Hi all,
I've never been much of a "joiner", but then I've never had lung cancer before, either. I'm very much impressed by the members on this board & the support & caring they offer to everyone-pt. & caregiver alike.I have been blessed for the last 38 years to be married to Lyle who is my support & strength. Also, my daughter (gerbil Runner) & 3 of the coolest grandchildren you could ever meet.
I'm looking forward to knowing you all better & sharing my own experience with "the beast". Thanks for being there. Claire

_________________
60 yr. old female diagnosed 11/03 with sclc with mets to pancreas area. currently in remission. Mother of gerbil runner.

Hi Claire,
Welcome! So good to hear from you- My Mom, like you has SCLC, however she is a tad older than you!!! Jen and I have "spoken" about our moms and our kids- She is a great lady, and mom!! So welcome to the board, you are an inspiration to us all.
Nancy

_________________
"I believe in mind over matter
I believe in miracles and blessings,
both great and small
I believe in the human spirit to prevail..."

83 year young Mom diagnosed with SCLC...now 84!
Jan 2004-cardiologist finds shadow on routine x-ray
CT confirms 3cm tumor and 3/4 cm node mid chest.
1/20/04 needle biopsy confirms SCLC
CT of head, abdomen clear
Bone scan-questionable L3
CT of Lumbar region clear
2/4/04-Chemo begins-Carboplatin/VP-16
3/3/04-PET Scan-all clear except known areas in lung/chest.
3/3/04 Second round of chemo begins
3/30/04 Third round of chemo
4/20/04 Fourth round of chemo
5/11/04 Fifth round
6/1/04 Sixth round
Bone/bone marrow biopsy results-all clear
6/04 CT scan-tumor gone
8/04 completed radiation
9/04 CT scan shows .4cm nodule, watching
all other areas clean
11/04 CT scan shows .6cm nodule
PET scan negative-more watching
Old tumor area lights up but suggests inflammation from rad....watching, and getting on with living!
4/05 CT scan of lungs NED
10/05 CT scan of lungs
NED, "renewing magazine subscriptions" I love this lady.
11/05-CT of spine back-NED
Bone Scan repeated due to lower back pain-NED, next appt 3/06.
4/06 Clear CT Scan of lungs and abdomen NED
Lost wonderful Dad to lung cancer 3/88.

"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Good Morning

I am so glad you are here-your daughter has been around for awhile. I too have SCLC and it is extensive-BUT I was diagnosed in 2/01 and am still doing pretty good. Actually REALLY good. I am blessed with this last year of remission. You will find everyone on here is in the same boat and we help each other.

Again glad you popped in.

Cindy

_________________
[size=10:07600f51db]'I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me' (and He does!)

I am a 50 yo (DOB 10/13/56), wife, mom of 3, ER nurse (semi-retired).
I was 44 and diagnosed 2/2001 SCLC Extensive R Lung, mediastinal area, vessels of the heart, and L adrenal gland, Cisplatin and Camptosar (Irenotecan) x 9 mos.
Remission 1 yr.
June 2002-youngest got her drivers lis. OH NO! 1st Milestone.
Relapsed in 2/2003, tumor in L lung-6 wks radiation and chemo- carboplatin, VP-16 for 6 mos. also in Feb. 2003 I fell and broke R leg-surgically repaired.
Last chemo treatment Aug. 2003.
Sept 2003 son got married! Another milestone met!
March 2004 pericardial effusion.
Dec. 2004 pericardial effusion still present but smaller and stable
Feb. 2005-I made it--4 years!!!!( since the day I was diagnosed, YEAH!)
Remission TWO YEARS (Aug. 2005)!!!!!!!!!! This time
August 1, 2005 CT scan shows NED and MRI confirms I am still empty headed!
Nov. 2005-all scans STILL NED!!
FEB. 2006- 5 YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS!!!
March 2006-All scans still NED
July 2006-All scans NED
Aug. 2006-3 years no chemo-oh yeah!
Dec 2 2006 Middle daughter was married!! Another milestone!
Oct. 2006-All scans NED
Feb 2007-All still NED !!6 YEARS since orig diagnosis!!
June 2007-NED NED NED!!
June 2007 Youngest daughter turned 21!! She was 14 at my diag!
August 2007-4 years since last chemo!!
April 2008-still clean, almost 5 yrs since last chemo, Praise God!

