Lung Cancer Newbie

ldot123
ldot123 Member Posts: 272
in Lung Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

I am new to this discussion topic. Previously I have had colon cancer and Hodgkins. A couple of days ago I was diagnosed of a form of lung cancer but the have not yet determined what kind. It is now a long weekend for me and I am anxious to get things going with my oncologist. This fellow was treating my colon cancer so I am not sure if that wil change. How I discovered this was I thought I had viral pneumonia which on an Xray report to my GP said was consistent with pneumonia. I thought i was starting to get better so I proceeded to go on a planned vacation with my wife in western Canada. We took the train out. What tipped me off was that nearing the end of the trip, I was getting increasing breathless by walking only a few feet. I wnt to an emergency room in a small town and got a full workup with Xrays. The Xrsy liiked abnormal, to them and were especially concerned about the spots. The decided to send me to a larger hospital where the determination was I had developed a new primary cancer of the lung and that it had spread to the fluid they found around my pleura. (drained 2.5 litres) Now here is my concern, I have been under the care of an oncologist for the past 5 years with all sorts of bllod test, CT scans, Ultrasounds etc...The two xrays I had before my trip in the radiologists opinion was pneumonia. How could this consistent follow up on the colon cancer not show up this suddenly appearing lung cancer? (not sure if small or large cell) Absolutely nothing on the radar. Anybody else have this scenario? Also, would like to hear what the latest go to chemo drugs and their effects. Also, has everyone seen that info in regard a viral injection to target cancer cells on? My major physical complaint right now is that I can only sleep sitting up in bed. After awhile this gets very painful. I am takin Tylenol 3 to help with this. If I get up suddenly to walk, I have a a major coughing fit finding it hard to breath. I hope to have more info next week but if you have any comments or answers, please post. Cheers, Lance

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #2
    Hi Lance
    I may be in the same boat with you; I am from H&N and started having problems in my lungs a few months ago. It started with hard to take a breath full of air and then a little blood every now and then. I do a full PET at MD Anderson every 6 months the doctor never said anything about any lung problem, anyway PET is Thursday so I guess I will see what then. I wish you the best and hope it is something they can remove and get it all.

    Take care
    Hondo
  • mixleader
    mixleader Member Posts: 267 Member
    #3
    Another Nubie
    I also started with head&neck cancer which is still there. Unfortunately, it is now in my lungs and lower back. I had a lung biopsy which showed cancer, but they are waiting on the gene sequencing to see how they are going to fight this battle. In the meanwhile, I am very anxiously awaiting the results to see what kind of poison they are going to attack me with. Good luck to Lance and Hondo and hopefully we will all be telling tales of this someday.

    Roger
  • ldot123
    ldot123 Member Posts: 272
    #4
    mixleader said:

    Another Nubie
    I also started with head&neck cancer which is still there. Unfortunately, it is now in my lungs and lower back. I had a lung biopsy which showed cancer, but they are waiting on the gene sequencing to see how they are going to fight this battle. In the meanwhile, I am very anxiously awaiting the results to see what kind of poison they are going to attack me with. Good luck to Lance and Hondo and hopefully we will all be telling tales of this someday.

    Roger

    Trying to understand
    Thanks for your comments. What I am trying to get my head around is that I have been seeing an oncologist for my colon cancer fro almost 5 years, multiple Xrays, CT Scans, blood work and ultrasound. Also had and pre-op Xray in May with I assume nothing unusual showing up. Plus 2 more xrays for suspected pneumonia. I will see next wee when I meet the docs to discuss this and treatment options.
  • ldot123
    ldot123 Member Posts: 272
    #5
    ldot123 said:

    Trying to understand
    Thanks for your comments. What I am trying to get my head around is that I have been seeing an oncologist for my colon cancer fro almost 5 years, multiple Xrays, CT Scans, blood work and ultrasound. Also had and pre-op Xray in May with I assume nothing unusual showing up. Plus 2 more xrays for suspected pneumonia. I will see next wee when I meet the docs to discuss this and treatment options.

    Chemo
    I was told that I will probably have chemo only as some cells were found in fluid drained from the pleural cavity. Are there various chem protocols based on the type of lung cancer. I will also post this question again just in case it is missed.
  • grannylove
    grannylove Member Posts: 183
    #6
    A nightmare,
    Hi Lance,
    So sorry to hear that you are going to battle this monster again. Your story brings to light, my fears. We do everything that the "specialists" tell us to do, (and then some), to keep this monster at at bay, to detect it's existence early, only to find out it has been living within undetected. I can totally understand you not being able to get your head around this. I would also have a hard time and surely would be asking my oncologist how this cancer could go undetected with all the previous scans etc. Know you are not alone Lance and even though I do not have the answers you are looking for, someone here might have an insight as to how this could be. My thoughts and prayers to you. Keep strong, you can beat this again. Cheryl

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