Lung Cancer Stage 3B

hopehope

stillhere_3yrs said:

NON SMALL CELL STAGE 3B LUNG CANCER
I was touched by your posting, & want you to know that I too have non small cell stage 3B lung cancer, & am alive and doing very well after 3 years. They can no longer see any cancer activity on my PET scans, but are hesistant to say that I am cured. I continue with chemo treatments every 3 weeks, & have been on Alimta (a type of chemo with minimal side effects)for almost 2 1/2 years. My cancer was inoperable because of the size & location of the mass, so I was treated aggressively with radiation & 3 different types of chemo. The hardest part was the first few weeks of treatment, but please know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I lost my hair during treatments but got a wig & went back to work after 12 weeks of treatments. Please don't put too much stock in statistics. Yes, your sister can have a great quality of life. I am proof that it is possible. I wish your sister the best, & will keep her in my thoughts & prayers.

Please help
I came across your post and need some advice on treatment options. My mom is stage 4 NSCL and she just completed 6 sessions of 3rd line of chemo with Alimta. Just got her PET scans and had 15% response to the treatment. Doctor told us that she cannot take any more chemo and they are stopping chemo. They may consider radiation if the pain increases. Please advice. Did my mom ran out of treatment options. What shall I do. What do I have to say to my mom. My mom is not educated and she has not completed understood what doctot said. She is thinking she has response to the treatment and no need to have chemo..I am lost ..so depressed and not sure what to do and what tosay to my mom...

Jim Pantelas

Stage 3b with quality of life
I don't know if my story will help your father at all, but I'm a 4.5 year stage 3b (with stage 4 lymph node involvement) adenocarcinoma survivor. Okay, I hate the word survivor, and my six month check is coming up in 3 more weeks, and this is generally my lowest point in the cycle, but I can assure you that the past 4 years have been the best of my life. I was diagnosed on Sept. 1, 2005. My wife was 6 months pregnant (our first child), and lung cancer is what had ended my father's life. I don't know how my wife got through the diagnosis, but we had so much left to do before the baby arrived, and I had so much I wanted the baby to know that my days got filled with doing all those things you do when you think you're going to die. I bought Birthday cards, Valentine's Day cards, Christmas cards, I wrote cards and letters to a child whose gender I didn't know because I wanted it to know who I had been. It's a very long story, and so much has happened since, but what I can offer will either make you think I'm crazy, or will tell you a lot about my wife - but we now have our 4 year old daughter (Stella), and she now has two baby sisters, Grace, 21 months, and Leda, almost 3 months. And I'm not writing them cards or letters - I'm still here!

Does it suck getting this diagnosis? You bet! Is it hell going through the chemo, radiation, and, in my case, the resection? (Yup, the did the resection before finding out how far it had spread, so the follow on had to include chemo and radiation.) You know it does. You ache with what seems like every breath, and you never get warm, your stomach never seems to settle down, and people tell you stupid things like "it's all about your attitude", but there is another side, and there is an end to it, and there is life at that other end. As Stella, Grace and Leda's daddy I can tell you, there is life - and a glorious, happy, wonderful life - at the other end!

Good luck to you both.

Laura88

Jim Pantelas said:

Stage 3b with quality of life
I don't know if my story will help your father at all, but I'm a 4.5 year stage 3b (with stage 4 lymph node involvement) adenocarcinoma survivor. Okay, I hate the word survivor, and my six month check is coming up in 3 more weeks, and this is generally my lowest point in the cycle, but I can assure you that the past 4 years have been the best of my life. I was diagnosed on Sept. 1, 2005. My wife was 6 months pregnant (our first child), and lung cancer is what had ended my father's life. I don't know how my wife got through the diagnosis, but we had so much left to do before the baby arrived, and I had so much I wanted the baby to know that my days got filled with doing all those things you do when you think you're going to die. I bought Birthday cards, Valentine's Day cards, Christmas cards, I wrote cards and letters to a child whose gender I didn't know because I wanted it to know who I had been. It's a very long story, and so much has happened since, but what I can offer will either make you think I'm crazy, or will tell you a lot about my wife - but we now have our 4 year old daughter (Stella), and she now has two baby sisters, Grace, 21 months, and Leda, almost 3 months. And I'm not writing them cards or letters - I'm still here!

