HulaMom update

HulaMom · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 9:37 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

Getting a bit better, although slowly. Still sleep a lot during the day but find it more comfy at night to be up doing things. I am at the point that we need to put a lift in since I really can't handle stair climbing anymore and I know it's a burden on the family to carry me up 3 sets of stairs (townhouse on 3rd floor and no elevators.)

I slipped on smoking and went from 1-3 smokes a day up tp a pack so I too bought an electronic one - Green Smoke. It works so well that I now sell them(*link and ten % off code provided by private message only.) I find I cough a lot less and have way less nausea. Still get nicotene and vapor unscented smoke so I am happy!

Alimta did nothing for me and we shall see Wednesday if Gemzar is working. Can feel LARGE tumor so my hopes are down a bit. We are running out of options and I just am NOT ready for hospice yet.

Mantaining weight between 85 and 90 because of Marinol - gives me the munchies! And a mild buzz......
_________________
47 YOA female. NSCLC IV Squamous cell. dx 7/07. Radiation, chemo (carboplatin/Taxotere). Cancer free 3/08! Cancer mets to liver 12/08. Started Tarceva 1/26/09-4/10/09, liver tumor tripled in size. Started Alimta. Down to 84 pounds! Stopped Alimta and started Gemzar on 5/2. Stopped chemo went into HospiceJuly 24 2009, with prognosis of 3, maybe 4 months left.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2403

Hey Hula!

Nothing wrong with a little buzz... Cool

Sorry to hear that the stairs are becoming an issue. I really don't know how you guys manage those. Our bedroom is upstairs and it took my husband longer and longer each night to make the climb. We thought about a lift too. (I'd follow behind to tuck the oxygen hose against the wall so nobody would trip over it in the night.) Will the association allow you to put a lift on community property? I sure hope so, but know what idiots they can be.

I hope the gemzar will work for you. It did a good job on my hubs in a doublet with taxotere. Have you been on Navelbine yet?

Hey --- I just answered a post about smoking yesterday and told everyone that I switched out to e-cigs a little over 6 weeks ago! Aren't they the greatest thing since sliced bread? Man, I'm really into all the fun flavors too. I stick with my menthol, as I've been a Salem gal for 37 years. (Yes -- if my family wants to sue the tobacco companies if I get lung cancer, they can point specifically to R.J. Reynolds. HAHAHAHAHA -- as if...) I like adding some flavor to the menthol juice too though.

Uh-oh -- re-reading your post, it looks like you caught my post about e-cigs. Sorry!! I'm just so jazzed about them. Feel like I've really done something positive for myself for a change. I coughed like crazy for a few weeks and my kids were quite alarmed. I told them that was all the gunk from analogs and now it has stopped. Pretty nifty, huh?

Do you sell Joye 510's? That's the one I bought. I've amassed this whole collection of e-juice too. I'm sooooo bad -- I like the little bottles. Hee-hee. Rolling Eyes

Send me your link so I can browse and see if you have anything I'd like. I'm actually set for about a year though with everything I've bought. This little fetish is getting wild, but I AM saving scads of money and beating the gov't out of their new cigarette punishment tax.

Oh boy -- I'm babbling. Must have too much nicotine and caffeine.

You take care and keep rolling with the munchies. Maintaining weight is a GOOD thing. I pray that the tests go well and the gemzar is working.

God bless,
PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

HulaMom · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 10:39 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

I sell Green Smokes. They are 2 peice, the battery is the long white end and the filter is all self contained, no messing with liquids. A pack = about 2 bucks (compared to the 8.00 that REAL smokes go for). You smoke the filter until it doesn't taste good anymore, then change it out. No hassles, just unscrew the filter and screw the new one on. Comes in flavors too including chocolate! If anyone is interested, they are pricey but WAY cheaper than real smokes, even cheap generic ones. These actually LOOK real so that when you "smoke" in restricted areas they yell at you - until you unscrew the filter and show them it isn't real! LOL. Love it!

I am NOT saying you will quit using any brand but for me, it is working! It does for many. Others claim they are a farce - each person is different. But they are a good alternative to smoking real cigs and even if you don't have any lung diseases (yet) you can smoke these almost anywhere! I love being able to smoke in the house and car!! lol.