Pic- CindyRN and KatieB at the 2007 Bash
[/size:07600f51db]

Hi Claire!
We are glad you finally popped in to say hi! Welcome to the family!
Blessings
Betty

_________________
DX ext. stage sclc w mets to lymph, liver and 1 rib 10/23/03
started Carboplantin/Vepisid 16 on 11/11/03
finished round 6 Carbo/VP-16 on 03/04/04
scans March 15,04, lung tumor gone, liver clear, minor lymph node involvment, no mention of rib
July 16th scans, still all clear and in remission
August 13, new tumor on spine, start radiation on August 16th 11 rounds
Sept 9, Clean Brain MRI and Abd. Cat Scan
Dec 15, latest scan reveals enlarged lymph nodes plus new lesions in both lungs and on liver, back to the battle! Also in shoulder, ribs and spine
Dec 28 started Cisplantin, VP-16 probably 6 rounds again.

Every dawn is a victory.

Hi Claire and WELCOME! We sure do love to hear that word remission. I'm not much of a joiner either, but I really enjoy this site and everyone here. We learn a lot and help each other as much as we can.

God bless you,
Peggy

_________________
_________________
--8/2003: 55 yr old husb of 37 yrs dx 8/03 w/7cm tumor, left lung, w/8 brain mets, Stage IV NSCLC. Nonsmoker for 30 yrs
--8/03 WBR (whole brain radiation) - 14 treatments
--9/03 Lung rad - 24 treatments
--9/03 Taxotere/Carbo, wkly
--Severe reaction to Taxotere 3rd wk
--11/03 Novalis (stereotactic rad to rem 6 brain tumors)
--12/03-2/04 Gemzar/Navelbine
--3/04 Lung: some shrinkage, Brain: 4 mets remain, largest 1.5 cm
--4/04 Severe shoulder pain-14 radiation treatments
--6/04 Progression of disease, 4 brain mets stable, more spread to bones, liver (small) and pericardium. Iressa & Zometa started.
--7/04 Slight inc pericardial effusion, slight shrinkage liver met, pleural effusion.
--9/04 PET and CT Scans all stable
--12/13/04 radiation fibrosis & extensive bony lesions. Brain MRI-4 mets remain - stable.
--3/05 Small growth in 2 brain tumors, pericardial effusion now "large". Significant progression to bones. Switching to Tarceva.
--5/27/05 Tarceva not working. Two new 2 cm. liver mets, extensive progression in bones. Pericardial effusion stable.
--6/1/05 Increased pain in hip
--6/10/05 Start Alimta, once every 3 weeks
--6/9/05 Start radiation to left hip 14 treatments; it worked!
--6/16/05 Brain mets nearly doubled in size, significant edema/swelling
--6/21/05 began 8 mg. Decadron daily for brain edema/swelling
--7/11/05 Novalis (SRS) to 5 brain mets (largest 4.0 cm.)
--7/22/05 3rd Alimta infusion – started SOB after 2nd infusion
--8/1/05 hospitalized for tests for severe SOB and focal seizures
--8/3/05 CT says severe alveolitis (destruction of lung cells) -VATS procedure done to biopsy to figure out what is causing. Both lungs are cancer free, but they say only three things could be causing the alveolitis: infection, cancer or chemo
--8/4/05 Doesn’t look good. Alveola cells are rapidly dying
--8/5/05 Biopsy says chemo. (8/8/05 – 2nd opinion biopsy result confirm chemo caused the alveolitis)

8/5/2005 The love of my life is living with the Lord and soaring on his motorcyle with the cool winds of heaven in his face

And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
The Message translation: That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28
He said ALL things, not SOME things.

