Okay, so this post is just a little frivolous and doesn't necessarily have MUCH to do with lung cancer, but then again, maybe it does...

When I was 16 I wanted to get a tattoo and my dad said that if I got a tattoo, he would throw my butt out of the house. For years it has been in my head, not an urgent need, but just the idea that I wanted one. After my surgery and all, it became more compelling.

Well, Oklahoma doesn't allow tattoo parlors , I honestly don't know why, I just know that they are illegal. So I have to go to Texas to get one. Well, the other day, I was in Texas with someone who I thought MAY discourage me (I won't mention any names ) but instead they were as ENcouraging as a drunken sailor and all but dragged me into the tattoo place . The only reason that I didn't get a tattoo right then and there was because I couldn't find one - the guy had about 50,000 tattoos in his shop - but its a big commitment!

Anyway.. this is why I am posting - I have no idea what kind of tattoo to get and need help! (Frank, I already thought about having FRANK LAMB tattooed on my knuckles but it doesn't fit!) Seriously, I want to get a tattoo finally and I want something to symbolize my survival. Does anyone have any ideas? Tattoo stories?

<Why do I have this feeling I am going to be sorry I asked? >

_________________
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

you go girl!!
I have no suggestions other than to make it 'hideable' ... you never know.... when you may not want everyone to see it.
Let's get a list and then all vote!!
I think your looks are very exotic and beautiful...........you can probably sport anything and pull it off just fine!!
Keep us posted!
P

_________________
Brian 6-4-48 - 1-1-06
Brian dx w/ NSCLC w/ nueroendocrine features/adenopathy, & mets to liver following routine Chest x-ray >>>> CTScan,needle biopsy,PET/CT fusion scan.(2-2005)
Lung tumor inoperable due to location. Radiation not an option due to Liver met. No discussion relative to prognosis......
3/2/05 1st cycle Cisplatin / VP16 - Tolerated fairly well.
3/23/05 2nd cycle - really knocked Brian for a loop. Lots of nausea and weakness.
4/5/05 scan 4/13/05 (onc visit/results/begin 3rd round:mixed news: reduction in tumor sizes TX plan: 2 more rounds of Cisplatin/Vp16 Weekly labs to watch low hmglbn (injections prn)
4/20/05 Brain MRI (Bri joins empty head club!)
4/27/05 Portacath installation
5/4/05 4th round cpltn/VP16 much difficulty w/ side effects.
5/10/05 scans show no further reduction of lung or liver tumors.
5/25/05 5th cycle Cis/VP16 postponed till 5/31/05 (need time to rebound a bit) round 5 was rough: exhaustion, labored breathing, fever, anxiety.
6/23/05 Doc appointment to address above and okay Tarceva start. Lung Xray done to check for pneumonia as possible explanation for fever.
6/24/05 Begin Tarceva 150mg daily.
next scheduled onc appt or PRN for 8/4/05
6/27/05 OOPS PRN came sooner rather than later>call from onc: chest film showed lung tumor growing quickly
6/27/05 CT scheduled for 7PM
6/30/05 Bad news per CT: progression. Brian is too weak for more chemo so praying that Tarceva will halt growth while Brian gathers strength to fight on.
8/2Scans
8/4/2005 onc appt:Bad news Rapid progression. Off Tarceva.
8/4 began Carboplatin/CPT-11 Praying!
9/1/2005 Chemo had been postponed due to low white blood cells, but began again today.
9/8/2005 next infusion
Brian is very ill, problems w/ voice. Scans & Visit moved up:
9/16/2005 CT Scan
9/19/2005 Onc says scans show significant reduction in tumor volume. Plan is to continue CPT 11 alone for 3 more weeks then 2 weeks off so Brian can gain strength for family wedding in FL on 10/22/05. Carboplatin has to be stopped due to progressing nueropathy.
10/17-19/05 Bri hospitalized with abdominal pain and fever.
10/20-24/05 FL for wedding (Brian was really too sick to go, but we realized that too late)
10/27/05 Scans taken during hospitalization show remarkable progression of disease. Brian begins Alimta and Sandostatin.
He is very ill and spending more and more time in bed.
11/10/2005 No more Alimta. Liver enzymes out of control. More progression. He is receiving Navelbine and low doses of Carboplatin. Brian continues to trend downward.
12-22-05 Onc says no more tx. Brian is too weak.
12-24-05 Hospice called in.
1/01/06 Brian is called Home.
Brian's love remains a great gift. I miss him like fire.

Debi,

How about a small white ribbon?

_________________
Jan

46 years old at diagnosis
2/20/05 - ER CT scan for unrelated pain - detected small "mass" in upper left lung
2/28/05 - PETSCAN - confirmed mass in lung
3/21/05 - PFT - Normal
3/22/05 - CT Needle Biopsy - dx nsclc Stage 1a
4/6/05 - Bronchoscopy/Mediascopy - lymph nodes all clear
4/20/05 - Lobectomy (upper left lobe)- Still Stage 1A - lymph nodes clear
5/20/05 - Dr. says no chemo needed
8/22/05 - Follow up visit to surgeon - NED
12/23/05 - Follow up visit to surgeon - Still NED
4/25/06 - Follow up with surgeon - Still NED!!!!
11/10/06 - Follow up visit to surgeon - Still Cancer FREE
4/07 - Still Cancer Free!!
4/08 - Still Cancer Free!!
4/09 - Dr. found a nodule on left lung and many very small areas on right lung. Went for a lung biopsy and the nodule had shrunk by 90% so they don't think it is cancer. Have to go back in 4 months for another CT scan to be sure.
8/09 - CT scan normal, back to NED
4/10 - Follow up with surgeon - Still Cancer Free!
4/11 - Follow up with surgeon - Still Cancer Free!!
4/12 - Follow up with surgeon - Still Cancer Free!!!

Lost cousin/friend Kathi to SCLC (1957-2003)

Picture is of me with my cousin Kathi at her wedding in August 2003, four months before she passed away.

I think an Eagle,Globe and Anchor over "USMC" always looks nice. But that may just be me.

Semper Fi,
Bill

_________________
All 2005
55 male, married 34 years, 3 adult children.
7/30 Heart Attack/ Stent inserted/ put on Plavix
8/10 Plavix caused blood when coughing
8/14 Xrays/CT San reveal spot
8/16 Given CScan results enroute to Mother's funeral
8/26 Bronchoscope confirms NSCLC
9/7 Left Lung removed
9/10 Pathology found Two Lymph Nodes w/cancer
Stage IIIA
10/17 PET Scan revealed 1 additional Lymph Node fired up.
10/24 Started Chemo 1x week for 3 wks skip 1 week then repeat 1x week for 3 weeks for 4 months.
Chemo consists of Paraplatin(Carboplatin) & Docetaxel (Taxotere)
12/27/05 Pet/CT Scan Lymph Node in mediastinum grew. Chemo stopped. Radiation to be scheduled.
1/3/06 Radiation started
3/06/06 Radiation ended; 37 treatments
3/31/06 PET/CT Scan
4/7/06 ONC said Lymph Node SUV shrunk from 12 to 6.5. Still 2 cm in size.
7/6/06: CT Scan done at VA NED.
7/12/06 PET/CT Scan: (not @ VA) the original Mediastinal non reactive, no hypermetasis, small size shrinkage.
-- But shows SUV of 7.5 to sub-carinal lymph nodes,
7/20/06: Since the new cancer in the Sub-carinal lymph nodes are after first line treatment, Reclassified as Stage IV. Dr. to seek experimental trials. Poop.
8/15/06: Started Chemo. Gemzar (1795 mil 3 weekly 1 wk off) and AVASTIN (100 mil every other week)
9/1/06: Hurray Tarceva program approved
9/6/06 TARCEVA 250 mg/daily.
9/23/06: Cyberknife treatment, will have total of 3 two hour sessions over 3 days.

