Hi;

We've set up this mailing list to keep Lynne's friends and family up to date on her treatment for lung cancer. The purpose is to keep Lynne from having to make 14 phone calls after each appointment to tell everyone how she's doing. She'll post messages as she sees the need, or she might call one person and they can write up notes to let the rest of us know what's going on.

I'm going to give you some info on how the list works and then drop in an email that Lynne has sent to some of you already. I'm repeating it here so we're all on the same page.

1) If you send mail to ..., it will go to everyone on the list. Feel free to do so. Lynne is on the list and will get the message.

2) If you reply to a message on the list, the default list behavior is for everyone to get the reply. If you mean to reply privately, you will have to readdress the email. This is a frequent source of embarrassment for public mailing lists. Be careful. :-)

3) Once a month the mailing list software will send a message that says "you're on this list". You can ignore it.

4) If I got too geeky, let me know and I'll try explaining it in English.

Ok, now that that noise is out of the way this is Lynne's description of where she is at:

I'm going to start w/ the end and then go back....forgive the bluntness, there's just no way to really beat around the bush....I have lung cancer. A few months ago I went to the dr. w/ a persistent cough and was prescribed some antibiotics for bronchitis, which I did have. the bronchitis cleared up, but not the cough. So, they tried something stronger, which still didn't help and then did an x-ray, just to see if anything was going on. They found "spots" on my trachea which was causing the cough, etc...to get a better picture I had a CT Scan and then a CT biopsy. That biopsy was inconclusive so they planned another one: a bronchoscopy, which was very definitive: lung cancer. At this point they thought it was just one spot that could be removed with surgery and we'd all be good to go. But, they wanted a PET scan just to be sure - to get a more thorough look at my body. Found out late last week that there are a number of spots: "numerous" small ones in my lungs, larger ones on my spine and pelvis and there is something in my neck. The long and short of it: I start radiation tomorrow to try and reduce the size of the big tumor, which happens to be blocking the upper right lobe of the lung, which has caused it to collapse and begin to fill with fluid. Next week I go in for Chemo 101. Also getting an MRI and mammogram to make sure it hasn't spread elsewhere.

I've included lee on the email - he's be great and with me at my major appts. and may know something I've forgotten. He is also putting a mailing list together to make it easier to disseminate news. If you're interested in the updates, let us know.

I'm doing ok - the news last week of multiple spots and needing more than surgery was quite a blow, but I felt better after visiting the oncologist yesterday, especially w/ Lee there to keep the Hinde humor going. I think Dr. Wong may think we're a bit off, but oh well...we probably are!

Could use all the prayers and good thoughts you want to send - for the kids and family, too.

Hiya;

Lynne had her MRI today. Results probably on Monday.

Radiation started yesterday; she's had two treatments. This should go on for 15 days (business days, weekends off).

There was talk originally of Lynne getting additional plumbing added to a vein to help with the chemo, but her nurse thinks her arm veins will work just fine. We'll find out on Tuesday.

She still has her hair.

Hi All;

Lynne starts chemo today. She's been receiving (getting, having?) radiation treatments and thinks it's having a positive impact on her cough.

People react differently to chemo. Lynne will get meds to help combat known reactions (nausea being the best known.) Mom will be going down to help out.

That's all for now.

- Lee

Hey There -

Well the week of treatments is over. My sense of humor still intact, my hair still intact - although that's not supposed to last - so the kids and I are trying to decide what color hair I should get if I get a wig...so far the top vote getters are hot pink and purple - please feel free to weigh in on the vote. The good news is after the treatments are over my hair comes back, but it comes back different: color/curly/straight/etc...so I could come back without any grey! Hey - that would be good - save a lot of money on the coloring!

The first chemo went really well. I haven't had any side effects at all. So that's great. Have 2 more scheduled during the next 2 weeks.

Radiation is going really well - my cough is soooo much better which means my tumor must be shrinking and my lungs are able to fill at least a little. I can actually lie down for the treatments w/o coughing - new this week!

The new twist of the week: this little cancer of mine has made it to my brain. I kinda new that was coming, because I've been having some peripheral vision issues the past few months. (My father-in-law had a brain tumor about 10 years ago and the first thing they noticed that led to the diagnosis was vision issues.) The chemo cannot help in the brain - so they are looking at the scans now to determine exact locations to use radiation on. So, there will be more radiation past the next 8 treatments for my chest. The good news is they can do them simultaneously. Also, means 2 spots in my head where I'll loose hair! Now that should look cute.

I want to thank everyone for all their support, help, prayers, and jokes! I need them all and appreciate them all! Keep 'em coming!

Hi Everyone -

So it's been another eventful and busy week. The fun news was the kids' Aunt, Uncle and cousins were here to help, entertain and organize! It turned out to be a good week for that since I ended up getting the flu. the doc suggested the flu shot and pneumonia shot (never knew there was one before) which I took on Tuesday and by Tuesday night - all out flu!. Lasted through Thursday - Today up, hungry and good...

Then there was the cancer stuff going on, too. I think I said last week that they'd found a couple spots in my brain, turns out to be a lot of a couple of spots. They started radiation immediately on monday for that so now, until next Wednesday, I'll be getting lung and head radiation - so if you see me glowing, not to worry. The head stuff goes on for another 2 weeks, then a week off and then start back on chemo...(they had to stop because of the brain stuff). But that's only the plan for today - who knows what happens in two weeks. the good news of today was that they are pretty sure that the radiation will take care of the stuff upstairs. (I'll get another MRI at the end of November to see how well it did....) Didn't seem to change any plans except postponing the chemo a little.

Still working a little each day and hopefully next couple of weeks will be able to work 1/2 time or more....

Thanks again for the emails, calls and support. It's hard to get back to everyone - but please know I do appreciate all of it.!

Love to all....

Lynne

found this on the internet tonight...really liked it...

I've been asked if I'm angry about all this, and I'm not - this is kinda explains it...

When we believe that God says "A" is true and it becomes obvious that "A" is not true, we are faced with a choice of choosing between believing in God or our beliefs. The Bible says that God loves me and my wife and our other two kids. It also says that He loves my eldest daughter. That hardship, or trial, or sickness, or tragedy will never wash up upon the shores of our life is nowhere written in the Bible. I know this for sure because if it did our present life would be proof that the Bible was lying.

Which brings me back to "life happens." The reality of the Christian life is that in this world Christians share the road with drunk drivers, breath airborne chemicals and germs, get bitten by West Nile infected mosquitoes, lose their jobs to downsizing, and experience contact with many other woe causing elements and events that make up the human experience on earth. The Bible contains no promise that "life" will not happen to us. However, it does contain promises that God is with us (Psalm 139) and that He will never leave us (Matthew 28:20, John 14:18, Hebrews 13:5). Yes, life happens but God is with us. He is there with us in the delivery room as well as the x-ray room. He is there when we marry and He is there if our spouse is unfaithful. He is there when we land the job of our dreams and He is there when it's a job just to dream!

Life happens. Well good for life! God is there, God is there, God is there.

Love to all

Hi Everyone -

A decidedly uneventful week - which is good! Finished lung radiation and have 4 more head radiations to go...They're really trying to prep me for the loss of hair, so next week is the wig hunt - if I get one, will be sure to send a picture....chemo officially starts on Nov. 20 and looks like it will be every 21 days...so have plenty of good time in the middle!

On a personal front, my old Bible Study group from church supplied dinners this week and they've been great! Have one more tonight. They've been a great help, because I do tend to loose energy by the evening.

I've also had a number of cards celebrating Halloween and those were fun to get! One special surprise showed up this week from my Pumpkin Fairy - a cute little decorated pumpkin and a basket of goodies, including some Angels to watch over me. The great thing about the pumpkin: my development was having a halloween decorating contest and I won for cutest pumpkin! It even had purple hair! You can see the pumpkin in the picture w/ my daughter and her friends who went out trick-or-treating....for those that haven't seen her in a while - Missy is the one in black! YIKES!

My best to all,

Lynne

Hope you don't mind: leave you with one of my favorite verses:

Is. 40:30-31

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grown tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hi My Friends...

A little late with this update - only cuz of internet/email issues...all is good

Finished radiation! YEAH!!!!!! M head looks like I've been out in the sun too long! - Dry and very red! Which matches my new haircut that you can see by clicking the link below. I just had my hair colored last weekend and my roots were all red! looks good w/ the red glasses! (My apologies to the CAL fans!)

I do have a wig, which will go up later, but very much like my current cut - the head has to heal a little before wearing it.

as for next week...I have outpatient surgery to get a port-a-cath (my 1 good vein is already crashed) in so they can start Chemo on the 20th....Looking forward to that because then i should be on a 21 day cycle of chemo so I should have some weeks without anything!!! another YEAH!!!!

As always, thank you! I'm still humbled by the outpouring of support for me and the kids from far and wide and those close by. They are doing great. They think mom's hair cut is "cool".

My friends at athenian (the kid's school) did the meals this week! Awesome! Huge help....Didn't think I'd need the meals so soon, but really do and they've been a huge blessing.

Have a great week! and I leave you with this:

Mat. 10: 30

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered

http://picasaweb.google.com/lasohn/LynneSHaircut

Take Care -

Lynne

Hi;

Just a quick update. Lynne's internet is in flux, so I get to post.