Hi, Claire! So glad you have joined us. I have always liked the name "Claire", meaning "light". My wife's name is "Lucie", also meaning "light". Keep us posted, as gerbil runner has. Don

_________________
72-yr old, married 47 yrs. Wife Lucie diag. 10/02 NSCLC (adeno carcinoma) w. multiple bone mets (skull, rib, upper spine, left hip and right fibula); non-smoker.

Radiation: 10-12/02 (spine, fibula); 03-04/03 (hip); 06/03 (sacrum); 07/04 (rib); 12/04 (skull); 04-05/05 (right fibula - recurrence).

Chemo: (Carboplatin/Taxotere), 02-05/03 - effective in reducing tumors; 07-12/04 (Navelbine) to treat recurrence in other lung, lymph nodes, rib - effective in reducing tumors; 08-12/05 (Navelbine/Gemzar) to treat recurrence in hip sacrum, spine, rib, shoulder, and liver - held everything stable; Alimta 2-4/06 - no effect; Carboplatin/Taxol/Avastin,5-9/06 - effective in reducing tumors.
Zometa monthly for bone strength.

Staph infection, systemic, 12/02 - second port-a-cath installed. Bilateral pneumonia, 08/03. Septic staff infection, congestive heart failure, 09/06 - deceased

I am 11-yr. prostate cancer survivor, Stage II (two bouts). Also 9 yr. heart bypass surgery survivor.

Avatar Pic: Don & Lucie, 02/06

Oh good! So glad you joined your daughter and signed up...welcome!

Rochelle

_________________
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon

"Never, never, never give up." Winston Churchill

"I rang for ice, but this is ridiculous." -Madeline Talmadge-Astor, as she was being helped off the Titanic

"Losing love is like a window in your heart, everybody sees you're blown apart, everybody sees the wind blow". Paul Simon

Husband John has NSCLC-Vena Cava Syndrome Stage 3B, Dx 6/02
Carbo/Taxol,Radiation
Taxotere
Gemzar
Iressa started 3/03
10/03 Stable CT scan
1/04 CT Still stable.
3/04 PET Scan, Still stable.
7/04 Still stable
1/05 Still stable
1/30/05 Iressa discontinued Started Tarceva, still stable 7/05
1/06 Slight increase in tumor, stopping Tarceva.
1/27/06 Started Alimta
5/5/06 Avastin added to Alimta
6/14/06 Stable, continue w/ Avastin
1/29/07 Shrinkage! Continue w/ Avasin.
7/07- Something new on the CT scan, doing a bronc 7/25/07 to see what it is. 8/21/07 begins brachytherapy. Next treatment postponed until 9/6/7 due to an infection which is making him too ill for the procedure. 9/13/07 Diagnosed with Aspergillus. Has brachytherapy 9/20/07. Developed a pericardial effusion, 10/30/07 has a pericardial window to drain the fluid. Procedure goes well but he passes away 10/31/07 due to a pulmonary hemorrhage.
Pic is me and daughter Jillian aka The Jillinator.
Visit Walk the Walk:
www.michiganlungcancerwalk.org

Welcome Claire,
Its good to have you here..

_________________
Wonderful Dad has NSCLC 3AB dx 10-02
Lower Lobectomy 11-02
4 1/2 wks radiation 1-03
Developed Radiation Pneumonitis 2-03
Developed pulmonary fibrosis. 4-03
oxygen 24/7, prednizone
Prayers neeed!
My precious Dad lost his battle 8-19-03
Heaven received a very Special Man
We miss You Dad

Hello, Claire, and Welcome!
Jen has shared her concerns for you and her compassion with all of us. She's really a very special young lady and much appreciated around here.