Continuing Chemo, next PET Scan in Nov 2006.

I must be getting stronger, because I'm sure not going to let this kill me.

For the last 3 years the only pictures of me include one of my three grandchildren. Life is good..

Debi, where are we going to find you next?!
Jim's sister was sporting a small pink ribbon on her ankle in honor of friends and family that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The small white ribbon might be nice. I'm soooooo anxious to read the other suggestions that I'm sure will be coming........

Lynne

_________________
Husband, 54, dx Jan 2004, Small Cell Ext. Right Lung, Left Adrenal

Treatment over 15-month period:
Carbo/VP16 – 8 treatments
Lung Radiation – 30 treatments w/7 wkly Taxol txs.
Topotecan
Brain Tumor – Complete 10 out of 15 radiation txs.

Mar 31st, 2005 - Jim passes away while I am holding his hand.
He loved and knew he was loved.

Well, Debi, not to be a killjoy, but MOST tattoo artists don't do white tattooes.

Stories...hmmm...

Cookieman had two tattooes when I met him, a yellow rose that looked like a cabbage and the moon, sun and stars... He has since gotten a koi to cover one and incorporate the heavenly bodies. I'll email you the before and after if I can find it. His tattoo took 6 1/2 sittings, an hour each time. It's pretty big... The koi symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity and strength of purpose.

In order to keep the colors sharp (so your rose doesn't look like a cabbage), you should keep it out of the sun. Listen to your artist when you decide to go get one...

You are far braver than I, having watched how it happens, I'm even more adamant that I'll never get one unless it's in a box of Cracker Jacks! LOL Neat little needle machine that resembles a hand-held sewing machine beating into the skin...and the blood...ewwww...

But you go, girl, you da bomb!

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

Debi,

How about a little 'Jeff Probst bust' to signify the ultimate Survivor, which you certainly are.

_________________
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.

I had a patient the other week who had a tattoo on his upper arm, a womens name. I said o , is that your wife? He said no, that he had it put there when he was 18 and they broke up, now he's had to look at it for many, many years.
I think you are wise to give this a lot of thought.Donna G

_________________
NSCLC, 4 cm Pancoast tumor, diag. 12/3/97 Cisplatin and VP 16, Radiation, R upper lobectomy, more Cisplatin and VP 16. Celebrating 16 yrs of survival ! Click here and read MY STORY

http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?f47&t=9092

This one is a bit over the top for you, I think....
I am a tattoo fan...my suggestion would be to sit down with an artist, let him or her know what you are wanting the tattoo for and have them draw up a few ideas. Be careful though, they tend to be addicting!!

_________________
Paige in Utah
76 yr old Mom, dx Stage IV NSCLC
Mets to lymph glands and adrenal gland
Metastatic tumor removed from leg on 07/07
Currently not seeking curative treatment
We are using a wonderful hospice program with excellent palliative care and enjoying every minute that we can.
Mom left this world on 08/12/2004.
She was surrounded with love and held by angels.

Where are you having this tattoo put?

I would suggest a picture of a LUNG, but I think it would look like a blob of INK on your body! Plus NO ONE WOULD GET IT!

Then I thought of (BUD LITE) but again, not enough letters to do on your knuckles.

You could do: Lung Cancer on your knuckles!!

Okay, enough of my stupid idea's. I'll come back when I think up a REAL GOOD ONE!!!

_________________
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

Debi,I just saw this and I am proud of you.A good tatoo in the proper place is a great way to make a statement about who you are and what you believe in.

There are first some things you need to think on.A tatoo can cause blood poisoning(not only when it is new but also down the road in the event of a cut ect).It can't be returned to the store later if it doesn't fit or a person changes their mind about it.They can be removed but it is very,very expensive and can leave some very ugly scars.All this being said------

Mine is at the middle of my right arm near the elbow and runs down to my wrist.It is a long dagger going down thru a skull and a heart.It has a snake wrapped around it all the way down.And it says DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR USMC (an old style special forces type tatoo).It had really beautiful colors green dagger handle,red heart,some yellows and other colors in the snake.They all faded over time but for the black.None the less it is a great tatoo for me and I am and always have been proud of it.

Now back to you and your tatoo.I promise I will give this my undivided attention and will come up with some good tattoo ideas along with some good places to have them put.

_________________
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.

Oh my... where do I begin...

Frank, all I can say is, I welcome any ideas for tattoos but you can skip the part where you tell me where to put them

Connie, I really want to put it on my hand, kind of between my thumb and my first finger, on that spot on the back of your hand...either that or the back of my shoulder..oh yeah, and hardy har on the lung.

Babesdaughter..I actually kind of like the superman symbol..It is sticking in my head...

Donna.. I would NEVER put someone's name on myself, I can't believe people do that, they must be far less cynical than myself!!

Ginny, I don't know about a Jeff Probst bust but I would certainly take a Jeff Probst..

Becky, call me silly but having a needle tattoo me holds no fear after having 2/3 of my lung ripped out of my body ! And I like the idea of what a koi represents except for the fact that its a friggin fish!!

Bill, I have nothing against the ole Marine tattoo but usually I like to see it on an arm that has more hair than mine ..

Jan & Lynne - The white ribbon was a cool idea while it lasted ...

And Pat, you always say the nicest things, even when your own plate is full..

Anyway, keep those ideas rolling. And where the heck is Don Wood, I think I finally eeked out 1000 posts.....

_________________
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

I think a flower would be nice. I personally wouldn't ever get one, though. You could get a chicken, with the decorated pink bus. LOL!

_________________
God Bless You!

Tina

"Charlie didn't let life happen to him, he let life happen through him." Rev. Joe Green, 4/19/06

Husband Charlie, lived 27 months with stage IV NSCLC, adenocarcinoma,
51 yo at diagnosis; 53 at death
daughters now 19 & 13, niece 16
DX 01/09/04, Died 04/16/06 (Easter Sunday)
Treatments: (1) Carbo/Gemzar & radiation, (2) Navelbine and rad to neck lymph node, (3) Vanderbilt clinical trial of Targretin, (4)Alimta, (5) Tarceva, (6)Taxotere & rad to lymph node next to aorta, (7) Gemzar, (8)Etoposide, Carbo and Avastin with brachytherapy for bronchial tumors, and (9) CPT-11.
03/17/06 Charlie able to go with Rachel to get her "dream car"
04/16/06 Easter Sunday - taken to Heaven after having been able to go to our church drama on Saturday, helping me make Easter deviled eggs Sunday morning, enjoying a good family dinner and long talk with his dad in Florida
_________________________________
My Uncle Dave, SCLC, died in Feb. 2007.
My Dad, SCLC 06/11/07, 86 years old, quit smoking 32 years ago; 8/1/07 signed up with Hospice; passed to Heaven on 10/08/07.
Aunt Catherine, brain tumor, died in Feb. 2008

Feb. 28, 2008: My Mom likely has NSCLC
Mid-March: PET shows high SUVs; she is not healthy enough for biopsy or treatment; she falls and gets a bad leg wound and infection; aggressive daily painful treatments to save her leg.
June 10: CT shows stable disease; leg wound finally healing.
Sept: CT shows progression.
Late Dec. 2008: admitted to hospital for shortness of breath. Radiation started due to tumor pressing on her spine. Goes home on New Year's Day. Admitted to Hospice a few days later as palliative rad. continues for 3 weeks.
Late Jan. 2009: falls and breaks hip; repaired the next day and goes to rehab. facil. 4 days later...AMAZING!
Ups and downs at rehab. facil.
Transferred to Hospice House - wonderful people!
April 6, 2009 - my mom passes on with my brother and I by her side

hi Debi..

I have been thinking hard for you.

Do you believe in angels? How about guardian angels?

