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survivors of Terminal Stage 4 lung cancer
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Feb 24, 2009 - 10:18 pm
Dear Members, God Bless All Stardust |
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Feb 24, 2009 - 10:18 pm
Dear Members, God Bless All Stardust |
Joined: Apr 2009
I am a survivor of stage iv lung cancer......diagnosed 7/08.
Joined: Sep 2006
Congratulations!
Take care,
Joe
Joined: May 2009
My mother was recently diagnosed with NSCLC adenocarcinoma.
She had a malignant mass in her mediastinum and it spread to her lungs, lymph nodes.
First the doctor said that she was stage 2 but recently we found out that she might have metastisis in her brain and her bones (skull and right upper arm)....
She has started brain radiation to take care of the brain metastisis and she will soon do some rounds of chemo.
What is your story exactly? Where did yours metastisised?
I am getting really frustrated and frightened because we got several medical opinions and each doctor has a different interpretation of the best treatment possible.... Do you have any advice with regards to the treatment that you had.... Did you have radio + chemo...? how often?
i would really appreciate your advice since my mother seems to have the same illness as you do... P.S. My mom is only 51 years old.
Thank you in advance.
Fran
Joined: May 2010
That is what I wanted to hear. I am strong and I will beat this. Survival stories are what I am looking to hear. I think it is the faith you have and the will to live and the attitude. Thank you,
Joined: May 2011
Greetings;
My husband has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The news he has received from the doctor's is not encouraging. What is frustrating is that they said he could be stage 4 but they don't know yadda yadda yadda. However, given the circumstances-he has been in the hospital seven days-he is holding up really well. His spirit is amazing and as much as I hate to see him endure all of these tests and procedures I can say this much he is tougher than I could ever be. It seems he is somewhat of an inspiration to the nurses, etc and I have heard them talking to him in the background while we were on the phone together. One said she would not be in for three days and that she expected he would home before she returned. We are not sure if it will happen that quickly, and while I cannot wait for him to come home I just want to be sure he gets all that he needs at this time while he is there.
This has been extremely difficult for me for there are so many things left unmentioned even to him and here I am sitting at home literally wanting to scream and 99% of the time I am pouring my heart and soul out so much to God that I have literally worn myself out.
I myself and refusing to give up or give in-and my husband is not giving up and his spirit is so strong it shows just how much will he has over this. But, hearing all of the negatives-or should I say-non-definitive scenarios is turning me upside down. I know God has a hand in this, and I know that in spite of things miracles can happen and even something as horrid as this can be beat. If anyone can and wants to beat it that is my husband but me, I am in a state of brokeness that just will not quit and if he is coming home soon-he will then take up treatments at the nearby clinic-then I have to work really hard on getting myself together. Being apart for us is horrid, and I will be glad when he is home but I don't want to be such a mess that I make that upsetting for him.
Could you all keep he and I-his name is William, mine is Brenda in your thoughts and prayers? I really need an advocate in my corner because I am literally having to deal with alone.
Joined: Jun 2011
Hi Brenda~I just finished reading your post and I was amazed at how similar our stories are. My husband went to the ER about 10 days ago with what he thought must be pneumonia or bronchitis. He is 56 and a non-smoker. After several days of testing he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. The doctors are not at all encouraging, show little empathy and are frankly, very confusing. I am so frightened that it's almost unbearable. And I literally DO scream at times. My husband seems so very much like yours. His spirits are high, his attitude is amazing. I'm trying so very hard to be strong for him as well as our 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. Yet most of the time I feel as if I'm walking around in a daze. My thoughts are constantly of him and wishing there was something, anything I could do to offer him the strength and encouragment that he so desperatly needs.