_________________
Fay A. age 44 at diagnosis
NSCLC Adeno W/ BAC Features
Rt. Lung Upper and lower lobe segmentectomies 6-99, 4-00
Rt anterior thoracoscopy 11-00
Iressa 5-02 to 1-03
Pneumonectomy Rt. Lung and all Nodes right side of chest 5-03
Carbo-Taxotere 9/03-12/03
Recurrent Disease on Rt. Bronchial Stump/Subcarinal Node (missed one!)paratrachea 1/04
33 Radiation Treatments/Daily Amifostine Injections 8/2004
Mets to Right Axilla 8/04
12-26-04 Tarceva
1-17-05 Scans show NERD!
4-05 Scans show NERD!
6-22-05 Clear Chest Xray
7-22-05 1.7cm Tumor Left Lung, possible 1.5cm to right shoulder.
7-27-05 3mm to 1mm CT shows 1.7 cm lesion confirmed. Bummer.
8-17-05 Botched FNAB with bleeding into both lobes of left lung and botched insertion of 1st chest tube requiring insertion of second chest tube, and pathology inconclusive as to malignant or not.
9-7-05 Left Lung Wedge Resection to remove tumor (cancerous after all and a different type of Adenocarcinoma than previous tumors in right lung. Surgeon used standard thoracotomy incision on left side. One broken rib (he says greenstick fracture). More pain with this surgery than any of the previous 3 big thoracotomies on the right side. Still in a significant amount of pain as of 9-27-05.
12-1-05 Coughing spell breaks left rib; 12-9-05 CT scan shows mass in left pleura; 1-3-06 FNAB of Pleural mass shows Malignant. Left side ribs continue to break. 1-6-06 start Gemzar alone. Add in Tarceva as soon as stomach can tolerate it.
-----------------------
Lost my Mother, My Maternal Aunt and Uncles, Maternal Great Aunts, numerous cousins to Adenocarcinoma with BAC or BAC only Lung Cancers. I am the third "...biopsy proven..." generation with Adeno with BAC. Not all family members afflicted with this disease were smokers or exposed to tobacco smoke. Paternal side of family remarkable for Pancreatic Cancer or Chronic and acute Pancreatitis as cause of death in everyone. BAC is also primary in the Pancreas, the only other organ besides Lung known to be a primary locus for Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC).
Researchers are looking into BAC as a possible bone cancer! Exciting news as I have had removal of Giant Cell Bone Tumors off and on since I was a young child. We were always told that my bone tumors were considered 'benign' because they were a very slow growing tumor and could take 20 or more years before they spread to other areas. I am paying special attention to the work out of the University of Ohio in Cleveland and hope that my children will keep up with the work being done there when I am gone. Their lives may depend upon what those folks learn over the next few years. These are the same researchers who found the location of the defective genes involved in the development of Lung Cancer in Non Smokers which are also the same genes involved in the development of some forms of Polycystic Kidney Disease, which I also have.
------------------------
Some other health issues I face:
Polycystic Kidney Disease with Multiple Organ Involvement; Benign Meningioma, Benign Left Adrenal Tumor, Giant Cell Tumors of the tendons and bone, Bilateral Mastectomies for pre-malignant Breast Tumors, many other benign tumors and cysts in the skin, veins, muscles and other organs; Sjogren's Syndrome, Crohn's-IBD with Hiatal Hernia and GERD, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Ehlers-Danlos type connective tissue disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease of Spine. Heart Murmur.
Praying for One Smart Cookie and an Armadillo!

Welcome Claire. So very nice to finally meet you. I have enjoyed reading many posts from your wonderful daughter!!!

_________________
Wife of Dennis King, diagnosed with extensive SCLC 02-02. Treated with CPT-11 & Cisplatin as first round of treatment; Topetecan second round. Lost his brave battle with cancer 12-15-02. Dennis is lovingly missed by his family and friends each and every day!