Lynne had a 'port' installed today. The port was installed to facilitate her chemo, which starts next Tuesday.

Here's some info on the gizmo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-a-Cath.

It's real surgery; she was sedated but not all the way out. Recovery was quick (relative to the bronchoscopy). We were at the clinic at 8:30 and out before noon.

Lynne was on the phone with ATT when I left, trying to get her crap service straightened out. (I suggested she farm this out and she said she had a volunteer, but she wanted to yell at someone. She didn't yell of course, but I think she felt better knowing she could. Maybe the residual impact of the anesthesia had a calming influence)

Lynne's cough is much much better. The cough was omnipresent before treatment started. I think she coughed once today. I don't remember it being mentioned before, so now you know. The treatments are helping.

Mom's with her now and our brother, Jay, was scheduled to stop by this afternoon.

As we got back to Lynne's today, we discovered Thanksgiving elves scurrying about on her front porch. Lynne noticed something through the window and two remaining elves disappeared into the ether as I opened the door to investigate. We discovered a porch full of decorations in anticipation of our early Thanksgiving this weekend.

Words will fail me as I attempt to thank the many friends who have stepped up for Lynne. The Thanksgiving decorations are only the most recent gift. Your generosity of spirit, time and effort is gratefully appreciated. Thank you.

- Lee

Hi All

I've missed my email and your messages! But we're back...

Had the Port put in on tuesday and all went well and recovery went well. The best part of the week: I was hungry! I ate and ate and ate! Which was good because the meals this week were awesome!

As Lee mentioned - we had a thanksgiving fairy that came and decorated our front porch. The kids loved it: Jeff did his homework by candle light one night and Missy decided we need to do this al the time!

see the porch on this link...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lasohn/NewAlbum111807455PM

Next week: chemo on Tuesday! Finally getting it started...

Love to all....

Message: Ps. 107:23

And you were so glad when the storm died down, and he led you safely back to harbor. So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.

Hi There -

I'm home from chemo. What was supposed to be 4 hours turned into 5 1/2 but that's ok, just chatted w/ m friend that went with me and did some Sudoku. I knew when I couldn't do an "Quick & Easy" puzzle correctly that the Benadryl (given to relax m body) was working. :-)

So far feeling great. It was the full dose and all looks good. Hoping the good feeling lasts the weekend. Don't have any pictures to show< you :-) thank you for all your prayers and support as I started today. Really appreciate it and it helped!

I now start on a 21 day cycle. My normal day is thursday, but because of Thanksgiving, i did it today. Next Chemo: Dec. 13. Every 3 or so chemos they'll do a scan to see how we are progressing...do next scan will be early January. Next MRI to check the brain will be

mid-December.

The really good thing: the port-a-cath worked great yesterday for my labs and today for the chemo. They think it can stay in for up to a year, or possibly longer, if needed.

I hope you all have a very special and blessed Thanksgiving.

Love to All -

Lynne

2 Cor. 7 - 1: New International Version (NIV)

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Hi there All -

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I think my last message was the day before and now we are into the Christmas time....Yikes how time flies.

This week was the first week since this all started that I didn't have any tests, procedures or treatments. It was REALLY nice. The chemo did catch up to me on Thanksgiving, but only from the standpoint of being tired. So I got to spend a few days in bed - not so bad given the options. This week I was able to go into work each day - which I believe is also a first since this started. So not bad!

The excitement of the week was on Thursday. I had a maid service come in and clean the whole house! WOW! My friends from work gave me a year of the service. They did a great job and and I loved coming in to a totally clean house. Considering i haven't been able to do much for 2 1/2 months it needed it. The kids have been great, But, their version of clean isn't really the same...Needless to say they were pretty excited, too.

Again, because I can't say it enough...thank you for all you're doing to support me and the kids! Especially with your love and prayers..

Have a blessed week.

Lynne

Ps. 139:17

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!"

Hi Everyone -

I was thinking of all the people praying for me - including most if not all of you on this list. Just wanted to say thanks and how much I appreciate every single prayer. There are even people and churches in England praying...kinda neat! With that accent - can't go wrong...:-) Anyway, thinking of all of you reminded me of this verse:

Matthew 18:18

" When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."

About the week: pretty low key. Still learning stuff about the treatments and my reaction to them. Had a low white blood count earlier this week so got a booster. Will probably have one each time chemo happens. They told me it takes 3-5 treatments to figure out the cycles and what my reactions will be and how to treat them. I'm looking forward to that! The best part is that getting sick or nausea don't seem to be a part of it - which is the one part I really wasn't looking forward to - so another blessing.

Was scheduled to have an MRI today - but didn't go too well. They couldn't use the port I had put in because they didn't have the right stuff to insert the needle or to flush it out after they were done. So spent about 20 minutes trying to find a vein...they tried 4 times...4 times it collapsed. So then they called a doctor in - he spent 5 minutes looking for a vein and finally said - there was no usable vein. Duh! So we rescheduled for next tuesday and I'm going to the Oncology center for them to put the needle in, go back to the MRI place and back to the cancer center to have them take it out. Tuesday will be a piece of cake.

Tomorrow a mammogram recheck. Not that worried about that. If they find something - they can take care of it with the chemo. After that - they will have no where else to check for run away tumors and we'll know it all...Although they haven't checked my big toe - so who knows.! :-)

The kids are great. Next week is finals for them so they are both pretty swamped with semester end stuff. Jeff is driving (permit). When he's not thinking he knows it all, he does great! Missy went to the "So You Think You Can Dance" Tour that came to Oakland. Went with her friend, Molly, and Andy. Her favorite person in the show: Neil - very cute! (Or, so I'm told)

Thanks for reading and enjoy your blessings today!

Lynne

Hope you all are doig well...and enjoying the Hoiday season...

The last week I have been a busy little bee. After the exciting MRI experience on Friday I went for a mammogram recheck. They found nothing cancerous there - just a cyst. Great news on my part - found a part of my body with no cancer to go a long w/ my foot. Very excited about it not being in my chest.

Tuesday, did the rest of the MRI - went much smoother once I got my port accessed at the oncology center. 5 Minutes in and out. No results yet. Am actually waiting for a call from the Dr. now to find out how well the radiation did.

Thursday: Chemo, part 2...I'm not counting the first one during radiation....It went pretty welll - actually slept through almost 5 hours of it and was pretty "loopy" as my friend called it

..now we'll just wait to see how the side effects compare to the last go around...

Outside of the medical stuff...life goes on...kids' are in finals this week, last ones today and then they're of for fun and games in So Cal w/ Andy until Wednesday. They continue to be a big help around here when I need it. And, they love the meals that are coming...

My brother-in-law came down last weekend to help get some christmas decorations up, so the front porch has lists, we have a tree w/ lights that decided to stop working yesterday and a few other thing...Of course, they kdis and Rich had time to brush up on their Wii games, too....

Vivian - my mother-in law, came down yesterday for a visit and will stay till the kids get back so she has time w/ them, too, and spend christmas w/ us.

I continue to thank you for the meals, cards and mostly prayers, they are keeping me lifted up.

Overall a pretty good week...hope yours was, too...

Many blessings this holiday season1

Lynne

Mark 1:7:

"After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

At the end of another week...my how time flies....

Hope this email finds you in good spirits and preparing for happy holiday. I was very excited yesterday to get out and do some actual shopping -

My week has been pretty much hanging low and working on my energy level. Seems my white blood count needs some boosting, but it isn't responding that well to the booster - so were doing them over the weekend for an extra boost (or two)

. Other than that doing well on the cancer front.

We had fun this week getting lights up, the tree up with decorations. So we are ready for Tuesday - oh, except the wrapping. Minor details...

As I was out shopping yesterday,I started thinking of all of you and how thankful I am for your support, prayers, meals, driving, transporting the kids, grocery shopping, the housekeeping, decorating and the many, many things I may not know about. A HUGE THANKS!

I love you guys and appreciate all your doing for me and the kids.

I wish you God's Blessings this holiday and throughout the year!

Lynne

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."- Luke 2:8-11

Hi Everyone....so it's been an interesting week. The general consensus is that i'm being "walloped" by the chemo and the cancer The reduction of drugs did not seem to help much. So I got some more boosters (for white ad red cells) also had 2 days of rehydration, which is helping. Monday is another blood test on the red to see if I may need a transfusion. Hopefully, by then all numbers will be up and I'll be A.O.K.

Don't want to worry any too much - none of this is unusual - I just happen to be gettng a lot of it. I got great nurses and doctors that are helping me figure out how to manage it all. And it is starting to work....

I'm excited about the 21st - we're going to do another PetScan to see how well the tumors are shrinking. Then w/i a few weeks will have another MRi to get another picture of where we are at with the brain - so over all a very busy couple of weeks coming up

Love to All =

Lynne

Message:

Ephesians 1: 7-10

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!

..unless you're a San Diego Chargers' fan.....go Green Bay! They said sub zero temps tomorrow in GB - some fun!

As for the week: blood doing well: white went off the charts and red was in the respectable range, not 100% but much better. So we didn't do a transfusion. I only had to visit the oncology center 2x this week for regular appts - that was good....and I'm having a good day today....

