Thanks.

Wow! I can't believe that it's almost a year since my diagnosis and I feel great.
I've learned a lot this past year, but the most important thing I learned is that I can rely on my family and friends to be there for me.
I would not be doing so well were it not for all your help, advice, prayers and good thoughts.
Please keep it up.
Wishing you all a wonderful Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, belated Diwali, and Festivus.
My apologies to anyone I left out.

Update

I just got my most recent CT scan results.
Since I started with treatment my tumors gave shrunk by more than  half.
That translates to a 97% success rate.
I am thrilled with the results and the doctor has reduced my Tarceva pulse dose to 750 mg to lessen the side effects. This will hopefully increase my quality of life without compromising the treatment.

This is the first Thanksgiving in many years that I have not been able to go watch the Macy's parade, but I hope to go back again next year, God willing.

Keep up with the prayers and good wishes. They are working.

Happy Thankdgiving to all!

Update

I want to sincerely apologize for my lack of updates.
Thank God nothing new has been going on.
I continue on the clinical trial of Tarceva, taking 900 mg twice a week and 50 mg the rest of the week. I continue to have MRI and CT scans on a regular basis.
This past Friday, I had my most recent MRI and it showed no new lesions on the brain.
Today I had a CT scan of the lungs and abdominal area and I will get those results next week.
The side effects continue with some days better than others, but all in all, I am feeling pretty good and very optimistic.

Update

Just went to the doctor yesterday and I am glad to report that there is no new growth and everything seems to remain stable. 

Therefore, the doctor will has reduced my CT scan and MRI schedule from once every six weeks to once every ten weeks and after the next scan to once every twelve weeks. 

Also, I will only have to go in for checkups and bloodwork once every six weeks. 

I am glad of this change and perhaps I will be able to travel a little between appointments.

Please keep praying for my continued health and that the tumors don't spread anymore and maybe even shrink further.

Rant!

I know that everything happens for a reason, but as 9/11 nears I can't help but be upset.
I worked a few blocks from the World Trade Center and was there on that horrific day and watched as the second plane hit and stared unbelievably as the two buildings collapsed.
So many deaths on that day. Those innocent people that worked in the WTC,  those innocent passengers that were on the planes that day, and all the brave and innocent emergency workers, firemen, policemen and EMTs. All those precious souls gone within a few minutes.
However that was not all, many people fell ill due to the debris and contaminated air. Many innocent people developed cancer and other illnesses due to their exposure to 9/11 air. I myself was there working in downtown Manhattan every day as the cleanup and rebuilding took place. 
As I sit here and reflect, I think about myself, with no history of cancer in my family and no risk factors for cancer. Yet I sit here on my recliner, overcome with fatigue and nausea, fighting stage 4 Lung cancer which I was diagnosed with while still being treated for breast cancer. Knowing that both of those cancers have been linked to 9/11 make me wonder.
I know I am lucky to be doing well, but I can't help but be bitter that there may be some link between the terrorist attack that shocked the world and my cancer.
Rant over!

MRI and CT scan results

I had my latest test last week and got the results today.
There is no change or growth in the cancer.
These results are considered very positive for my cancer.
I was a little disappointed that the last few scans did not show any shrinkage but as the doctors explained to me with stage four lung cancer, keeping the cancer at bay and not having it grow is considered a very successful outcome. As long as the cancer doesn't spread we will continue with this clinical trial.
I am, however, thrilled that I have more energy and am able to be more active. It is great to be able to participate in everyday activities without feeling fatigued and short of breath.

Thanks again all of you for your continued prayers and good wishes.

Update

Just want to keep everyone posted.
I am feeling pretty good. I have more energy and less fatigue which motivates me to do more stuff.
Unfortunately, despite my protestations they lowered my oral chemo dose again, albeit by a small amount. When I started the clinical trial I was taking 1250 mg of Tarceva twice a week and 50 msg the rest of the week. I am now taking 900 mg for the pulse doses and continue the 50 mg for the rest of the week. They lowered the dosages because of the continued eye and skin infections, which bother the doctors more than they bother me.
CT scans and MRI in two weeks. Hopefully the cancer won't grow.

I am also officially retiring from the courts at the end of the month. I have not been at work since January third and will be going in to clean up my desk soon.