I do. My angel's name is Caleb.

congrats on your 1000 post! I think you are very grounded and humorous. I am glad that you are sober and that you are here in every way. And I love the new picture of you and your son! Is he six now? Or seven. His teeth say 6 or 7....

What a cutie he is.

love, Cindi

_________________
Cindi NSCLC lllB Dx:11/02 at age 47
squamous cell carcinoma. T4N3M0 poorly differentiated (grade 3)

Aggressive, Curative Treatment:
Chemo (carboplatin/taxol weekly) and 8 weeks of daily radiation.
then taxotere 3 cycles
tx ended 6/03

NED every 3 months
Moderate Asthma
11/03 heart attack and stent
transient pleural/pericardial effusions
hypothyroidism
significant radiation pneumonitis
1/05 pneumonia
interstitial fibrosis
9/05 pleurodesis (talc procedure)VATS procedure to resolve chylothorax and effusions. Now loculated effusions.
ll/05 PET/CT clear/NED
10/06 CT Clear again!
12/06 heart/lung troubles
Biggest problem remains shortness of breath. (SOB)


Celebrating FOUR years since diagnosis: 11/02
2 brothers lost to lung Ca. Dick died at 37 from nsclc. John died at 42 from sclc

Just remember that they are forever, Debi. If you have it put somewhere visible, you may find yourself telling "The Story" to people you probably wouldn't share with if you didn't have the spring board of a tattoo.

Places close to a bone hurt more, like the sternum, ankle, shoulder blade...

...and I had 2/3 of my flippin' lung ripped out and I'm not volunteering for any damn needles!

If you want to search for pictures online, do a Google search on "Tattoo Flash". All kinds of stuff out there...or design your own, the koi came from a shirt Mark bought on our honeymoon in New Orleans, the artist took the fish and added background to cover the unwanted reminder of his first wife (refer back to my first sentence).

You could get Tweety Bird on your bosom, but by the time you reach 60, he'll look more like Big Bird!

You're such a biker babe...

xxoo

_________________
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

Good point.

I can't say I blame you, I spent 6 years in the Corps and I resisted the urge to get any tattoo, even that most beautiful of all tattoos, The Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

_________________
All 2005
55 male, married 34 years, 3 adult children.
7/30 Heart Attack/ Stent inserted/ put on Plavix
8/10 Plavix caused blood when coughing
8/14 Xrays/CT San reveal spot
8/16 Given CScan results enroute to Mother's funeral
8/26 Bronchoscope confirms NSCLC
9/7 Left Lung removed
9/10 Pathology found Two Lymph Nodes w/cancer
Stage IIIA
10/17 PET Scan revealed 1 additional Lymph Node fired up.
10/24 Started Chemo 1x week for 3 wks skip 1 week then repeat 1x week for 3 weeks for 4 months.
Chemo consists of Paraplatin(Carboplatin) & Docetaxel (Taxotere)
12/27/05 Pet/CT Scan Lymph Node in mediastinum grew. Chemo stopped. Radiation to be scheduled.
1/3/06 Radiation started
3/06/06 Radiation ended; 37 treatments
3/31/06 PET/CT Scan
4/7/06 ONC said Lymph Node SUV shrunk from 12 to 6.5. Still 2 cm in size.
7/6/06: CT Scan done at VA NED.
7/12/06 PET/CT Scan: (not @ VA) the original Mediastinal non reactive, no hypermetasis, small size shrinkage.
-- But shows SUV of 7.5 to sub-carinal lymph nodes,
7/20/06: Since the new cancer in the Sub-carinal lymph nodes are after first line treatment, Reclassified as Stage IV. Dr. to seek experimental trials. Poop.
8/15/06: Started Chemo. Gemzar (1795 mil 3 weekly 1 wk off) and AVASTIN (100 mil every other week)
9/1/06: Hurray Tarceva program approved
9/6/06 TARCEVA 250 mg/daily.
9/23/06: Cyberknife treatment, will have total of 3 two hour sessions over 3 days.

Continuing Chemo, next PET Scan in Nov 2006.

I must be getting stronger, because I'm sure not going to let this kill me.

For the last 3 years the only pictures of me include one of my three grandchildren. Life is good..

Debi, with the volume of people we have now, I could not keep up with those who have posted 1000 times even though it is a wonderful milestone. I recognize people as they get to 2000 posts and each 1000 beyond, if I can even keep up with that. Sorry. 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

Debi,

I like tattoos as long as they are tasteful. I got one on my 18th birthday, and my Dad still doesnt know about it. They'd kick my but if they did. A lot of places also wont tattoo on your hands or feet..not sure why. Plus those areas fade out really easily. I'd also avoid anything in yellow, light pink or white...they look terrible after about 2 months. I have a butterfly, but its pretty cliched. I want me and my mom to get matching ones when she beats this thing. LOL..maybe the cafepress LCSC dragonfly thingy..who know...

_________________
Its been a long December and there's reason to believe,
Maybe this year will be better than the last.
I can't remember the last thing you said as you were leavin',
now the days go by so fast.
-Counting Crows

9/12/05:my 40yo. mom dx/w limited SCLC, no mets
9/14: chemo cisplatin/etopside
10/10-13:chemo 2
10/10:started 3wks of 2x daily chest rad.
10/28: done with rad
11/7-11/9:chemo 3
11/23: met with onc, said she's doing great
12/5-12/7: chemo 4
12/13: chest/back pain: indigestion
-Scans: cancer/tumor is "drastically reduced"
1/4-1/7: chemo 5
2/14-2/17: last chemo
3/9: GOOD NEWS: scans say no sign of cancer, NED
3/13: start PCI
4/7: finished PCI
5/16: flu-like symptoms (getting worse)
5/31: dr. appt--no gland enlargement, lost 15lbs since last appt
6/6: scans scheduled
6/15: NED!!!
9/15: began slurring speech, drooping on lft. side of face
10/1: scan confirms brain mets
10/5: gamma knife for brain mets
11/1: scans show gamma knife got it all
12/12: pain in legs, memory and speech problems; scans showcancer in spine, possible spread to brain
12/13: hospice care arranged while i try to finish up final exams
12/21: Mom passed away with me and my brothers holding her hand.

I am 24yo, and have 2 20yo. brothers

How about a phoenix rising from the ashes?

_________________
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

Hey Debi,
Well I have 7 tattoos and I love them all. My favourite is on my wrist, it's done like a bracelet. I guess you could say it resembles a vine of some sort, but I just love it. It's about 6 yrs old now and hasn't faded a bit. I have a bird on the arch of my foot, it is 16 yrs old and is faded a bit from wearing shoes I guess.
I have 2 suns on my back, one is coloured the other is just black. I also have a rose in the middle of my back. I have a really nice design around my ankle, love that one. No colour but a great design!! The last one I have is a purple chinese symbol on my upper arm, which means 'woman'.
I can honestly say I don't regret them at all. Some of them I got really drunk for but I still knew I was going to do it. I don't understand why people recommend getting one just so you can hide it. Why???? If you find a design you really love, get it wherever you feel comfortable. This is about you not anybody else!!! It's your body.
Best of luck with it Debi,
Sharon

_________________
41 yr old female diagnosed Aug 04 adenocarcinoma stage 4 and unable to have radiotherapy. Gemzar/Carbo kept it stable and then progressed after 3 months. Started Tarceva April 05 and there has been significant shrinkage in primary tumour in right lung and numerous nodules in left lung. lesions on vertebra and on liver have also shrunk.
Scan 9th Aug 05 shows all is stable and only primary tumour 1.4cm x 1.5cm remains in lungs. All other nodules are gone!! Lesion on spine still 6mm.

May 08 - Mets to left hip and right shoulder. Pleural effusion in left lung, drained 1.3 litres. Numerous nodules in both lungs. Start radiotherapy 2nd June then Alimta end of June.

