Abstracts in Lung Cancer Worth Noting for ASCO 2008
Significant Improvement in Progression-Free Survival in Advanced NSCLC with Alimta
New GRACE Post on Molecular Testing for EGFR: Should It Be Routine Practice?
New Post in GRACE Lung Cancer Section
Biomarkers Predicting Clinical Benefits for BAC Patients Receiving Tarceva
Dr. West on "Taxotere or Tarceva dilema"
Nova on "Behavior due to brain Mets?"
thehoangs on "Taxotere or Tarceva dilema"
Dr. West on "SCLC-ED, treatment/prognosis questions"
Please give us your thoughts about OncTalk — what you find valuable as well as how we might add functions or otherwise improve your experience.
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April 6th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I have several “cancer sights” saved in my “Favorites” that I visit daily, yours is one of them. I have had questions that, in spite of trying, my Doctor has not been able to answer in a way that I understand. I have found some of those same questions posted here and somehow, when I read it here, it suddenly made sense ( although admittedly you said the same thing My Onc did, only in different terms). Your expertise, and willingness to share it, is greatly appreciated.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I couldn’t agree more wholeheartedly to all the enthusiastic praise and gratitude expressed by everyone for your service. I’m sure we are all spreading the word. I just hope your own personal resources don’t become drained by the increased desire for your time and energy. If your operation needs donations or any type of contribution or volunteer help, we trust we will know this from your OncTalk website.
Thanks so much for what you’re doing.
Tom Dyerly
February 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Wow what a great site!
February 12th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Wow, what a website. Thank you so much for doing this–what an incredible service you are providing to those of us affected by lung cancer.
I have learned more in a few days of reading on this site than I learned in six months of reading everywhere else. I would have made a couple of decisions differently if I had found this site earlier, but hey, better late than never!
“Thank you” just isn’t enough.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Thank God I found you.
January 11th, 2008 at 4:54 am
De West, Thanks so much for all your wonderful encouraging info, AND for getting me back on the forum. Surely these are not oncological duties! Everyone has always said you’re the greatest and now I have first hand experience. How can you know what it means to us as cancer community to have someone like you with us, to even help us find our way around a website? Boy, are we blessed. Thanks again and again, Faith
December 18th, 2007 at 11:12 am
I just want to thank you, so very much.
My husband and I have had many questions and a lot of confusion with regard to his diagnosis.
Dr. West has been gracious enough to explain any question we’ve had and explains it so someone who is not a doctor can understand.
I have so much more confidence now. If there’s anything I don’t understand, I don’t have to be scared. I can just come here and ask questions until I do understand.
Again, thank you so much!
December 2nd, 2007 at 11:05 pm
I live in Australia and I find your site wonderful. Thank you…. I have felt very alone since my husband was dx with mucinous BAC. He has had his lower and middle right lobes removed and a small part of the upper / R. There are still cancer cells present.
He has done quite well after surgery considering he is 80. We see the onc on the 11th Dec. Making a decision as to what to do will be very difficult.
November 16th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Thanks Dr West for always being there for us, answering our countless questions and setting our minds at ease. God Bless you
wendyr
November 14th, 2007 at 5:29 am
I visit your site multiple times a day. When I first learned about this site, it was like discovering the fountain of information that I had been looking for all in one place! Once the diagnosis of “lung cancer” is given….it’s like the world is collapsing and life is paralyzed by grief, desparation, and worry. This site is a comfort and empowers patients and families to seek informed care for this devastating disease.
Dr. West…I hope you sleep well at night knowing how much comfort and peace of mind you bring to people all over the world. I am constantly amazed at how quickly you answer questions. I know you have to take time out of your personal life to be with us, but not an ounce of it goes unappreciated.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Dear Dr. West, On days like today, when I find myself worrying to the nth degree and scouring the web for anything to give hope or just even answers to questions, your site is a life-line. Thank God I don’t have too many days like this, but when I do, I always come back here and find a kind of peace I find no where else. You’re my hero for all you give to so many of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Most sincerely, Eileen, Florida
September 16th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Dr. West–
I really appreciate your web site. Things have really changed regarding lung cancer since I was in medical school.
As a psychiatrist, I know next to nothing about lung cancers, but your site provided a great overview.
Although I honestly wish I never would have needed to read your site, I’m impressed by your knowledge and passion for the treatment of this horrible disease.
I’m reassured that my mother will feel the same way when she meets you (she has just been diagnosed with lung adenoca).
Jennie Hahn
P.S. My sister Sumi forwarded me the information about your site.
