Small Cell Lung Cancer

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Comments

  • monica4g
    monica4g Member Posts: 2
    Hi everyone, I am new to this

    Hi everyone, I am new to this site myself and know that sharing with other that are in the same place as me and my family is very impotant. We just found out that my mom has small cell lung cancer, I think she is still in shock as for me, I have cryied so much that nothing comes out anymore. I have read so many positive stories and want to thank everyone for sharing. I beleive that God has a plan and some times its not what we want or think should happen, but he never wants us to lose hope and reading these stories has gave me that. The next few days seem like they will be one of the hardest, doctor needs to determine what stage and the game plan. thanks to you guys that have openend your hearts with info, so those of us that are a newbie won't fill in the dark

  • monica4g
    monica4g Member Posts: 2
    Hi everyone, I am new to this

    Hi everyone, I am new to this site myself and know that sharing with other that are in the same place as me and my family is very impotant. We just found out that my mom has small cell lung cancer, I think she is still in shock as for me, I have cryied so much that nothing comes out anymore. I have read so many positive stories and want to thank everyone for sharing. I beleive that God has a plan and some times its not what we want or think should happen, but he never wants us to lose hope and reading these stories has gave me that. The next few days seem like they will be one of the hardest, doctor needs to determine what stage and the game plan. thanks to you guys that have openend your hearts with info, so those of us that are a newbie won't fill in the dark

  • LadyJ1963
    LadyJ1963 Member Posts: 2
    My husband newly diagnosed with SCLC week before Easter 2013

    Hi everyone-I am so happy to have found this website, because I too am new at this, I am my husband's caregiver, and it is not an easy task even though we will be celebrating out 26 year wedding anniversary this upcomong June and have been together since we were 16 from high school, we are both 50 years young, and my husband "HAD QUIT" smoking about three months prior to the diagnosis (go figiure!) Doing the right thing, then hit with this terrible disease, so angy, so scared so upset, I wish they would just STOP manufacturing cigarettes!! The government can't because they would lose out on billions, especially here in NEW YORK, packs are over $10.00...The US Government is keeping everyone "addicted"....but besides that, it is terrible.  I have seen him deteriorate before my eyes within one months time from the diagnosis!  The weekend before  Easter he was having bad heartburn and nausea, tried everything, nothing worked, ironically, I called our Physician who called in a script for ZOFRAN (the anti-nausea meds given to Chemo Patients) it helped a little, but not great, so we went to the ER that Tuesday, they did the blood work, ask a million questions, he was alwasy complaing of bad back pain under the "wing" shoulder blade, continually and his side as well......(Where the liver is)......hence, e was told he had phneuomonia and they saw a mass...... w were then told he had lung cancer, blew us away!! Our whole world, crumbled down right then and there.......We could not understand as to why everyone gave him a "clean-Bill-of health" pior because he has QUiT, all blood work and cardiologist reports were all good!!!  Go figure :(

    But the bottom line was, he had a belly sono and the cancer went there as well as to the brain, for which he has received 14 rounds of Radiation to his brain, (last one was yesterday, 4/28/13), had his 3 consecutive days of the chemo (VP16 and Cisplatin) HARD and AGGRESSIVE......the only way to treat the DEVIL of Cancer......he is off for 21 days now till the NEXT round of Chemo, for those with low sodium issues, there is a MIRACLE Drug called SAMSCA (I call it the GOLD!) I have a $2,000.00 Co-Pay for a one month supply (once a day), seems to be the ONLY thing that help it stay at the proper levels, because the tumors secrete a horman that depletes the sodium, causing the person to be dilusional, has a chance to have seizures, brain bleed, leasons, etc.....My husbands had gone down to 107 and you have to be hospitalized (Normal level is 125-135).....they introduced the drug while he was hospitalized..... :(  We have two insurances as weel, if we had no insurance it would have cost $9,000.00 fr 15MG and $18,000.00 for the 30 MG pill!!!! LUDICROUS!!!!! Adam has been weak, so fatigued it is unbeleiveable but TOTALLY normal.  He is dead weight, I have to lift him up off the recliner, mind you, this man is a BIKER dude and was big and Buff, he has to be strong and he is, he is determined to FIGHT this monster inside!