Debi...I think you should get the tattoo. We should all make as many of our dreams come true as we possibly can and it sounds like this one is definitely in reach for you! Not sure what the tattoo should be, especially since you are pworking with an area of limited space but....I do think the letters LCSC should be worked into the tattoo. Just think how many people would ask what those letters stand for? You could really do a lot of educating the public about lung cancer with those letters on the back of your hand! Please let us know what you decide!

_________________
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.

I have a scorpion on the inside of my right ankle, cause no matter what I will always be a scorpio - apparently a perfect one, at that. it's tribal-y, and so far only one person has mistaken it for a lobster.

I have a butterfly on my, er, lower rear hip ( ) and a bee on the back of my left, upper arm which, together, are an homage to the person and philosophy of Muhammed Ali ("Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" - I identify with that on many levels. the butterfly also contains an image of the Green Tara, a hindu/buddhist deity who is green, to remind her of the envy which consumed her before her transformation, even though she is now a force of healing and transformation herself.

none of my tattoos are small. I am of the mind that if you're going to do it, DO it.

so it should be something that means something to you, that will never change. I'm not a fan of names other than children's, or religious or social affiliations - you just never know what might change for you. there's more than one "Friend of Bill" tattoo sittin' at the bar drinking . THANK GOD I didn't get the dancing bear (grateful dead) I once wanted.

I love tattoos, I think they're beautiful. I do think you need to consider the context, unfortunately. when Dave first came to this country, he saw the slogan "Live Free or Die" and identified with it, spiritually, so strongly that he had it tattooed on his forearm. now, everyone thinks he's from New Hampshire.

a little "breathDEEP" beneath an animal or other image you ID with would be cool for an LC survivor, without being morbid or negative.

xoxo
bunny

_________________
62 y.o. mom w. NSCLC, 54 at dx
10/2000 - lobectomy for stage 2 (4 lymph nodes) non-small cell adenocarcinoma, after detection by chest x-ray for another surgery
2002 - spot #1 appears near lymph nodes in resected lung, unreachable for biopsy, watch and wait
5/2005 - spot #2 appears on PET/CT 6 months after last check
6/2005 - spot #2 is confirmed NSCLC, AC (same as '00) after needle biopsy
6/24/05 - right intrapericardial pneumonectomy, clear margins
6/29/05 - home from the hospital!
7/13/05 - post-op visit, 5 of 7 nodes involved and 2 tumors with BAC features and ltd. nerve involvement, adjuvent chemo recommended, onc. appt. 7/26/05
7/15/05 - back in hospital with PE, slight pericardial effusion, and UTI.
7/20/05 - home from the hospital on tinzaparin injections
7/26/05 - 1st onc. appt., too sick from post-op complications for chemo right now, recheck in 2 weeks
7/27/05 - surgeon appt. - ambulance to hospital, emergency surgery to place pericardial window
7/28/05 - vena cava filter for blood clots placed, A-fib controlled by cardizem
7/29/05 - pericardium treated to prevent further effusions
8/2/05 - home from the hospital!
8/9/05 - onc. appt., positive for marker for Tarceva, wait & see re: chemo
8/11/05 - readmitted to hospital with pneumonia and pleural effusion
8/18/05 - home again!
9/1/05 - onc. appt., no chemo. but will start Tarceva in 1 month
9/7/05 - surgeon appt., lung and heart look good, scans in 3 months
9/29/05 - onc. appt. - begin Tarceva!
11/1/05 - onc. appt., all is well, increase dose, track by phone until Jan.
12/5/05 - surgeon appt., all is well
12/6/05 - per onc., increase Tarceva to 100mg
12/8/05 - admitted to hosp. with bleed in brain (stroke, no clot no mets!) discontinue blood thinners and Tarceva for now
12/11/05 - home from hospital, no right side peripheral vision...
12/27/05 - onc. appt., back on Tarceva, no more blood thinners (duh!)
2/3/06 - per MRI, hematoma on brain 'greatly reduced', driving limits, etc., removed
3/8/06 - NED
3/21/06 - onc. appt., Tarceva lowered to 75mg. because rash is worse
7/11/06 - NED (I think); we learn mom was staged at IIIB, scans in 6 months
10/17/06 - liver sonogram, after elevated enzymes in routine bloodwork, liver NED/normal
1/16/07 - onc. appt. and scan results - ALL CLEAR! continue 75mg of Tarceva daily, recheck in 6 mos.
7/07 - NED again. onc. discusses taking mom off Tarceva in 6 months
12/20/07 NED! just a little inflammation in her lung. no more Tarceva.
3/2008 - pulmonologist recommends supplemental O2 24/7 due to very low sat rates upon exertion
11/25/08 - mass on brain diagnosed, referred to MSKCC for treatment and follow up
11/27/08 - final tally: large tumor on right lateral ventricle, 3 small lesions on cerebellum, 1 lesion on spine
12/2/08 - surgery to remove largest brain tumor
12/22/08 - met with oncologist and rad. oncologist, directed to 14 treatments of WBR and referred to neurologist
12/26/08 - neurologist recommends RT to spine as well as WBR, for "tiny pockets of disease"
12/31/08 - commences 14 RT treatments to brain and spine
1/1/09 - hospitalized overnight for vomiting attributed to too low a dose of steroids after 1st RT treatment
1/21/09 - finishes 14 treatments of WBR and spinal RT
1/26/09 - CT scan of lung
1/29/09 - met with onc., CT shows disease in lymph node in lung, recommends Tarceva-based chemo
3/6/09 - with bladder and bowel incontinence and rapidly declining mental status due to progressing leptomeningeal mets, the doctors tell us there is nothing more they can do 3/10/09 - Mom is transferred to Calvary palliative care hospital in the Bronx
4/20/09 - Mom dies surrounded by love and light

mom also had a thyroid malignancy in 1993, immediately after losing her sister to renal cell cancer. I am 37 y.o. daughter, also have a brother, 33.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have fun with it! Just promise you'll be very careful in who you choose to do it -- make sure it's a reputable and CLEAN facility. There are some horror stories from poor technique, but if you have a good head on your shoulders and I'm sure you do, you'll know what to watch out for.

Just promise we all get to see it?

Di

_________________
So, if we're waiting for the other shoe to drop, doesn't that mean that when it does, we have a brand new pair of shoes??

Age 51 at dx; former smoker as of that day
6/4/04 - dx SCLC, right lobe, limited - begin chemo (Carboplatin & Etoposide)
07/12/04 - CT/PET scan shows tumor less than 1/2 original size, confirm limited stage
07/20/04 - began 7 wks. of radiation
08/12/04 - began 4th round of chemo
9/9/04 - completed chest radiation x 34
10/20/04 - CT shows "something" at site of original tumor, probably scarring from radiation
11/29/04 - results from PET scan show NED!!!
12/6/04 - to see Rad. Onc. to set up PCI
12/7/04 - began PCI; 1st of 12 treatments
12/22/04 - finished 12 PCI treatments & holding!
03/05 -- ERCP; found one BIG gallstone and an occluded bile duct. Stent placed in duct - much better!
April 05 -- Still having UGI symtoms; trying to get that solved.
May 05 -- 3 small spots (mets) found in liver; begin FDA study of oral Topotecan on 5/17.
June-Aug 05 -- still in oral topo study
08/23/05 - Scan results show good results
10/04/05 - Latest CT shows mets stable, decreased or GONE, and nothing new!
11/11/05 - CT scan shows clear chest, liver mets stable, pancreas met partially necrotic but still wanting to grow
11/28/05 - started trial of Synta STA-5312; MUGA shows good coronary blood flow. (58% score)

yes, and I forgot to add - make sure you check the stencil before the needle comes out - I know someone who ended up with a backwards percent sign