Does it suck getting this diagnosis? You bet! Is it hell going through the chemo, radiation, and, in my case, the resection? (Yup, the did the resection before finding out how far it had spread, so the follow on had to include chemo and radiation.) You know it does. You ache with what seems like every breath, and you never get warm, your stomach never seems to settle down, and people tell you stupid things like "it's all about your attitude", but there is another side, and there is an end to it, and there is life at that other end. As Stella, Grace and Leda's daddy I can tell you, there is life - and a glorious, happy, wonderful life - at the other end!

Good luck to you both.

Thank you, Jim
Jim -- what an amazing story you have. And attitude. Unfortunately things did not work out well for me. The surgeon ordered a PET scan and found mets to the pelvis and brain. I am undergoing whole brain radiation and radiation to the pelvis. I will rest a week or two and then begin chemo again. I am working very, very hard to find the strength you have and I will say posts like yours are what keep me going. I have raised my children, but I raised them alone and worked day and night and missed all the fun things. I now have to beautiful grandchildren and had so very many plans for them -- it's hard to not feel bad for myself for sure -- but I try so hard not to. I try to find a way to do everything I was going to do -- still planning on Disney in a few years, still planning little trips, sometimes just taking the two year old out for icecream is really so much more fun and means so much more than what it used to. I think that is what you were saying? Anyway -- thanks so much, Jim. You are an inspiration to me for sure and I hope to hear from you again. Laura

cebligh

mandm1 said:

3b nsclc
my wife was dx in nov 08 and we started treatment at MD Anderson in houston in jan 09..45 radiation treatments at 72 gy and 8 days on 8 days off with chemo coctail that was 8 to 10 hrs a day at the same time.we came home on march 18th at 81# tired and most of hair gone..the treatment shrunk and collapsed the mass..retreated from the chest wall and unwrapped from the aorta....she is now at 107# and last week a new scan showed 2 new tumors are growing biosys coming in the next couple of weeks and a new chemo treatment to come shortly..a positive attitude has a lot to do with it..and as a caregiver it was up to me to find something that she would eat to get those pounds back.it takes a team..don't give up just get started we won round 1 and will put the beast on the mat for round 2...the war is won 1 battle at a time

Hi I live in Nebraska but
Hi I live in Nebraska but went to MD Anderson last week for a second opinion. They have a whole different appoach to treatment. I am thinking about going to MD Anderson for treatment thinking that they have a lot more experience with the radiation than my current cancer center has. Would you recommend going to MD Anderson. Did you think they made a difference?
Thank you.
Carol

scaroline

indydorsey13 said:

husband lung cancer / stage III-B inoperable
All of the support is great, and connections with others who are dealing with this evil disease...My husband was diagnosed Sept. 28..He hasn't started treatment yet....I think he will start next week... What prognosis did oncologist give you ?



Thanks & God Bless You & Keep the Faith One step at a time
Dorsey

help
I am looking for the woman who has been married for 32 years, and her husband has been diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer. My husband has recently been diagnosed with this horrible disease, and I'm scared to death. He starts Chemo and Rad. tomorrow. We also have been married almost 32 years, he is my whole world, and I need someone to talk to. Please contact me, and give me any advice that you have.

deltafun

BettyBaker said:

stage 3B
In Feb, 2009,I was diagnosed with Stage 3B lung cancer. The tumor in my right lung is 9X7, with 2 lymph nodes between my lungs and one around my collarbone area. With so many scans, ct's and mri's taken and then I began chemotherapy then radiation. It was a whirlwind of a month. With all of that going on it has taken a while for it to hit me and it has hit me hard emotionally. I am trying to find support groups in my area. The Dr's said it was inoperable, unless they can decrease the size of the tumor in my lung enough. So I am confused, scared, and the not knowing is the hardest. But reading still here 3 yrs and another blog, I see there is hope. If you can give me any information I would appreciate it. It has been almost 3 weeks since my first chemo and I have not lost my hair yet. I have been through 2 weeks of radiation and have acid reflux, but the doctor stated that was not caused by the radiation. I feel tired all of the time, I sleep 11 - 12 hrs a night. I have hit a low point and need some reassurances. I am knew at this and don't know where to turn. I am trying to find financial assistance, because I have to pay $5,000 out of pocket and I have called around and don't know for sure what associations, etc. are out there. Any information anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

9x7cm
Hi, I was just told I have a mass about the same size as yours it' 9.3 cm. I was just wondering how you are doing and if teh chemo and radiatain has helped? I start my Chemo tomorrow and the radaition on Wed. As of right now I feel fine and still work out on the treadmill for 35 min a day but not as hard as I used to because I get winded faster now,


Thanks in advance for any info. I will behappy to give you my e-mail adress if you wish to e-mail me there please feel free to do so.