    All I can say is, keep the faith, and if you are a cargiver like me, I can totally relate to all you are feeling, it is tough!!!! Me and my husband have been together forever......and I intend to keep it that way!!!  STAY STRONG AND FIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!  God Bless everyone battling and dealing with a loved one with this horiffic disease and please stop smoking if you have not done so already.........this is CANCER IS THE Devil's advocate from cigarette smoking, thanks a bunch Philip Morris, the manufacturers of MARLBORO LIGHTS 100's!  If anyone has any questions, or advice for me as a newby, please feel free to contact me.....God Bless xoxoxoxoxo

  • LadyJ1963
    LadyJ1963 Member Posts: 2
    nipcat said:

    hi
    hi dont be scared i have sclc for the last 6 months is going god is good

    Hi Nipcat-  I hope this finds

    Hi Nipcat-  I hope this finds you well. xoxoxox

  • Karirenee
    Karirenee Member Posts: 2
    LadyJ1963 said:

    My husband newly diagnosed with SCLC week before Easter 2013

    Hi everyone-I am so happy to have found this website, because I too am new at this, I am my husband's caregiver, and it is not an easy task even though we will be celebrating out 26 year wedding anniversary this upcomong June and have been together since we were 16 from high school, we are both 50 years young, and my husband "HAD QUIT" smoking about three months prior to the diagnosis (go figiure!) Doing the right thing, then hit with this terrible disease, so angy, so scared so upset, I wish they would just STOP manufacturing cigarettes!! The government can't because they would lose out on billions, especially here in NEW YORK, packs are over $10.00...The US Government is keeping everyone "addicted"....but besides that, it is terrible.  I have seen him deteriorate before my eyes within one months time from the diagnosis!  The weekend before  Easter he was having bad heartburn and nausea, tried everything, nothing worked, ironically, I called our Physician who called in a script for ZOFRAN (the anti-nausea meds given to Chemo Patients) it helped a little, but not great, so we went to the ER that Tuesday, they did the blood work, ask a million questions, he was alwasy complaing of bad back pain under the "wing" shoulder blade, continually and his side as well......(Where the liver is)......hence, e was told he had phneuomonia and they saw a mass...... w were then told he had lung cancer, blew us away!! Our whole world, crumbled down right then and there.......We could not understand as to why everyone gave him a "clean-Bill-of health" pior because he has QUiT, all blood work and cardiologist reports were all good!!!  Go figure :(

    But the bottom line was, he had a belly sono and the cancer went there as well as to the brain, for which he has received 14 rounds of Radiation to his brain, (last one was yesterday, 4/28/13), had his 3 consecutive days of the chemo (VP16 and Cisplatin) HARD and AGGRESSIVE......the only way to treat the DEVIL of Cancer......he is off for 21 days now till the NEXT round of Chemo, for those with low sodium issues, there is a MIRACLE Drug called SAMSCA (I call it the GOLD!) I have a $2,000.00 Co-Pay for a one month supply (once a day), seems to be the ONLY thing that help it stay at the proper levels, because the tumors secrete a horman that depletes the sodium, causing the person to be dilusional, has a chance to have seizures, brain bleed, leasons, etc.....My husbands had gone down to 107 and you have to be hospitalized (Normal level is 125-135).....they introduced the drug while he was hospitalized..... :(  We have two insurances as weel, if we had no insurance it would have cost $9,000.00 fr 15MG and $18,000.00 for the 30 MG pill!!!! LUDICROUS!!!!! Adam has been weak, so fatigued it is unbeleiveable but TOTALLY normal.  He is dead weight, I have to lift him up off the recliner, mind you, this man is a BIKER dude and was big and Buff, he has to be strong and he is, he is determined to FIGHT this monster inside!

