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Survivors where are you

Bri1A
Bri1A CSN Member Posts: 3 Member
edited December 2023 in Lung Cancer #1

I want to know how long everyone is surviving. I was formally diagnosed at 37, luckily with stage 1a. I had no symptoms and they found my cancer by mistake. I am now in remission for one year and I'm having these thoughts of how long will I live after this? I know there's no guarantee. But I'm curious of how long people survive after having lung cancer and a lobe removed. The statistics online don't help. I know no one in person who has survived lung cancer. I'm feeling very alone. I had a panic attack before my one year CT scan. People tell me my fears lessen with time... but right now I just want to know if it's possible I still live a long life and get to see my children get married and have their own families? And will I make it to retirement with my devoted husband? Could I live another 40 years? Is it possible. Give me hope survivors.

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Comments

  • smc1
    smc1 CSN Member Posts: 2 Member
    #2

    I would be interested in people's experiences as well. I am recently diagnosed going through treatment now.

    Like 2Care
  • DeniseSmith
    DeniseSmith CSN Member Posts: 1 Member
    #3

    Hello I'm Denise I'm 58 and recently diagnosed with stage 4b non small cell pulmonary adenocarcinoma with secondary bone cancer , currently I'm having my 4th treatment this Friday which will be the last one of this cycle

    Then they'll rescan to see if the current treatment is working, they infuse 2 chemo Alimta and Carboplatin and 1 immunotherapy Keytruda

    So we shall see if it's working soon . I do understand your fear , I've had alot of panic attacks since my diagnosis, I will tell you I think you are going to be fine , just breath and trust that everything will be fine .

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  • Kamelita
    Kamelita CSN Member Posts: 6 Member
    #4

    Hi, my name is Nancy and my lung cancer was found by accident as well. It was 1a non small cell pulmonary adenocarcinoma and I had a thoracic lobectomy. This month is year two cancer free. My panic attacks just stopped of late, so I think as time went by and COVID became manageable my fears subsided somewhat. Stay strong and positive.

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  • NHLynne
    NHLynne CSN Member Posts: 3 Member
    #5


    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1711450#Comment_1711450

    Hi Nancy: You had panic attacks for the first two years? I have had terrible anxiety since the radiation completed in September of 2023 and have had a hard time getting it under control. I take Gabapentin. I don't have another CT scan until June 2024. I had the same stage that you did.

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  • Kamelita
    Kamelita CSN Member Posts: 6 Member
    #6

    Hi Lynne,


    I think it was the whole unknown situation. It happened so fast from diagnosis to surgery that I had no time to process everything that was happening, plus add the COVID lockdown happening. Just kept telling myself they found it and had a lobe of my lung removed and just finished 2 year check up of cancer free.

    Personally I used my yoga and the Calm app which I found beneficial.

    Hope you feel better, just find that quiet in yourself.


    Nancy

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  • gspacem
    gspacem CSN Member Posts: 7 Member
    #7

    Hi. Here's some hope I hope.

    My mom was diagnosed 2b lung cancer. Hope wise the lobe work was worst according to her. She did sisplatain and two others with a really upped last dosage. It worked. Ten years survivor. She really said the pre work was worst part. Hopefully you are in a good spot treatment wise, mean it.

    Storing her bariums close second though in difficulty Four surgeries thirds, six months or more chemo in my car, for fourth. Rounding it out, she picked up gaming and is hardcore free roll only!! Lol. It takes a lot but you can do it.

    Hope this helps

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  • 1Cerberus
    1Cerberus CSN Member Posts: 1 Member
    #8

    I was diagnosed with sclc on lung in 2023.Went threw chemo ,Radiation

    Been in total remission since.Always wondering what it is doing .Scans every 6 months .

    Darriel Fisher

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  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy CSN Member Posts: 158 Member
    #9
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1725292#Comment_1725292

    Hopefully it's gone so not doing anything! The longer you're in remission the less likely it is to come back.

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  • Kamelita
    Kamelita CSN Member Posts: 6 Member
    #10

    Hi all,


    it is November 2025 and and I am still cancer free with the anxiety and panic attacks gone. I find you feel very isolated in trying to talk to people about cancer, they just say you are fine since you don’t have continuing treatment. So stay strong and my thoughts are with you.


    Nancy

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  • DeniseGreenlee
    DeniseGreenlee CSN Member Posts: 1 *
    #11

    Hi my name is Denise, Im 45 years old and here is my lung cancer story as of now

    My Lung Cancer Story

    How It Was Found

    Earlier this year, in March 2025, my lung cancer was found accidentally during a CT scan that was done to check on a broken sternum wire from prior heart surgery. During that scan, doctors noticed a suspicious spot in the upper part of my right lung. A follow-up PET scan on March 20, 2025 showed that the spot was active and concerning for cancer, but there was no evidence that it had spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

    Diagnosis

    I was diagnosed with stage 1B invasive acinar adenocarcinoma of the lung.

    • Tumor size: 1.7 cm
    • Location: Right upper lobe of the lung
    • Pathology features: STAS positive and pleural involvement (PL1)
    • Lymph nodes: 10 lymph nodes tested – all negative
    • Margins: Clear (no cancer left behind at the edges)

    Surgery

    On April 17, 2025, I had a right upper lobe segmentectomy to remove the cancer. The surgery successfully removed the tumor, and there was no lymph node spread.

    After Surgery

    Following surgery, I experienced:

    • Post‑surgical soreness and chest discomfort
    • Small right pleural effusion (fluid)
    • Reactive lymph node swelling in my neck (likely related to recent infections) These findings were monitored, and no emergency issues were found.

    Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

    Because of certain higher‑risk features of the tumor, my doctors recommended additional treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence.

    • Chemotherapy started June 5, 2025
      • Medications: Cisplatin and Pemetrexed
    • After chemotherapy, I began maintenance immunotherapy
      • Medication: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
      • Planned duration: Up to one year

    Current Status

    • I continue follow‑up with oncology
    • Ongoing CT scans are used to monitor for recurrence
    • I have a port placed for treatment access
    • Side effects are managed with my medical team

    Summary

    My lung cancer was found early, surgically removed, and treated aggressively with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to lower the chance of it coming back. I am 45 years old and actively undergoing follow‑up and treatment with my care team

    I hope this can ease your mind I mean it will be a year since diagnosis in March 2026 but im still here. Prayers to you for comfort and healing

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