Lung Cancer Community

My mother was just diagnosed with stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer. It's stage 3 because the tumor is 9 1/2 cm in size. The PET scan showed it had not spread and was only in the one lung. Surgery was ruled out because of size (they would have to remove whole lung) and weight loss (she's lost 14 lbs). The surgeon said in his experience, surgery with the weight loss is not recommended. Make sure she's strong enough. Get a second opinion. Get a brain scan and colonoscopy, because its not uncommon for lung cancer to spread to brain and/or colon. Good news is, non-small cell has a less chance of metastasizing. My mom is having a lot of pain in her back under her rib cage and has had two Dr tell that that worries them because pain isn't good. They are thinking that could be a sign that it has spread to chest wall, that would not show up on PET scan. Hang in there. Stay positive for her and be supportive of her needs and what she wants to do. We'll be starting chemo and radiation to try and shrink tumor, then re-evaluate surgery after that. You have a right to be concerned, but don't panic. Remember this is happening to her, and you can bet she's scared.

DONT LOSE HOPE!!! In May of this year I had a Dr. visit due to pain in my right shoulder. Had an xray and was told that the shoulder pain was due to degenerative arthritis but this wasnt the concern the xray just happened to pick up a tumor in the upper portion of my right lung I WAS DEVASTATED!!! to say the least. Had a biopsy a couple weeks later and my darkest nightmare became reality. The biopsy revealed that I had stage 3 non small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma) and was advised that my time clock was running out. When I told my wife she shifted into high gear and told me we (GOD, ME, HER, and my CANCER TEAM) we're gonna beat this. We completed the first round of Chemo and 38 Radiation treatments, had the PET scan and no active cancer cells could be found. Had thoracic surgery to remove the scarred tissue left behind, after 9 weeks im still in alot of pain from having 2/3 of my right lung removed but thank GOD, MY WIFE and my TREATMENT TEAM at Cookeville Regional Cancer Center that the cancer is gone. During my treatments I was fortunate enough to be able to take off work and got plenty of rest, got my diet right, and done exactly as directed by treatment team in every available moment I gave thanks to GOD for allowing me to live another day, and thanked him for all the blessings that he bestowed upon me every day. Never again will I take the little things in life for granted

Bron, Mewith4 and reallylost,

So sorry to hear of your having these experiences. I work for a research company that is currently studying lung cancer and wonder if you might wish to participate? You would be sharing your views and insights on the disease and treatment. If interested in knowing more, please contact me at kabacinskim@hagensinclair.com and provide a phone number and best time to reach you. Wish you and your families all the best.

Sorry for happened, you have to be stronger now than what you give when she still struggling. I hope you'd became fine soon.