survivors of Terminal Stage 4 lung cancer

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  • MDKG
    MDKG Member Posts: 1
    #162
    PeterJr said:

    Stage 4 Lung Cancer
    My father age 85 was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in July 2009. He was told he had 6 months to live. Well my father has always been one that will decide his destiny. Here is what I and several of my family member did.

    1) We put him on a diet of cancer fighting foods
    2) We cut his sugar intake as much as possible. He has been a diabetic for 30 years anyway.
    3) No carbonized sodas
    4) Plenty of water
    5) We Prayed
    6) Keep stress away and try to keep his spirits high.
    7) We Talked about the Cancer

    He immediately started Chemo. After all the treatments as cat scan was performed. He was told by the Doctors that his stage 4 Cancer is now Stage 2 Cancer. It was decided to give his radiation. He went through all the treatments except the last two and was told to go home and he would be examined in about a month. Two weeks ago my father went back for his cat scan from head to toe. The Doctors could not find the cancer!

    I do not know what the future holds for my Dad and Cancer. All I do know is that he is healthy now!

    I hope this helps with Caring for your Grandma!

    Hi. Can you tell me what
    Hi. Can you tell me what kind of chimo he had? Thanks.
  • nanaof7
    nanaof7 Member Posts: 127
    #163
    soccerfreaks said:

    my version
    suebloom:

    I was diagnosed with head/neck cancer the first of september, 2005, surgery in october, chemo and rads into january of '06. In June of '07 results of a cat scan showed 'cancer' across both of my lungs, shotgun-spread. No surgery, no rads, only palliative chemo-therapy offered, and the advice that I had 'a minimum of ten months to live.'

    In the meantime, I started taking Keflex for an infection in my jaw and lower face area. Subsequent CAT and PET scans (about two months later) showed that the 'cancer' had disappeared, with one exception: it had clearly been a lung infection of some sort, misread by the experts.

    Ultimately, the one remaining node was removed and biopsied, and though it proved to be squamous cell cancer (same as my head/neck cancer) they decided to remove that lower right lung lobe since there was no evidence of any cancer around it. (The node was too small to stage or to determine whether it was indeed metastasis from the tongue/neck.)

    Last november ('08) I was diagnosed NED and received the same dx just three weeks ago.

    I have a page and a blog on this site, if you would care to read more.

    Best wishes to you, suebloom!

    Take care,

    Joe

    was it you???
    was it you that said the most embarrassing thing is to tell people you are going to die and then you don't I heard that somewhere and kinda of experienced that drs said 3-6 months and a year later I am doing well tumors have shrunk I will keep my prognosis to myself from now on lol thanks Pat
  • narwal46
    narwal46 Member Posts: 1
    #164
    realiti said:

    diet/ alternative treatment
    Hi,

    My father,56 years old, was diagnosed two months ago with stage IV NSCLC in his right upper lung. Our mass is huge (12x10) but he had no symptom, whatsoever. According to our doctor’s, we belong to the incurable group. Anyway, we started chemo but at the same time we are following and alternative treatment methods I have to tell you, and that’s my personal opinion, that we started them because firstly we aim to support and strengthen his immune system. Secondly, we want to make his body an inhospitable environment for cancer cells to develop more and make more metastases. Moreover, we want to detoxify his body in order to protect his liver. He is consuming a lot of green juices (wheat grass juice, flax seed oil etc), row organic vegetables like broccoli, no sugar, no meat and so on. I don't know if they actually help, but the worst thing that could happen to us by eating organic healthy meals is…nothing.
    I don’t like and I don’t trust supplements and “magic filters”. I 've bought many books and I have contacted many clinics (Gerson's, Wingmore's etc). I have to tell you that they cost! However, my research isn’t done yet. I am trying to understand their concept and the way their treatment works in order to visit their clinics.

    In Monday we are going to have our third chemo. Up till now, they are working. My dad still looks as if he was healthy.
    There are times that I 'm full of hope. But every time I talk to doctors I can't breath. It's like someone is pressing me with his boots on my chest.