_________________
62 y.o. mom w. NSCLC, 54 at dx
10/2000 - lobectomy for stage 2 (4 lymph nodes) non-small cell adenocarcinoma, after detection by chest x-ray for another surgery
2002 - spot #1 appears near lymph nodes in resected lung, unreachable for biopsy, watch and wait
5/2005 - spot #2 appears on PET/CT 6 months after last check
6/2005 - spot #2 is confirmed NSCLC, AC (same as '00) after needle biopsy
6/24/05 - right intrapericardial pneumonectomy, clear margins
6/29/05 - home from the hospital!
7/13/05 - post-op visit, 5 of 7 nodes involved and 2 tumors with BAC features and ltd. nerve involvement, adjuvent chemo recommended, onc. appt. 7/26/05
7/15/05 - back in hospital with PE, slight pericardial effusion, and UTI.
7/20/05 - home from the hospital on tinzaparin injections
7/26/05 - 1st onc. appt., too sick from post-op complications for chemo right now, recheck in 2 weeks
7/27/05 - surgeon appt. - ambulance to hospital, emergency surgery to place pericardial window
7/28/05 - vena cava filter for blood clots placed, A-fib controlled by cardizem
7/29/05 - pericardium treated to prevent further effusions
8/2/05 - home from the hospital!
8/9/05 - onc. appt., positive for marker for Tarceva, wait & see re: chemo
8/11/05 - readmitted to hospital with pneumonia and pleural effusion
8/18/05 - home again!
9/1/05 - onc. appt., no chemo. but will start Tarceva in 1 month
9/7/05 - surgeon appt., lung and heart look good, scans in 3 months
9/29/05 - onc. appt. - begin Tarceva!
11/1/05 - onc. appt., all is well, increase dose, track by phone until Jan.
12/5/05 - surgeon appt., all is well
12/6/05 - per onc., increase Tarceva to 100mg
12/8/05 - admitted to hosp. with bleed in brain (stroke, no clot no mets!) discontinue blood thinners and Tarceva for now
12/11/05 - home from hospital, no right side peripheral vision...
12/27/05 - onc. appt., back on Tarceva, no more blood thinners (duh!)
2/3/06 - per MRI, hematoma on brain 'greatly reduced', driving limits, etc., removed
3/8/06 - NED
3/21/06 - onc. appt., Tarceva lowered to 75mg. because rash is worse
7/11/06 - NED (I think); we learn mom was staged at IIIB, scans in 6 months
10/17/06 - liver sonogram, after elevated enzymes in routine bloodwork, liver NED/normal
1/16/07 - onc. appt. and scan results - ALL CLEAR! continue 75mg of Tarceva daily, recheck in 6 mos.
7/07 - NED again. onc. discusses taking mom off Tarceva in 6 months
12/20/07 NED! just a little inflammation in her lung. no more Tarceva.
3/2008 - pulmonologist recommends supplemental O2 24/7 due to very low sat rates upon exertion
11/25/08 - mass on brain diagnosed, referred to MSKCC for treatment and follow up
11/27/08 - final tally: large tumor on right lateral ventricle, 3 small lesions on cerebellum, 1 lesion on spine
12/2/08 - surgery to remove largest brain tumor
12/22/08 - met with oncologist and rad. oncologist, directed to 14 treatments of WBR and referred to neurologist
12/26/08 - neurologist recommends RT to spine as well as WBR, for "tiny pockets of disease"
12/31/08 - commences 14 RT treatments to brain and spine
1/1/09 - hospitalized overnight for vomiting attributed to too low a dose of steroids after 1st RT treatment
1/21/09 - finishes 14 treatments of WBR and spinal RT
1/26/09 - CT scan of lung
1/29/09 - met with onc., CT shows disease in lymph node in lung, recommends Tarceva-based chemo
3/6/09 - with bladder and bowel incontinence and rapidly declining mental status due to progressing leptomeningeal mets, the doctors tell us there is nothing more they can do 3/10/09 - Mom is transferred to Calvary palliative care hospital in the Bronx
4/20/09 - Mom dies surrounded by love and light

mom also had a thyroid malignancy in 1993, immediately after losing her sister to renal cell cancer. I am 37 y.o. daughter, also have a brother, 33.

Debi,

I have 2 tattoos both have something to do with Norte Dame, because I am a Notre Dame freak.

I will abmit they are addicting, I am about to get my third (which will be my zodiac sign)

the only advice I have, put the tattoo where you can see it, I will never understand putting a tattoo on your back!!! when are you ever going to see the darn thing,

go for it. I was 35 when I got my 1st one!!!

Debbie

Husband Alan Dx small cell lung cancer Jan 10th 2005

OK...HOW DID I MISS THIS POST????????

Thanks Debi, for not mentioning my name and how I dragged you into the tattoo parlor after lunch.......OOPPPppsss !!




'Come'on we all need to have alittle fun, and you have to admit, other than the stentch and the spacey tattoo guy, it was fun to go have a look-see, eh? Sometimes you have to step out of your element.


I'll throw in a totally funny story from that day.
While we were there, I was telling Debi I had a little dolphin tattoo on the back of my shoulder on my back...I was pulling down my sleeve to show her and Debi was like...."oh yeah, oh yeah"

I find out LATER that I had showed Debi the WRONG shoulder and she hadn't seen the tattoo at all...She said later it was like the Emperors news clothes...Thinking I had spent too much time online and my brain was a little fried. Hehehe

So embarassed! But at least we didn't get matching naked faries tattooed on our bums.

_________________
- 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

I would put it on my back so that it WASN'T seen on a daily basis. I work in a professional office, no blue spikes in my hair, no piercings other than my ears (that are visible) and no biker chick tattooes. I can wear all my scars, but no ink. I don't wear bare shoulders or open-back shirts so the back or the hip, etc. would be a good choice. I have three of 'em and didn't want ANY of 'em, ever. I have one in the very center of my chest and one under each arm.

Needles...and paying someone to poke me multiple times - hell, I think I should get a discount if the tech or phlebotomist can't hit what they're looking for the first time! Ack!

_________________
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 I have a idea for a tattoo for you you ever see the tattoos righta t the base of the back before the rearend they r so sexy I saw one I liked out of a magazine it was a blackrose with vines allaround didnt get it yet but im gonna! So just I idea of teh area to get one thats very sexy and the roses with the vines there are awesome! God Bless

_________________
I have not beem diagnosed with cancer and hopefully wont but I have 2 lung nodules they are checking on.I did smoke for 2 years of my life and my mom died of adenocarcinoma of the lung at 47 so they are watching me more closely

for you experts..

I have wanted a tattoo for years and I have my image picked. It's been picked forever... Unfortunately, things like cancer and life have been getting in the way. I really want to do this over the summer but my problem is where to put the dang thing.

Mine is a figure so I can't do a middle of the back or a long draping kind of thing. My other problem is scars.. oh the scars I have. Scars on my back from LC stuff, scars all across the abdomen from many surgerys there too. Even scars across the hips. Can they tattoo on scars? Is the skin too thick? What about elasticity of the skin? Does it need to be super tight? I don't think I have any skin that is super tight anymore, anywhere on my body.. I had always planned to put it on my lower abdomen... but I just don't know about skin quality. I guess I could ask the tattoo artist but geez... do I really want this guy inspecting my body for one small spot that isn't filled with scars and the skin is tight?? Anyone have their tattoo placed over a scar?

_________________
picture is of me at my wedding June 2004

My mom waited until she was 63 to get a tattoo. She said,"At this point in my life I can do what I want to do." She got a celtic cross with a rose winding around it on her right shoulder. My little sister got a yen and yang (looks like little sperm). Anyway, I know you will choose wisely.

My BIL has a cheetah and it looks really cool (it's crawling up his leg).

Find you niche and develop from there.

