Chemo decision...need help

dreamer925
dreamer925 Member Posts: 19
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I had a lobectomy in Sept and was just told that I need chemo as there is 30-40% the cancer will come back. It was stage 1, but grade B. Is there anyone out there who can give me some answers for chemo? I read Melissa Etheridge's interview and she makes it sound 'near death' experience. I don't know if I can go through that. I don't sleep at night worrying about this. Please, I need help.

Comments

  • stage4survivor
    stage4survivor Member Posts: 6
    #2
    A qualified, yes you need chemo. What kind, for how many cycles, why 3 months post-op? Where are you? Are you being treated by a cancer center?
    I received 2 doses pre-op to shrink a 1cm lesion and a third dose 6 months post-op
  • 8965
    8965 Member Posts: 34
    #3
    Greetings..My dad has lung cancer was diagnosed in Novemeber. He also has copd a severe lung disorder and heart failure when we were told he had cancer that made it three major things wrong with him. His health is already poor but he just finished his second round of chemo, although it was tough, he was tired and couldnt eat due to a sore throat he fought, and fought. His blood cells got low and worked their way back up again and everyday got a little better. But he didnt give up, I dont know what your going thru or what exactly he went through all I know is that anyone with cancer that fights it is a hero! He is a 67 year old man in poor health and he is the strongest man I know, I am so proud to be his daughter. He has good and bad days but everyday got a little better, and we relish in that. Best of luck to you and your personal decision you are in my prayers as is everyone on this site.
  • Plymouthean
    Plymouthean Member Posts: 262
    #4
    Hi. In 2001, at age 67, I was diagnosed nsclc, stage 3a, inoperable/incurable. After 3 cycles of aggressive chemo and 56 radiation treatments, I had the upper 40% of my right lung removed. Two months post-surgery, I had ten radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments. Pre-op treatments reduced the tumor by 75%, and killed off the cancer cells in my body. Post-op treatments further insured that there would be no return of cancer. The pre-op radiation did some peripheral damage, but that was later repaired. The pre-op chemo was somewhat tough, but not nearly as bad as I had expected. Post-op treatments had no side effects. I'm still here, over 4 years out from surgery, and still cancer free. My advice, based on my experience, is to have the recommended treatments.
  • Plymouthean
    Plymouthean Member Posts: 262
    #5
    Hi again. I just read the Melissa Etheridge interview to which you refer. I believe that it is somewhat misleading, especially as it relates to post-op chemotherapy. I think that you should talk to your doctors, and anyone you can find who has had post-op chemo, to get more information. Again, based on my experience, post-op chemo is not a "near-death experience".
  • MadelynJoe
    MadelynJoe Member Posts: 96
    #6
    I am a Stage IA LC survivor (7 months). I was diagnosed during a routine physical on 5/9/05, had lower R lobe removed on 6/6/05, then did adjuvant chemo (that's when you have chemo even though no further traces of cancer are detectible in the body).

    I also had a "near death" experience as a result of chemo but, I survived and feel GREAT now. My red blood count got down to .8 and normal is between 10 - 12. Great care from my oncologist and oncology nurses brought me through this low point.

    I would encourage you to have chemo. It is very possible to cure early stage cancer and have an 85% chance of a normal lifespan.

    Try to stay calm, keep the faith, and get to an oncologist NOW.

    Best regards, Madelyn
  • MadelynJoe
    MadelynJoe Member Posts: 96
    #7
    Dear Dreamer:

    I am a Stage IA LC survivor (7 months). I was diagnosed during a routine physical on 5/9/05, had lower R lobe removed on 6/6/05, then did adjuvant chemo (that's when you have chemo even though no further traces of cancer are detectible in the body).

    I would encourage you to have chemo despite your fears. You CAN do it! I also had a "near death" experience but, a talented and compassionate Oncologist and Oncology Nurse brought me through with flying colors. (i.e., my red blood count got down to .8 and normal is between 10 and 12.) There are so many new and wonderful drugs for LC that you would be a fool not to give them a try. It is VERY possible to cure early stage cancer and have an 85% chance of a normal lifespan.

    Try to stay calm, keep the faith, and get to an oncologist NOW. You won't regret it in the long run -- neither will your family and loved ones.

    Best regards, Madelyn

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