    I am sending everyone my positive thoughts and best wishes,
    Realiti

    Update
    How is your father doing?
  • carasp
    carasp Member Posts: 1
    #165
    wisezer@verizon.net said:

    STAGE 4 NSCAC
    Thanks for the encouraging words. I am 56. Non-smoking female.I was diagnosed on July 15, 2010. They found a tumor in my lower right lung next to a Pulmonary embolism. They admitted me to the hospital for the emboli and started me on Lovenox which I am still taking. I have brain mets. Two weeks ago they completely removed a tumor on the brain but I have two small tumors that they are going to use radiation on later. They wanted to start Chemo right away. I had my first treament yesterday, Taxal,Carboplatin, and Avastin. Today I am getting a shot of Neolasta to increase my neutrophils(WBC's). This will be every three weeks. Not sure when the radiation starts. We are doing targeted radiation. I have learned that this cancer has a poor prognosis. I want to be one of the 2% to make to 5 years. I will let you know of my progress. I take one day at a time. I was working 60 hours a week. I will definately slow that down and try and enjoy life a little more. I have a wonderful family and friends that support me. Debra

    Same diagnosis
    Hi Debra,

    You and I have similiar stories, I was diagnosed about the same time with the same cancer and we are non smokers. Please let me know how you are doing.
  • mnjn
    mnjn Member Posts: 1
    #166
    Dear Peter Jr
    Did you dad
    Dear Peter Jr

    Did you dad have to do maintenace chemo once his CT scan came back clear?
  • SamanthaBrophy
    SamanthaBrophy Member Posts: 24
    #167
    PeterJr said:

    Stage 4 Lung Cancer
    My father age 85 was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in July 2009. He was told he had 6 months to live. Well my father has always been one that will decide his destiny. Here is what I and several of my family member did.

    1) We put him on a diet of cancer fighting foods
    2) We cut his sugar intake as much as possible. He has been a diabetic for 30 years anyway.
    3) No carbonized sodas
    4) Plenty of water
    5) We Prayed
    6) Keep stress away and try to keep his spirits high.
    7) We Talked about the Cancer

    He immediately started Chemo. After all the treatments as cat scan was performed. He was told by the Doctors that his stage 4 Cancer is now Stage 2 Cancer. It was decided to give his radiation. He went through all the treatments except the last two and was told to go home and he would be examined in about a month. Two weeks ago my father went back for his cat scan from head to toe. The Doctors could not find the cancer!

    I do not know what the future holds for my Dad and Cancer. All I do know is that he is healthy now!

    I hope this helps with Caring for your Grandma!

    My mother inlaw is sick
    My mother in law is sick with cancer and we want her to fight, I was wondering what type of food your dad was on. I know you havent posted in a long time but please i would greatly appreciate the help. we love her so much we just want to give her the best chance possible

    Sincerely Samantha
  • delser
    delser Member Posts: 5
    #168
    Fran83 said:

    cisplatin or carboplatin + paclitaxel.
    cisplatin or carboplatin + paclitaxel.

    anyone has had experience with these drugs?

    i heard that cisplatin is more effective than carboplatin but more toxic.

    finally is avastin given as a first line chemo or more of a second line chemo?

    i would appreciate your advice and good luck to you all!

    thank you in advance.

    Fran

    I have recently been
    I have recently been diagnosed with recurrent cervical cancer that has spread to mu luings. I am on cisplatin andpaclitaxel. My hair is now falling out and it didnt with just the cisplantin.
  • BrendaRae
    BrendaRae Member Posts: 20
    #169
    halfpint1 said:

    stage 4 lung cancer
    That is what I wanted to hear. I am strong and I will beat this. Survival stories are what I am looking to hear. I think it is the faith you have and the will to live and the attitude. Thank you,

    God Bless You!
    Greetings;
    My husband has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The news he has received from the doctor's is not encouraging. What is frustrating is that they said he could be stage 4 but they don't know yadda yadda yadda. However, given the circumstances-he has been in the hospital seven days-he is holding up really well. His spirit is amazing and as much as I hate to see him endure all of these tests and procedures I can say this much he is tougher than I could ever be. It seems he is somewhat of an inspiration to the nurses, etc and I have heard them talking to him in the background while we were on the phone together. One said she would not be in for three days and that she expected he would home before she returned. We are not sure if it will happen that quickly, and while I cannot wait for him to come home I just want to be sure he gets all that he needs at this time while he is there.