"Each time we embrace a memory, we meet once again with those we love ~
for the heart never forgets."

Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin, I feel you come back again....and I believe.

Hi Claire, you are very welcome. You have a great daughter and grandchildren......we know you long time ago from her words. Now, we have chance to know you more better.......welcome again.

_________________
Dad – LAM Ping Chuen, 17/10/45 – 29/4/04
Diagnosed at age 57
3/27/2003 : cough with blood & admitted into hospital
4/03 : pnuemonia then dx limited SCLC with 1 nearby lymph node mets
5-9/03 : etoposide + cisplatin/carbo x total 6 rounds with chest Rad. x 16 (once a day) starting in parallel with the second round of chemo
9/15 : no brain met
10/15 : PCI x 10 completed
11/05 : Radiation Pnuemonitis but recovered
12/28 : 1 brain tumor (4.5cm x 2.6cm) in right occipital found
1/9/2004 : craniotomy
1/20 : PET/CT Scan showed lung cancer residual growth (2.4cm dia.) at original site with 1 nearby hilar lymph node mets.
2/23 : brain tumor relapse & bleeding at previous brain operation site & suffered steriod-induced Paranoid Delusion
3/5 : craniotomy
3/10 : lung tumor stable
3/19 : Brain CT found inflammation
3/23 : Surgery for taking away the infected part of skull bone
4/2 : MRSA & Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and then antibiotics stopped on 4/19
4/8 7:15pm, baptised on the bed at hospital
4/26 : Fever, Heavy growth of Staph & P. aeruginosa
4/29 : 2:00am passed away with family surrounding and now in peace and with Jesus.
Remark : I believe that my dad didn't lose his battle against cancer, he was died from infection.
Dad, I will always love you. I look forward to the day we can re-unite in heaven.
--------
avatar: Dad and me (period during receiving chemo)
Website - In memory of LAM, Ping Chuen :
http://www.geocities.com/isadorasylam/index.html
Albums :
http://community.webshots.com/user/isadoralam
http://community.webshots.com/user/lampingchuen

Pic. below taken in end of Sep 2003

Hello Claire,
Big Welcome for you,
a daughter and Mom team, nothing can beat it.
J.C.

_________________
Husband *Mike*
dx'd nsclc Stage IIIA, inoperable, May 21st 2002
On October 13th 2003, he died at home as he
wanted, very peacefully during his sleep.
I miss you so much Mike.
Jackie

Welcome Claire!! I, like you, don't join in too many online support groups. In fact, this is the only one I have ever belonged to. I'm so glad that Jen got you to join in with us. You will find much support here. Wishing you the best on your upcoming treatments. (stem cell transplant, I believe)

In my thoughts and prayers~~~


Angie

_________________
Angie Daughter of Bill

Dad, Bill, 56 years young
January 22 CT scan suspicious
January 26 bronchoscopy
Jan. 29,2004 Dad dx with squamous cell carc.
Feb. 5, 2004 Dad dx w/ stage IV w/ mets to spine

March 2, 2004 chemo started carbo/taxol
CT scan shows approx. 55% shrinkage in lung tumor!!!!YEAH!!!!

May 18 New CT scan of lungs and full body bone scan shows more shrinkage in the lung tumor. Spinal mets still present. Two more rounds of chemo, then Iressa, and radiation to the spine.

July 2004-New spot found in left lung. Dad started Iressa~~~praying that it works. Holding off on radiation to the spine for right now~~very little pain in the spine now.

September 2004- Chest CT shows stable disease in the lungs.

October 2004-Dad is now having pretty bad pain in his lower back. He is scheduled for a bone scan on Oct.26th. Still on Iressa. Taking Zometa monthly.

November 2004-Iressa is not working. Progression of disease in T12 and left hip. Seeing a radiation oncologist in two days for radiation to T12. Dad is set to start Alimta on Nov. 16th. Praying for a miracle~~~~~Did not star Alimta due to radiation of the spine and left hip.(14 treatments scheduled.