Missy was sick all week so spent the week @ Andy's so I wouldn't get the bug...Missed her a lot but she came home last night and it was great to see her. Tomorrow Andy and I are taking the kids to see Cirque du Solei,,. We've been planning this for months, hoping I'd be able to go and I'm doing ok, but Missy had us worried...some people were sick for a couple of weeks with the bug. So , anyway, everyone's doing okay and we're on for tomorrow! I'll be zonked on Monday, but that's okay!

as for th upcoming week: PetScan is monday to find out how we're doin' and if treatments need to change or if they're working. we'll know the results on Wednesday and then can adjust things if we need before chemo on Thursday - yep, time for another one! How time flies when you're having fun!

Blessings to all!

Lynne

Psalm 118:14

The LORD is my strength and my song;

YEAH!!!!! Great news...everything is looking better. All the major tumors are shrinking. There are no new tumors. and the number of little tumors in the lungs has been reduced -both sides are full of lots of little tumors - but not as many now.

Also, no chemo tomorrow. (My red blood isn't where they want it so they gave me a booster and are giving me a week to get the red up...)I've been having really good days since about Saturday and now I get to have some more!

Overall - a great morning!

Lynne

2 Corinthians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

Can't believe we're already into February..

Well, I enjoyed my extra week w/o chemo - talked people haven't talked to in a while, had lunches w/ work friends and others - lots of fun - lots of food. Which, for those that didn't know, food wasn't in my list of favorite things. Now I can't stop eating! Thanks to a great appetite enhancer medication that I get to take, which tastes horrible (lemon/lime, yeah right!) but really works.

I had the chemo yesterday and all went well. Went in today and got my white-blood booster. So far, I'm actually feeling fairly good. I'll be in and away from public places until I know the white blood cells are up to good levels. My next appt is on the 7th, so that's my target for good blood levels.

I haven't said anything in a while - but I want you to know how much I appreciate the cards, emails, meals and great support I'm getting from my "angels."

Love to All -

Lynne

2 Chronicles 20:15

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."

Hi There -

Almost forgot it was Friday! Probably because the week's gone pretty well. With the lower dose of chemo drugs the effects haven't been as great. The consistent things seem to be fatigue, and low blood counts (both red and white.) Those are all easy to manage. We'll have to see at the next petscan if it's working as well and they may adjust again.

Have a MRI scheduled for Monday to check out the status of the brain. Results next Thursday - Happy Valentine's Day.

As always, love to all -

Lynne

Ps. 18:28

You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, turns my darkness into light.

Hi All -

Well, the MRI showed more shrinkage of the tumors in the brain and no new ones - both good news. The rest of the week went pretty well except Jeff got sick and this morning I woke up and I seemed to have picked it up so lots of sleeping today. I sent him to Andy's and everything - oh, well.

Keeping this short so I can go sleep more...hope all is well.

Lynne

Psalm 103:3

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Happy Friday All -

Well the week started out pretty much the same and ended with some excitement.

First, chemo was fine. Actually, chemo is always fine - it's always the aftermath that's so fun! :-) I got my 2 blood boosters, hopefully stopping any huge drop in either red or white counts.

The 1st piece of fun was during lunch during chemo. I was eating an Arby's roast beef ( nice soft sandwich) and part of a tooth fell out. Dentist today, conclusion: root canal in the next few weeks. Some fun!

After chemo I mentioned a few things to the nurses that I wasn't that much worried about, but evidently they thought they were important because within 5 minutes they'd gotten my doctor and he was sitting in front of me, none to happy that I hadn't told him before. I know have lab work and a Ct-scan on Monday and another appt w/ Dr. Wong on Tuesday...

That's about all, can't think of much more...will definitely let you know, though...

Once again - love to all...

Lynne

Proverbs 15:30

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Can't believe it's already Friday! Hope you all have had a good week.

My week's been busy. I had the ct-scan on Monday - but they botched the IV so we couldn't finish and had to reschedule to Wednesday - went off without a hitch on Wednesday.

At Thursday's meeting w/ the Dr. Wong he decided we weren't getting enough bang for the buck - ie I'm getting too whipped by chemo and the not enough of the cancer is going away. We talked about different options and decided to switch chemo drugs. It will be on the same schedule - every 21 days. Not sure if it's still going to take 5 - 51/2 hours like it does now, but we'll see.

The root canal's been on hold til I get my blood up, my energy up and an infection goes away.

So...what did you do this week? LOL!

Take Care and Happy March!

Lynne

Ps. 29:11

The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Hi All -

I spaced yesterday, but here I am. It's 5 days from chemo and i'm feeling pretty good - about the usual timing. I feel good just in time for the next round.

I do have a chemo next week with a new drug. For those that like to look things up the drug is Alimta. It's a newer drug for non-small cell lung cancer. The good news about the chemo is this drug only takes 10 minutes to run through the I.V. There's a few other things they have to do but pretty much we should be in and out within an hour - a little better than 6. What will I do with all that time! :-)

As for the root canal - we were going to postpone chemo so I could get it done - but the surgeon can't see me until April 2. So I moved chemo back - why put off til next week when we can have fun this week!

I'm doing another pet scan on Monday - this is to have a base line for the new drug so we can tell what it's doing versus what the previous drugs did.

May God bless you with an awesome week!

Lynne

Ps. 62:5

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

I figured since I was a day late last week, I'd do a day early this week.

Chemo today was fine - it was kinda fun only being there an hour or so and not 6. Overall, the last 4 or 5 days have been great. Haven't felt this good since before radiation. It's been great. Been able to get caught up on a lot of stuff.

The Pet Scan on Monday went well and we got the results yesterday. Basically, there is no change. Which is much better than new growth or enlargement of current tumors. The other thing is that it means going to a new drug is necessary because we're just not getting the results from the other drugs that we need. They also think it won't be as hard on me - just the cancer...my kind of drug!

It's time again to thank everyone for their support - it continues to overwhelm me. Between the meals, emails, cards and help at the house I can't tell you how much it helps and is greatly appreciated.

My love to all..have a great week...

Lynne

Lam: 3:21-23

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Happy Easter to All!

Easter is my favorite holiday! It's a time to remember what Christ did for us, which I find very humbling. So, I truly wish you a blessed day - it's what He wants for us - everyday.

I'm having an interesting week. The fatigue definitely set in so there is a lot of resting going on. Also, something new: have some swelling on the left side of my neck - kinda weird that it's only on the left - going to get it looked at.

That's the exciting news of the week...hope you are all doing well...

Lynne

Matthew 28:6

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Hi All;

Lynne described last week as interesting. If a week of fatigue and mysterious swelling is 'interesting', her weekend just turned fascinating. She called the oncology center for advice because the swelling continued to cause concern and their advice was to go to the ER. At the hospital, her swelling was identified as a blood clot and she was admitted.

Lynne should be in the hospital for about three days.

At this moment she's hungry and cranky and can't eat because they're setting up more tests. However she still has enough self-control to have caught herself being cranky and she reeled it in a bit. Which is too bad.

She says she can turn off the bedside phone, so I'll post contact info:

{snip}

I'll send out another note when she gets home.

- Lee

Hi All;

Lynne's feeling much better. Today they (the medical team) moved her port from one side to the other. This means she was under a generalanesthesiafor an hour or so.

Here's a link on the port. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port-a-Cath

The port, or port-a-cath was put in right before she started chemo. It was determined to be a possible explanation for her blood clot. So they moved it. They also transfused some blood and put her on blood thinners.

The net result was that by the end of the day she was feeling much, much better. She was gleeful as she twisted her head from side to side, an action that was fairly painful yesterday. She's eating and drinking and by 5:00, when I saw her, was her normal self.

So, good news.

I'll keep you posted

- Lee

Hey All -

I got sprung and am doing great. Really! Just got home and am spending the night w/ Jeff before he leaves to visit Seattle area Sohn's tomorrow.

The blood clot is almost all gone - it's no longer a threat to anything. Very good news! The blood transfusion is something I'd like to do on a regular basis. I'm told I don't look like my sheets anymore. LOL! And, it gave me energy...actually walked 2x around the hospital floor without getting out of breath!

Anyway, thank you for all your extra prayers and phone calls...

All I can say this week is Praise God for watching over me and that the clot didn't move.

My Love to all...

Lynne

Hey my friends -

what happened to January - March....time flies when you are having fun!

I've realized that I confused some people w/ no Friday message last week - my apologies...so much went on early in the week with all the emails keeping you up -to-date, I thought you'd probably had enough! :-)

By Friday of last week I was recovered from everything (the clot was totally gone, swelling was gone and the transfusion did wonders) and was feeling great - I really like blood transfusions. Wish I could do that more often, but then I'd have to not feel good again and that's no good. So, I'll go on.. :-) Monday I actually had my first blood test where nothing was low - everything w/i range or higher. I may frame it. when I went in for chemo yesterday my red had gone down, darn it anyway. I'll probably get the booster next week. The white count stayed at a good level.

Root canal went great. A lot better than the one I had 4 years ago.

The best news is that I have energy. We'll see what the chemo does, but for now I'm taking advantage of the energy and doing some walking, which with the sunny spring weather is really nice. Just went walking for lunch (Mom's here) and around the block - Also, get to do laundry and dishes - which doesn't sound like fun, but when you haven't been able to do it for a while, it is kinda fun.

that's about all....My thanks and love to all...

Please have a blessed week...

