Possible Lung Cancer - PLEASE HELP I AM SOOO SCARED!!

muskoka1
muskoka1 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
It was recently discovered (through a CT Scan) that I have a nodule on the left lower posterior lobe of my lung measuring 1.2 X 1 cm. This was not present when I had a CT Scan 5 months ago.
My family D. has referred me to the "fast track lung cancer surgeon" for possible biopsy and surgery.
I am soooooo scared. This is why I joined this site.
Whenever I go to this site/ board I see that peoples replies are from 2007 - which makes me wonder if they are still alive or not.
Am I at a complete loss here even if I try to fight the cancer?
Everyone around me is being positive but I am starting to see the truth in them - 5 yrs at best even after the nodule is removed.
S0meones feedback is greatly appreciated in advance THANK YOU IN ADVANCE AGAIN!!
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Comments

  • bobesmom
    bobesmom Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Possible Lung Cancer - PLEASE HELP
    Muskoka1,

    I just joined this site a few hours ago. On 4/14/10 I went to the ER thinking I was having heart problems because my BP dropped and I became really short of breath. After an x-ray the ER doc told me the good news is my heart is fine - BUT - he saw what appeared to be cancer on my right lung. This led to a CT Scan and a confirmation. Like you, I had a chest X-Ray within the past several months. I thought there was either a mistake or at a minimum it was a "God thing" that we caught it so early. Since then I have had a biopsy, MRI, and this last Friday I had a PET Scan. I now have my own Onco man and a pulmanary specialist. Soon I will have a "team."

    I was told I have Stage 3B non-operable lung cancer that has spread to both lungs and the nodes within my chest cavity. My hubby, son and myself will meet with the Onco man tomorrow to get the full results (has it spread to brain, other organs, bones, etc.) and determine the best options for treatment.

    I totally get that you are scared. Trust me, so am I. Sometimes it feels like I am suffocating in that fear. Like I told my best friend "It sucks to be me." On then other hand, we do have options and more is being revealed everyday about promising treatments and medications. I have to hold on to hope, tie a knot and hang on because there is nothing I can do about that dx. I pray and have a lot of people praying for me. The truth is, the "cure rate" for my form of cancer is low. However, I'll take the 5 years if I can get them.

    I hope your cancer is not the same stage as mine and the fact that it wasn't there 5 months ago could be a very encouraging sign. What I liked about this site that helped me join is that there are people out there just like me - scared, angry, and grieving, and taking each day as it comes.... and that helps me feel not alone. I hope yo continue to be part of this. I plan to!
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #3
    Many long term survivors...
    Sorry to hear that you are facing a possible cancer diagnosis, I know when you first hear the word cancer your first thoughts are that it's a death sentence - IT'S NOT!! If you browse through more of the posts you will meet many people who were stage IV and they are still here and going strong.

    Please post again and let us know what the biopsy results were and if it is cancer there are many, many experienced survivors who will help you with any concerns, questions or advice that you will need.

    Everyone on this site cares so please stay in touch.

