survivors of Terminal Stage 4 lung cancer

nancysue47

nubis said:

survivor?
My husband is facing small cell lung cancer. He is only 33 years old. He is stage IV. I don't know if this is terminal, some days my husband looks healthy, somedays he is very sick, future is uncertain. Present is to fight. Of course you think in death, for me is very difficult, when my husband is on pain I think the worst, but then next day he feels better and you just know you need to keep fighting.
We do what we need to do. Rigth now, I just call for clinical trials, to see if my husband can be a candidate. We are trying all the options we have. Of course sometimes I feel sad, very very sad. I cry in the shower, so my husband doesn't see me, because I need to let my feeling get out. I need to be healthy for him. But after that, I keeping searching, keep praying, keep doing what we need to do.

Good luck.

survivor
I can only speak for myself but I have concluded there is no deadline. I believe that cancer can get better, you can be declared cancer free but for how long? When I was told it was back I realized that living with cancer will be my way of life. So I will resume chemo in August and once I have taken all of the rounds this time, I will sit back and enjoy life until it is time to do chemo again. So, if my cancer can be controlled this way, I will be happy.

I have down days too. But it hurts me to read that you all are crying in despair. I wish I could help make things better for all of you. Every night before I go to sleep I thank God for giving me the day. Every morning when I awake I picture myself curled up in God's hands. I have a picture I got off of the computer of Jesus walking on the beach but you can barely see Him. In the picture you can clearly see a picture of a woman He is carrying in his arms. I say to myself that if HE can bring me to it, He will bring me through it.

nancy

cobra1122

Terminal and still going
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.

Greggriggs

Stardust1 said:

Please reply any Stage 4 survivors
Dear Members,
Soccerfreaks,mentioned there were survivors to Lung Cancer Stage 4,please reply.


Stardust1

Survivor
I am 3an1/2 years an going
Bless ya and prayers to all of you.
Greg

cobra1122

hope all are well
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..

mcbriz

cobra1122 said:

hope all are well
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..

thanks cobra1122
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.

princessdiana62

mcbriz said:

thanks cobra1122
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.

husband was told nothing more to do
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

princessdiana62

mcbriz said:

thanks cobra1122
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.

husband was told nothing more to do
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

princessdiana62

mcbriz said:

thanks cobra1122
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.

husband was told nothing more to do
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

cobra1122

princessdiana62 said:

husband was told nothing more to do
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

The Ultimate Question
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

DONCARLOS

SURVIVOR
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

tbnurse

Stage 4 lung cancer survivor
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

Gabias

Greggriggs said:

Survivor
I am 3an1/2 years an going
Bless ya and prayers to all of you.
Greg

Survivor
Dear Greg,

I am VERY thankfull to GOD that you are a survivor. It make me happy to hear that there is "HOPE". Eversince my dad's diagnosis, I have gotten much closer to GOD and I owe it to my DAD. At the same time, I pray to GOD to keep my dad safe.

My question to you is: CAN you please tell me what treatments did you receive that you are a survivor now? I have been a nervous wreck eversince I found out about my dad. To me, he is EVERY THING I have to live for. God Bless You. Jerry

Gabias

Mionie30 said:

Surviving, Trying.
My mom was just given the news of having stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer on March 9th. We found out 2 days later that it has spread to her brain. Radiation was started the very next day. Chemo is an option, but the doctors seem not to want to. Given my moms long history of health, they are worried she will live the remainder of her life ill (they have given her 6 to 9 months at most). She has been a fighter her whole life, she was born in 1957 in Brockton, Ma. She and 1 other baby survived, a staff infection went thru the ward and killed all of the other babies. She has spent her whole life fighting odd infections and illnesses, that have left doctors stumped. She has been physically disabled most of her life and has been limited to everything. But even with her hard life at only 51 today, she still keeps smiling and getting up every morning with hope. I don't know how she does it!!! I can't sleep and I stopped wanting to eat on March 9th. I can't stop thinking of the numbers; 6 to 9 months. Those 2 numbers are forever in my mind. I just don't know how she is doing it. We are fortunate to live in Ma, with the great Boston hospitals. The radiation treatments have been spread out, as my mom is at risk for infections, more so then the average person. We are going to Dana Farber on Tuesday to see if my mom is a canidate for any clinical studies/trials. Keep your fingers crossed and pray if you can. I will pray for all those dealing with and caring for someone with Cancer. Cancer is everywhere. My father has also been fighting lung cancer since last spring, but he has been a good prognosis, lets hope in a few months that when he goes for another scan its still as positive, he has 2 small children from his second mariage and they deserve to live and grew with their dad. It's been a tough year to say the least. I really needed to get this out, thanks for listening. Take care, hope to hear from someone soon.