Lynne

John 1:16

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Hi All -

Would you believe that I so enjoyed the last hospital visit that I decided to do it again this week. Only this week I didn't get a transfusion, I feel a little gypped, i could use the energy.

On Wednesday a friend had come over to help and within about a minute i started having difficulty breathing (more so than when I do stairs) and then chest pains. I was all fine and good - figured it would pass. 20 minutes later as I'm trying to slow down the breathing and get rid of the pains (which usually a few deep breaths take care of, but that wasn't happening) we decided a trip to the ER might be a good idea. ER was about 20 minutes away. Yeah we drove. We decided that wasn't a great move. Within about 30-45 minutes at the ER the pain was gone and thanks to oxygen I was breathing regularly again. And, nothing has come back. But let me tell you, when you mention chest pains, they tend to take it seriously. So they admitted me to run tests...heart tests and lung tests, including a stress test. I laughed and said I wouldn't get very far with that - not to worry they have a drug induced stress test!

That was the fun part, or maybe the fun part is that I'm home. The result of everything is that my heart and lungs are fine - short of a few tumors here and there. There was no conclusive diagnosis. They think something to do with the esophagus, stomach or something in the middle of them. I'm great just knowing my heart and lungs are okay.

One of the funny parts of the 24 hours was that I saw a lot of the same people as the last visit. It's a great hospital, but kinda of small. I kept getting "haven't I seen you before". by the 3rd person I just started saying "Hi, again."

Today, back to where I was before the interruption...fatigued. If all goes according to plan, it should start easing up today. At least that's my plan! :-)

My goal for the next month is to avoid the hospital....and clear up some more cancer.

xxoo

Lynne

Psalm 130:5

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Hi There -

I glad to report that it's been an uneventful week - medically speaking. I think I mentioned that I was getting a mammogram this week - didn't happen. I wasn't really sure why I was getting another one because I had one in November and a recheck in December. Then I started getting letters from the hospital saying they wanted another re-check. I'm like whatever...and finally made an appt. Got into the tech's room and she's like why are we doing this. I, of course, said because the hospital's sent me 3 letters telling me I need a recheck. She went to get the doctor, who said I didn't need to do it. I asked to be taken off the letter list and got dressed and left. So nothing from that....

Talked to the doctor on Thursday, it looks like the chest pains and shortness of breath that sent me to the hospital last week was probably due to the chemo drug. Chest pains are found in 19% of the patients and shortness of breath is found in 85%. (Those numbers could be reversed, not sure) I just happen to get them at the same time.

I did have a visitor from out-of-state. My sister-in-law came down from Seattle for the day on tuesday and we just hung out. It was a very relaxing, fun day. she taught me to knit - and I already another lesson. LoL!

Other than that, lots of rest.

Well, that's about all for last week. Next week is chemo, so actually expecting a pretty good week.

take care and have a good week.

Lynne

I had 2 verses strike me this week...

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Ps. 3:3

But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

Hi Everyone -

It's been a calm week, so almost forgot the update...

Chemo went fine. So far, while the new drug does make me tired - not nearly as much as the last set of drugs. The goal for the upcoming week is to stay out of the hospital! LOL! I'll be getting another pet scan before the next chemo (5/15). Usually do it the early part of the week of chemo so as to get the best picture of how everything is going.

Hope you all have a great week!

love to all -

Lynne

Psalm 29:11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Hey there everyone -

You know the saying "I could sleep for a week." Well, I think I just did that and not quite sure it's all that it's cracked up to be. Part of it from the chemo, part from a cold that's decided to take on different forms over the past 5 days to just wipe me out. Today I think we're down to just fatigue and a cough, but it's still early yet so who knows. The best news this week is that I didn't end up in the hospital, which made everyone happy, especially me and the kids.

I have the next petscan set for the 12th to see how well the chemo's been working on the cancer. If it's not doing well, they are planing plan C - not sure what that is, but I'm sure it will be fun!

It's time for another thank you to all those supplying meals (always good), sending cards (love it), praying for me (not being a prayer warrior myself - very welcome) and the local crew that keeps coming over to help. Something I've never acknowledged here, I don't think, is a HUGE thanks to Lee, for his weekly trips down here to go to doctor appts w/ me. As my chemo brain often looses information, he's great at keeping things on track... :-)

THANKS Sooo much! I really couldn't manage without all the support.

I have a prayer request, other than just getting healthy - as we might be moving into Plan C -- I'd like prayers for the doctors as they figure out all the ins-and-outs of what's going on and what the next course of treatment might be....thanks...

Love to all -

Lynne

Romans 12:5

so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

...for all the mother's out there, I hope you have a great day tomorrow....

From a cancer standpoint, the week went pretty well. But I've been fighting a cold, in multiple variations, for about a week. The good news is that I think I'm at the end of it and hoping for a few days w/ some energy before chemo on Thursday.

Monday is the PetScan to check on progress. The results come in on Wednesday so the doctor and i can discuss what's next before the chemo.

A special thanks, this week, to my Mom....from the beginning, she's been here on chemo days and spends the night...Thank You!

Lynne

xxoo

Psalm 71:6

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.

Hey All -

had an eventful day. Met w/ the doctor to go over results of the scan I took on Monday. The Alimta didn't work so well. Actually had some growth of some of the tumors. So - on to Plan C. They cancelled chemo tomorrow and rescheduled for Monday. They need time to work out insurance and the dr. wants to talk to the radiation oncologist and nurses and make sure everyone is on the same page.

So....the good: God's watching out for me and lots of chemo options

the bad:growth

the ugly: I'm pretty sure the tumors are ugly

I think that's about all for today.

Blessings,

Lynne

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

That's my excuse for not emailing sooner...Missy turned 15 last week and we had a big party this past weekend...not sure how my kids got to be 15 and 16, but they've done it....and now just really waiting for the end of school, which is next Thursday.

I had chemo last monday... with no immediate adverse reactions....side effects have mostly been fatigue, but what's new? The new drugs are on a 21 day cycle like the others, but we're back to about 5 hours to complete the process. Next treatment is 2 weeks.

Did I tell you that I broke the tooth with the root canal again - yeah, leave it to me. It 's okay, just sped up the process to get the crown finished - all will be done on Thursday.

Love to all -

Lynne

Zephaniah 3:17

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."-

Well, I wasn't expecting much to happen at the end of the week, but some stuff did so I thought I'd go ahead and do a Friday Update...

Went to the to dr. on Wednesday, not feeling that great. Just the usual post chemo stuff and some added stuff from the dental work last week. dr. wasn't too excited hearing about me having done the dental stuff last week. My bad....Also found out my white count was really low. Had 2 booster shots (Wed, thursday) and today it was up to 8.4 - was so excited. I was also able to work chemo into a 4 week cycle so that I can go on vacation in July w/ the kids - very excited about that. I may do 4 week cycles all summer - it will give me more time, hopefully, to do more with the kids.

I'd go back to 3 weeks in the fall.

Thursday, I got the final crown on my tooth, a much easier procedure than getting the temporary and haven't had any effects - actually can eat a lot easier now - so very happy.

Today, - felt much better. Saw the dr. again so he could check blood. - and it was good. :-) I can go out this weekend. YEAH!!!! Actually went to see Indie Jones w/ Jeff this evening. (my review: not as good as the first 3, but some pretty funny moments.)

A week left of school - very exciting for the kids!

Have a blessed week.

Lynne

Isaiah 41:6

each helps the other and says to his brother, "Be strong!"

Thanks to all who help me stay strong....

Hi all;

Lynne's fine. Her computer is broke. Hence the lack of update.

The mid-week checkup went well, her blood levels are fine.

All is well.

I hope she'll be online soon and she can go into more details on how boring things were last week.

- Lee

Hi Everyone -

I am up and running and had a good week. It's been different having the kids home, so I lost track of days - hence, no note on Friday. but all is well.

Chemo is tomorrow and I've promised no more dental work. Hopefully, then, we can get a good feel for the side effects of the drugs vs. what happens when I mixed chemo and dental work.

Mom's coming tomorrow to stay overnight and my sister is coming from Illinois at the end of this week for a week. I haven't seen her in a while so looking forward to the visit.

That's all from Mayberry...

Love to all - Lynne

2 John: 2, 3

because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

Hello There -

Well, I've had the best chemo week yet. Still been sleeping a lot - but not nearly as exhausting as previous rounds. This round is a 4 week cycle, so I don't have the next round until the 14th of July, which will be a 3 week cycle and I'll do the next petscan at the end of July...this week the only medical thing I have is a dr. appt. to check the blood...okay, enough of that stuff

I have my sister here for a week, and tomorrow the family is coming over to celebrate her birthday. Should be fun to see everyone. My kids are off on a houseboat trip with church and they come home on Friday. Other than that, pretty much a calm week.

Hope your summer is going well.

lynne

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17(New International Version)

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

So, yesterday I walked in the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. As far as I can tell there isn't one for just lung cancer, so this was the one fo me. They have something called the Survivor lap. Luckily they didn't track speed. I proudly brought up the rear of the group. Honestly think that I was the only one currently in treatment, don't know for sure - just a feeling. The lap was 1/4 mile and by the end I was way behind. I was loving it. When I finished I had friends there that gave me hugs and high-fives, kinda neat - actually very cool. I think by the time I left walking the lap, to and from the car and just around the field I did 1/2 mile. It felt pretty good. It also felt good to be around so many people supporting each other....needless to say, I enjoyed it - another positive experience.