Dec.1, 2004-Scans revealed multiple mets to the brain. Given IV decadron imediately after scan.

Dec.2, 2004-Radiation onc. rec. WBR. WBR mask made. Will start 14 treatments of whole brain radiation. Progression of the disease found in other areas.(L/R adrenal glands, new tumors in the both lungs) Liver does NOT have tumors as we had first thought.

Dec.3,2004-WBR started. Dad had last radiation treatment to T12 and left hip.

Jan. 2005- Alimta started. Will probably have 3-4 infusions. Ct scan coming up end of January.

Feb.2005-Gemzar added to Alimta. Alimta alone is not working.

March 2005-Dad has some numbness in his face. Dr. believes that it is cancer in the spinal fluid. Lumbar puncture performed and a dose of chemo given directly into the spinal fluid. Still praying for a miracle.

March 2005--Lost my wonderful Dad. He will forever be in my heart.

New picture is my Dad and my youngest daughter taken January 2005.

Hi, Mom!

So glad you took the plunge!

BTW - my name refers to running on a treadmill. My mom is a terrific English Handbell ringer, which is how she chose her name. She's been a bellringer since I was in high school in several different groups.

_________________
Jen

Mom, Claire, has extensive sclc, met to pancreas
As of 12/9/03, brain and bone scans clear
Started CPT-11 and cisplatin
12/22 After 2 treatments, Mom sent to hospital with chemo reaction and staph infection
12/28 Mom home, will change chemo
1/5/04 Start carboplatin and vp-16
1/23/04 Blood clot in arm, but tumors have vanished from CAT scan!!!
2/18 Starting 25 doses of radiation to lung and pancreas
6/1 Clean PET scan - stem cells collected, but poor pulmonary function - must improve before proceding.
8/6 - confirmed radiation pneumonitis, possibly fibrosis.
8/26 New cardiologist, steroids are helping a lot. PET shows neck lymph node, onc. not worried. Hair growing back!
12/28 Still NED, but 2 hospital stays have sapped strength. Cardiomyopathy, fibrosis interfering with energy levels.
3/05 Three brain mets - WBR
4/24/05 Mom is so weak, we're all worried. May 2005 - it was anemia!
August 2005 - holding steady, but new vision problems are scary.
Sept. - after a brief rally, brain mets return - gamma knife on Oct. 19. Mom is very weak, bedridden.
November - Time is short. We spoil Mom as much as possible, and she seems content.
December 11th - Mom passed away peacefully. Dad, my aunt and I were at her side.
Avatar is Mom on her 50th birthday.

Memorial: http://www.geocities.com/jen02825/momspage.html

Clair,Welcome to our family.Glad you have joined in,I was always a lurker for a long time,& finally joined.Best thing I could have done.As you have probably noticed there are many caring and knowing people here.You have a wonderful and caring daughter as well and can be very proud.

_________________
dianosed 04/29/2003 nsclc***left lung removed 06/18/2003***two checkups NED *** cancer back 10/10/03 mets to right lung *** 7 rounds chemo carboplatin & taxol at same time with 7 weeks of daily radiation***01/04/04 shrinkage***04/04/ still stable***07/04/04 stable***10/04/04 no change***03/04/05 cancer spread to windpipe blocking 80% of airway and also bottom r. lung and stump where l.lung was removed***03/24/05 had laser surgery to open windpipe & stent put in***03/24/05 chemo and radiation again same type and amount***07/20/05 tumors shrunk but not gone and new tumor in top r.lung***remaining lung in bad shape with lots of scar tissue***10/20/05 no evidence of more spreading***01/31/2006 scans stable***03/13/06 increased cancer in middle of chest and airway***06/22/06 no change***06/05/06 prostate trouble and catheter from 06/06/06 until 09/14/06 when surgery on prostate (no cancer)***10/08/06 spread again 3.5cm tumor on brain and 6.5 cm tumor back in middle of chest again***have done 14 WBR tx's and waiting for 1 x-knife tx upcoming***more chemo upcoming***12/20/06 no more chemo or radiation to chest area***placed on pallitive care***they will do as possible as anything arises***follow up mri in late january for brain tumors***also may need stent in esophogus for severe reflux and restricted size of esophogus***only two options left,treat and be very ill with almost no chance of getting or feeling better or maintain maximum quality of life as long as possible and be treated for comfort as problems occur.I am at the stage of this where I CHOOSE QUALITY.