Paula1954

scaroline said:

help
I am looking for the woman who has been married for 32 years, and her husband has been diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer. My husband has recently been diagnosed with this horrible disease, and I'm scared to death. He starts Chemo and Rad. tomorrow. We also have been married almost 32 years, he is my whole world, and I need someone to talk to. Please contact me, and give me any advice that you have.

married 34 years
My husband was diagnosed 4 Dec 2009. He has 3b lung cancer and he successfully had 6 chemo & 38 radiations. He is doing GREAT! The lung is in remission, and he is on a daily dose of tarceva 100 mg for this. In Dec 2010 he had surgery for the tongue & lymph node and the pathology report states they got it all... He just finished a grueling 33 radiations and 6 eurbatux to the head/neck. The worst part of the treatment was the mouth. Started radiation 1 Feb & finished 18 March. As of today May 17, mouth is just NOW getting better. He kept his weight on without a feeding tube despite the incredible pain. He is a miracle himself.

Alphe

scaroline said:

help
I am looking for the woman who has been married for 32 years, and her husband has been diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer. My husband has recently been diagnosed with this horrible disease, and I'm scared to death. He starts Chemo and Rad. tomorrow. We also have been married almost 32 years, he is my whole world, and I need someone to talk to. Please contact me, and give me any advice that you have.

also spouse with 3b lung cancer
How is it going? Want to talk?
My husband also has 3g lung cancer.
We have been married for 38 years.

Alphe

scaroline said:

help
I am looking for the woman who has been married for 32 years, and her husband has been diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer. My husband has recently been diagnosed with this horrible disease, and I'm scared to death. He starts Chemo and Rad. tomorrow. We also have been married almost 32 years, he is my whole world, and I need someone to talk to. Please contact me, and give me any advice that you have.

spouse of 38 years with 3b lung ancer
How is it going?
Know what you are experiencing.How's the support for
both of you?

pam lewis

Paula1954 said:

married 34 years
My husband was diagnosed 4 Dec 2009. He has 3b lung cancer and he successfully had 6 chemo & 38 radiations. He is doing GREAT! The lung is in remission, and he is on a daily dose of tarceva 100 mg for this. In Dec 2010 he had surgery for the tongue & lymph node and the pathology report states they got it all... He just finished a grueling 33 radiations and 6 eurbatux to the head/neck. The worst part of the treatment was the mouth. Started radiation 1 Feb & finished 18 March. As of today May 17, mouth is just NOW getting better. He kept his weight on without a feeding tube despite the incredible pain. He is a miracle himself.

Hello Paula My name is Pam and i have lung cancer
i have been told that have stage 3a lung cancer. i don't know much about it but, it has been hard for me doing the treatments. right now i am doing chemo and it seem to be taking a toll me. i feel that at times that maybe that i should just let what happen, happen but i know i have to do it for my husband, children an grandchildren. it is nice to be able to here now others r doing.i some haves hope thank you much.

pam lewis

SALEMHOGAN said:

NON SMALL CELL STAGE 3b LUNG CANCER
My sister has this cancer. They told us she has a less than 20% chance of survival. She starts
her chemo next Wednesday. She goes for 6-7 hours of chemo.Is this coming to give her any type of quality of life. She's 54 years old and I don't want her to suffer for the remaining time she has left.

sorry to here about your sister
i was told that i have stage 3a lung cancer. the doctor said it was very rare that he has seen it count me 4 times in his 25 years has a doctor. i am sorry about your sister i hope for the best. i have so far in the past 4 month have found out my sister in law ha d breast cancer and she went through all the treatment and now it is in her other one. then i just lost my other sister in law to cancer. it just seems that it has hit our family hard. but stay strong and god bless you all

pam lewis

light at the end of the tunnel
you need to believe he well be alright. i have stage 3a i am not sure what the different is. when i had treatment i would drink carnation instant breakfast with some ice cream mixed in and it was better than the ensure and boost. i last only a few pound. so far i have lost 45 pounds in 4 months but with breakfast drink only help . god bless an my prayers r with you all.