On Monday, I had my family over to celebrate my sister's birthday. It was fun to have everyone together. She left on Thursday - we had a nice visit. It felt a lot faster than the week it was. She was good company while my kids were gone. They got back on Friday and had an awesome time on a church trip on a houseboat.

Medically, a pretty good week. I had an appt. on Monday to get my blood checked and both the white and red counts were up - first time they've both been up at my first blood check after chemo. Another exciting pt of the week. I have another one tomorrow to check in before I go south.

That's about all for now. I may miss next week's update as July 4 is friday and we leave early Saturday...

Lynne

P.S. Don't usually put a personal message in my updates, but I also, went to a wedding last night. One of the happiest weddings I've attended - lots of laughter, fun, smiles and friends. Wish them a blessed life.

Romans 11:18

do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.

Hey There -

well, it's been 2 weeks and the first week was pretty tame - but made up for it this week.

I had a great time with everyone and Disneyland was, as always, fun...I used a wheelchair which got us in most of the rides without having to go in the main line. The problem w/ my kids: I don't do roller coasters, so I couldn't help them on those. Luckily, or some reason, the lines weren't too bad when we were there. We went on monday and wednesday so we had a break in-between.

My excitement started after we got home on Wednesday. I'd had a cold for a few days - not a bad one. Actually thought most of it was from the smoke and that may have started it but definitely turned into a cold at some point. Anyway, it caused my sinus' to get inflamed and dry which led to some bloody noses. The third one started on wednesday night. After about 1/2 hour we called the doctor who said to go to ER...yep, another trip. The bloody nose lasted about an hour; needless to say I lost a lot of blood which led to a small little fainting spell! Anyway, they kept me overnight to rehydrate me and also give me a blood transfusion - felt much better after the transfusion and got to go home Thursday afternoon. Drove home Friday and here we are...

My chemo that was scheduled for Monday has been postponed - they want to check me out. Actually, they want to check out my blood. Hopefully, I'll be able to do it a little later in the week - but won't find out until Monday.

I think that's about it...hope you are all having a good week

Love ya'

Lynne

Ephesians 3: 14-19

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledgethat you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Happy Saturday!

There's been no chemo, yet. I'm scheduled or Monday - if I'm healthy. The cold that started last week turned into bronchitis so I've been on antibiotics since Monday. I'm feeling a little better each day so Monday should be good.

As for chemo plan - I'm going off the Avastin. Turns out Avastin doesn't work well with nosebleeds or any bleeding for that matter. How it works somehow makes it hard, if not impossible to clot...basically not a good thing... I seem to be pretty good at finding sideffects that don't hit many people.

Anyway, Monday's chemo will only include Taxotere. We're talking again on Monday before chemo about additional options; So, plan E may be close behind. So glad there are so many options!

Hope your summer is going well..can't believe we're half way through already...

Love to all

xxoo

Galatians 6:18

May what our Master Jesus Christ gives freely be deeply and personally yours, my friends. Oh, yes!

I couldn't wait: On Monday when I went in for chemo - they postponed again because of some discomfort I was having around my eye. So Dr. Wong sent me for and MRI before chemo.

RESULTS: NO MORE CANCER IN MY BRAIN! GONE! KAPUT!

The only thing to say to this: PRAISE GOD!

Will do more later, but then what else is there? Oh, yeah - I finally got chemo today! Another PRAISE GOD!

Love to all!!!!!

Lynne

Hi All -

Wish I had another miracle to share - but you'll have to wait a little while, after all, the last one took 10 months! I told God he didn't have to wait so long - but whatever he wants to do is fine...:-)

I'm supposed to be in my "good week"...but decided to get a cold instead. Normal stuff: nose, cough, sneezing, fever (now over) and so it's taken a while to back on track.

Had an appt. today w/ the doc. Confirmed chemo for next week and then a couple weeks after I'll be having a new pet scan - so about 3 weeks. Also, I'm going to be visiting Stanford in the near future (probably in the next month). It's just an introduction so they know me and my case. We're not ready to go there yet, probably have to get to Plan R or Plan S, but want them familiar w/ the case so if and when the time comes they'll be ready. Also, they may look at my information and have something to try now.

Thanks for all your prayers! They mean a lot to me and are definitely helping!

Love to all and enjoy you last weeks before school!

Lynne

2 Corinthians 1: 20

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Hi There all -

It seems I confused few people with my reference to stanford so I thought I'd clarify.

First of all it's not Stanford University, but Stanford Medical Center's Cancer Clinic. It all came about from me trying to be proactive. I asked the doctor at what point do we start looking outside for other options. What came out of the discussion was 1) he liked the question :-) and 2) the decision to go to Stanford. For now it is just and introduction so when and if we end up having to go they will be familiar w/ my case. Nothing medically has happened to me to make it necessary to go there. The other thing that may come from the consultation is that they may see something from my records or tests they run and have an idea that they can talk over w/ my doctor to try. With the way I react with the side effects - that is always a good thing. I mean, we're only on Plan D - we have 22 more options to go through! Of course, we could always then start over at AA, BB...... :-)

Sorry 'bout any confusion. Didn't mean to scare anyone.

Have a blessed day!

Lynne

Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Hi All -

Just a short update today...I've been busy setting up appts. The pet scan is on the 29th and we've already set up a Stanford appt on Sept. 2. All in time to see if we need to move onto Plan F at the next chemo. This week I'm doing a lot of sleeping as a result of last thursday's chemo. Hoping to be up and around by this weekend.

Love to all...

Lynne

"What we are is God's gift to us.

What we become is our gift to God."

not a verse, but I saw this reading this week and liked it....

Just had a great lunch with a friend from work...ended when I got stung by a bee - believe it not, the first time ever. Those little bugger's hurt...but on to the eventful week...

this past week had the pet scan and an echo cardiogram. no results, yet. My kids also registered for the new year - yikes! now I have a Sophomore and a Junior...it's going way too fast

next week, Stanford on Tuesday, Dr. on Wednesday to discuss the tests and decide if we change drugs or keep going with the current plan (E).

Although, I did let God know that if he wanted to take the rest of the cancer, He was more than welcome to do so. If that doesn't happen, Thursday is chemo. I decided to take Friday off! Our summer comes to an official end with the start of classes on Tuesday.

I wish all of you in the midst of healing continued blessings from God!

Also, time to say thank you to everyone for their continued support. I feel continually blessed by the prayers, calls, food, cards, visits and love from all of you.

Love to all -

Lynne

Matthew 17:20

"Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith like a mustard seed, you can move mountains."

Hi All -

Okay, about the past week -

The first test was the echo cardiogram and believe it or not I forgot to ask about the results. Dr. Wong would have said something if there had been a problem - so I'm not worrying about it.

We (Lee and I) spent most of today's visit talking about next steps. The Pet Scan is showing some improvement but not as much as hoped for so we are moving onto Plan F. Let me back up to yesterday - my visit w/ Stanford. It was a very positive. Dr. Wakelee, at Stanford, confirmed the path we've been taking as a good one. Always a good feeling to get that confirmation. Then, we discussed options of what to do next. 2 options we to continue with different I.V. drugs. The other option is to take a a daily pill. That was the favorite option of both Wakelee and Wong.

When we got to Wong's he had already talked to Dr. Wakelee and he was all for the pill. We had actually already talked about it before the last chemo. The name is Tarceva. There's fewer side effects and a good possibility of much less fatigue. They said it takes a while for the body to acclimate to it and for my body to get rid of all the chemo drugs that I've been taking. Really kinda excited to see how it works. If you are interested in learning more about it, check out http://www.tarceva.com/index.jsp?s_cid=0005&s_src=googleppc&vcn=google.

so the gist is that no more chemo for now and I start the pill tomorrow.

Love ya' all...

Lynne

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Hi All -

Well, we've decided to continue w/ tarceva - only at a lower dosage. I'm taking it every 3 days. If that works we'll go to every 2 days. The fun part of the meeting was at the end...he said I didn't need to see him for a month. An entire month w/o a dr. appt. It's been over a year since I've gone that long. Very exciting! Now I just have to make sure not to have any reactions to anything....

Being off the chemo is giving me more stamina so I've be able to do more day-to-day things - just have to make sure I don't over do it.

I'm probably going to cut back to every other week for the updates because nothing much is happening. I will let you know if anything exciting happens.

Love and blessings to all...

Lynne

John 1:16

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

Hey There -

Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season celebrating our Savior's birth. At times, for me, it seems incomprehensible what Christ has done for us! I wish you all his blessings and grace throughout the year and always.

I have felt really good all month. The beginning of the month was pretty uneventful - at least for me Kids had finals which are never stress free, but they came thru well. The day after finals the kids and I flew up to Seattle and hit there right in the middle of their once in a blue moon snow storm. It was gorgeous! We luckily were able to get to and from the airport using a car service with Escalades. Although beautiful, lots of closed and icy roads. Andy was going to join us - but wasn't able to due to the airport issues. Through all that Jeff, Missy and I had a great time. We got home late Monday night (actually, early Tues. am) and went into overdrive to finish getting ready for Christmas. On Christmas we visited my family in Sacramento. Overall a fun holiday.