GOD BLESS!
Jamie

_________________
We are not dealt a situation we cannot handle. It is how we handle these situations, that defines who we are, and who we'll become.
Age 35 at diagnosis
[size=75]Dx December 2004 Stage IIIB
Started Tarceva June 2005(working)
Stable scans (8/2005)
Stable scans (10/2005)
Stable scans (11/2005)
Celebrating 1 year since diagnosis
1/16/06 NED--just scar tissue and/or fibrosis
4/16/06 NED--just scar tissue and/or fibrosis
7/19/06 Stability again--Thank you Lord Jesus!!
11/19/06 NED
1/19/07 NED Again!!!
4/19/07 NED Again!! God is Good!
7/21/07 NED AGAIN!! Pet was clear!!
10/25/07 NED AGAIN!!! God is Good!
01/2008 Cancer free and thanking God!!
06/2008 NED AGAIN!! Thank you God!!
10/2008 NED AGAIN!! Thank you God!!
2/2009 NED AGAIN!! Thank you God!!
6/2009 NED AGAIN! Thank you God!!
12/2009 NED AGAIN!! Thanks be to GOD!!
6/2010 NED AGAIN!!! Thanks be to GOD!!
5 1/2 Year Survivor
http://www.caringbridge.org/tn/jamie
www.memphislungcancerconnections.com
www.lungevity.org/playingforacure

[/size]

Deb..I posted but lost it...I think.....maybe you'll get this twice...ooops

Neway...'you da Debster'...go for it!!!...Wish I had the guts I'd get one too..ha...

I liked Jan's idea with the ribbon...and you could alway's color it up with LCSC in the ribbon or the words...'breath deep' could be real cute and dainty bettween your thumb and first finger...ORRRRRR you could alway's paint a picture of me saying ..'UP YOURS LC'....bad Pammy...

Katie...love the story of you and Deb..too funny...

Stay well everyone..hugs...PamS

_________________
[size=9] dx 8/04 with LC...surgery on Sept 14,2004...removed right upper lobe...stage 1a nsclc..BAC with no other involvments and no furthur treatments...thank God
2/05 developed a bad cough...doc recommeds Pet
2/05 Pet/Scan clear..yay!
3/05 Chest exray ..clear
7/05 Chest exray ....clear..yearly ct/scan on 11/05
11/05...CAT done today....waiting and praying....
11/05 results from CT/Scan...doc say's
ABSOLUTELY OK...thank you Jesus....
11/17/05...oncoligist appointment....NED everything Ok ..going back in one year instead of 6 months..and then another Ct/scan
11/21/05...surgeon appointment...OK..se me in 4 months with a chest exray..
2/06 pins and needles back again...GP orders Pet/Ct scan...very nervous....
2/06 Pet/Ct negative...seeing surgeon in Mar...cancelled chest exray because of clean Pet..yahh!!
3/06 came down with the flu
3/06 doc orders chest exray...shows pneumonia...
7/06 chest exray..NED but still suggests CT/Scan soon
9/06 CT/Scan..results no change..I'll take it

Dec 06...back pain..doc orders exrays and MRI...both were normal..so why does my back hurt..I ain't asking?
2/07 chest exray...NED
8/07 chest exray..NED
8/07..having rib pain..doc orders 2 MRI's and Ct/scan..praying hard
9/07 Ct/scan shows 'possible lymph node enlargement...doc orders another Pet..
9/07..Pet shows ' unremarkable ..no malignancy...Praise God!!!
2/08 6 month chest exray...Normal

Deb,
If you like the ribbon idea, you could always do one with an outline and the center left flesh color to represent the clear ribbon of LC.

I got my first tattoo about a year ago (age 35).
It is a butterfly encased in a globe on my ankle.
I've thought about wanting a tattoo for over 10 years but couldn't pick an image because I didn't want anything cliche like a rose, or butterfly

But, when I married Keith, we got married in an old mansion that was converted to a museum. They wouldn't let us throw rice or blow bubbles or any of those things people do following a ceremony. Then I found a place on the internet that sold butterfly caccoons to hatch in a decorative box for live butterfly releases. In college, I'd taken a course on mythology, so I knew that there was an old superstition that was believed that butterflies had the power to carry wishes, dreams and prayers on their wings to heaven. So, I ordered 100 butterflies and wrote a little prayer message on the boxes. As we walked down the aisle after the ceremony our guests released 100 beautiful butterflies.
It was a great moment, but it still didn't convince me to start collecting butterfly stuff.
But, since then, Keith would occassionally buy me little trinkets with butterflies on them (like cards, or earrings) because he said they were a reminder of the best day of our lives.
When we went to New Orleans for a consultation prior to enrolling in an experimental treatment, Keith bought me a beautiful butterfly pendant. When we went back to NO 7 months later to get the treatment, I got the tattoo of the butterfly while Keith was in isolation for 10 days in the hospital. It was the longest I ever spent without him by my side and I desperately needed something that made me feel like I had him with me.
I had it put into a globe because the butterfly symbolizes my Keith, and it's in the globe because he means the whole world and more to me.

I love my tattoo. Its more than a pretty picture, it is a permanent symbol of my love and my marriage.

PS. the most painful place on the body to get a tattoo is the lower back. The color white fades within 1-2 years; yellow, pink, and other light pastel colors don't fair much longer. Black, blue, and greens hold up well but for all tattoos to keep the colors true longer always wear a high SPF sunscreen over the tattoo when going into the sun.

Good Luck and Have a Great time with it.

_________________
Husband Age 31 Dx 3/19/03 Small Cell LC Second Opinion Mayo Clinic Dx 4/9/03 - Atypical Carcinoma (A.K.A. poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma with small cell features) w/ Mets to Lymph Nodes and Liver

4/19/03 Cisplatin & Irinetecan
6/19 Scan results show no change
6/23 one round of Cisplatin and VP 16 then changed to Carboplatin and VP-16.
7/16 started 10 rounds Radiation
8/19 Test Results showed slight shrinkage to all areas YEAH!!! Continuing on with Carboplatin and VP-16
10/14 Scan results show no change. Oncologist wants to stop treatment. Where do we go from here?
11/14 Liver Biopsy confirmed Atypical Carcinoid, Liver now looks clean. Hired new Doctor and are looking into Alternative Treatments.
12/23 CT scan shows cancer to be relatively stable. One lymph node grew, but rest stayed the same. Still waiting to determine next step.
1/7 Started Sandostatin injections 3X daily
1/26 Visited LSU Dr. Anthony in New Orleans about clinical Trial of Octreotide Accepted, but wants us to try low dose chemo first.
2/7 Changed to Sandostatin once a month time released injection
4/6 CT scan shows that primary tumor between lungs grew from 2.2 CM to 3.3 CM. Starting Radiation to primary tumor 4/15 to 6/15. Expecting two rounds of low dose chemo to follow.
7/23 two week hospital stay for pancreatitis showed new lesions in pancreas and liver.
8/31 Started new Trial in New Orleans - Indium III.
9/14 MRI of the brain shows 13 lesions in the brain and meninges. Starting 15 rounds WBR 9/27/04
11/5/04 Started 2 rounds of Cytoxin Doxirubicin and Vichristin
3/18/05 CT scan shows no change; Keith to get a break from Chemo
5/6/05 CT Scan shows that cancer progressing; greater than 25% growth in all areas
5/25/05 Visited a Dr. O'Dirisio at University of Iowa about Ytrium Trial. Keith did not qualify but Starting Sandostatin again to try and boost receptors to qualify in future.
starting Taxotere 6/10/05
9/13/05 Scans show stable disease, no growth or shrinkage. Starting 6 more weeks of Taxotere.
10/27/05 CT & MRI taken; MRI Results show Brain Stable CT Scan shows slight increase to Liver lesions, but overall stable.
12/15/05 CT Scans show return of large tumor in lymph node under his collarbone at the curve of his neck plus advancement of disease in the liver from 4 small lesions to more than can be counted mid sized tumors. Starting Alimta on 12/30/05 HAPPY NEW YEAR 12/23/5 MRI shows size growth on several brain lesions, new tumor to Thyriod gland, new tumor to 6th Vertibrae. Tomotherapy on the neck started 2/13/06.
Scan 2/14/06 shows rapid progression of lesions in liver. Alimta stopped and starting back on Irinetecan (AKA CPT-11) on 2/17/06
4/6/06 scans show growth on all tumor sites. Nothing suggested for tx, as onc wants to check around and get other opinions.
4/19/06 Spent the day in ER because of severe side pain. CT shows Significant growth from scan taken just 3 weeks earlier plus new pleural effusion. Pain most likely from many Liver mets growing and pushing on liver casing. Starting trial of Temodar and Thalidomide 5/24/06
5/29/06 Spent 2 days in hospital with pain in left side, swelling in right arm. CT shows significant tumor growth. Lymph nodes in Mediastanim wrapped around Superior Vena Cava vein compressing vein, lymph node in neck compressing same vein. Swelling cause of SVCS. Pleural Effusion greatly increased in right lung. Pain in side possibly from increase in pancreas tumor, increase in liver tumors and size, compression to vein feeding spleen and enlarge spleen plus constipation. Temodar Thalidomide stopped. No more treatment.
6/2/06 Thoreocentisis drained 1+ liters of fluid from right lung. Stints not put into SVC because of location and thrombosis surrounding the catheter from port blocking vein would require removal of port.
6/7/06 Experienced swelling in the groin and phallus; cause could not be determined.
6/26/06 Hospitalized for severe pain in shoulder. Stayed for 2 nights to get pain meds to control pain.
Released home 6/28/06 passed away surrounded by family and friends on 6/29/06.