~Mionie30, MA

Prayers
My prayers are with your mother and your father at this very tough time. Please don't stop trying. Keep hope alive and stay focused. I know it is not easy and to that matter, I must say that until I found this site I feel much better to read other's feedbacks. Trust me, you mother and father will surive. Prayers will help. So, please don't stop praying, and we will all pray for you too. Jerry

Diana Updike

tbnurse said:

Stage 4 lung cancer survivor
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

stage IV lung cancer survivor
I was diagnosed on Dec 18 2003 with a pancoast tumor. It was inoperable and they really didn't know what to do with me. THey didn't think I could survive it because the tumor was sitting on the top of my right lung, not inside and pushing my esphogus over in the frontand growing into my spine in the back. I underwent chemo and radiation for a total of 6 months with radiation twice a day for the last couple weeks. I have now started my 6th year of remmission when no hope of surviving existed. As a result of this i have also developed horners syndrome which they say should have put the nail in my coffin.I am going to be 54 years this month and no matter what I wake up each day and live it the best way I know how becauseI don't know what tommorrow will bring. Pancoast tumor patients are not supposed to survive more than 5 years. I am truly blessed. If anyone else has this type of cancer I would love to hear from you.

God bless everyone
Diana

mfm

HI STARDUST, MY SISTER DX
HI STARDUST, MY SISTER DX W/STAGE 4 SMALL CELL LUNG CA
SHE IS 54, DID CHEMO, RAD BUT ITS BACK AFTER JUST 6 WEEKS AND HAS SPREAD. NOT SURE WHATSNEXT

Diana Updike

stage IV lung cancer survivor
Stardust: Iam a survivor of stage IV lung cancer. I was diagnosed in Dec 2003 and had both chemo and radiation for 6 months.with my last month of radiation twice a day. I was also told there wasn't much hope as mine is a pancoast tumor that sits on the outside of my right lung and was inoperable. The tumor was so large that it was pushing my esophogus to the side in the front and growing into my spine in the back. My Doctors saved my life, treatment was very aggressive and painful at times, but you get through it and wait for the next treatment. Ihave started my 6th year of remmission on june 30, unheard of with this type of cancer.I plan on making the medical books, so remember theres no place like HOPE. Don't give up and don't believe it when they say terminal, I here and I'm supposed to be terminal. Hsope I helped alittle, will be checking on you. Diana

DONCARLOS

SURVIVORS
Hi you all: I read and I become more concerned every day. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I AM. I amn still alive six weeks after surgery when 1/3 of my right lung was taken out and some lymph nodes. At this moment I am going through a series of Nuclear test after I was told that every thing was taken out. My life continues as if nothing happend and like JOE, I have many people expressing doubts and even claiming exageration in my part, however, that 12" scar on my back abd tghe one on my neck do the talking for me. AS I have said many times, at 77 years of age, 14 months in combat in Korea and so many other challenges in life, I feel lucky just to be alive. AS someone said...WE ARE ALL SURVIVORS, and should live out lives as itr if was the first day of it....BECAUSE IT IS......

Be well and enjoy the sun. I AM ON MY WAY TO MY THIRD STAGE OF "OSTREOSCAN" at 1:30PM today.



Don Carlos

nodramamama

There are miracles
My mom was diagnosed in 2006 with stage IV lung cancer that spread to her brain. No breathing problems, no lung problems at all, just small specks in the lungs.. One brain tumor. She's had a surgery to remove the tumor in her brain. Chemo, and radtiation on brain and lungs.
I will tell you that she is doing awesome concidering all shes been going through. Although the tumors are back in the brain as of 2009, with the radiation they treated her with on her brain and the fact that shes been doing Creative VISUALIZATION the tumors finally shrunk in her brain AGAIN!
Lung cancer is sneaky so keeping on top of it is key. PET scans are key.
Focus on the positive and get rid of worries. Sometimes stepping outside of the box and using inner strength can work miracles. Not saying my moms a miracle, but the attitude is what will keep anyone going in the proper direction.

Steve12

andiques said:

Stage IV NSCLC already in remission!
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!

Just Diagnosed
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

ravenmad

Stardust1 said:

Soccerfreaks reply,Thanks
Dear Soccerfreak,
Thank you so much for explaining Stage 4 to Terminal. I understand now,Thank You again, for your knowledge and kindness. God Bless & Take Care. I realize my Sister is in God's Hands Now, on the time she has with us. And I believe the Doctor's don't know the amount of time she has left with us.
Sincerely
Stardust

My sister
Hi, My younger sister, 52 years old, was just diagnosed 6 days ago with lung cancer which has spread to several other organs. Today she starts chemo. There are four of us girls and we are just beside ourselves with worry. Our parents are in their late 70's and are equally blown away. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. As for everyone else going through the same difficult time my prayers are with all of you. Thanks.