This past Monday I had a Pet Scan to check on the success of the Tarceva. Well, not much success. So, we are onto Plan H. I'm starting a new chemo treatment on Tuesday. The new drug is Gemzar. The regime will be once-a-week for 2 weeks, then a week off, the repeat. For those that are interested a link to the drug info: http://www.gemzar.com/hcp/hcp100_non-small_cell_lung_cancer.jsp.

Honestly, not the way I was hoping to start the year - but whatcha going to do...Me, I'll keep on fighting, especially with His help and your prayers.

Love to all and a very Happy, healthy New Year..

Lynne

Romans 5:5

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us

Okay, missed last week so have some updates. I started the new chemo a week ago Tuesday. Starting the session with "Gemzar is one of the easiest drugs to tolerate." I then proceeded to have a reaction during the I.V. It's was a coughing attack that didn't end until they stopped the drug. I now know how to get attention. Within about 30 seconds I had 5 nurses and a doctor checking me out. The joint consensus was that "this wasn't supposed to happen, but this is Lynne" They gave me some drugs, gotta love 'em, and when everything calmed down we finished the treatment with no more events and felt fine the rest of the day. So we did an x-ray - all is the same, no pnenomia. Set a doctor appt. for Friday. General consensus from all involved it was an anomaly. Continue with gemza

I had the second treatment today. Last week I got about 2/3 of the way through the drug. Today about 1/4 of the way when it all happened again. I was bummed cuz I only got 3 nurses today, but I did get the doctor.

I see the doctor next week. I haven't had any reactions except fatigue so except for the 2 coughing attacks it's been pretty good.

Outside of the fun stuff, the kids went back to school last tuesday so we're back to a routine. I was so glad to have felt so good through the holidays. Both kids are starting golf in a few weeks and are excited about that.

Love and blessings to all...

Lynne

1John: 9 - 10

9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Hi all -

First the fun news: I turned 49! A group of friends had a wonderful lunch for me - great fun. We're going to have a bigger celebration next to year to celebrate the big 5-0.

Went to see the opthamologist on Monday and we decided to go ahead w/ the cataracts surgery - just needed to get my oncologist's approval. We discussed that today w/ Dr. Wong. Now that I'm back on chemo I need to take 3 weeks off from chemo before we deal with the cataracts.

It came down to having to stop our current cycle now or finish it and wait for the surgery - decided to go ahead w/ chemo. This was supposed to be my off week, but went ahead with another treatment today. The only reaction I've been having, outside of the coughing attacks during treatment is fatigue and that hasn't been that bad. Unfortunately, that means we can't take care of the cataracts until the first week of April.

So, now I have chemo 1x a week for three weeks and then 1 week off.

Everything else - going really well!

2 Thessalonians 2:16

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope

Have a great week - Lynne

Well, the most exciting event of the week was my dr. appt on Thursday. It lasted all of 2 minutes. I think that's the shortest one ever! It's great when there aren't any problems to talk about. My blood is good and no side-effects to worry about.

Had some really nice weather and started to do some walking! Definitely not going to win any races, but getting out has been nice...

Start the next cycle of chemo on Thursday. Other than that it should be a quiet week.

Praying for peaceful weeks for all of you...

xooxxoo

Lynne

John 20:21

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Oopps...here we are a day from the next treatment and I haven't sent last week's update. So here goes...all was good. that's about it....

actually, there was some good news...i made it through the treatment without coughing.YEEAA! They doped me up w/ lots of benedryl and infused very slowly and POOF all is good. So, we don't have to stop the treatment in the middle, but my 1/2 treatment is now 1.5 hours.

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day - you are all loved...

Lynne

Psalm 52:8

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

Hi Ya'll -

Rest of the week went pretty well...I got to skip chemo on Thursday because my white counts were too low..,so got the shot to boost the number and all should be good to go on Tuesday. The dr. didn't want to wait a full week. He wanted to do Monday but the holiday got in the way.

Other than that...not much has happened since Tuesday. Talk to soon...

Hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Lynne

Ephesians 5:2

and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Hi all -

First, all is good. Finished this round of chemo last week and side effects have been minimal and blood is good. Which lets me go on the the next round starting next week. After that round I'm taking three weeks off to get the first cataract surgery. Left eye first...right eye if needed at a later time.

Home is going well..the kids are getting anxious for spring break which is in 2 weeks. Me Ive been getting to book club at church and that's been nice to be able to do. Other than that enjoying the rain.

Love to all...

Lynne

Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hi Everyone!

A busy couple of weeks...

Last week I met with the optometrist doing my cataract surgery and we are on for April 13 for the left eye and 2 weeks later for the right eye. Pretty excited about all that. Not only do I get the cataracts fixed I'll come out of the procedures not needing glasses. Actually, I'll need reading glasses, but since they have to put in new lenses they're going to put in ones that correct my near-sightedness. They're also correcting my astigmatism. And - there's an added bonus...

I'm getting 5 weeks off of chemo so it won't hinder recovery from surgery. So I've got 2 more chemo treatments and then the 5 weeks start!

I will be keeping busy during the time off. In addition to the surgeries I will have a scan during that time and may have an MRI just to make sure the stuff in the brain is still gone. (It's normal to check that - nothing's happened to make us think there's something wrong, just checking)

Other than that things at home are movin' on. The kids are on spring break beginning this thursday and having fun (part of school) for the next couple of days. Jeff is learning how to surf in Santa Cruz and actually got up on the board today so he's pretty excited. Missy is learning how to make glass sculptures. She made some molds today and will do the glass part over the next couple of days.

Other than that, it's been pretty calm...

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Lynne

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Hi There -

YEEAAA! the whole month of April off chemo! Still doing pretty well w/ the gemzar (chemo drug). Some parts of the blood are going up and down, I'm getting checked again next week to be sure I'm set for surgery. And, I get to sleep alot the weekend after the actual treatments - not bad as side effects go. Getting the next scan on the 30th April and will meet w/ the Dr. the beginning of the next week to see if gemzar has done it's stuff.

I have 2 surgeries planned: 4/13 (left eye) and 4/27 (right eye). My cool moment of the month: After hearing all the options of how to repair the eyes - we chose the "basic" plan which I found out didn't include fixing the astigmatisms.. Turns out insurance companies consider that as cosmetic surgery and they won't pay for it. And it costs $700 an eye. Too much for me, so I said no thank you, I can correct them w/ glasses. Got a call the next day and coordinator said the doctor wanted to do the astigmatisms for no charge! Such a huge blessing!!! My eyes are going to be so good...I'll need reading glasses only!!!

That's about it...

Next update when something exciting happens....

Lynne

Ephesians: 1:18

pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Happy Spring to all...

Although yesterday we did have hail in my neck of the woods. Didn't stay on the ground at my house, but I had to go to meeting at the kids' school last night and it was still on the ground 3 hours later.

Oh, yeah...had my left eye done on Monday and it went great! The eye now sees at 20/30 (versus 350/20). I haven't seen that since 1975...pretty cool. Mom took me to the glasses place after the check-up appt. yesterday and I got the lens removed and replaced w/ a no power lens - basically glass. I'll be wearing a path at night until next Monday so I don't scratch it in the middle of the night and I have drops for at least 6 weeks - but that's it....and as many told me, I see colors in a whole new way All in all, its pretty exciting!

Next...the 27th and the right eye...

Next scan on the29th...

I'm feeling really good with out the chemo - so I' enjoying that as long as it lasts!

Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts..

Lynne

1 John 1:1

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touchedthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life

ALRIGHT! I got my patch off from yesterday's surgery off this morning and now I have 2 great eyes! So, exciting. I do have a few weeks to a month before they'll be completely healed and they'll go through some changes. My left eye started at 20/30, then 20/60 and today 20/200. Totally normal. It will go back when the inflammation goes down in the eye. I'm guessing the right eye will do the same. Also, got my first pair of reading classes and it took all of 2 minutes to figure out why some people put their reading glasses at the end of their nose. (So you can look up and see in the distance...!) I have already joined the club!

On other fronts, my PetScan is tomorrow w/ results on Monday, Friday the kids and I leave for Vegas to celebrate my nephew's 1st birthday. It'll be fun to see the Sohn side of the family. When we get back I'll see the doc to get scan results and plan the next round of chemo, which will start later in the week.

The kids are great and having fun. Jeff started in the golf league's champoinship tournament today and Missy's peforming in the school play next week

hugs to all..

Lynne

Mark 8:25

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Happy May to All -

Hope May is starting off well for all of you...

The eyes are still doing well. Still healing but I can see so much better. Won't know until all the swelling inside the eye is down exactly where they'll end up. Right now they are both at 20/50 - pretty darn good!

Now the other stuff: Talked to the doctor Monday about the petscan results and we got some good news... The spots on my bones (spine and hip) are no longer showing up as cancer but are showing as healing tissue. YEAH! It's so fun when spots go away...Spots in the right middle lobe of the lung have decreased in size - more good news. The weird thing there is that they are showing up brighter. Usually they show up brighter when there is more activity (growth). but mine are shrinking- which I'll take. Decreasing in size much better than increasing. So - more good news...YEAH! There was also an area of 2 new nodes in the abdomen - but didn't mention size or brightness, so not a concern right now. So, overall one of the best scans, besides the MRI showing everything gone from the brain...