I would love so much to have someone to correspond with who understands a little of what I'm going through. I'm also a very good listener :) At any rate, you and William will be in my thoughts and prayers. My name is Merrilee and my husband is Dan. Thanks so much for sharing your situation and helping me to see that what I am experiencing isn't abnormal. I wish you both God's blessings. Thanks~Merrilee
Joined: Jul 2010
Sue,
I would like to speak to you. My mother was told she has stage 1v she is 74. Went recently for her biopsy. We will know more the 23rd. Please email me at starrfillednights2007@yahoo.com. I would like more details on what you did to beat this and how long a survivor you are.. and if it ever came back anywhere else? I want a guide from someone who survived this before my mother becomes a guinea pig or experiment in the drug arena that may kill her.. like it did my dad..when he chose to stop. Thank You.. Leah
Joined: Apr 2009
We're ALL terminal in the end! Don't let the statistics scare you (even though I did!)... I was dx Stage IV NSCLC adenocarcinoma (inoperable) in Jan 2009. Underwent three rounds of chemo ( Carboplatin/Taxol /Avastin ) and then had a CT scan for assessment last week. I'm in remission already and I have to say that the chemo wasn't bad either -- so MUCH better than in the past. SO ... call it a miracle or call in modern-day progress, but whatever it is, I'm happy as a clam! I attribute it to not only my treatment, but also to BIG support in the form of prayers from lots of folks. STAY POSITIVE by all means because. no matter what, we all need to enjoy whatever days we DO have on this earth. We could be hit by a Mack truck tomorrow! BTW, I also highly recommend The Lung Cancer Alliance for great support and discussion. They are under the umbrella of the "Inspire" network. Check them out! Best of luck!
Joined: May 2009
My mother was recently diagnosed with NSCLC adenocarcinoma.
She had a malignant mass in her mediastinum and it spread to her lungs, lymph nodes.
First the doctor said that she was stage 2 but recently we found out that she might have metastisis in her brain and her bones (skull and right upper arm)....
She has started brain radiation to take care of the brain metastisis and she will soon do some rounds of chemo.
What is your story exactly? Where did yours metastisised?
I am getting really frustrated and frightened because we got several medical opinions and each doctor has a different interpretation of the best treatment possible.... Do you have any advice with regards to the treatment that you had.... Did you have radio + chemo...? how often?
i would really appreciate your advice since my mother seems to have the same illness as you do... P.S. My mom is only 51 years old.
Thank you in advance.
Fran
Joined: May 2009
Just got the news yesterday mom has stage 4 lung cancer. Her lung is collapsed and they give her 3-4 months. Chemo not an option because she is too weak. I, too, am an only child and my world is falling apart. Her drs and nurses are wonderful and have taken a liking to her/us. But she'll be leaving this week and I'm so scared.
She is strong, hasn't shed a tear, instead saying ok, this is what you gotta do... She says God's ready for her and she trusts He knows best. And selfish me just says "What about me? I'm not ready for her to go!"
My problem is I don't know where to begin looking for help. They talk about sending her home which is in a small town 40 miles away from me. I have a roommate situation so bringing her home with me not possible. I plan to rent a 1 bedroom this week for us, but then what? Do I quit working to take care of her? I'm so lost and yes, I too cry in the shower so my little one who is 14 doesn't hear me.
Reading the entries here so that my mom is not alone is helpful. Blessings and thanks to you all.
Ruth
Joined: May 2009
hi ruth,
i understand exactly how your are feeling. My mom was diagnosed quite recently as well and it is indeed very frightening
It's good that you are staying strong for your mom. You have to continue to be strong for her and for your child. I know it's hard but you will find the stregth somehow.
if you can find a way to live with your mom it would probably be best.
Have you seen different doctors and gotten several opinions. Perhaps there is a another solution like immunotherapy (strengthening the immune system)... or a lighter dose of targeted agents.
I know it is difficult. We have to be ready for the worst scenario but we also need to remain hopeful until the end. we have to fight this battle till the end and try all the possible options... there's hope. some of the stories shared here will give you strength... people getting better or even going in remission when it seemed like all hope is gone.
hang in there and keep us updated on your mom's health. My prayers are with you and your mom.
Good luck.