    This has been extremely difficult for me for there are so many things left unmentioned even to him and here I am sitting at home literally wanting to scream and 99% of the time I am pouring my heart and soul out so much to God that I have literally worn myself out.

    I myself and refusing to give up or give in-and my husband is not giving up and his spirit is so strong it shows just how much will he has over this. But, hearing all of the negatives-or should I say-non-definitive scenarios is turning me upside down. I know God has a hand in this, and I know that in spite of things miracles can happen and even something as horrid as this can be beat. If anyone can and wants to beat it that is my husband but me, I am in a state of brokeness that just will not quit and if he is coming home soon-he will then take up treatments at the nearby clinic-then I have to work really hard on getting myself together. Being apart for us is horrid, and I will be glad when he is home but I don't want to be such a mess that I make that upsetting for him.

    Could you all keep he and I-his name is William, mine is Brenda in your thoughts and prayers? I really need an advocate in my corner because I am literally having to deal with alone.
  • Gelly
    Gelly Member Posts: 5
    #170
    Just Diagnosed
    Hello all....I am a 39 year old mother of a 9 year old girl and a 14 year old boy. Smoke free for 10 years, healthy, eat right (almond butter, ezekial bread, chobani etc). Just did a half marathon in March.. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer and I cannot take the statistics...I am not a statistic...I am strong and I am going to fight this. I have been blessed to see my life through new eyes. I started my chemo yesterday and will start radiation to a small spot abutting on my brain. I have hope and faith. I am keeping a positive attitude and I am so glad I found this sounding board.

    Rigel Lee
  • Gelly
    Gelly Member Posts: 5
    #171
    medi_2 said:

    don't !
    don't listen to the time limits, people beat the odds all the time.
    fight like he!!.
    cheers
    medi

    You said it sister!

    You said it sister!
  • BrendaRae
    BrendaRae Member Posts: 20
    #172
    DBST67 said:

    MAMACITA5
    TRUST GOD, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL GET THRU IT, IF YOU THINK POSITIVE AND NOT LET NEGATIVE THOUGHTS CONTROL YOUR MIND. GOOD DAYS AND SOME BAD DAYS, BUT THE SUPPORT OF YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY WILL GET YOU THRU IT WITH PRAYER. MY HUSAND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO THINK NEGATIVE. HE IS AN EXCELLENT CAREGIVER. I THINK HIS FAITH IS STRONGER THAN MINES, HE PLANS FOR THINGS YEARS AHEAD. REMEMBER GOOD DAYS AND SOME BAD DAYS NOT FEELING WELL, BUT IT WILL PASS. EVERYONE IS IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS WHO HAS BEEN TOUCH MY CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES.

    I could have not it better myself!
    The words you wrote are the most important words/thoughts to keep in mind during a time like this. My husband has lung cancer and 1 small spot on his liver and a few even smaller spots on his brain-they are spots not lesions, etc. He has begun radiation and will be also receiving chemotherapy. As you could imagine all I got from the doctor was a hurried more than unsympathetic and rude "well we found this-it looks bad- yadda yadda -you knows what that means and you need to do this and so forth." Yes I cried; I am human who would not of and it was even worse because of the way it was presented to me and it was over the phone. My poor husband wasn't even told anything and had to hear the upsetting news of what I had to hear from me and boy was he POed! I said "he said you are not going to make it!" He replied "oh he said I'm not going to make it?" And with the vagueness and rudeness involved he was even more hot under the collar. I mean it seemed like they have already put the nails in a coffin for him and was going to simply toss out at their earliest convenience.

    But, even after hearing that news I absolutely refused to accept it and not because of being in denial but because I am a firm believer that you never say die nor is anything impossible with the hands of the Lord. What I think is hard for people to comprehend is the influence that God plays in our lives, and it an influence we cannot see with our eyes and often we will have to wait periods of time before anything of divine power is revealed to us, and that is excruciating, but God works in his own time-not when we would like him to.