As for the chemo, we decided to stay on the same drug (gemzar) for the next go around. Kind of nice to know what's coming as far as the side effects. It's starting tomorrow. Same cycle: 1x a week for 3 wks. and 1 week off....

Have a blessed week...

Lynne

Psalm 122:8

For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Hi;

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Lynne is in the hospital right now. She went in last night due to severe discomfort and was diagnosed with a kidney infection. Many thanks to Linda O. for getting Lynne to the hospital and waiting with her in the emergency room. For the local folks, she at the San Ramon Medical Center.

Mom and I saw her today and Lynne's spirits are high (as always). She's expects to be discharged in the next day or two.

So, not how one would want to spend the holiday weekend, but she's on the mend.

Hi All.

This is just an fyi that Lynne's home. You're welcome to e-mail, but she asks that you give her a few days to settle back in before expecting a response. And, please, hold those calls for the moment as well.

Thanks!

- Lee

Hey There -

Thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers, very much appreciated. Things are going much, much better. I have a ways to go to get the energy back. I'm told I need to take it easy for a while. Always an easy task for me.

The next step starts on Monday (guess I'll rest til then) with an appt with my oncologist. I saw him in the hospital, but I'm supposed to start up chemo this week and I'm sure that will be part of the conversation. Not sure if the chemo has anything to do w/ my infection, but it may have. When I asked he said we'd talk about it when I see him. Also, my red blood and white blood went down while in the hospital. So, we'll see. You'll be the third to know...

The other fun stuff of the week: kittens. Missy found abandon kittens in our development. Very cute! 2 went to families from school and we took the other to the shelter and she'll be given to a rescue organization. Unfortunately one of the ones that had gone to a home didn't make it. But the other 2 are doing okay. It did provide some more excitement to the week.

Again, thanks so much...will keep you up to date...

Love to all...

Lynne

Luke 22:28

You are those who have stood by me in my trials.

Hi, Again...

All is still good. Just a quick note to give you news from the dr. appt.: we are going ahead w/ chemo this week. Glad that I'm starting to feel a little energy :-) Also, moving up the PetScan to the end of this month instead of next. Dr. figured since we've been doing this drug so long we don't need to wait the normal 3 months. Very good from my standpoint.

That's it for now...unless, there's another exciting hospital visit...talk to you in a couple of weeks.

Lynne

2 Corinthians 1:4

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Hey There -

A busy month for the family...end of school (I'm now the parent of a Senior and a Junior, YIKES!) then a number of appts. for the kids that have been waiting for the end of school:dentist, ortho, drs. etc. We did have some fun. We went and saw Wicked in SF and Monte Python's Spamalot. Two fun plays. Next a church trip (houseboats on the Delta) for Missy and another Golf tournament for Jeff. Next month should be calmer but hope continue w/ the some fun stuff.

Medically, we're still on the same track with the Gemzar. The doctor changed his mind about a scan this month - he wants to get as much out of Gemzar as possible. This is my week off. YEAAAH.

On the another topic, my eyes have settled from the catarct surgeries. Turns out I'll need classes after all. They're not very bad, but my left eye is one line short of what the DMV requires. So now I'm waiting for new lenses. My long distance is still really good so I can still do the errands and driving I need.

Hope your summer is going well. Don't forget to relax and have fun.

Lynne

Psalm 27:3

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

HAPPY 4TH!

Hi All -

Long time no "talk" to...primarlly cuz not much was going on. July was a pretty good month.

Eyes: I was told when I had the cataract surgery that there would be a follow-up laser procedure and had that this past Monday on the left eye. Piece of cake and waiting a week for results. Right eye some time in the future...

As for my treatment: I had my scan this week, too and met with the dr. today. Pretty much same as the last few; some regression, some progression and some same-o-same-o. We decided to go on to another drug. But, before we start it, I'm going back to Stanford for another check-up with them. So not sure when we'll start the actual chemo. It will be nice to have a few weeks off.

Kids are doing well...summer going way too fast for them. Already a month from the start of school. Missy's working on her permit for driving and Jeff's been golfing most of his summer. He's now on an outdoor wilderness experience until Aug. 23.

that's about all for now...

Happy rest of summer! I'll email soon...

Lynne

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Hi My Friends

This is actually the longest I've gone without an update. And, my longest email :-) My August was very busy, but not much was decided until today. For those new to my friends list, since I started the list I've been creating plan names when I change drugs. We were on Plan H for a long time, but no longer we are now on Plan I!!

So, as for August: Jeff was gone for the 1st 22 days and it was so good to see him when he returned on the 22nd. He had a great time hiking in Yosemite, but was glad to be home. Missy's big event of the month - she started driving. She passed her permit test a few weeks back and had her first lesson. Then, mom got in the car with her. She is loving it and doing well. They both started school today. Jeff is playing soccer and Missy is running cross-country. Both just got home and enjoyed the day.

Okay, now my month: It started w/ an appt. with my doctor after a scan at the end of July. I had my last chemo on the 16th of July. Based on scan results, we decided to try something new but before we did that I wanted to have another consultation w/ my dr. at Stanford. Well, she was on vacation so I couldn't see her until the 17th. Lee and I went down on the 17th and she had some ideas an where she would go, including a clinical study. That's kind of an exciting option to me. She also wanted me to get another scan just to see how things have gone since I stopped chemo. So I set that up for the 24th of August. In between I went to visit my Aunt and cousins in the Chicago area - fun was had by all. Now my doctor was on vacation so I couldn't see him until today. The first thing was to look at the scan. Skipping chemo for 7 weeks is not something we'll try again. Then we discussed drug options cuz the study doesn't start for a month or two and depending on how the next drug works, I want to try the study. So, the new drug is (drum roll) irinotecan (aka CPT-11) for those interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irinotecan This is going to start Thursday. Once a week for 3 weeks, then a week off. So, finally a PLAN I. Phew....

Other than that, I broke a tooth and had to have crown done. And last week was registration and orientation for the kids. Tomorrow I see my Optometrist cuz we're still working out issues with my left eye.

Well, that's about all...onward to another exciting month.

I hope you are all doing well. Thank you so much for your prayers

Happy September!

Fighting on...Lynne

Psalm 10:6

He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."

Hey There -

No new plan...I've had 2 treatments with the CPT-11. Had a few of the side-effects but learned quickly how to manage them. Most the help came from extra sleep. Such a tough thing to do! I had last week off chemo but start again this week. We'll see how I hold up the next few weeks. (the series is 2 weeks on, 1 week off.)

Kids fully into school and seeming to enjoy their sports. (Jeff, soccer; Missy X-country) It's been a tough weather week: High 90's, low 100's and they both are running and that's supposed to continue this week. UUUGHH!

Hope you're all doing well..

Blessings, Lynne

Pro. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Another update cuz I did have an eventful week, kinda...Went to the general doctor on Monday to confirm and get medicine for yet another UTI. My third since the May hospitalization. It's to the point that I know when I have one and just need the meds. They have to do the test just to confirm.

Wednesday I had not 1 but 2 falls. The first was a non-issue, except a little sore. Luckily no one was around to see my gracefulness. The second fall - I broke a toe. Very pretty colors right now. Nothing to do but buddy tape it to the next toe and wait for the healing to happen. They said about 4 weeks.

Thursday I went in for chemo, let the doc know about both, the infection and the toe, and he promptly sent me home. My system is already slow to heal and if we added the chemo drugs, it would be even slower. So, we're waiting til Tuesday, when I finish my meds for the infection, to do the chemo. It knocks us off schedule but only for week, not too bad.

I think I liked it better when not much was going on.

Blessings, Lynne

2 Corinthians 13:14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Hi All

Wow! It's aready getting to the end of October. This year is going sooo fast.

Glad to report it's been pretty settled since the last update. Infection is gone and the toe is almost 100%. The rest of the time I've been doing pretty well. The only problem has been some low energy days. Partly from getting the flu shot, which has gone much better than the last one I had in '07. The rest is due to low blood. But, I got a booster shot yesterday and all should be good in a couple of days.

As for next steps: sounds like a broken record, but the rest of the month is just more chemo. We going through 4 more weeks of chemo - with a week break in the middle and then we'll do the next scan.

The kids are doing well. Jeff got to go to the Presidents Cup (golf's end of season big event) and got to be up close and personal w/ Tiger. He was so excited. Also working on his college apps this weekend. He wants to get them in by the end of the month. A very focused man, he is. Missy is a jewelry maker and a local craft shop accepted her work into the store. She is so excited. Not so much right this minute cuz she got all 4 wisdom teeth out this morning so she is sleeping.

That's about it. I think of you often and so thankful for the support.

Love,

Lynne

Psalm 121

I look up to the mountains, does my strength come from mountains?

No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep.

Not on your life!

Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you --

Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life.

He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.

Happy Halloween to All -

A short update..

Well, last week I missed chemo cuz my red blood was down and my blood pressure was down so we skipped it on Thursday. I tried to talk to Dr. into it, and I almost had him, but as soon as he saw my blood pressure that was the nail. We moved it to Tuesday. The blood and pressure went up so it was all a go and we are back on schedule.

If we stay on schedule, meaning no blood problems, I'll have 3 more treatments (with an off week in the middle) and have a scan the first week of December.