Sandi3322

pam lewis said:

Hello Paula My name is Pam and i have lung cancer
i have been told that have stage 3a lung cancer. i don't know much about it but, it has been hard for me doing the treatments. right now i am doing chemo and it seem to be taking a toll me. i feel that at times that maybe that i should just let what happen, happen but i know i have to do it for my husband, children an grandchildren. it is nice to be able to here now others r doing.i some haves hope thank you much.

Hi Pam,
My name is Sandi and
Hi Pam,

My name is Sandi and you took the words right out of my mouth. I've finished 1 cycle of Cisplatin/Etoposide with radiation (13 of 30). I'd love someone to chat with if your game?

Byron3

Stage 3 cancer
Hi, my mum was diagnosed in April 2011 with stage 3a lung cancer. A tumor in her right lobe and a tumor in her lymph node in chest well on the left side. We were told that mum needed the most strongest treatment of chemo and radiation at the same time for 5 weeks. Radiation daily and chemo once a week. We were told this will shrink tumor and by my Mum a few years but chances of cancer going were extremely slim. We were very scared.

Amazingly my mum who really didn't have any symptoms of lung cancer and is 69 and slim and generally in good health went thru the treatment rather good. Yes she was tired and for a 2 weeks found it extremely didfficult to swallow and was in pain. She did not loose all her hair and about 5 weeks after treatment ended up with radiation phemiontis - a cough, shortness of breath and low fever, steroids improved this condition quickly.

Mum managed to go on a holiday 3 months after treatment. She feeling a little weak and off balance and so doctor is weaning mum off steroid.
2 scans show that the cancer has GONE!. Which is rather remarkable.

My advice to loved ones and your dad is to be patient and go easy on yourself, listen to your body and stay positive.

All the best for a positive recovery.

I'm from Australia and my mum was on taxol and cisplatin and strongest radiation

Alysa

Alphe said:

also spouse with 3b lung cancer
How is it going? Want to talk?
My husband also has 3g lung cancer.
We have been married for 38 years.

3b lung cancer.
Hello, my name is Alysa and we just found out in November that my dad has 3b lung cancer. I am hoping you can help give some insight to this. He has been through almost 8 weeks radiation and chemo. They had to stop it for a couple of weeks because it made him so ill. So far the blood tests that they have done have come back good and I think he has managed to keep most his weight on because he has kept himself hydrated (drinking Gatorade etc) and also drinking things like Insure and eating good. He just started the radiation back up this past week and it just wipes him out, he is dreading the chemo which I think starts back up the 16th. He is not acting right as far as emotionally, he is doing funny things, not talking much just emotionless most of the time. My mom is kind of at her wits end because she has tried to get him to go talk to someone about this, but he doesn't want to do it. It is almost like he is battling with himself as to whether he wants to continue the treatments or not. I think he is angry also, which I know is normal. He has made the comment to me and her both that he is over it. My sisters both tell my mom "Dont you let him stop the therapies, make sure he keeps going. My thoughts are that if he decides that he doesn't want to do them then nobody should force him. I love him and don't want anything to happen but I think it should be his decision. Am I right in feeling that way? I am just really confused right now. Another thing that I have noticed with him is forgetting things. I don't know if it is because he has so much on his mind or if it is something else.
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
Alysa

Aworthin

handle said:

hi, I have small cell lung cancer, also inoperable, had radiation, cisplatnum and vp-16 (etopacide) and got very ill and ended up in hospital. I was then switched to carboplatnum, taxol and vp-16 , all bad sides effects of vomiting constatly for 7-10 days at smell of anything , including food, soap, deodorant, anything. I could not eat but started with toast , and homemade vanilla milkshakes(very small) . I forced them down, also some rice krispies. I lost average of 40 pounds each cycle and would put it back on by the next cycle. My cycles were three days of chemo and radiation 6 times a week for six and one half weeks to chest , side and back. I am here and out of treatment for 6 years and soon to be 7 years this may. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, just tell him to hang in there and don't give up, I was 50 when diagnosed and soon to be 57. Bless you and in my prayers, Mike

Small cell lung cancer
Hi mike,
I was really touched with your story of surviving. My dad was just diagnosed with stage 3b small cell lung cancer and I am scared to death. You give me so much hope! I wanted to see how you are doing?
Angie

Aworthin

lbanzi said:

Light at End of Tunnel
I was diagnosed in July, 2008 with small cell lung cancer. I had 6 months of Cisplating and Etoposide, and by the end of the 6th treatment, the tumor and other mets areas (rib and lymph node) are almost normal. Yes, chemo is rough, but he needs to find foods that taste good to him and eat. Right after chemo, (up to 1 week after), alot of foods tasted bad, but I could tolerate certain things, like scrambled eggs. A diet high in protein is good--try to get as much protein in him as you can. Also, soup, jello, and certain fruits I was able to tolerate well. As a nutritional boost, my doctor recommended a drink called "Ensure", but I didn't use it much. Attitude is everything! He must eat if he wants to recover from the chemo treatments. He needs to rest, but should try to be active each day for a short time and then gradually increase activities. I am now back to work full-time, and I was just diagnosed 6 months ago. He can overcome the side effects, but he does need to fight it.

Best of Luck......

Small Cell lung cancer
Hi
I read your story and it gives me hope reading about someone with small cell lung cancer! I wanted to see how you are doing now since your last post! Thanks so much! Hope all is well! Angie

Joyce 42

Plymouthean said:

Hi.

I'm a seven year survivor of NSCLC, 3B. My personal web page is found here, under "Grateful Survivor".
My tumor was approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 7 cm, and located in the upper lobe of my right lung. I was diagnosed in May of '01, at age 67, as incurable/inoperable. I received three 3-day chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Etopiside, at three week intervals. At the same time, I received 55 consecutive daily radiation treatments, five days a week, with weekends off.
By October, '01, my tumor had been shrunk by 75%, and it was removed surgically. Post-op, I received ten more radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.
By April, '02 I was able to travel to Las Vegas (I live in MA) for some well-earned partying!
I've been cancer free since. My whole experience lasted ten months. At the time, it seemed like a hundred years! My point is that cancer can be beaten,- not easily, but it's possible.
The pre-op chemo treatments were very aggressive, and were harder to take as time passed. The radiation did some (mostly) temporary damage, but I'm here today, - alive and kicking!
You and your father must keep a positive attitude, and do what it takes.
As a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, also. Try to arrange for someone to give you a break, now and then.
If I can be of help, e-mail me through this website.
My prayers and best wishes to you and your father.

Ernie

My father found out he has stage 3a or 3b.
Father also has mass in upper left lung along with the lymph nodes.....Not sure what to think. Your story is amazing! ur very blessed! i am trying to keep a positive attitude very hard. But after reading your story i will carry myself in a different light. Are there any suggestions that you would give me please???


Thanks Joyce.

JPare93372

kris4beach said:

still here
Laura, my boyfriend was diagnosed in Oct 2007 with stage 3 non operatable met lung cancer. Dr said lucky if he has a year. We started aggressive chemo and radiation together and started a nightly prayer group with family members. He is still here alive and kicking with a pretty darn good quality of life. 4 pets in remission. Looks great, feels good and living a wonderful life. He gets tired easily, has some residual back pain from the something, not sure what but we are thrilled that it can work and he is living proof. Be optimistic, try anything that makes sense to you and get a strong support group, either family, friends or a group that will be there regardless and keep you going.

Stage of lung cancer
What stage lung cancer does boyfriend have?

JPare93372

pam lewis said:

Hello Paula My name is Pam and i have lung cancer
i have been told that have stage 3a lung cancer. i don't know much about it but, it has been hard for me doing the treatments. right now i am doing chemo and it seem to be taking a toll me. i feel that at times that maybe that i should just let what happen, happen but i know i have to do it for my husband, children an grandchildren. it is nice to be able to here now others r doing.i some haves hope thank you much.

Stage III A
Hang in there I wish I ha III A. Big difference from III B which I have. Much better chance of survival.

So I am halfway through chemotherapy and radiation.

I am a born again Christian so Christ is my only source of survival either way. now I am praying to survive here for a while longer if it's His will. Think I have more to accomplish this side of heaven. Yet that is his decision.

What have I learned so far?One thing.

When you reach the point you cannot eat for whatever reason:
1.VicOdin made me vomit
2.Compazine did nothing
3.The elixir they gave me did not help.

ATIVAN (Lorazepam) immediately returned my appetite. It reduced the pain from radiation but pain is still there. The loss of appetite was not from the pain I just didn't desire food. Ativan fixed it.
Atavan immediatelt