    What was uplifting is that after all of the above had transpired and we were left sitting feeling "well I guess that is then" I was numb because during this whole time and even know I am having to deal with this on my end entirely on my own. Me and my husband talk by phone he calls from his room and I no his heart is tearing out for me. I have tried to hide my anguish from him because I don't want anything to upset him. When all this started I did go the Jesus and ask for the healing of my husband, and I made a pact with Jesus to fully put aside my needs (as far as being with my husband or emotional ties where is concerned were relevant); in others words I stepped aside so he could get what he needed.

    But to go on....as I sitting here at the lowest possible point in my life the telephone rang-it was my husband-he said "I have some news for you that I know will make you feel better." He said that all of a sudden and plan of action was developed to begin treating his illness and it was one that included all possible options. Now less than ten minutes ago it was utter doom. It is my belief that Jesus stepped in and said "Hold it there just one minute-who are you to take it upon yourself to discard one of my children in such a manner" and it was at that instant that the medical teams were "inclined" to change their outlook and get into motion. It has been a non stop effort ever since.

    For someone who is having to endure what my husband is enduring he sounds remarkably well. I hate to say it he is better shape than me because I go from waves to utter positivity and then will have moments when old Lucifer will try to grab a hold of me and use my weakness against me. But I know even so God is not mad at me for feeling any such way and he does not want me to over tax myself. It is still hard though, I mean you have all these being said buzzing around you and you can't help but to swoon from it all-you wouldn't be human if it didn't.

    And my husband has told me that under no circumstances is he giving up and I asked him not to-and he said he is not. On the first day or two he was in the hospital I had found out by chance my younger sister passed away earlier last year. What a whammy. I hesitated sharing it with my husband on the phone because as I said I didn't want to do anything to upset him and take away his focus from where it needed to be. But a voice said to me-tell him and I blurted it out. Then I said "everyone is leaving me!" He popped right back and said "What? I'm not leaving you baby!" Of course I bawled like a baby.

    I am still going through my motions as I expect I will until he gets back home but even still and under all of this strain I just "can't help" but to feel I am panicking prematurely and that I am allowing human weakness topple me. All I know is that everything is possible when you hand something to God and ask for it in Jesus Name-it is written _If ye shall ask it in my name it will be done and I have believed that throughout and still do. Maybe I need to crawl into the tub and chill; I don't think I am having a full fledge nervous breakdown but I am having at least some degree of emotional upheavel. Just pray for my husband and for me to be able to get myself together.
  • mamacita5
    mamacita5 Member Posts: 254 Member
    #173
    Gelly said:

    Just Diagnosed
    Hello all....I am a 39 year old mother of a 9 year old girl and a 14 year old boy. Smoke free for 10 years, healthy, eat right (almond butter, ezekial bread, chobani etc). Just did a half marathon in March.. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer and I cannot take the statistics...I am not a statistic...I am strong and I am going to fight this. I have been blessed to see my life through new eyes. I started my chemo yesterday and will start radiation to a small spot abutting on my brain. I have hope and faith. I am keeping a positive attitude and I am so glad I found this sounding board.

    Rigel Lee

    We are right here with you.
    We are right here with you. We will be rooting for you all the way. Stay away from the internet stats and stick with the people who are LIVING it! Keep us posted on your progress please.
  • tropicgirl2780
    tropicgirl2780 Member Posts: 9
    #174
    Gelly said:

    Just Diagnosed
    Hello all....I am a 39 year old mother of a 9 year old girl and a 14 year old boy. Smoke free for 10 years, healthy, eat right (almond butter, ezekial bread, chobani etc). Just did a half marathon in March.. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer and I cannot take the statistics...I am not a statistic...I am strong and I am going to fight this. I have been blessed to see my life through new eyes. I started my chemo yesterday and will start radiation to a small spot abutting on my brain. I have hope and faith. I am keeping a positive attitude and I am so glad I found this sounding board.