    Take care and stay strong - Glenna
  • mamacita5
    mamacita5 Member Posts: 254 Member
    #4
    You have come to the right place
    I am only about a 1-1/2 months ahead of you on the CT discovery, biopsy, PET scan and confirmation of NSCLC which had me in surgery on May 17th. My 7cm tumor was removed along with 11 lymph nodes and my lower left lung lobe. Three of the nodes tested positive for mets, which took me from stage 1b to 3a. Of course you are scared, me too! I have found that as each day goes by and I keep checking the the discussion group, I gain more confidence in the ability to survive this awful disease. There are many survivors in this group who will give you loving encouragement. Keep checking the discussion group and quit searching all the other "technical medical" sites that will give you statistics that might be outdated or discouraging. I think that as people recover, go into remission, etc they tend to not post as much on the site, so that is why you don't see a lot of posts from people who have survived it for long periods of time. They simply have gone on to live their lives! Hang in there with me please, we have got to keep as positive as possible and support each other.
    Anita
  • veronica57
    veronica57 Member Posts: 98
    #5
    Muskoka1
    Hi Muskoka. I know what you're feeling. I was diagnosed last year, (March, 2009) with thyroid cancer that had mestastisized into my lungs. Even though, the cancer is gone in my neck, it is still in my lungs and slowly growing. I worry all the time. It was a blessing to come across this site, to have others to talk to. I wish you the best, and I will be praying for you.
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #6
    Sometimes folks delve into the messages from the past and try to answer them. Everytime you do, the message goes to the top of the board. So maybe some of the folks that originally posted may not get the responses for one reason or another. But don't think they are all dead by any means even if they do not respond! They may have just moved on to other things. I was diagnosed in 2006 with lung cancer (this after a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2002). I'm still here, alive and going to work every day and the gym Monday through Friday. I still have to go for frequent scans for cancer that unfortunately hasn't totally disappeared in spite of surgery to try to make that happen. But no one would ever pick me out of a crowd as someone with two deadly diseases. It took a long time for me to get my mind around the fact that cancer is something people often live with. Meeting long term survivors really helped. Some of the breast cancer survivors living in my community were passing 20 year milestones. Did you know that they started keeping 20 year stats on breast cancer over 5 years ago? That's because of how far the research and treatment in cancer has come. Lung cancer treatment is coming along too, though I wish both would come up with a cure like immediately! Hang on to hope. Even if you hear that 99 out of 100 folks don't make it to 20 years, what's not to say you can't be the 1 out of 100 that makes it to 30 years? Also, know that anything published in a book is over 2 years old the day it hits the bookstore shelves. That means it is ancient history in terms of cancer statistics and treatment options. Go to the best university cancer treatment center you can find and get the best options you can get. Then do what you can to fight cancer. Don't give up hope. Good luck!
  • catcon49
    catcon49 Member Posts: 398
    #7
    cabbott said:

    Sometimes folks delve into the messages from the past and try to answer them. Everytime you do, the message goes to the top of the board. So maybe some of the folks that originally posted may not get the responses for one reason or another. But don't think they are all dead by any means even if they do not respond! They may have just moved on to other things. I was diagnosed in 2006 with lung cancer (this after a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2002). I'm still here, alive and going to work every day and the gym Monday through Friday. I still have to go for frequent scans for cancer that unfortunately hasn't totally disappeared in spite of surgery to try to make that happen. But no one would ever pick me out of a crowd as someone with two deadly diseases. It took a long time for me to get my mind around the fact that cancer is something people often live with. Meeting long term survivors really helped. Some of the breast cancer survivors living in my community were passing 20 year milestones. Did you know that they started keeping 20 year stats on breast cancer over 5 years ago? That's because of how far the research and treatment in cancer has come. Lung cancer treatment is coming along too, though I wish both would come up with a cure like immediately! Hang on to hope. Even if you hear that 99 out of 100 folks don't make it to 20 years, what's not to say you can't be the 1 out of 100 that makes it to 30 years? Also, know that anything published in a book is over 2 years old the day it hits the bookstore shelves. That means it is ancient history in terms of cancer statistics and treatment options. Go to the best university cancer treatment center you can find and get the best options you can get. Then do what you can to fight cancer. Don't give up hope. Good luck!

    2 year stage 1a lung cancer
    2 year stage 1a lung cancer survivor. And there are alot of people on this site longer and more advanced cancers.

    Stay strong. God bless and know you are in my prayers.

    c
  • choosehope
    choosehope Member Posts: 12
    #8
    Muskotka1
    As my name says - Choose Hope. There is ALWAYS hope. Don't ever give in. As for the statistics - my radiation oncologist said the stats are comprised of ALL lung cancer patients, regardless of age or other health problems. Though I was Stage 3A, he said with my age, 57 at the time, and my excellent health otherwise, I would always be steps ahead of the statistics!! I finished treatment in Dec, 2009 and all scan and tests have come back negative for any cancer cells!! We are all unique, even as cancer patients!
  • wicker_woman
    wicker_woman Member Posts: 19 Member
    #9
    Survivor
    Don't give up hope. I'm an 8 year NSCL Stage III-B Large Cell survivor and going strong. You have a rough journey ahead but with a positive attitude and a good support system you will make it!

    Wicker
  • mamacita5
    mamacita5 Member Posts: 254 Member
    #10
    wicker_woman said:

    Survivor
    Don't give up hope. I'm an 8 year NSCL Stage III-B Large Cell survivor and going strong. You have a rough journey ahead but with a positive attitude and a good support system you will make it!