Fran
Joined: Jun 2009
the stats are killing me! 3 weeks ago wife went to doc for rib pain and persistent cough. the cough started in nov. of 08, she strongly suggested a chest x ray. after the x ray they called for a ct (stat) after which they said "we are so sorry, you have cancer" and then basically gave here a good luck, god bless attitude. sent to pulmonoligist who said "I don't give survival odd's" and after his tests told us it was nsclc IV. non operitive. go see this doc. so I started researching and everythin said has said "no cure" survival rate "5 to 10 percent" I am flipping out. can anyone give me facts? I can battle anything if I have them.
thanking you in advance
Derrald
Joined: Jun 2009
My father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer on September 07, we were told that surgery was not an option for him but it was his only possible cure; we saw three different doctors including a Dr at the MD Anderson, and we were told that surgery was not an option, my father is only 50 yrs old and we were giving a very bad prognosis. I have never giving up, I did a research online and found the best Drs and surgens for lung cancer and wrote to all of them, alot of Drs responded. we live in Austin TX we ended up going to Seattle WA where my dad had a rib an lung resection; he also went through chemo and radiation before and after surgery. On February of 08 we were told that he was cancer free but 7 months later we found out that he had Brain metastasis, we were debastated, because of the location of the tumor he can not get a surgery and he was giving of course a horrible prognosis, like I said we have never given up, he got radiation and a "new" chemo for the brain called Temador, it has worked wonderful for him, Drs. are very impress ans shocked of how well he is doing right now, for the last 6 months his Tumor in the brain keeps getting smaller and there is no desease in any other part of his body including the lung. The Dr. told us that he is doing better than 95% of the people with metastatic lung cancer and that the way he has reacted to treatement is all we can hope for. It has been terrible for my family but we have never giving up and we have done the impossible to get through this; dont let any Dr. or anyone to tell you how far you and your wife can get, keep fighting, do research talk to diffent Drs., look into medial trails, We were told by the Dr that my father is basically a miracle I am sure your wife can be too but never give up and keep fighting and you will be in my prayers.
Joined: Apr 2010
Kleimank: We just found out today that my mom has lung cancer and we are all in shock and looking for any help we can get. You said you found the best Drs and surgeons for lung cancer and am wondering if you could please share those names with me. We are considering going to Mayo clinic which is not far from us or the University of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Are any of the doctors that yuou found from those centers. Any help you can give me would be so appreciated. Thank you for your time
Joined: Sep 2010
My husband had stage 4 lung cancer and the doctors told him it was terminal and he would die from it. We were devastated and my husband just gave up no matter how much i tried to reach out he wanted to die so he died on September 4, 2010 after 4 months of fighting it. If the patient wants to live and does everything possible then they have more of a fighting chance but my husband was tired so he just gave up. It's the will to live that is on a person's side. My husband was just 53 when he died.
Joined: Oct 2010
I am sooo glad that you posted this to let everyone know. I brought the Temodar up to my mother so that maybe we could see if my step-dad could try it and of course she only argued with me that it was only used for people with melanoma. Thankful for that argument because she did the research on it. Since I had cancer as a child and have been cancer-free for going on 14 years, I usually just go to my oncologist for a yearly check up. While we were there, my mom asked the doctor about possibly trying the Temodar on my step-dad and to our surprise he told us that it would be ok to drop hospice and my step-dad is going for an MRI tomorrow and back to see the doctor on Friday with the reasonable possibility of starting the Temodar, so we are VERY excited! Thank you again for sharing this information.
Joined: Sep 2009
Hi Derrald,
I don't know where you live, but I would keep looking for docs who can use creative or perhaps get her into a study. I'm in a support group and one of our members was in a similar situation and was put into a study and his cancer is in remission. Even the docs were surprised. He's doing great! There is another Stage IV women in our group who had a biopsy done to find the right chemo to hold her cancer back as much as possible. Time may be what you are buying but where there is life there is hope. They keep coming up with new drugs and treatments so keep in the game. One of our members who had prostrate cancer 4 years ago went to Yale, Sloan, and ended us with a new treatment in Atlanta.
Good bless you both during this difficult time.
Roseann
Joined: Aug 2010
Forget statistics. Two years ago last month they told me my husband had the same diagnosis (stage IV nsclc, a couple months left at best. We got the 5-10% speech as well, so we decided to find out how to become part of that 5-10%.