Go to http://greensmoke.com/2689.html to check them out. If anyone wants to buy, type disc10 as the coupon code and you get 10% off. If you are like me and want to sell them, you can do that too. Since I am mobility challenged, I don't count on the income, it's pin money for me. I just believe that much in them that I want to get them to people who are trying to quit or sick of being taxed to death!

Before you buy ANY electronic smokes, check out their ease of use. The easy 2 piece no mixing was what caught my eye.Compare and do your research but don;t let any company tell you that their product will make you quit. You MIGHT.

PBJ, it's easy to get excited, its a big step to stop smoking or even to cut way back on them. Anyway, don't toss out what you bought, if it works for you, use those!!!
_________________
47 YOA female. NSCLC IV Squamous cell. dx 7/07. Radiation, chemo (carboplatin/Taxotere). Cancer free 3/08! Cancer mets to liver 12/08. Started Tarceva 1/26/09-4/10/09, liver tumor tripled in size. Started Alimta. Down to 84 pounds! Stopped Alimta and started Gemzar on 5/2. Stopped chemo went into HospiceJuly 24 2009, with prognosis of 3, maybe 4 months left.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2403

Hulamom is right. We really should add the caveat that e-cigs are NOT considered to be a smoking cessation device, but it does end up being that for many people. It takes a bit to get the knack of using them. I still smoke 3 analogs (regular cigs) per day, but really don't know why because they taste crummy now. Very Happy

In addition, the nicotine is still not the greatest for your cardiovascular system.

I do like the Joye 510 because it also looks like a real cig. Lights up on the end too! LOL I buy pre-filled cartridges and also fill my own with juice.

I'll have to check out the green smokes product. Most people end up with a lot of different gadgets. It's almost embarrassing, but I see some hard core people on the e-cigs forums that like to play around with all different products.
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

HulaMom · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 11:22 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

Not to be embarassed! If you only knew how many things *I* have tried over the years, including Nicotrol inhalers, patches, gum, candy, cold turkey, cutting back. Lost track of how many times I have quit. So to try more than one method is good. I was just saying if you found the one that works, stick with it but hey, I won't turn a sale away either! LOL. Just kidding. I still slip off the wagon and need the occasional real one but it sure beats needing packs or cartons of them. Love the way the government hits the smokers for everything, huh?
_________________
47 YOA female. NSCLC IV Squamous cell. dx 7/07. Radiation, chemo (carboplatin/Taxotere). Cancer free 3/08! Cancer mets to liver 12/08. Started Tarceva 1/26/09-4/10/09, liver tumor tripled in size. Started Alimta. Down to 84 pounds! Stopped Alimta and started Gemzar on 5/2. Stopped chemo went into HospiceJuly 24 2009, with prognosis of 3, maybe 4 months left.

Gillette · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:10 pm Post subject: govt and smokers

as people quit here in Maine, the state is loosing so much tax revenue, they keep raising the taxes on any tobacco products, so they can keep the revenue coming. so the price goes up, and more quit- and their revenue goes down, so they raise the taxes even more. It is like the 'recession' we are told that as a country, americans are a society that lives on excess- we eat and drink and smoke too much. we buy too much stuff. So when the !@%! hits the fan, and we STOP buying all the excesses- then we are in a recesssion- because we have been convinced to rely and depend on the excesses of americans! Rolling Eyes

I do not know what real world they live in - but I doubt it is ours!
_________________
Kathy: still loving Ben, as he rests with God.

maryaz · Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 1:04 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

I can sympathize with people having problems quitting smoking. I smoked for many years. I have COPD and only about 20% lung function left. I also know how important it is to quit but also how tough.

I didn't have time yet to read the complete posts in this topic. I read enough that I feel I should put this warning up for you about the electric cigs. It was shared by the Administrator of a COPD forum today. It was because the subject was being discussed in a few threads there already.

FDA MedWatch (7/22) notice
Electronic Cigarettes

[Posted 07/22/2009] FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that a laboratory analysis of electronic cigarette samples has found that they contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze. Electronic cigarettes, also called “e-cigarettes,” are battery-operated devices that generally contain cartridges filled with nicotine, flavor and other chemicals. The electronic cigarette turns nicotine, which is highly addictive, and other chemicals into a vapor that is inhaled by the user. These products are marketed and sold to young people and are readily available online and in shopping malls. They are also available in different flavors, such as chocolate and mint, which may appeal to young people.