    Wicker

    Wicker - What type of Treatment
    Hi Wicker, what type of treatment did you receive for your NSCLC? I start chemo in a couple of weeks with Cisplatin and then have radiation after that. I am so inspired by your positive posts!
    Anita
  • pkaz53
    pkaz53 Member Posts: 84
    #11
    wicker_woman said:

    Survivor
    Don't give up hope. I'm an 8 year NSCL Stage III-B Large Cell survivor and going strong. You have a rough journey ahead but with a positive attitude and a good support system you will make it!

    Wicker

    Another Survivor
    Its ok to be scared, we all live with the fear of cancer or that cancer may return, that's normal. You are facing the biggest challenge of your life, you can't change what it is and you have to get yourself through it --Stay positive, don't give up, faith, hope, family and friends will help you get through some of the tough times ahead of you.

    I'm an 8yr survivor of bladder cancer and a 6yr survivor of SCLC and there are many other survivors, you came to the right place this is a great community please keep us posted.
    My prayers are with you, Paul.
  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #12
    Five years
    I'm working on five years now, and I'm in remission. My quality of life is good, I work full time, I walk here and there, I'm just a normal person except for my bald head. I expect to see another five years, and then another, etc & so forth.
  • SuzyQ67
    SuzyQ67 Member Posts: 31
    #13
    DON"T GIVE UP - PLEASE
    I am a caregiver to my 70 year old father, he has been thru alot, and went to the top cancer center in PGH PA ( we live in the area) It is impertantant that you find the most advanced cancer center, and you have a great support person/s, family..etc... My father is amazing - he is doing radiation daily. and mild chemo once a week. He has NSCLC, basically his tumor closed off his airway. He is also diabetic- so that threw a monkey wrench into things. I have seen soooo much kindness, support and awesome doctors. I wish you peace in accepting that you have this diagnosis. And that from here on out- you will NOT let yourself believe anything other than survival, and science. Hope,and love of life to surround you. I have met long term survivors at the center, some now volunteer. I wish you ALL BEST THINGS in your treatment and recovery.
  • Laura88
    Laura88 Member Posts: 47
    #14
    stayingcalm said:

    Five years
    I'm working on five years now, and I'm in remission. My quality of life is good, I work full time, I walk here and there, I'm just a normal person except for my bald head. I expect to see another five years, and then another, etc & so forth.

    You're the best
    I love you, Staying Calm. I am one year post diagnosis Stage IV lung with brain and bone mets. I've had a rough road -- no breaks in chemo, new mets all the time, no good news it seems, but I want to say I have felt pretty well through all of it. My back is fractured, which is truly awful, but the tumor is gone so that's good and if that's the worst of what I feel with lung cancer I guess I'm happy. Staying Calm, I always read your posts. Especially the brain radiation, that is what I'm dealing with now. You always help me. Thank you so much and God bless you. Trust that I pray for you every night. Please keep helping us all. We need you. Laura
  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member
    #15
    Laura88 said:

    You're the best
    I love you, Staying Calm. I am one year post diagnosis Stage IV lung with brain and bone mets. I've had a rough road -- no breaks in chemo, new mets all the time, no good news it seems, but I want to say I have felt pretty well through all of it. My back is fractured, which is truly awful, but the tumor is gone so that's good and if that's the worst of what I feel with lung cancer I guess I'm happy. Staying Calm, I always read your posts. Especially the brain radiation, that is what I'm dealing with now. You always help me. Thank you so much and God bless you. Trust that I pray for you every night. Please keep helping us all. We need you. Laura

    There are a lot of best people here :)
    @ Laura,
    Now you're makin me cry...such a lovely thing to say, and so reaffirming to hear that I've helped you through something. Thank you :)

    Deb
  • wicker_woman
    wicker_woman Member Posts: 19 Member
    #16
    mamacita5 said:

    Wicker - What type of Treatment
    Hi Wicker, what type of treatment did you receive for your NSCLC? I start chemo in a couple of weeks with Cisplatin and then have radiation after that. I am so inspired by your positive posts!
    Anita