Hope you and your family have a wonderfully fun weekend.

Love to all -

Lynne

Psalm 42:8

By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me a prayer to the God of my life.

Hi - Greetings from California -

Hope you all had a fun Halloween. Had fun with the kids, then they went out to do stuff with friends.

The last few weeks have been a bit of roller coaster between low blood and yet another infection. Feeling much better today - drugs are wonderful things. They are working on trying to find out why I'm getting so many infections. My oncologist also points out it could just be my compromised system. Well, there is that.

Next week is my off week and having some friends over a week from Sunday. Looking forward to that. Ohhh, I had some great fun on Wednesday. I rec'd a gift card from some friends for massages for my birthday (yes that was back in January). It took me this long to set it up. And - oh wow - it was so fun and best of all - I have more to come. I recommend it to every one!

Love and blessings to all

Lynne

Psalm 117

2 For great is his love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

Praise the LORD.

Happy Turkey Day!

My hope to all of you is that you have great day of Thanksgiving. That's the holiday the retailers would like us to forget and just go onto Christmas or Passover or Kwanza...or....(sorry, don't know them all) Don't get me wrong, I like the holiday season but I want to celebrate Thanksgiving first. Giving thanks to my God, my family and my friends.

Things are going well. I've had a few glitches the last few weeks but easily taken care of. I also, potentially, had my last CPT-11 yesterday. We're up to scan stage. Next week is the week off except for the scheduling of 2 scans. One an MRI for another check on my brain (which was cleared July 08). Many people have wanted to do that over the years.

Also getting the customary Pet Scan. After that, we meet with the doctor to figure out the next steps. I'm also getting in touch with Stanford again to see if they're clinical trial is nearing its start.

Enjoying life and fighting on.

Want you to know that you are some of my greatest blessings and people I am so thankful for. I so appreciate you prayers, thoughts and good wishes.

Lynne

Psalm 106:11 Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever..

I flopped on one of the holidays...not passover its Hanukkah coming up. my bad. hope I didn't offend anyone...

Lynne

Ho Ho Ho

I'm not sure what J stands for - any ideas after reading this, let me know.

WOW! It is Christmas already. I hope all your holidays are going well. We got are tree today and got the lights on. We also got the lights up out side. Having fun with the kids out of school and have 2 more weeks of that. YEAH!

As for the update. We turned a corner during the last 3 weeks. If you remember I was getting a MRI and a PET scan the week after Thanksgiving. Well, neither had good results. I have tumors back in my brain (MRI) and they can't do anything. The PET scan shows new growth in new places and old places. On top of that we're out of drugs for Lung cancer. There is no way to know when things will get bad so he's helping us get Hospice set up. And, I'm checking into a wheel chair cuz I have difficulty walking a great distance.

Basically, things can go bad at any time and the doctor wants us to get ready. There is no time frame so I'm living each day to the best of my ability, incuding enjoying this holiday season and I hope you all do the same.

Blessings,

Lynne

Matthew 1

18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins."

22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"[d]which means, "God with us."

24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Hi all...sorry for it took so long to get this out.

The last I "talked" to you I had just finished treatment. Yes, it was my call. the only thing they can do is another chemo nor really for lung cancer. I prefer being more with it for my kids than all the side effects chemo brings with it.

Since then I have started with hospice and have friends come in during the day. I just have a few issues going up and down stairs. Overall, I really like the people from hospice. Oh, a wheelchair, too has joined the household. It has been strongly suggested I stop driving. Done. Thank goodness for Missy getting her license.

Other than that doing a lot of sleep during the day and maybe 1 or 2 trips out.

Blessings to all

Lynne

1 Corinthians 12:28

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

thanks for all your help and prayers

Hi;

I'm sitting with Lynne as I write this.

It's been a few weeks and Lynne's condition has changed. As she put it, the slowing down has sped up. She had a rough weekend but is stable and comfortable now.

We're doing some planning and met with her Pastor today to talk about Lynne's memorial service. No date has been set for the service. (Lynne made me write that.)

We are about straight talk here at Team Lynne. One of my tasks, after the meeting with the Pastor, is to write Lynne's obituary. And I would like your help. Many of you know Lynne from varied parts of her life. And I would like to incorporate your memories about Lynne in what I'm preparing.

Here's the action item. I would like a paragraph or two from you describing your life with Lynne.

Your memories will be used to help shape her obituary and the eulogy. All of your responses will be shared with Lynne. With your permission, and Lynne's, they will also be on display at the service and will be given to her kids.

- Lee

Hi All;

So, an interesting thing is happening. Lynne is getting tuckered out from all the love.

The visits to Lynne are becoming overwhelming. Some of you have been kind enough to check with me before dropping by. Others have either stopped by or calledLynne to arrange a visit.

Here's the thing, Lynne isn't going to say no, even when she ought to.

She wants to be present for you, but it takes a lot of energy for her to do that. She rallies for the visit and then will deflate after.

Our goal is to enable Lynne to save her energy for Jeff and Missy. They have always been her priority and we honor that now.

Here are some things to keep in mind. I appreciate your support and understanding. Please feel free to forward this to others who may not be on the list.

1) Schedule your visit with me. Lynne wants very much to keep her own schedule, but she just can't. The way it works is that you can email me and I'll talk to her and we'll work out a time. So, when you email me, give me some options for when you can come by.

2) No one else but you. I'm seeing people bring folks with them to visit that Lynne knows peripherally at best. This isn't a good use of her energy. No kids. Yes, she loves your kids. But now isn't the time.

3) Tread lightly. No doorbell, (it's taped over, but you'd be surprised) Modest energy. It's ok to be somber, don't show up ready to do 45 minutes in Vegas (that's directed at me.) Keep the visits short (15-20 minutes). Lynne is getting better at indicating when her energy has waned and she may ask you to leave. It's not personal. It's taken me two years to get her to be this 'rude'. She may also ask you to stay. That's ok too.

4) Face her when you visit. She's in bed and if you're at her shoulder it's uncomfortable for her to turn and see you. You can sit in her new LaZBoy or pull up a chair at the foot of her bed.

5) Make sure your visit is about her. I get the sense that a lot of people are only now getting the severity of her condition. Primarily because as of last December we all shared her confidence that she'd beat the cancer. But if you haven't talked to her since a year ago Christmas, this isn't the time to catch up. That boat sailed.

6) Send a card. Lynne loves cards. She'll see and hear about every one of them, I promise. Include a note.

7) Flowers are cool, but the strongly scented flowers are too much.

Thank you.

- Lee

Hey all:

For the first time in a month, Lynne is outside. For the first time in a month, she's out of her bedroom.

Jeff did the heavy lifting.

Like 15 year olds everywhere, we've only thought through getting her down stairs. Not sure about the return trip up, yet.

-Lee

Hi All;

I'm sitting downstairs at Lynne's and realized it'd been a while since you got an update.

The high point for Lynne this month was getting to Easter service. After she got out the Monday before, attending Easter service became her goal. She wasn't able to stay for the entire service, but just getting out and seeing her church family cheered her.

Subsequent to that she's been confined to bed again. She's increasingly dependent on pain medication and other gizmos to keep her going. I just got summoned upstairs and I told her I was working on this note and Lynne said "I'm doing great" and then I got a big ironic smile.

I've been assembling pictures of Lynne and that has been a real treat. Family near and far have sent old photos which I've been scanning. I have several that are in better shape than the one below, but I really like the look on Lynne's face. (That's her in the middle. :-), Mom on the right and a family friend, Elaine, on the left. )

Lynne is grateful for your thoughts, prayers and cards.

Hi All;

On my way home from Lynne's last night I thought I'd send you an update 'in the morning'. By this morning the situation had changed. And that's where we are. Every few hours Lynne's condition worsens.

Over the past few days Lynne has become less lucid and more restless. She'd bolt up in bed and say she had to go run errands. Or start a sentence and then trail off. Occasionally she was very clear. She told me she was a 'patient patient'. And that she is. When I talked her back down after one of her 'pop-ups', she asked me to be less obnoxious. When I apologized for a kerfluffle related to something at the house, she said 'no more kerfluffles.' With another friend she talked about being ready and wondering why it was taking so long.

Yesterday and the day before we did a video 'chat' between Lynne and our sister Laurie who lives in Illinois. I think that was good for everyone. Mom has been down the last two days.

Last night was Senior Ball night for her kids. Jeff went off with 45 of his closest friends in a rented bus.

Missy left their house with seven of her very close friends to take the 'official bus' into the Ball, which was in San Francisco. The sound of Missy and her friends reminded me of a 'gaggle of giggles' - a phrase a friend used to describe giggling teenagers. Their exuberance was a welcome respite and drifted upstairs to Lynne.

Lynne was able to be present for all of that. She saw her kids in all their finery and told them to have fun.

By this morning, she is less present. She's not able to speak, her eyes aren't focusing at all anymore. The hospice nurse says that she can probably hear everything just fine, so friends and family continue to support her. We don't leave her alone.

This picture is from last Christmas. That's our brother, Jay, behind her.

Lynne, I'm sure, remains grateful for your thoughts, prayers and cards.

- Lee

Lynne passed away at 10:20 this morning.

Details on her memorial service will follow.

Thank you all for your love and prayers.