The FDA’s Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis analyzed the ingredients in a small sample of cartridges from two leading brands of electronic cigarettes. In one sample, the FDA’s analyses detected diethylene glycol, a chemical used in antifreeze that is toxic to humans, and in several other samples, the FDA analyses detected carcinogens, including nitrosamines. These products do not contain any health warnings comparable to FDA-approved nicotine replacement products or conventional cigarettes. Because these products have not been submitted to the FDA for evaluation or approval, at this time the agency has no way of knowing, except for the limited testing it has performed, the levels of nicotine or the amounts or kinds of other chemicals that the various brands of these products deliver to the user.

Health care professionals and consumers may report serious adverse events (side effects) or product quality problems with the use of e-cigarettes to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, fax or phone.

[07/22/2009 - Information on E-cigarettes - FDA]
http://tinyurl.com/neyrh7
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

zinger · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:36 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

Hi ((Hula)),

I just want you to know you're never far from our thoughts. I hope you're having more good days than bad and enjoying the love of family and friends.

Thinking of you and yours,

Cathy
_________________
Dad ~ lung cancer diagnosed Dec 18, 2003, passed Mar 3, 2004.
Mom ~ lung cancer diagnosed May 27, 2008, passed June 1, 2008
They're waltzing once again...

HulaMom

Caught a mild case of the flu a week and a half ago, started feeling better. Yesterday, while the hospice caretaker was helping with my shower, I got chilled to thee point where I was chilly even after putting pJ's on. Got suspicious and hour later, when I had to go to bed, climb under a sheet and blanket. Um, it's summer here and it's been a warm and humid one. Long story short, my hospice nurse came out first thing, called my Dr and got an antibiotic called Levaquin. It's a pretty hefty one so hoping to feel better soon. Last time I took them I remember them being so strong that after only 2 doses, I felt better. We are hoping for that this time.
_________________
47 YOA female. NSCLC IV Squamous cell. dx 7/07. Radiation, chemo (carboplatin/Taxotere). Cancer free 3/08! Cancer mets to liver 12/08. Started Tarceva 1/26/09-4/10/09, liver tumor tripled in size. Started Alimta. Down to 84 pounds! Stopped Alimta and started Gemzar on 5/2. Stopped chemo went into HospiceJuly 24 2009, with prognosis of 3, maybe 4 months left.

dano · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:38 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

Hi there Hula, sorry to hear you got a bit of the flu, I've been hoping to avoid it. My wife has two different jobs that puts her around a lot of people which sort of jeopardizes me. She had a small case of the flu a week and a half ago and I was lucky enough to miss it. My insurance company is now telling me they will no longer support my use of Lovenox, I'll have to see if the doc will want to fight that. I love seeing you on here, hope to hear more from you.

Your bread friend
Dan
_________________
55 year old male, Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08 treatments now every 4 weeks with Alimta, taking Lovenox for blood clots, Now working full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Hi HulaMom,

You've been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the Levaquin does the trick and gets rid of that flu! My mom took Levaquin once when she had a fever, and it performed as needed...

God Bless,

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2403

Hope that Levaquin did the trick and you are feeling a bit better. Arrrghhh -- the twists and turns.

Many hugs and asking for God's blessings for you.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

dano · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:18 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

Hi Hula!
I hope your feeling better after that fall you had. I ran into your hubby at the store while he was working. He said something about the boys were setting traps for you if you snuck out of bed, who would do that to their mom! Wink

Just kidding, but they do give you a heck of a maze if you take a stroll. I'll have to get by to see you soon, I may have plenty of time on my hands the way work is looking right now.
Take care
Dan
_________________
55 year old male, Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08 treatments now every 4 weeks with Alimta, taking Lovenox for blood clots, Now working full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993

zinger · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:20 am Post subject: Re: HulaMom update

Sending much aloha to (((Hulamom)))!

Your in my thoughts and prayers!

Cathy
_________________
Dad ~ lung cancer diagnosed Dec 18, 2003, passed Mar 3, 2004.
Mom ~ lung cancer diagnosed May 27, 2008, passed June 1, 2008
They're waltzing once again...

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2403

Hi Gal!!

Looking in to see how you're doing and sending you big hugs and God's blessings.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

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