Find the doctor you need. Someone who can answer questions, someone who will let you hope. It's a good sign if he/she doesn't give out odds. You don't want to be burdened with them. Get a second opinion if you need to. Ask your local American Cancer Society to help match you up with the right doctor.
Get informed. Get organized.
Write things down. Pay attention. Keep track of what doctor you saw, when you had a procedure, the list of drugs she's on. Ask questions. Find out what resources are available to you. Don't be too proud to accept help. Don't be too polite to ask questions anytime you don't understand. You're fighting for her life.
Say thank you to everyone. They'll remember you for it.
Make the best decisions you can based on the information you have. That's all you can do.
We've been at it for over two years now with mixed results. But we haven't given up. It doesn't get easier, but it gets different. The initial terror recedes. You'll discover strengths you never dreamed you had. You can't control this. But moments of happiness and appreciation are still possible and it would be a shame if you missed out on them because of the cancer.
I wish you all the very best success.
God bless you both.
Joined: Sep 2010
hi janegrant, my dad was just diagnosed with 3b nsclc last month. he starts chemo & radiation this week. I am scared and devastated - trying to stay positive and trying not to obsess on the statistics and numbers. i loved your post. thank you
Joined: Sep 2010
I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. (At first they thought it was
a lung infection. I was opened up and closed because the tumor was pressing
on my aorta and my spine, and the surgeon basically told my daughters (both in
their 30')that I was ready for Hospice. That was 7 months ago, and after
radiation and chemotherapy, I'm still here and my tumor has shrunk over
80%. There is hope. I know how hard it is to stay positive, but I think
that's a must. Good luck and stay in touch.
Joined: Sep 2009
Got my diagnosis on August 15th. NSCLC adenocarcinoma. All happenned by accident. Turned out it mets to some of my spinal joints and the have started the same chemo regiman as you, and want to do radiationin a two months.
So far no adverse effects to the chemo.
Reading your post has brightend my day.
Thanks
Joined: Sep 2009
andiques Thanks for that GREAT encouragement...My husband has just been diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC..We are waiting for our meeting with oncologist to discuss the facts about his cancer and treatment....It's also in some lymph nodes but no major organs (?) Was your's in you lymph nodes to ? His tumor is 56mm x 46mm. I actually hand wrote ALL of your story of encouragement for him to read... The Dr. said his prognosis was poor, and this kind of cancer is difficult to treat !!!! I't most difficult to deal with...
Joined: Jul 2010
Hi,
Can you please email me at starrfillednights2007@yahoo.com. My mother is 74 .. just completed a needle biopsy. Prior to..was told she is stage 1v but they can't find a primary.. without the biopsy. Nothing showed up on the Pet Scan. She is active still.. altert..cooks.. cleans. She drives. She has one 3 cm nodule on her right and two on her left lung.. same size. Hers are stable.. But.. I heard as you age with hormones that is normal for it to grow slower. I want to know.. if your still to this day in remission. It is now July 2010. Please email me.. I also wanted to know what strength Chemo combination they used on you..if you could find out so.. I can have a guide line. Thanks Leah
Joined: Apr 2012
Such great news for you! You are an inspiration for those of us fighting the fight. Prayers are all important indeed.
Sue_J
Joined: May 2009
cisplatin or carboplatin + paclitaxel.
anyone has had experience with these drugs?
i heard that cisplatin is more effective than carboplatin but more toxic.
finally is avastin given as a first line chemo or more of a second line chemo?
i would appreciate your advice and good luck to you all!
thank you in advance.
Fran
Joined: Sep 2006
Fran:
Please keep in mind that each of us reacts to chemotherapy different, and that our cancers are going to be at least slightly different. It seems as if they are almost like fingerprints: while they are similar, they are never quite the same.
That said, I was treated with cisplatin for an original tongue/neck cancer following surgery (and during radiation treatments as well) back in '05 - '06. I can honestly say that the cisplatin was the worst of this experience. It made me as sick as I had ever been up to that time.
Even so, when I was advised I would be getting carboplatin and taxol on a weekly basis following an '07 lobectomy, many of my friends on this site warned me that they had received same and found it nauseating as well. I did NOT find this to be the case. I managed this cocktail quite well, actually, relatively speaking.