I have a great wife,3 daughters and son-in-laws,5 grand daughters,1 grandson,and 1 great grand son.My goal in life is my 100th birthday as it always has been.

----------------------------------

picture is of me and my great grand son.

Welcome Claire !!!!

Haylee

_________________
Lost my dad John 58 yrs. old in 1983 lc

Lost my mom Mildred 68 yrs. old in 2003 lc

Lost my brother Art 46 years old 2004 massive
heart attack.

My sister Connie 52 diagnosed with bladder
cancer Aug.04 cancer came back in Nov.04
surgery in Dec.04 chemo started in Jan.05
finished chemo next check-up March 31st,05--Connie was ned and her next check up is in July.

Updated Picture Destiny and Luna @ 5 months

Welcome, Claire.

(Jen, my boy's newest favorite quote is an insulting one that he cracks up over "The wheel is spinning but the hamster's dead"... He saw it on a bumper sticker a couple of weeks ago...be CAREFUL out there on your wheel!)

My mother used to "clean my clock" when I was in school, but she never rang my bell!

Good to see you've joined, Claire. Friendship helps to fill the potholes in this journey.

xxoo,
Becky

_________________
Courage is being scared to death - and saddling up anyway. ~John Wayne

Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant. ~ Maya Angelou

Keep your fears for yourself, but share your courage with others. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

*Picture was drawn by son at age six (he's now NINETEEN) - see the little blonde knight in the corner? That's him...my "Dragon Slayer"

34 y/o (on diagnosis) NON-SMOKER
1/28/03: DX NSCLC Adenocarcinoma-Stage I or II
2/10/03: surgery to remove lower 2 lobes of rt. lung w/7 nodes (3 +)
2/12/03: new DX: Stage IIIa (T2N2M0)
3/11/03: MD Anderson - not impressed
4/1/03: Began 5 1/2 wks rad
5/9/03: Began Iressa (1 yr)
7/23/03: Ended Iressa - too many side effects
10/04/04: Turned 36 and still NED!
12/28/04: Clear CT scan
1/28/05: Two year anniversary of diagnosis
3/28/05: Clear
6/27/05: Clear
8/26/05: Clear
12/07/05: Clear
12/16/05: Brain CT - clear
1/28/06: Three year anniversary of diagnosis
4/17/06: Clear
8/21/06: Clear
9/27/06: Brain MRI - clear
1/28/07: Four year anniversary of diagnosis
2/21/07: Clear
08/22/07: Clear
02/10/08: Technically, five years cancer free.
02/27/08: All clear! Could it be "cured?"
02/25/09: Clear
01/25/10: X-ray and blood work
01/29/10: Clear (7 years!)
05/26/10: Son graduates from high school - never thought I'd see it!
10/16/10: Married Mr. Right
1/24/11: Clear (8 years)
Currently watching...and wondering.

My story: viewtopic.php?f=47&t=8192

Hi Claire--

Nice to finally meet you (almost said, "in person" but this isn't exactly "in person"--

Well you know what I mean.

Hope you can find the support here that you need.

elaine

_________________
DX Feb 2004 NSCLC Stage IIIB/IV
Decided while quality of life is good won't do toxic chemo or heavy rad
Taking supplements
Main symptoms from hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropy, but livable.
Test


Monitoring, wondering and looking for trials.