The light of my life has been extinguished and I live forever in darkness. But my love lives eternally now in the glorious radiance of God.

I will Love you FOREVER & ALWAYS!!!!

I've always wanted one but never had the
nerve to do it.

I came close a few years ago while I was in
Hawaii, my daughter in laws mother wanted
one so we went to get it together but the
only place we found was closed

Now I'm trying to get up the nerve again, it's
hard to do it alone, much easier if you have
someone along to kind of boost you along.

Have you gotten one yet?

_________________
Kathy, 56
7/16/2004 Vats lower left lobectomy
dx 1A T1N0M0 NSCLC
7/31 Returned to hospital with plural effusion
and empyema, chest tube.
Four chemo treatments completed Dec 2004
carbo/taxol
Ned as of Dec 15 2004
Still NED as of mid March 2005
Still NED as of September 15 2005
NED as of mid April 2006

Blessed to say still NED as of
October 2006
Still blessed to have NED on my 3 year anniversary...July, 2007
YEAH.....July, 2008 4 years NED
Thank you God!

Lost my wonderful father to lc 9/27/2000

Well, Debi, you posted this question about a tattoo in mid-Nov. and now it's early April. What did you decide to do? Let us know.
Muriel

_________________
Dx 5-27-03. Surgery 6-26-03 remove upper lobe, Rt lung. NSCLC, Stage 1B
Chemo 9/16 - 11/15.
Good CTs every 3 mo. until 11/1/04. Only 1 spot on upper lobe, Lt. lung lit up on PET. Surgery 11/26/04. NSCLC, Stage 1B. Surgeon considered it a new primary.
Moved from VA to FL on 12/16/04. Chemo 2/11 - 6/1. Cisplatin and Gemzar. Good CTs since chemo.

In answer to the questions..no, I haven't gotten one yet, I'm still waiting for Frank Lamb to tell me where to put it . Seriously, November to May is the really busy time at work and on the infrequent 'down time', I'm just too tired to drive to Dallas and get one. My intentions are always there but in reality, there are always a million things to do when I finally have a day off.

If I don't get one soon, I am definitely getting one for my 50th birthday in August. I still have no idea what I'll get, with all the awesome ideas on this post, I'm now more confused than ever! It's worth hearing all the tattoo stories though, they are all so neat!

_________________
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

I got a tatto about two years ago on my right lower hip, right above the pelvic bone- I got a tribal sun, and I love it- I got it for my son when he was admitted to the psychiatric hospital... go for it!

I'm 49, female and I have 10 tattoos all over my body and I can tell you that the only one that really, really hurt was the one on my left sholder. I was diagnosed with lung cancer a week ago and I am having surgery on the 26th of this month. As soon as I heal up I am going to go get another tattoo...but not on my back! Haven't decided yet what I want but it will be a special one! If you get something you truly like and it has meaning for you I don't think you'll ever regret it. I have found that the ones I like the most are the ones I have drawn for me...not flash.

Man...tons of ideas!!!

Smiley
LCSC
Survivor
Cross

Personally, I have plans for a four leaf clover in September...that is if I don't chicken out again!

Good luck! Have fuN!

_________________
[size=75]Loving Daughter, with three siblings, praying for a Dad with SCLC, superior vena cava syndrome.

3/16/06 DX Mass and/or adenopathy within the right hilum..consistent with bronchogenic carcinoma. May also be subcarinal adenopathy. Small right pleural effusion.
3/17/06 MRI head with/out contrast. Biopsi-lung, right middle lobe bronchus. Small Cell Carcinoma of the right lung with SVC syndrome
3/21/06 Bone scan. No evidence for skeletal metastases
3/21/06 Etoposide and Carboplatin chemotherapy (3 days)
4/12/06 Chest XRay - Obvious shrinking of tumor
4/12/06 Etoposide and Carboplatin (3 days)
5/2/06 CScan - again, obvious shrinking of tumor
5/5/06 Meet with Radiologist to determine radiology plan
5/9/06 Day one of Radiation
5/10/06 Chemo (?) (3 days)
6/4/06 In the middle of radiation, going EXTREMELY well, aside from sore eating, and tired, tired, tired. Dad is hopeful, sure that he is coughing up tumor every day, and spirited. Thank you God!
6/18/06 Went into local hospital for infusion. Chest X for possible pneumonia.
6/20/-6 Went to local hospital for infustion. DX with pneumonia in both lungs. O2 levels low, and irregular heart beat. He does not feel heart beating 140 and above. Meds for regulation not working. Made it to Mayo 6/25...back in the hands of the amazing!
6/29 Radiation Graduation! Dad is now home, and regaining strength every day. He is tired, tired, tired, but again, getting stronger every day. Will return to Mayo on 7/30 for all new tests.
7/30 "There is nothing in your noggin but a brain, Keith!" Amazing words to hear! "I would give your chest a clean bill."
8/1 "Keith, you are in remission." We don't consider a cure until you are clear for five years.
8/7 Began 15 rounds PCI brain radiation treatments. This was a difficult decision to make as we were given the side affects, and quite honestly it does sound scary. However, most all SCLC survivors appear to have some form of brain radiation at some time throughout their treatments. Dad figures that mom does the money books, organizes the meds, and keeps the house going already, so what the heck. "I don't want to die from cancer," he says!

August 25, 2006 Mom and Dad return after PCI. Dad feels great, has a tan, bald head, and got out onto the boat on day 1 of his return! Thank you God!

11/29/06 3 month Check Up...Still in remission. Lung scarring from radiation occuring. Dad feels great. Depression and low activity are going away!

2/25/07 Another check up shows no progression...however a slight pleural effusion that has grown since November. Could be one of three things...1. Infection 2. Scar Tissue 3. Cancer. Must go back to Mayo next week to have it drained and checked.

3/1/07 Drained pleural effusion yesterday. However, when they got in there, there wasn't enough fluid to drain and check...this means it probably wasn't cancer, and more than likely was the tail end of some kind of infection. She decides she wants him back in two months instead of three, just to be safe. Heart doc gives dad the clean bill of health. Go home, enjoy life!

