Support Needed

mstere
mstere CSN Member Posts: 2
in Lung Cancer #1

Hi, I’m new here. I was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma with liver mets. The biopsy showed TTF-1 positive, so they first thought thyroid, but scans haven’t found a primary tumor anywhere—lungs, brain, pelvis, and bones are all clear on PET. I’m waiting six weeks for a second opinion at MD Anderson, and it’s been hard. I’m still recovering from a cholectomy (4 weeks out), and no treatment has started yet. I’m doing my best to stay hopeful and trust in God, but the uncertainty makes me really anxious at times.


Thank you for any kind words of encouragement and or support.

Texas T

Comments

  • Arx001
    Arx001 CSN Member Posts: 46
    #2

    Hello, sorry about the diagnosis.

    On the bright side many people live for many years sometimes for decades after a diagnosis. On the less bright side life is not eternal irrespective of one’s health condition.

    We’re kind of lucky because current state of medicine is really good at handling many types of cancer. It’s not like in my childhood where people mostly died horribly when they were given very harsh and not-so-effective treatments.

    It’s normal to have anxiety and even panic occasionally. Keep your morale high and live healthy please. You know one of the best things you can do is to stay active and do 30-40 minutes of medium intensity exercises every day.

    Best wishes.

  • mstere
    mstere CSN Member Posts: 2
    #3

    Thank you. It means a lot to me to have your words of encouragement. I appreciate it more than you know. It is true today's medicine is way more advanced. I don't even know where this is yet & I am at the mercy of the doctors and pathologists. I'll keep my faith, live healthy, and try my best to exercise. I will make this a goal. Thank you. 😊

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy CSN Member Posts: 129
    #4

    Was it the liver, colon, or somewhere else that was biopsied? Did the biopsy also stain positive for Napsin A and CK7 in addition to TTF-1?

    A biopsy that stains positive for TTF-1, Napsin A, and CK7 should almost never be confused with any cancer other than lung adenocarcinoma. These three markers together are highly specific for lung origin. So the thought that it would be confused for thyroid cancer is very odd.

    If any of these markers weren’t part of the report, it’s important to find out. Sometimes pathologists only list the markers they think are relevant, so it’s possible that not all three were tested, which could be the source of the original confusion.

    Also, six weeks is a very long time to wait. I’d try to get the appointment moved up by explaining that you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Just based on the rarity and urgency alone, I would think that’s enough reason for them to see you sooner.

    It's important to note, Even if it is lung cancer, it's not the death sentence it once was. 5 years ago they said I had less than half a year left. Well modern medicine and God proved them wrong .

    You can read about the first few months of my lung cancer journey if you like here

    https://forums.lungevity.org/topic/53203-the-real-new-normal/

Discussion Boards