan revealed multiple small pleural lesions bilateraly, several small liver lesions, and 1 small lesion on lumbar spine. Largest lesion is approximately 2 cm (on spine), all lung lesions are mm's.
1/23/06:Second opinion at Fox Chase Cancer Center - agrees with initial diagnosis Stage lV NSCLC Adenocarcinoma
1/24/06:Pet scan confirms findings on CT & MRI
1/27/06:CT directed needle biopsy of liver confirms original diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma.
2/6/06:Started Carbo/Taxol/Avastin every 21 days for 6 cycles.
2/9/06:Portacath placement for chemotherapy.
3/3/06:Started IV Vitamin C 3times/week.
3/21/06:CT revealed lung nodules are shrinking.
4/28/06:CT revealed improvement in both the lung and liver.
5/23/06:Last round of Carbo/Taxol/Avastin.
6/7/06:CT revealed 2 small spots that do not appear to be cancer in the lungs, and 2 spots left on liver that are too small to be measured.
6/13/06:Started tx with just Avastin every 21 days.
6/14/06:Reduced lV Vitamin C to 2 times/week.
8/7/06:CT still shows small spots in lung, no change in size - may not be cancer. Liver clean!!!
10/10/06:CT and Bone Scan. No change on CT, Bone Scan clean. Doc says looks like remission!!!!! Yay!!!!
1/29/07:CT shows stable pulmonary nodules with new liver mets noted.
2/19/07: Started trial with Alimta and Cetuximab.
3/27/07:CT shows disease progression in lung and liver.
4/30/07: Started Taxotere every 21 days.
6/4/07: CT shows disease is stable - Yes!
7/16/07: CT shows shrinkage in all tumors - Yes, yes, yes! Will continue with Taxotere for as long as tolerated. Am still receiving IV Vitamin C once a week and am taking numerous supplements.
8/28/2007: CT is stable, possibly slight shrinkage! Will continue Taxotere.
12/10/2007: CT still stable!
2/19/2008: CT shows multiple hypodense lesions within the liver are now larger in size; lung nodules stable. Gemzar started (2 weeks on, 1 week off)
4/28/2008: CT shows slight shrinkage in 3 of 4 liver lesions. YAY!!!
7/2/2008: CT shows all lesions stable! Yesssss!!!!!!! Will continue with Gemzar.

Yo Deb, glad your New York came out. You had to be scared out of your mind. Glad it all came out well.

_________________
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.

Now I know you too, and I could hear your voice clear as day and your head popping from side to side, voice getting louder, accent in full force, ready to attack those fools.

I doubt very much that those administrators will forget your son's name and I can bet the bank that they will know where he is at ALL times from now on!

Glad it ended ok and looking forward to your update of missing driviers explaination!

Congratulations on another year, another milestone, and another battle WON.

I'll be standing next to Kasey when you tell your story of Eric's graduation day!

Hugs,

_________________
- 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

P. S. to my post.

Hey Deb, you might want to tell this Principal and teacher and school bus driver that you have already KICKED SOME MAJOR LC CANCER *ss, and YOU WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM KICKING THERES!!!

(((((((((((((((DEBI))))))))))))))))

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Oh those gosh darned public schools!!!!

I am glad you all survived. And yes, I like what Connie said--once we have kicked some cancer butt, look out anybody else!!!

Remember too--my little guy was 7 with my first diagnosis and we are taking him out to start his JUNIOR year of college!!!

Enjoy!!!

gail

_________________
NSCLC BAC 4/01 Stage 1A
non-smoker for 17 years
breast cancer 1997: mastectomy/chemo
breast cancer 1993: lumpectomy/radiation
Both stage 1

Avatar picture - my guys at my 50th

UPDATE-

SO I call the school and the secretary tried to give me the Dept of Transportation phone number. I insisted on talking to the Principal since he assured me that HE was going to get to the bottom of it...which he did, once I got through to him.

Turns out the Bus people added 3 more kids, that live the other direction, out on the dreaded COMMERCE, to the bus route. It adds 11 minutes onto the route. SO the carefully constructed bus schedule that I had to peel from my clenched knuckles last evening, is wrong. Instead of getting to the bus stop at 3:26 (his stop is 3 minutes away from school!), he will be getting there at 3:55ISH. (I'm still not sure how that's 11 minutes).