    All I can say is, keep the faith, and if you are a cargiver like me, I can totally relate to all you are feeling, it is tough!!!! Me and my husband have been together forever......and I intend to keep it that way!!!  STAY STRONG AND FIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!  God Bless everyone battling and dealing with a loved one with this horiffic disease and please stop smoking if you have not done so already.........this is CANCER IS THE Devil's advocate from cigarette smoking, thanks a bunch Philip Morris, the manufacturers of MARLBORO LIGHTS 100's!  If anyone has any questions, or advice for me as a newby, please feel free to contact me.....God Bless xoxoxoxoxo

    small cell lung cancer

    I am new here. I was diagnosed in February 2013 with stage 3 small cell lung cancer. I just finished chemo and radiation. Now we wait for 3 weeks for a CT-scan to see if it is truly gone. So far they say the cancer did not metastizise anywhere else. No mention has been made for brain radiation as a preventative to me. Now I am not certain if I trust the people who are treating me! I am very afraid and sure need counciling but I have no health insurance so I feel like a second class citizen and just maybe not getting all the care I need to beat this due to my lack of finances. I live in a small rural area with limited resources to help people like me. The only reason I am still sane (I think I am still sane!) is my family. And my belief that God is in charge here, but I am still way depressed and was looking for people who have survived this horrible disease to give me hope that I can beat this too. Thanks for listening to me!

  • Sophy123
    Sophy123 Member Posts: 1
    Karirenee said:

    small cell lung cancer

    I am new here. I was diagnosed in February 2013 with stage 3 small cell lung cancer. I just finished chemo and radiation. Now we wait for 3 weeks for a CT-scan to see if it is truly gone. So far they say the cancer did not metastizise anywhere else. No mention has been made for brain radiation as a preventative to me. Now I am not certain if I trust the people who are treating me! I am very afraid and sure need counciling but I have no health insurance so I feel like a second class citizen and just maybe not getting all the care I need to beat this due to my lack of finances. I live in a small rural area with limited resources to help people like me. The only reason I am still sane (I think I am still sane!) is my family. And my belief that God is in charge here, but I am still way depressed and was looking for people who have survived this horrible disease to give me hope that I can beat this too. Thanks for listening to me!

    Keep strong

    Hi All & Karirenee

    I'm also new to this site. My mum was diagnosed with SCLC stage 4 Extensive. On the 28th Feb 2013. Scary stuff!

    It spread to both lungs. Windpipe, and nymph lobes. She had pleural effusion as well.  They put a stent in to help to breathe, and function, and carried out urgent chemo in first week of march.

    She just coming to the end of her treatment with chemo, they gave us 8 months from day of diagnosis !!  But there not god, they don't know everything do they? Bit worried about what next, life after her session. I'm worried it may come back.

     And all your stories have certainly given me hope and belief. So I can help my mum fight.! As she very worried, scared, tired, and is not really wanting to hear any kind of timeframe given. 

     

    We are fortunate that we live in the UK, so cost isn't a worry as such for us over here. I feel for you and pray that you can get the help and support and treatment you need karirenee.

    If anyone has a similar situation to my mum and can offer advise that would be wonderful. !!! 

  • Jorge
    Jorge Member Posts: 3
    Karirenee said:

    small cell lung cancer

    I am new here. I was diagnosed in February 2013 with stage 3 small cell lung cancer. I just finished chemo and radiation. Now we wait for 3 weeks for a CT-scan to see if it is truly gone. So far they say the cancer did not metastizise anywhere else. No mention has been made for brain radiation as a preventative to me. Now I am not certain if I trust the people who are treating me! I am very afraid and sure need counciling but I have no health insurance so I feel like a second class citizen and just maybe not getting all the care I need to beat this due to my lack of finances. I live in a small rural area with limited resources to help people like me. The only reason I am still sane (I think I am still sane!) is my family. And my belief that God is in charge here, but I am still way depressed and was looking for people who have survived this horrible disease to give me hope that I can beat this too. Thanks for listening to me!