September 15th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Dr. West,
I’ll be meeting you on Monday, when my father and I will be bringing in my mother, who’s been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. I’ve been researching relentlessly online for almost two weeks now, and your site answered most of the questions I’d been compiling to ask you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and time. I look forward to meeting you and feel very hopeful that you’ll be caring for my mother…
Cheers,
Sumi Almquist
September 1st, 2007 at 8:32 am
Dr West…
I just want to ‘ditto’ all the other comments…thank you…thank you….thank you..
hugs…Pam/Nonni
July 22nd, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Dr. West,
I am the caregiver for my husband, Bob, who was dx with lung cancer in the upper left lobe in April 07. This was discovered in the pre-op process for knee replacement surgery. What a curve ball that was for us! I began to look online for some info/help and found onctalk. What a blessing. You offer so much hope in the midst of this trauma and you help us all to keep on keeping on.
I’ve also appreciated all the other folks on this site. They have shared all the emotions that go into being ill and seeking the best course of treatment and they respond to each other in ways that are the best of our being humans - in this together.
Thank you, Dr. West, for this site and your availabilty to each and every one who seeks help. Our onc is a wonderful man, Dr. Marshall Flam, in Fresno, CA. and with the two of you we feel blessed.
LindaO
July 22nd, 2007 at 10:51 am
I have been using this site as a source of reference since my mother was diagnosed. I feel so fortunate to found this site, it has been a comfort. Having a place where you can go, when questions or issues arise, and obtain relevant and expert advise, avoids precious wasted time. Dr. West is direct, honest, without being cavalier. I don’t know how he does it but he responds back, sometimes at the craziest of hours, and you just know he wants you to make your decisions based on having all the information possible. That helps us live with our decisions better, and life is better because of better decisions. Thank you for this wonderful website.
July 21st, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Dr. West:
I don’t know what I’d do without you. My Mom’s doctor is impossible to reach by phone and sometimes we wait weeks for an appointment. We just couldn’t get answers when we needed them until you started this site. You always answer my questions quickly and your response is easy to understand. At Mom’s various appointments we meet other lung cancer patients and I always tell them about you and encourage them to visit Onc-Talk. You have helped my Mom so much, I will be forever grateful to you.
Thank you Dr. West
Salina
July 21st, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Dr West
I would like to echo the sentiments of everyone else who has signed the guestbook.Dr West you are an amazing man, giving your time freely to help those who are frightened worried and concerned.
We don’t have anything like this in UK and I would like to add that you are quite famous on our UK Lung Cancer websites !!
On a personal note, you have helped me through my Dads journey with Lung Cancer and given me info when I have been at a complete loss and had no-where else to turn.
If you lived here in UK you would have been awarded a medal for your contribution to medicine - you would probably have been Sir Jack West !!!
Thank you so much for being here when we need a helping hand -
Love
dawn x
July 21st, 2007 at 11:50 am
Hello Dr. West: I would like to add My “thank you” to those that recently expressed their gratitude to you on the LCA website for making your self available to us survivors and caregivers on line. I visit your site about once every other week or so just to see what’s going on, not as much as others do, but I am constantly referring your site to those that have questions. I am pleased to see how much response you have been getting. I hope you can continue without too much drain on your energy and resources. I know it is hard to keep something like this going indefinitely and hopefully you will find the right rhythm to sustain it.
Don Miniken
July 11th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Dr. West, I havefound the information and the support that you provide on this site to be invaluable to me. I try to get on the site daily because even if I do not have a direct questin myself I have learned so much from other peoples questions and your answers. I live in Florida and feel I have a very good oncologist but if I lived in Washington I would be knocking on your office door for follow up!!! Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to meet you in person for a consult. Thank you for this site and your gift of communicating in such a “straight shooter ” way. Debbie
July 9th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
OncTalk has been a wonderful site for me in my search for Lung Cancer information. I have been so pleased with the personal care that you, Dr. West take in answering all these questions that we all have - it is professional and friendly at the same time, I just feel so blessed to have found this site - Thank you for all that you do for us - it is truly appreciated!
Pamee
July 4th, 2007 at 6:48 am
I sort of stumbled across this page looking for a place where I could get the information and support I needed to help me deal with my lung cancer. I have found it here with all of you. I don’t write a lot, but have found a lot of my answers in past posts. I do believe that I have read everything on this site. I am amazed with you and all that you do for us. Thank you so much Dr. West.
Melody
July 3rd, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I have been in awe of the dedication Dr. West shows to patients and their families. Those of us online aren’t his patients, but he takes the time to answer our general questions and encourages us along the way.
OncTalk is a vital resource for anyone touched by lung cancer who may have questions or want to educated themselves more on this disease and the varied treatment options. I really believe this site attempts to bridge the gap between the medical and the patient.
Thank you Dr. West!
June 30th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Dr. West,
I have nominated you for a “CNN Hero Award” for your efforts on behalf of lung cancer patients and family members via this website. I don’t know if anything will come of it, but to me, you are truly a “hero”.