    Treatment Protocol
    Mamacita,

    I had 34 rounds of rads and 8 rounds of Carbo-Platin and Taxol at the at the same time, followed my surgery. If you go to my member search page you can read pretty much my whole journey. I come here to give people hope because I could not find any when I was going through treatment. Over the years there are more and more survivors. I wish you all the best in your journey to survival. I go to the chat rooms quite often, I hope to see you there if you have any questions.
    Wicker
  • natmat
    natmat Member Posts: 18
    #17
    I know your fear
    I can so relate to what you are going through. I was diagnosed with stage 3a lung cancer in March of this year. I had absolutely no clue or signs prior. My family doc was treating me for pneumonia for 6 weeks without success before it was discovered.
    I don't think you are at a loss to fight. But, you have to want to fight. Attitude is half the battle. You need to stay positive and try to keep your life as normal as possible. You will go through bad days and they will suck. But it is important that you don't stay down. Force yourself to get back up. Find reasons to laugh, even if it comedy on tv. Exercise as much as you can, take a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Read everything and anything you can about whatever you are curious about, in terms of the cancer. My husband and I have read soooo much about the disease, the cures, the side effects. Join a support group so you don't feel alone.
    Don't dwell on "5 years at best". I see that often myself and I refuse to believe I will be one of those statistics. I have a lot of life left to live and a wonderful husband to live it with. I have grandchildren I want to see grow up and children I still want to see walk down the aisle. My husband always says we will be in our rocking chairs 30 years from now still far away from that day.
    Don't give up on yourself.
    Nat
  • Laura88
    Laura88 Member Posts: 47
    #18
    natmat said:

    I know your fear
    I can so relate to what you are going through. I was diagnosed with stage 3a lung cancer in March of this year. I had absolutely no clue or signs prior. My family doc was treating me for pneumonia for 6 weeks without success before it was discovered.
    I don't think you are at a loss to fight. But, you have to want to fight. Attitude is half the battle. You need to stay positive and try to keep your life as normal as possible. You will go through bad days and they will suck. But it is important that you don't stay down. Force yourself to get back up. Find reasons to laugh, even if it comedy on tv. Exercise as much as you can, take a walk and enjoy the fresh air. Read everything and anything you can about whatever you are curious about, in terms of the cancer. My husband and I have read soooo much about the disease, the cures, the side effects. Join a support group so you don't feel alone.
    Don't dwell on "5 years at best". I see that often myself and I refuse to believe I will be one of those statistics. I have a lot of life left to live and a wonderful husband to live it with. I have grandchildren I want to see grow up and children I still want to see walk down the aisle. My husband always says we will be in our rocking chairs 30 years from now still far away from that day.
    Don't give up on yourself.
    Nat

    all great advice
    Wonderful words Nat. This is truly all you can do and it isn't no bad, is it? I mean none of us want to be in this position but I can honestly say there are lessons I've learned that I'm happy I've learned -- I think this is may the only way I could do that. I, too, have grandchildren I am living for now. And that is the key word -- living. I will continue on until I just cannot anymore -- but I know that's a while. And yes, stats are just that -- stats. Not real for anyone but the people taking them. Live every day as it comes.
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642
    #19
    So Scared
    Hi: Me, too. But remember that your nodule may not be cancerous (many aren't). A friend went through it and his was a birthmark! I have the same problem - a nodule in exactly the same place as you but that hasn't changed over a series of scans. I go for another one on Friday. I, too, am scared, especially as I already have cancer - gallbladder and liver (see gallbladder discussion group) - so the possibility in the lung is high. Ignore the stats - go for it, girl. You will win.
    Cheryl
  • daviswarren
    daviswarren Member Posts: 2
    #20
    Lung cancer
    Hi,
    I was dx early this year. Has surg to remove upper left lobe. No lymph involv but was referred to chem and rad as precaution. So far, all is well. Had PET/CT scan today and wait for results. No fear. We're not in charge.
  • vlash
    vlash Member Posts: 4
    #21
    Scared
    muskoka1

    I know just how you feel. I am asking myself the same questions, the only thing we can do is do our best each day. I pray, I cry, I walk around in a daze. The 5 year thing must be the standard answer, it is the same one I got. I wish with all of my heart that I could help you, at this point we just reach out to others like ouselves and hang on and talk freely because most of the time the family or friends just really want to hear that you feel good today or some other untrue response. What I really want to say is "I just heard that I may die, how do you think I feel?" I will pray for you and think about you when I think about my answer to the most difficult question we must make in this lifetime.

    Hang in there and take one day at a time. I just wish I could get the smell of cancer out of my nose, it is the smell of the Chemo room and others around me we all look alike going hairless or trying to wear wigs ugh, is it worth it? Who knows, I guess we will find out in the end. Fight this ugly thing and God willing you can savor anouther year.

    Keep in touch, I will try to help.

    vlash

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