Lung Cancer Community

Hello, I was told on December 27th 2008 that I would not make it out of the hospital. Its now 9 months later. A lot of prayer has went up for me, you may consider that in with you chemo and radiation, it helped me. I have been thru 5 weeks of radiation and 6 chemo treatments ( 3 days every 3 weeks ) I have a port installed in my chest for the chemo. The first two chemo treatments pulled 46 pounds off me I have gained back 52 ( too much ). My tumor was 3 1/2 inches at its largest point wrapped around part of my heart and going to nothing the lenght of my left lung it had spread to my lmyph nodes in my chest, right shoulder, right femur, left inside pelvic area and both adrenals. I also have advanced copd. Cancer is bad don't get me wrong but it can also change your life in great ways it will make you see things in a different way try to see the good around you and make something good happen to the people around you every day. A good attitude will get you thru this better. Yes I am going to die so are you but the next question is when and no body can answer that but God. My oncologist and nurses have all been great I now go every 2 months to get a ct scan with contrast to see if the cancer has started back my next one is October 8th . All my best to you I have said a prayer for you If you would like to contact me you can email me at ( baf4910@gmail.com ) Frankie...

Hey thanks for the info and the prayer. Good luck to you on Oct 8. Found out my PET scan is 9/9/9 so will chat later. Thanks again.

I know it's alot to take in with so little time to digest but that's exactly how we were told about my mother. She is in stage 4 because it spread to her right side and her bones. it also is in her lymph nodes. She said that the only pain she had from the bronscopy was a little soreness in her throat and dryness of her nasal passages. I pray all goes well with you. I don't have good news for you but I want you to know if you can keep a positive attitude, it makes a world of difference with your treatments. My mother doesn't get weal from the chemo like most people may lead you to believe. She's been doing very good so far and with a good support system behind her, no telling how long she may live. My advice to you is never insist on knowing how much time you have, just make each day count. spend as much time with your family as possible. It sounds like you and my mother have received similar diagnosis. Once you start chemo, make sure you limit your contact with others, especially in the flu season.

Hi, this is the first time I have talked to anyone about my concern. I was in the hospital in April 2009 after calling 911 for an episode in my home that triggered an apparent heart attack. After many tests including 3 CT scans (many other types of tests were done) I was told by the hospital doctor that I had cancer. I was shocked. He further said that my doctor would discuss it with me. I belong to an HMO so you don't have your doctor in the hospital; you have whoever is on call. The cardio doctor released me without saying much other than I had no heart concerns and to make an appointment with my healthcare provider at the HMO. Well, my provider told me nothing. He read to me the results and briefly mentioned the spot on my lungs and told me It was nothing to worry about. This was 7 months ago and I am concerned as what to do. The only thing I remember my cardio doctor telling me upon visiting him after my hospital stay, was that my healthcare provider would most likely suggest to have another CT scan. I am interested in knowing what the symptoms are. I find I am nauseated or coughing more than usual. Or am I just fearful? My next physical is scheduled for January 2010. Thanks.

Dont always listen to the negative thing these specialist say...Half the time it seems like they are just covering their butts..My mom is 9 months out of treatment for small cell lung cancer, which the tumor had completely closed her right lung and started to spread to her left...she did chemo three days with 3 weeks off in a cycle of 6 total treatments and radiation too...she is now 9 months out with all scans show no signs of cancer...the treatments were tough on her but she fought through it...So please try to stay positive it counts for alot...There may not be a "cure" but there is living without active cancer...Dr's never like to say ur cured...They just like to say ur living cancer free...

I highly recommend you seeking a cardiac thoracic surgeon. I can not believe a pulmonary specialist told you "you will die." There are numerous treatments and support out there. Your frame of mind has a lot to do with your rehabilitation. First and foremost, you must be positive about this. As for the pulmonary specialist, i think i would tell him about his poor "bedside manner" and tell him to take a flying leap. (Probably wouldn't be that nice about it. Ha Ha) The bronchoscopy and PET scan will inform of treatment options. If the cancer is isolated to your left lung, surgical removal of a portion of that lung is possible. I had my right lower lobe removed and proceeded with chemo since it was in my lymph nodes. I was informed March 2010 that I am cancer free. Once again, seek a cardiac thoracic surgeon and don't let that pulmonary specialist scare you. Ask, ask, ask. There are never too many questions. Good luck.