God bless,
Welthy
June 29th, 2007 at 9:43 am
This site is invaluable. Here in the UK where some oncologists see little point in keeping up to date because they are restricted becaue of limits on treatments in the public health system Dr West can give the benefit of his expertise. (incidentally our onc is fine not in the public system} but it is useful to check some things out;
THANK YOU SO MUCH DR WEST
Jennis
June 29th, 2007 at 6:22 am
I have found this site to be invaluable. Of all the cancer sites I have found in the past seven months this one is the absolute best. I don’t know of anyone who is more knowledgeable about lung cancer than Dr. West. This site has been a hugh source of support and comfort for me. It’s just nice to know if you have a questions you can submit it to Dr. West and it will be answered very quickly. I really don’t feel my own oncologist is as responsive or approachable. Thank you Dr. West!
June 28th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Thank God for OncTalk, it has helped us so much with such valuable information, It seems we have millions of questions, and sometimes we all need to know the same answer and Dr. West is never short with information, and I know it is a question that He has already answered but I truly beleive that Dr. West knows how much we need to hear it from an expert, and a great Dr.
I can not even put it in words how much I appreciate this site, I am so glad that someone refered me to it, and I do the same now for all my new friends I met on other sites, We just have so many questions, and this site gives me hope daily.
Karen
June 28th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Dr. West,
I think your web site is beyond great. The answers you provide to me and others always promote thought, give options and reasoning that is not available anywhere else. I think that there are now a few patients that are living a bit longer and I often feel as if no one quite knows what to do with us. Along with that, I sometimes worry that the next step in my treatment matters more to me than my team because after all, my disease is terminal. Six more months to me is a huge deal and it is wonderful to add your thoughts and insights to that of my medical team so that I can make the most informed decision. It is certainly reassuring to have your knowledge, wisdom and experience at my fingertips.
I have come to believe that even with the very best doctors, patients have to be informed and that to be informed in the quickly changing world of lung cancer treatment, we must utilize the internet. Your site has made that daunting job for the lay person much more manageable and reliable. All that, plus the biggest bonus of all is your personal, candid and quick responses. I do not know how you find the time but I am glad that you do.
I am not sure that one site can be everything to everyone, but for me, I would like to find an organization organized enough to accept volunteers to help in advocacy for lung cancer. I hope I am around long enough to find a link to such a thing on your new non- profit company. A heart-felt thanks for all your work.
Sincerely,
Myrtle Chidester
June 28th, 2007 at 7:58 am
I visit this site at least on a daily basis and find it to be invaluable for up-to-date, relevant information. You’re doing a great job, Dr. West. I look forward to reading your posts for years and years.
Trish
June 27th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Onctalk is A++++++ and then some. The site is very easy to navigate. The information you give is in depth but written in a way that’s easy enough for the layman to understand. You encourage discussion even on topics that are difficult and typically avoided by most other lc sites. AND you’ve managed to strike a balance between being honest and positive; yet, not sugar-coating your replies. Keep up the great work.
June 27th, 2007 at 3:41 am
You are irreplaceable and every oncology treatment center would benefit from doctors like you. My mom has lung cancer and after a year or so of internet searching I found this site. Nothing compares, not even the American Cancer Society or American Lung Association sites. You deserve the Nobel Peace Prize!!! On behalf of everyone that is touched by cancer, thank you for your extroadinary efforts.
Lisa Smith
June 26th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Having this site has made our family’s journey with lung cancer so much easier. Before I found this site I’d scour different chat and support groups for information, and would end up more terrified than before. I quote you at least 15 times a day to my parents, and have told almost everyone I know to visit the site. Thank you so much for your incredible energy, help, and compassion.
Carmel Raz
June 26th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
I find OncTalk to be such an informative site! The ability to ask questions and have you, Dr. West, and the members/guests answer them is far beyond a support system I could have ever dreamed existed. The information on up and coming treatments, studies and lung cancer in general has helped educate me tremendously.
I, like Mark, tell people who are in need of support and information when diagnosed with lung cancer about this site.
You are truly a Godsend and I am thankful for the support and compassion you offer people throughout the world. Thank you for the time you dedicate to those affected by lung cancer - I appreciate it more than words can convey.
Most sincerely, Linda Pfannmuller
June 26th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Gee Whiz! Do I get the honor of being the first guest book sign in? My take on OncTalk is that it is the most accessible, easily understood and useful forum dialog available on the net for us lung cancer survivors. I rarely go more than 2 days without browsing the site for new content and make use of the helpful emails for quick access to new posts. I was so intrigued by Dr West’s seemingly tireless need to help and inform that I had to meet this man in person and travelled from Tennessee to Seattle for a consult. His consult was as thorough as his posts, same for his compassion.
I publicize this site to all those I meet in local support groups. My goal is to increase my participation level in the forums.
Not sure if these type platitudes were what you were looking for, but I am sincere. You have provided me great comfort with this easy access to evidence based lung cancer oncology.
Mark Pate