Again, it is an individual thing, I suppose. I will say that I had to skip several treatments second go-round due to low platelets and/or white blood cell counts. On the other hand, I received those treatments on a more frequent basis.
I am now NED, incidentally (NO Evidence of Disease).
As for Avastin, my understanding is that it is a first-line therapy, although it cannot be used in certain instances, particularly when surgery is recent or pending. You will want to verify that with OncoMan, of course.
Best wishes.
Take care,
Joe
Joined: May 2009
hi joe,
thanks for your reply.
my mom's doctor has prescribed her cisplatin or carboplatin (depending on her choice) with paxitol as a 1st line treatment and she only added avastin or another targeted drug for her 2nd line treatment.
I am a bit worried about this.... perhaps my mom should get a 2nd opinion but she seems to trust her oncologist...
I am glad that people like you (who has survived this) exist to give us all hope.
regards,
Fran
Joined: May 2009
hi joe,
thanks for your reply.
my mom's doctor has prescribed her cisplatin or carboplatin (depending on her choice) with paxitol as a 1st line treatment and she only added avastin or another targeted drug for her 2nd line treatment.
I am a bit worried about this.... perhaps my mom should get a 2nd opinion but she seems to trust her oncologist...
I am glad that people like you (who has survived this) exist to give us all hope.
regards,
Fran
Joined: Nov 2009
my mom was on this avastin as well she had stage 4 lung cancer i think this was a big help for us she no longer has signs of cancer thank god for our grteat dr. and our god......god bless,patty
Joined: Sep 2010
joe, your posts are very inspiring. thank you for sharing your life
Joined: Apr 2011
I have recently been diagnosed with recurrent cervical cancer that has spread to mu luings. I am on cisplatin andpaclitaxel. My hair is now falling out and it didnt with just the cisplantin.
Joined: May 2009
Thanks so much for your reply. Things have changed so much in the past few days its crazy. Now the cancer specialist at the hospital says the lung specialist is bonkers and was wrong to say 3 - 4 months left. He also disagreed with the "no chemo" recommendation. She starts chemo the end of the week.
So the way things stand now, they're running all sorts of tests to see where the cancer started because apparently, it wasn't the lungs. Mom thinks its her breast because its been hurting these past few days. She had a mammogram today, and scheduled for a barium enema tomorrow to check her colon. CT scan & bone density yesterday didn't show anything. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Thanks for the advice about moving to her home. You're right, and once school lets out beginning in June, daughter and I will be going.
Otherwise, mom is upbeat about chemo and specialist's personality is positive, unlike her lung dr who always comes in moody and negative.
How are you holding up?
Ruth
Joined: May 2009
Dear Ruth,
I am glad to know that your mom will finally be getting treatment and you now have hope for her to save this devil!
If you mom is quite weak, maybe you can ask your doctor on the possibility of having a chemo sensitivity test, to find out which drugs would not work or would be least effective...
i do not know much about it... and my mom will have to probably go to another town to have it as they do not have it everywhere.....
My mom is doing fine for the moment. She is still doing her Whole Brain Radiation (WBR) and once she completes that she will have to do a CT scan to check if it is working... then 1 month rest to recuperate and then she will be starting with chemo. My mom has brain and bone metastisis.
Keep me informed about how your mom is progressing with her treatment.
Good luck and let's pray for the best.
Fran
Joined: Jun 2009
Hello everyone,
I am new to CSN. I was diagnosed with a lung tomour in June last year. I underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of my left lung followed by 12 weeks of chemo and later 6 weeks radiation. Abnormalities were noticed in both lungs even before the radiation treatment was complete.
I was put on 150mg daily dose of Tarceva almost five weeks ago. Does anyone have experience of how long it takes with the drug before its starts to show improvement?
