Apologies... Im having a very rough time right now.

[Poppa Ryno]

Take Care of that family, AL. The good people here will hold down the fort. You already know family 1st. Take care of your momma & yourself. I hope all gets better!

[Jack L]

hang in there Al, hoping for the best

[pcsb23]

Thoughts are with you and your family Al.

[DiscusBR]

Wishing your mom and you family all the best.

[brewmaster15]

Hi all,
I wanted to stop by and give an update. Its been a pretty rough few weeks. Those of you that have dealt with Cancer yourselves or with loved ones know how draining it all is. My moms diagnosis came back as Stage 4 Non small cell cancer (Adenocarcinoma). Its spread to her Lymph Nodes, brain,spine and sternum. The initial blood clot in her leg and lungs was in response to this condition. It was devastating news and she has been pretty shook up. I'm the oldest of 11 kids.. hard news to break to everyone especially this time of year. She was never even a smoker, but it happens in non-smokers too. She is 74. My Father has his own health issues so I am helping as best I can with things there. Its a hard situation.

We did get one bright spot of hope this past Friday. A genetic blood test showed that the cancer has a genetic abnormality for EGFR Epidermal growth factor receptor) that potentially allows treatment with a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor. There are several medications that shown positive results that target this defect. The newest one is called Tagrisso and though still in clinical trials has shown the best response. It Binds to the protein and prevents or slows the cancer spread. Tumor have also shrunk in response. Its not a cure, the reality is shes very sick and we have a very hard uphill battle. But we have some hope now where honestly we had none. The drugs got several potentially nasty side effects as well....but it has worked very well in some cases. She starts it this week.

So thats where we are. Thank you all for your thoughts and well wishes. Please keep her in your thoughts. She will need as much positive energy as she can get.

al

[Altum Nut]

Thanks Al for chiming in during this tough time. Thoughts and Prayers without question to your mom and confident the treatment works in her favor. To yourself and your family...may you all have strength and hold your mom with a positive outlook moving forward. This is a time of year where families come together and hope your distant siblings find this is the best time then ever when your mom and dad need family by their side.

...Ralph

[wannafish]

I know how important a special Mother can be in ones' life.
I lost mine a couple of years ago. It's been hard.
I also know about visits in and out of the hospital and what
a critical time it is while waiting for answers.

[Steve_Carey]

Al, I will keep your mom and you family in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

[DonMD]

Al, when my son went through brain cancer, the National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Health (NIH) was a fantastic help and resource for us. Why not call them to see if they have any clinical trials that your mom might qualify for? They enroll, and care for people all over the country. Just a thought. -Don

[Clawhammer]

Your mother, you, and your family will be in my thoughts often Al.

[Disgirl]

Sending lots of positive thoughts and energy Al. You are a good son.
Barb

[Paul Sabucchi]

Keeping your Mum and all your family in our prayers

[Pardal]

My thoughts and prayer to your Mom and family Al.
Julian

[zimmjeff]

Just reading this Al. Prayers for you and your family.

[jeep]

Al, I'm very sorry to hear this. Best wishes to you and your family!!!