5/11/07 Dad had a standard chest CT, which showed nothing new. He feels great and again was given a clean bill! Yeah! Doc will do a "big" check-up in August...complete with chest CT, bone scan, and brain scan...all because at that point he will be one year in remission! Yeah...I pray every day for these years to be granted!
8/21/07 Dad had a full body scan yesterday and results today were very "boring!" We LOVE boring. There was one nodule, in the lung area, that she could see, but it is smaller than small, and leaves no reason to be concerned. Dad will return for a check-up after Christmas. When mom said, "So, do we not need to be worried anymore" she answered with, "Your new normal will be that you are always worried." Yuck...but oh so true. Thank you God for the gift of healing, and may you continue with that wonderful gift. I pray in thanksgiving.

1/21/08 "I am going to call you my miracle man! Keith, I still don't see any evidence of cancer in your body." Wow! Blessed again!

5/19/08 "Keith there is no change. I see no evidence of any cancer." Wow! We are so blessed to be given another clean report. "Every day is a gift," my dad said. Isn't that the truth!

Sept. 08 Still Cancer Free

4/8/09 All evidence of the small cell is still gone. She believes Dad is cured. However, a dot on the CT almost a year ago has turned into an eraser sizes spot. This could just be a product of his recent bronchitis or could be when he breathed during the scan. She DOES NOT think we have anything to worry about. Scans will be in 3 months now, instead of 6 months...I am happy for that!

7/20/09 CT shows growth in spot on opposite lung than original cancer. They do not want to leave it alone. Will have PET and surgical consult next week with the hopes for simple removal.

8/2009 Removed spot. Biopsy showed trace of NSCLC. No SCLC found.

11/2009 All clear
3/2010 All clear
7/2010 All clear
11/2010 All clear. We really are so very blessed to continue to be cancer free. Thank you God.
8/23/11 - Still clear. Thank God!



Picture at left is my husband and I, October 2007. Below is Dad crossing the line during the survivor lap at the Relay. The other pic is just one of my faves!

[img]http://lchelp.org/picfiles/jen2.jpg[/img][img]http://lchelp.org/picfiles/ztweb3.jpg[/img]
[/size]

The LCSC Bash will be a good opportunity to get tatooes.

_________________
God Bless You!

Tina

"Charlie didn't let life happen to him, he let life happen through him." Rev. Joe Green, 4/19/06

Husband Charlie, lived 27 months with stage IV NSCLC, adenocarcinoma,
51 yo at diagnosis; 53 at death
daughters now 19 & 13, niece 16
DX 01/09/04, Died 04/16/06 (Easter Sunday)
Treatments: (1) Carbo/Gemzar & radiation, (2) Navelbine and rad to neck lymph node, (3) Vanderbilt clinical trial of Targretin, (4)Alimta, (5) Tarceva, (6)Taxotere & rad to lymph node next to aorta, (7) Gemzar, (8)Etoposide, Carbo and Avastin with brachytherapy for bronchial tumors, and (9) CPT-11.
03/17/06 Charlie able to go with Rachel to get her "dream car"
04/16/06 Easter Sunday - taken to Heaven after having been able to go to our church drama on Saturday, helping me make Easter deviled eggs Sunday morning, enjoying a good family dinner and long talk with his dad in Florida
_________________________________
My Uncle Dave, SCLC, died in Feb. 2007.
My Dad, SCLC 06/11/07, 86 years old, quit smoking 32 years ago; 8/1/07 signed up with Hospice; passed to Heaven on 10/08/07.
Aunt Catherine, brain tumor, died in Feb. 2008

Feb. 28, 2008: My Mom likely has NSCLC
Mid-March: PET shows high SUVs; she is not healthy enough for biopsy or treatment; she falls and gets a bad leg wound and infection; aggressive daily painful treatments to save her leg.
June 10: CT shows stable disease; leg wound finally healing.
Sept: CT shows progression.
Late Dec. 2008: admitted to hospital for shortness of breath. Radiation started due to tumor pressing on her spine. Goes home on New Year's Day. Admitted to Hospice a few days later as palliative rad. continues for 3 weeks.
Late Jan. 2009: falls and breaks hip; repaired the next day and goes to rehab. facil. 4 days later...AMAZING!
Ups and downs at rehab. facil.
Transferred to Hospice House - wonderful people!
April 6, 2009 - my mom passes on with my brother and I by her side

I have many tattoos, each was a kind of a cathartic way to grieve and remember my parents but were not representive of them in any way... when dad was killed I had one on my lower back (some clematis flowers and vines which are what I like not really what my dad would like) This is an area that is not too painful and hides well. When my mom died I had one on my back that only shows if my hair is up and my collar is low in the back (a big dragonfly). It hurt more but was well worth it.
They can tattoo over scars, it kind of detracts from mine in a way. I most recently had a curly vine on my foot, over a large surgical scar, with 3 lady bugs representing each of my kids and it hurt too, but again, was cathartic for me and I wanted to do something to represent what I have instead of the have not... if you pick place where clothing will rub (foot, waist line, bra strap) wait until summer so you can wear lighter looser clothing.
I think when you pick something, it does't have to represent wxactly what happened, just the act of doing it is the celebration of survival.
Whatever you decide I am sure it will be great, it will be a badge of courage and triumph for you!
Look at tattoofinder.com or to see a ton of tattoos on bodies look at rankmytattoo.com

_________________
Pneumonia May 2005
Jun Stage 3 nslc, Scheduled for MRI, plan for rads to tumors and taxol/carbo regime
JULY 3 MRI results
re staged to 4 nslc mets to brain, 6 grape sized tumors
10 max dose WHR,
Decadron and rads cause severe confusion, memory loss, ittitability, depression.
This is no longer the woman I knew but I love her so much!
August TAXOL/CARBO 3 weeks on 1 week off. 6 rounds
Mom has to stop working after 18 years... 2 years short of her dream of retiring.
Sept. too weak, skip round
Sept 19 MRI CT, results, shrinkage in both lung tumors and brain
Oct resume chemo, blood count low, begin aranesp

White count low, begin neupogen
November scan shows lymph nodes swollen the were not previously involved. She is too weak for biopsy or continue chemo.
Dec 23 scan of brain and lung
Brain tumors are smalkler and some completley gone, no change in lung, too weak to continue chemo.. another scan in 6 weeks.
I miss the person my mom was. I pray her brain heals and I can get a glimpse of the woman I knew.
Dec Scan shows no change in tumors. Too weak for Chemo.
CT of chest shows marked advancement of disease progression in lung. Origionally thought to be pneumonia or fluid.
Nuclear bone scan ordered for 2/14.
Begin taxotere 2/9.
Pain is worsening, she is taking oxycontin am and pm and oxycodone every couple of hours. Oxygen was delivered.
Bone scan revealed mets to right femur.
2/21 begin 4 radiation treatments to right femur.
mom is not eating, has lost 7 pounds in 7 days.
2/24/06 finished 1st full round of taxotere. finished radiation to femur. Blood count great for now.
3 weeks should tell if the bone is healing, and 2 weeks until she starts round 2 of taxotere.
3/06 nodes in armpits enlarged, dr still waiting to scan, continue taxotere.
continued chest and leg pain
VERY FRUSTERATED in care, wish I had more control.
Chest scan 4/4/06
chest pain lymph nodes still swollen
Very weak. In bed all day, needs assitance to walk.
Results: 4/6/06 taxotere ineffective, no further treatment offered. Pallitive care, radiation referral, mention of tarceva after radiation.
dr says 3-6 months
Radiation started 4/17
Radiation stopped 4/24, she can;t lay down without choking
4/25 emergency care to ICU for pneumonia. To intubate or not?
MOM's last wishes were to be at home, we opted for DNR, made it home in time.
Said our goodbyes...
4/26/05 mom passed peacefully in her own bed at about 6:15 pm
You're In The Arms of an Angel, May You Find Some Comfort there.
I love you Beautiful Mommy
This is My mom, Elaine, just a week before she left this world we celbrated her 58th birthday, she was surrounded by her grandbabies (my kids)