Joined: Jul 2009
my Dad has just started this drug after receiving chemo (he has stage IV NSCLC) he couldn't finish the chemo so they decided to put him on Tarceva....i'm wondering also if anyone has any comments (good or bad) about being on it.He was Rx in JAn/09
Joined: Feb 2007
I'm taking Tarceva - I have NSCLC with brain mets. I began with 150mg daily which was way too much, considering I weigh in under 80lbs these days (which isn't as bad as it sounds as I'm short). I shortly broke out in hives and my face swelled up so badly I could barely see. After some adjustments - reducing to 100mg, taking every two days instead of every day, and dealing with a round of pinkeye brought on by the Tarceva, I think I've hit the right dosage - three days on and one day off! My oncologist gave me the latitude to experiment so that I get maximum medicinal effect with minimal side effects.
I get terribly dry skin with this medicine, too, but I've found Eucerin Plus Intensive Care lotion to be nothing short of miraculous for this.
At my last scan there were no new growths, I'm due for a PET scan at the end of this month...
Joined: Sep 2009
my husband has supposedly been in stage 4 since dec.07..he was doing chemo and radiation and i think even though he was getting sooo nauseas and loss of appetite, he should have continued with chemo via i.v six months of tarceva and it just didnt do nothing. but everybody is different. the only side effect he got from the tarceva was a bad rash.my husband is a fighter and we will not give up.god bless you.if in 2-3 months , you see its not working...move on to the next treatment option, dont wait, like some doctors do.!!!
Joined: Feb 2007
Luckily, my doctor, like most, doesn't belong in that category; he's always looking out for the next treatment for me, and we keep an eye on the scans to see what works and what doesn't :) I think of Tarceva as a holding drug - it may not kill the cancer, but it keeps it from growing (well, I hope so anyway). In the meantime, who knows what new thing will come down the pipe!
Joined: Jan 2010
Where was the chemo sensitivity test done and how long did it take to get the results back? My husband was just diagnosed with stage IV of the lung and he doesn't want to waste time taking chemo with the wrong medicines.
Joined: Jul 2009
I have been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in both lungs, right side non-small cell, left side small cell with mets to the lymps. I also suffer from CHF congestive heart failure and am presently operating on 45% of my heart, I have had multiple strokes and have early onset of Altzheimers and Parkinsons, I am currently on Hospice care , but I am still going, I am 49yrs old (X) Marine married and happy. I ride in a power wheel chair because the Parkinson and chemo have effected my brain. But I am not sorry I did chemo it bought me more time with my wife and 5 grandchildren.Sometimes we just have to believe that things will work the way their suppose to and that all things will be okay. Everything has risks, but if we don't try than we have let go of hope. I don't mean try something that is off the wall, but treatments that have a good chance of working , even a little are worth it to me. I don't want to think of the future but I am not scared of it, I have been doing treatments since apirl of 2008 and just hope for more time.
My prayers are with all who have this disease and their families, that they find peace and continue to live life no matter what the diagnosis is.. enjoy life and laught, it helps.
Joined: Jul 2009
Just got a new check up and still confusing the Docs, My cancer has spread more but they still don't get my happy go lucky attitude. Well I aim to out last anything they say.. so the time limit thing is just a loose reference, you can keep going with the right attitude..
Joined: Jun 2009
You have a wonderful attitude, and not only does that probably make it better for you, but also for your family and friends. I hope your docs get that, and spread that positive vibe to other patients. I'm amazed at my mother's attitude as well (SCLC) - her ability to really take things one day at a time is enviable. But maybe this is God's gift that is given to those faced with the ultimate challenge... to really live each day without regrets for the past, or worry for the future.
All the best to you - please keep us posted.
Joined: Aug 2009
my husband was diagnosed with stage iv lung cancer 14 months ago. they tried 6 of the best chemo drugs out in the market. Cancer still growing even with chemo. he was told nothing more can be done for him medically. my question is: how long might he live? what do i expect? i will hate to see him in pin. thanks
Joined: Aug 2009
my husband was diagnosed with stage iv lung cancer 14 months ago. they tried 6 of the best chemo drugs out in the market. Cancer still growing even with chemo. he was told nothing more can be done for him medically. my question is: how long might he live? what do i expect? i will hate to see him in pin. thanks
Joined: Aug 2009
my husband was diagnosed with stage iv lung cancer 14 months ago. they tried 6 of the best chemo drugs out in the market. Cancer still growing even with chemo. he was told nothing more can be done for him medically. my question is: how long might he live? what do i expect? i will hate to see him in pin. thanks
Joined: Jul 2009
There is no one who can say how long, Docs have said I have out lived their longest expectations. What you can do is look to each other with strength and love. Enjoy the time that is not what might be. I realize it is hard, if you have read my bio you may notice that I know what pain is, and hate to see anyone suffer, but if he can enjoy what he has left isn't that better than trying to count days, months or whatever. You have time now, enjoy it as best you can, no one knows when our time is up, but we do know we're alive now.