    Hope

    Hi to several of you,

    I was diagnosed 5 years ago with NSC adenocarcinoma; had removal of my right upper lobe, some 50 nodes (3 positive) and exploration of my mediastinum (negative). Then 3 months of standard 2 drug chemo. 1 1/2 years after completing that, the cancer recurred in 2 areas on my left lung. Had another course of chemo---3 drugs, although I couldn't tolerate one of them---and made some major lifestyle and dietary changes and began using alternative medicines. I'm cancer-free and just returned from a week of scuba diving in the S. Pacific. I'm happy to supply anyone with my regimen, conventional and not conventional, but cannot see how to attach it to this document so please e-mail me at george@senecacenter.org. 

    It's very scary but I think that alternative medicine and dietary changes can have a huge effect. I was able to tolerate Taxol without significant neuropathy but others have had real difficulty with it. My neighbor's neuropathy has improved and he can now play guitar again----he was totally unable to for 2 years. 

    George

  • irene22
    irene22 Member Posts: 8
    Jorge said:

    Hope

    Hi to several of you,

    I was diagnosed 5 years ago with NSC adenocarcinoma; had removal of my right upper lobe, some 50 nodes (3 positive) and exploration of my mediastinum (negative). Then 3 months of standard 2 drug chemo. 1 1/2 years after completing that, the cancer recurred in 2 areas on my left lung. Had another course of chemo---3 drugs, although I couldn't tolerate one of them---and made some major lifestyle and dietary changes and began using alternative medicines. I'm cancer-free and just returned from a week of scuba diving in the S. Pacific. I'm happy to supply anyone with my regimen, conventional and not conventional, but cannot see how to attach it to this document so please e-mail me at george@senecacenter.org. 

    It's very scary but I think that alternative medicine and dietary changes can have a huge effect. I was able to tolerate Taxol without significant neuropathy but others have had real difficulty with it. My neighbor's neuropathy has improved and he can now play guitar again----he was totally unable to for 2 years. 

    George

    NSC adenocarcinoma Stage 4

    Hi,

    I am also new to this board. I was diagnosed August 21, 2012 with NSC adenocarcinoma Stage 4 lung cancer after fighting a cold that would not go away. It wasn't a surprise since I smoked and was in the process of quitting.  I haven't had a cigarette since that day. I began chemo treatments of 3 drugs Aug 30,2012 that ended Nov. 2012. My body reacted well to the chemo treatments well (side effects were a challenge). No radiation treatments were suggested. My oncologist put me on daily pill of 150 mg Tarceva the beginning of Dec.2012. So far the tumor continuses to srink and I'm doing well.

    Even though my progress has been good and I don't feel bad, the diagnosis still hangs over my head like a shoe that is ready to fall. I was wondering if there is anyone else out there with NSC adenocarcinoma that has been taking Tarceva that would can chat with me.

    Irene 

  • leeann52
    leeann52 Member Posts: 1
    nipcat said:

    hi
    hi dont be scared i have sclc for the last 6 months is going god is good

    nsclc

    Just been diagnosed with stage 2A nsclc. Trying to get insurance for more tests and surgery. I am petrified.need a pet scan and i think an mri.

  • newbeginning2013
    newbeginning2013 Member Posts: 2
    PCI

    Hi Lisa. My mom was diagnosed with sclc in September 2012. She underwent the PCI and said that was the worst part of her treatment. She underwent the maximum due to several tumors on her brain so her experience may not be typical. So far she has had 20 PCI, 30 Lung Radiation, 6 rounds of chemo and Last week began a second chemo treatment. I know what you mean about the information being grim. My understanding is that sclc is not curable but is treatable. I pray everyday that my mom beats the odds and goes into remission. You have a much better chance of recovery than my mom does as when they found the cancer she had her primary tumor on the lung, several on the brain and some lymph nodes were affected. She has had a tumor removed from her spine and now has to see the radiation Dr because she has three more on her spine. She also has one now on her liver and one on an adrenal gland. As you can see, hers has spread rapidly even with treatment. I pray yours was caught early and that you have many years to spend with your family.  