Anyway, the principal says that I should consider myself lucky since they had deleted a stop, so 4 kids couldn't get off the bus when they needed to.. (I'm picturing these kids still riding around on this ghost bus).

Thanks for all your concern!!! (and gail, I always remember your story with your son - you give me hope that I will be telling a similiar one in 11 years!)

_________________
Debi
50 years old
Stage 1a-nsclc,1.3 centimeter, adenocarcinoma
Surgery June 16, 2003-upper & mid lobe removed
17 lymph nodes removed - all clear
No chemo or radiation

Hey Debi,
I'm still waiting for my girls' bus schedules and they start on Tuesday. You'll luv this one, they have changed the time when school begins and ends everyday due to the fact they want to put more kids on the buses, so they can save the $ due to the high cost of gas. In my girls' school, they are lucky it will only be a five minute difference, but in some other schools, it going to be as much as 45 minutes!!!!


Well I hope my girls' have a better time at the bus then your son....

Grace

_________________
===========
Carlton 53
9/05 found mass on lung and spot on CC's liver
10/05 dx ext sclc started cisplatin and etoposide
12/05 ct tumors shrunk about 80%
2/06 7th final rd of chemo
3/06 ct further shrinking
4/06 numbness on left side
4/06 head ct scan reveals lesions
4/06 MRI can inconclusive onto echocardiogram and lp
4/07/06 echocardio initial negative
4/08-4/23/06 - lp done, excessive blood sugar ct, er for treatment, indication of cause was steroids which were stopped, another MRI of brain, indications of early brain mets. 4-5 weeks of radiation of brain to begin
4/24/06 focal seizure to left side, onto boston, consult w/ onc, told start brain rad.
4/25/06 rad started, put on keppra for seizures, saw dr. wants brain rads 4 weeks, then start on chemo to lung w/ gemstar and irecotan.
5/10/06 met w/ onc. finish up wbr and
5/24/06 finished w/ wbr
5/26/06 met w/ onc. not good, lung and liver tumors have grown about 2-3x's what they were after 1st chemo treatment. also spot on adreanal gland. onc. wants to start up chemo next week, probably ireceotan,(?sp) and gemzar.
6/02/06 - started new treatment of gemzar and irecotan. for 2 rounds
6/15/06 platlets low need to go for transfusion
6/16/06 transfusion done, dr. wants mri - brain and ct-chest to see whats happening, will be changing chemo based on results..
6/23/06 Brain Mets gone as indicated thru MRI...
CT reveals tumor in lung has grown slightly, onc wants is stopping current chemo, because of side effects, radiologist wants to nuke the lung, onc leary because of risk of position of tumor around large blood vessels...he is consulting w/ rad. perhaps cyberknife....onc. had decided to start tropecician(sp?)alone soon.
7/05/06 Cyberkn not an option, bone scan tomorrow, fri. starting taxol and topotecan
7/06 needs blood transfusion
8/4/06 major reaction to taxol, to the er, taxol is stopped only now topotecan. looking into clinical trials
9/06 ct and mri indicate cancer has grown 2x lung. and brain tumors are present.
9/06 One oral etoposide 100 mg daily.
will begin at begin of 10/06 w/ IMRT of the brain and down to 50 mg of etoposide
9/29/06 - 1 year since all this began, onc. called stop etoposide, begin decadron ( Mon ), waiting on temodar, till IMRT begins
10/2/06 IMRT starts and rad of lung/liver...some tumor markers show some decrease
10/16/06 mri shows shrinkage in brain mets, tbd - onc if back on etoposide w/ rad
10/24/06 - some "left side" tremor activity, upped keppra to 2x day
11/1/06 imrt, rad stopped, going back to oral etoposide, just waiting for increase in platlette cts. to start up
11/13/06 IMRT started back up, platlets still low - no chemo yet
11/27/06 brain mets are back, larger and more of them, stop imrt, onc. wants cc to start up oral etoposide today, will monitor bloodwork closely
12/18-12/22 stopped the etoposide, made it to 21 days - dr. said incredible. blood levels all out of wack, procrit and neupragen shots all around. Ct chest and MRI brain to see what dealing w/ now. CC( hubbys' nick) is off of chemo and starting to get appetite back
1/07 onc can't believe response shrinkage of 90% to lung and 50-60 for brain mets, continue on another round of etoposide, this time 10 days on, 10 days off
1/30/07 - Carlton has major seizure, goes to ER, admitted, unresponsive, told brain mets have grown, slowly comes out, but very shakey and not remembering
2/5/07 - sent home, VNA to come and set services in place, bed, commode, walker
2/8 - dr. visit, Carlton wants to continue chemo on outpatient basis
2/9 - 2/10- called dr. Carlton not good, has fallen 4x's sleeping most of time, think he needs to be hospitalized, dr. agrees Carlton hospitalized
2/10 - another seizure, not big, seems ok
2/12 - Carlton in ICU, having major seizures on and off for 4 hrs, decide to DNR and only comfort and care, waited 4 days in icu, finally on cancer ward of hosp. in his own room. Carlton is in a coma, non responsive, pneumonia setting in, getting worse, girls visit on 2/19 for last time, say goodbye to daddy
2/21 - Carlton is gone, very quick, I wasn't there, but came shortly after, he is in no more agony.