Our prayers are with your husband and you and your family.
Dan and Margi Harmon
Joined: Jan 2010
My father, a 55 year old smoker of 40 years has just been diagnosed (not suprisingly) with Lung Cancer this past week. He had no idea he had cancer. Infact, 2 years ago he underwent back surgery to replace his L2,3 and 4 with a bone graft. They had herniated and ruptured, and were setting off a chain reaction. Therefore the graft was necessary. He had that surgery Thanksgiving week of 2008. For the past 2 years he has undergone much therapy, checkups and scans of various sorts. He has been X-rayed and checked multiple times and there were never any indications of cancer. This surgery and the subsequent months of pain medications led to a addiction to pain medication. Early in 2009 he was able to finally kick his addiction to the percocet. Around mid-2009 he started experiencing new pains in his legs and other parts of his body. Of course, as most, he just took tylenol or whatever he could and assumed that it was somehow related to the major surgery and the pains that he hadnt noticed before because of the high volume of pain medications he was taking. He ignored the pains. Around September of 2009 his ribs began to hurt. He went to the doctor and was told to just take it easy, there was a fracture. Nothing more was done at that time and no cancer was discovered. Thanksgiving of 2009 he began experiencing an increase in the pains in his lower right leg, ankle and shoulder area. Again, assumed it was wear and tear. He already has screws in his ankle since a injury he sustained as an athlete in his mid-20's. He just assumed the pain was a part of growing older and all the rough and tumble activities of his youth. I started to notice a tremendous decrease in his energy, outlook, and color around that time along with what appeared to be rapid aging. He just suddenly started to look frail and older and not the brave, strong (sometimes scary) man I remember!! Very strict, disiplined parent who taught me many things, stubborness among those :) The week before Christmas he woke up with excruciating pains in his shoulder area. He went to the doctor who took an X-ray and said that he had hurt his rotator cup. They put him in a sling and sent him home. He also took a full body scan to see if there was a common denominator between the pains he had been experiencing, which other doctors just dismissed. Wednesday of last week we recieved the news that 17 spots showed up on his body scan. His ribs (which had been hurting in September) had broken and his alleged rotator cup was actually a fracture to his humerous, collarbone and clavicle. The reason: Lung cancer that had metastatized to the bones. Less than a week later, yesterday, he underwent surgery. Because his bones are already so severly deteriorated where the cancer has spread, they surgically implanted metal in his right Tibia and Left Femur. They told us after surgery that they found (just prior to operating) that his shoulders/clavicle will need to be stabalized as well as both his arms. His bones are already so weakened that they have instructed him not to use his arms to pick himself up, sit up or anything. They are saying that even the slightest pressure will cause fractures/breaks. This is completely blindsiding the family as he was fine until last Wed (as far as we knew). All of the sudden he is this very fragile man who is being told he will not be able to utilize his extremities until surgically stabalized. In just the past week I have watched his front porch become handicap accessible with a ramp, a power chair has been brought to his home, he has undergone surgery, he his frail and in a bad way right now. We are being told the cancer originated in the Lung (and there is a mass present) but beyond that we are not being told ANYTHING about the odds/treatments etc. My research has concluded that simply based on the fact that it is Lung Cancer with Mets to the bone that it is staged as IV and that the prognosis is very very grim. But he is not being told anything other than that he will be wheelchair bound for a tremendous length of time. The paperwork has already been filed to retire him disabled from Civil Service. It's just all happening at once. In everything that I'm reading my own mood and mindset is getting worse. Of course I was shocked by the initial news, depressed, angry, denial, all 5 stages of grief were pretty much covered over a short 2 day period. The rest of the week has been filled with prepping for surgery, surgery itself and preparing for the aftermath and what might lie in the near future. It is reassuring to read your story. I hope my father has as much fight in him as you do. He's always been a strong man, but he already seems so defeated. His brother just died in November from the exact same thing and his father died from the same thing several years ago. The same exact trend with both of them, fine one day, diagnosed the next, dead within a very short period of time. For my grandfather it was a few months, for my uncle, a few weeks. My father appears to be dwelling on those familiar odds. And in my reading I've learned that this appears to be a likely outcome, but your story, gives me that little ray of hope in an otherwise dark and dreary world (atleast at the moment). It does appear that my entire world is falling apart in front of me. In June my father gave me away at my wedding, he appeared fine! And now, there is the possibility that he won't be around on my first wedding anniversary. I think that is the initial mindset when you recieve this type of news. Some moments I'm positive in my outlook and other moments I can't help but think about the other possibility. I know that's my brains way of "wrapping my head around" something my heart just can't comprehend. Thank you for inspring me, hopefully, sharing these types of positive stories will inspire my father as well. Best of luck with your continued treatment!!!!