  • newbeginning2013
    newbeginning2013 Member Posts: 2
    Karirenee said:

    small cell lung cancer

    I am new here. I was diagnosed in February 2013 with stage 3 small cell lung cancer. I just finished chemo and radiation. Now we wait for 3 weeks for a CT-scan to see if it is truly gone. So far they say the cancer did not metastizise anywhere else. No mention has been made for brain radiation as a preventative to me. Now I am not certain if I trust the people who are treating me! I am very afraid and sure need counciling but I have no health insurance so I feel like a second class citizen and just maybe not getting all the care I need to beat this due to my lack of finances. I live in a small rural area with limited resources to help people like me. The only reason I am still sane (I think I am still sane!) is my family. And my belief that God is in charge here, but I am still way depressed and was looking for people who have survived this horrible disease to give me hope that I can beat this too. Thanks for listening to me!

    PCI

    Everything I have read indicates that full brain radiation should be done as a prophylactic treatment. sclc can spread so quickly and the brain is one of the areas first affected. My mom was diagnosed with sclc and has underwent 20 full brain, 30 lung and a full treatment of chemo. She just began a new round of chemo and has to see the radiation Dr. to find out options for new tumors on her spine. I would question my Dr. about the brain radiation just to be safe. My mom underwent both at the same time but some do radiation after chemo. I hope this helps you.

  • Gray Hair Gypsy
    Gray Hair Gypsy Member Posts: 5
    PMACC1 said:

    LUNG CANCER
    HI IM PAUL IM A 10 YEAR SURVIVOR OF LIMITED STAGE SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
    HAD CEMO PLUS RADIATION = ALSO RADIATION TO MY BRAIN WHEN I WAS FIRST AWARE I HAD LUNG CANCER THEY DIDNT GIVE ME AND HOPE OF EVEN LIVING DURING THE FIRST ROUND OF CEMO
    YOU COULDNT SEE MY LUNGS ON THE X-RAY ALL YOU COULD SEE WAS A BUNCH OF SPOTS THAT LOOKED LIKE OATMEAL.. IT HAD STARDED ON MY RIGHT LUNG AND CROSSED OVER TO MY LEFT LUNG AND WAS WRAPING ITS SELF AROUND MY HEART.. BUT THANK GOD HE SPARED ME AND IM FREE FROM CANCER... 2-2001 TIL NOW 7-2011

    My brother diagnosed with Lung cancer this winter.

    Hi Paul, It is up lifting to read your story. My brother is battleing lung cancer and is the hospital as I write this, with a collasped lung. cancer is a scary thing. But there are so many survior stories that help us all cope with our own or a love ones battle to beat it. Thanks for sharing. I needed this. M

  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    leeann52 said:

    nsclc

    Just been diagnosed with stage 2A nsclc. Trying to get insurance for more tests and surgery. I am petrified.need a pet scan and i think an mri.

    Welcome!

    Contact the social worker in the oncology department of your hospital.  They have programs that help qualify you for special funds they set aside.  If no luck there look into Medicare.  

  • bobbysr2
    bobbysr2 Member Posts: 1
    elisa60 said:

    linfighter

    Hi ,  Yes there are survivors of small cell.  My husband was diagnosed Aug. 2009.  He is cancer free now, the mass is gone  (april, 2013).  He opted for clinical trial with the usual first line defense cocktail of chemo, with agressive radiation treatment.  We cant thank the Buffalo VA enough.  After going to a well known Cancer Institute and them just saying to" get your affairs in order", we couldnt get out of there quick enough.  SO YES LINFIGHTER  YOU CAN AND WILL SURVIVE.  STAY POSITIVE, GET INFORMED, DO YOUR RESEARCH , AND BE AGGRESSIVE.  You might be interested to know that three others that started the trial the same time as my husband at the VA are also alive.     God speed

    sclc

    can you tell me where you got treatment i am running out of options i feel i keep looking and reaching out thanks and good luck with all