You know what scares the hell out of me about all this? These are college educated people (Principal, Teachers) Yet, they can't seem to get there stuff together and figure out how to get these kids from home to school and back home again!

Deb, you are going to be around a very long time so you can keep these educated idiots on there toes! OY VEY!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Hey Connie !!!

Teachers have nothing to do with it!!!

We always blame the administrators!!!

And Debi--keep your eye on the DAILY PRIZE, and soon those days will turn to years.

gail

_________________
NSCLC BAC 4/01 Stage 1A
non-smoker for 17 years
breast cancer 1997: mastectomy/chemo
breast cancer 1993: lumpectomy/radiation
Both stage 1

Avatar picture - my guys at my 50th

Hehe; fun story, but no fun at the time, Im sure. Lets face it: Its hard to find good help these days, from the white house on down... its just the 21st century...

_________________
06/28...Broncoscopy Mon....suspicious mass in left lung per ct scan...wish me luck...much anxiety, and yes, fear.
06/30...Needle biopsy, due to bronch. being inconclusive
07/02...dx is adenocarcinmoma...NSCLC

07/15...Surgery, entire left lung removed, No lymph node involvement or metasis yet discovered, so...hopeful prognosis
07/21 Home after sufficient recovery in hosp., slow recuperation, awaiting appt. with oncologist to determine if any additional treatment, screening, etc..
08/17/04 Oncologist appt....recomends more scans, CT bone, MRI, Pet etc. Also recomends one round of chemo...

9/17/o4 Good news, scans are all clear..NO evidence of disease detected...hopeful it remains that way. Remaining cautious tho, one more MRI to go and some adjuvant chemo....so waiting, healing, still doing med. appts for awhile. Then regular xrays ea. 3 mos.

Whoops...detour, the MRI/spine turned up a small lesion of unknown type. Off to the orthopedic specs. to investigate, get options. Chemo delayed briefly pending opinion from ortho guys.

Opinion is "not cancer" on spine...apparently just my arthritic joints...so, becomes a pain management issue..appt. made. On to adjuvant chemo on Monday. Finally.

Mon./10/27...o4 started adjuvant chemo finally; Taxotere first , then Cisplatin, I think...fatigued knocked me flat the 3rd day after...dozing, trying to catch my breath every time I move...sigh
Fri...emergency room, oxygen...Pneumonia-like inflammation of remaining lung...week of IV antibios and steroids...finally recovering, but...chemo ceased...end of that notion. Bad react. to taxotere. Now on to just screening scans for future. Continuing pain management consultations for back and surg. pain.

10/10/05 CT and PET scans; NED, clear, normal..1yr. out from treatment...cool.

2 yr. scans clear...wheww! SOB and easily fatigued tho, continues. Perm. I guess.

Debi...I don't know how I missed this post but apparently I did....I am LOL...not funny for sure...and I would have been a raving maniac too...but a "Vinnie" from New York was better...you
'da bomb" girl...

Glad it all worked out and you were able to know your son was on the bus...OR ELSE...LOOK OUT...wheww..I still say you missed your calling...you should have been a writer...

love ya...PamS.