Joined: Jul 2009
My family history is full of heart disease and cancer, so I can related to your Father think of the odds some times, but it doesnt mean the same for him. I hope that he can grasp a positive attitude and hang on to it, it will help him and everyone else.
I am presently on Hospice, was given on Jan 09 4-6 months left, well its been over a year on Hospice (2+yrs since cancer diagnosis) and I am still going, I think it is becasue I have a Positive attitude and a great support system that has helped greatly.
I wish your Father, You and You family a peace to accept what we cant change and the hope to cherish the time you do have, cherish it, no one has a forsure thing, anything can happen to anyone, even those with out this disease. Just hold strong to each other and cherish the day you have, and life for the moment, you cant change or live in the future, it will be here soon enough.
Our Prayers and Best Wishes to Your Father,You and Your Family,
Dan cobra1122) and Margi Harmon
Joined: Jun 2009
i jusat had my surgery 33 days ago. I ws also told that they took all of it and I need no further treatment. HOWEVER, CANCER IS CANCER and we must gete used to it. I am happy with the news but that does not mean that I am cancer free for ever. When I went in I had all the confidence in the world and I made it. I still have that confidence, and I have been back to almost normal for the last 15 of the 33 days since my surgery...JUST DO NOT OVER DO IT, JUST TAKE IT EASY AND KEEP ON ROLLING. I am 77 and I am moving on at my own pace.
I don't know what it is with this monster but it attacks us in many differene ways.
I WILL FIGHT IT AS LONG AS I CAN.
Saludos
don Carlos
Joined: Aug 2009
At age 51,I was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma with bone and lymph node mets in April 2008. I went to MD Anderson in May 2008 to determine my treatment. I started 10 rounds of radiation June 2008. I started chemo at St. Francis medical center (MD Anderson management center) in August 2008. My first line was Carbo and Gemzar for 4 rounds. After that I started Alimta as a maintenance. The Alimta worked until March 2009 when I had progression to the adrenal glands. I took Tarceva for 2 months, but the mets grew and I started coughing up blood. On July 13th, I started Carbo and Taxol, Avastin was added on August 3rd. I have increased risk of bleeding with the Avastin due to coughing up blood. But my oncologist believes it is a risk I have to take. During this time I have continued to work one full time and 2 part time jobs. I gave up one part time job in January. I have a lot of fatigue as my hemoglobin is usually below 9. I do not get much work done at home other than dishes and laundry. I used to do a lot of construction work on my house, as well as the mowing and housework. Now my husband mows the lawn. We still take a vacation every 6 months. Granted, I usually just want to lay around when we go. I did not loose any weight, instead I have gained 30#. I have lost the hair on my head, but not the hair on my legs. I feel that God has blessed me, as I should not be doing as well as I am. I hope this helps those of you facing this same problem. I try not to let the cancer control me, but that is not always easy to do.
God Bless You All,
Donna