  • alive and well
    alive and well Member Posts: 1
    stage 3b nsc

    Positive attitude, most important... dont fear. I found out on 10/26/2015 left lung 8.5cm x 4.4cm upper left lung. I am in Dunedin Fla. so I flew to Cleveland Clinic for a biopsy on November 5th then Returned to the sunshine state and began 6 regimens of chemo on November 16th. Radiation was added on January 11th. daily for 6 weeks. (From discovery until the end of treatments March 12th. 2016 a total of 143 days.) I feel great. My Doctor is upbeat that my stage 3b cancer is being defeated. And calls me a Wonder.

    I was always nauseated and low energy, no appetite and smells affected me at the time I was diagnosed. once into Chemo nausea and other symptoms went away. i did not burn during radiation. I am 62 years old and came through it all in good condition. My worst moment was during a night after start of chemo when I threw up a lot of blood. ( Good thing) It cleared out my lungs and I slept like a baby. and I have breathed easier since I no longer cough etc. I believe my worst is behind me. My husband removes all negativity from my sight. Including any family (Children and grandchildren problems) they resolve anyway. We laugh alot and without a doubt this is the best prescription for beating stage 3 cancer. " Will know through CT scan on on April 7th True results.

  • Alot2live4
    Alot2live4 Member Posts: 14

    stage 3b nsc

    Positive attitude, most important... dont fear. I found out on 10/26/2015 left lung 8.5cm x 4.4cm upper left lung. I am in Dunedin Fla. so I flew to Cleveland Clinic for a biopsy on November 5th then Returned to the sunshine state and began 6 regimens of chemo on November 16th. Radiation was added on January 11th. daily for 6 weeks. (From discovery until the end of treatments March 12th. 2016 a total of 143 days.) I feel great. My Doctor is upbeat that my stage 3b cancer is being defeated. And calls me a Wonder.

    I was always nauseated and low energy, no appetite and smells affected me at the time I was diagnosed. once into Chemo nausea and other symptoms went away. i did not burn during radiation. I am 62 years old and came through it all in good condition. My worst moment was during a night after start of chemo when I threw up a lot of blood. ( Good thing) It cleared out my lungs and I slept like a baby. and I have breathed easier since I no longer cough etc. I believe my worst is behind me. My husband removes all negativity from my sight. Including any family (Children and grandchildren problems) they resolve anyway. We laugh alot and without a doubt this is the best prescription for beating stage 3 cancer. " Will know through CT scan on on April 7th True results.

    I too had stage 3 lung cancer

    Good luck with your CT scan. After I had my right lung removed and four treatments of chemo, my first Pet Scan showed two reactive lymph nodes, a lession in my back and nodules on my right lung. Back to chemo I went, but this time six treatments (last July through October). Today I am happy to report that since then I have had two (results today from the second one) clean pet scans and am feeling better eveyday. Don't give up hope and keep that positive attitude. I truley believe it helps!

  • crazytorz
    crazytorz Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2016 #38
    PCI for SCLC

    My husband has to make the difficult decision whether or not to get Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI).   We were told that he would have a new "normal" and probably wouldn't be able to continue his job as an engineer due to cognitive problems afterward.   Anyone out there have this done and how did it affect you?

     

  • Hdslim
    Hdslim Member Posts: 3 Member
    edited October 2020 #39
    Lung Cancer Side Effects

    My wife has lung cancer and has Keytruda treatments evrery 3 weeks.  She has considrable fatigue.  Sleeps 12-14 hours per day.  Don't know if it is strickly her Keytruda treatments or her medications or a combination of both.  Has anyone else had the fatigue side effect from Keytruda?

  • dmal70
    dmal70 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2020 #40
    You truly are an inspiration.

    You truly are an inspiration. Keep going ahead