    Rigel Lee

    I'm a mom too
    Hey I have a little girl, 2 and a son, 7. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2009 with stage 4 NSCLC. I immediately did a clinical trial with carboplatin, pemetrexed and avastin. After 12 weeks of that I went to pemetrexed and avastin. IN July of 2010 I started having a bad reaction to the pemetrexed. I have been on Avastin since then, every 21 days. After the first 12 weeks of chemo the tumor was almost non existent and all the lymph nodes were back to normal size. I just had CT results today and infusion. The Dr's said they have no idea how I haven't had a reoccurance AT ALL. I am going on 18 months and most typically occur at 3 months they said. They have now said they are thinking outside the box and would like me to consider letting them go in microscopically and remove the very tiny bit of tumor left in my lung to further test it and basically get it out of my body. I am leaning towards yes, why not try right? In the mean time I have divorced an abusive husband, moved into an apt with my kids and am loving and living every minute. I feel great and I am anxious to see results of PET scan next friday and brain MRI. Keep fighting, you have 2 reasons to give it your all. I really believe that attitude and being surrounded by loved ones helps.
  • Tricia10
    Tricia10 Member Posts: 4
    #175
    lorisoto said:

    Survivor of Stage IV Small Cell Lung Cancer w/ METS to Brain
    Hello everyone - Just want to send out some encouraging words - I'm 39 diagnosed with Inoperable, Incurable, Termainal Stage IV Small Cell Lung Cancer in April 2010. I've had brain surgery to remove tumor in April 10, Radiation to my whole brain in May 2010, 1 chemo treatment from June to Aug 2010 tumors resolved both in my brain, lungs lymphnodes in left lung. Off from treatement from Aug to Dec 2010. Re-scanned MRI, PET and CT beginning of Dec. all the tumors came back worse then before. 1 in left upper lymphnode, 2 in lower left lung and nodules in middle chest followed by 3 new small tumors in brain. Started immediately with new drug Topotecan received new scans in Feb 2011 to see if Topotecan is working it's not. Was refered to Gamma Knife for brain Mets and the Gamma Knife doctors found 12 tumors on Feb. 24th, 2011. 6 on right side and 6 on left side of brain. 3 large mets over 1.5 cm. They were able to target 6 on the right and I'll go back in a couple of weeks for the other 6 on left side of brain. Very blessed that I was referred to Gamma Knife doctors I believe they have saved my life for now! My local oncologist and radiologist/pathologist were VERY WRONG on my brain tumors and MRI Scans. They said 3 and I find out I have 12?? I was not a happy camper when I found out. Gave the Oncologist a piece of my mind. Will no longer return to that Oncologist and or Radiologist place for my scans. This has taught me that I need to take responsiblitly and stay on top of everything. My LIFE is precious to me and unfortuntaley not to some of the medical professionals. I've learned some oncologists don't look at the bigger picture and just tell you what you want to hear or just follow the basic medical protcol. I'm not allowing this any longer. I'm checking into experienced Oncologists that handle my specific cancer. Looking at going to Stanford or Loma Linda where I will be a top priority and be with medical professionals that are interested in finding a cure or helping my survival rate. If you have any information I'm very interested. I'm 39 and I'm not having any complications, my weight is good, my health other then the cancer is fairly good, I still go to work, I'm fairly active need to walk more. My diet is excellent no problem eating. No symptons of all the side effects of chemo or radiation. Very strong willed person I thank God everyday for another day. I'm truly blessed. Interested in talking to all Small Cell Lung Cancer people to see how you are doing and your stories and survival times. Have a blessed day.

    Hi Lori,
    My story is similar
    Hi Lori,
    My story is similar to yours. I,ve recently gone off maintain. Chemotherapy. Getting a second opinion (after surg to brain, gamma knife, radiation to lung, And 6 wks of first chemotherapy) at UCSF. It along with Stanford r rated tops in No. Calif.

    Question: to anyone that knows - I hear a lot about cancer centers of America, but I think they don't accept Medicare & r primarily looking for private pay and/or top insurances. Can anyone shed lite?
  • PinkyCorbett
    PinkyCorbett Member Posts: 4
    #176
    GaryMCooper said:

    Stage IV-A non small cell lung cancer survivor
    Hello,
    I am 51 and a Stage IV-A non small cell lung cancer survivor. I was diagnosed 12/8/2002 at age 43 as having Stage III non small cell lung cancer.

    They began a thoracotomy the day after Christmas 2002 on my right lung and pulled out without removing any of the lung having found it was spread to lymph nodes and on trachea/esophagus and re-staged it as Stage 4A. I began combined aggressive chemo and radiation the beginning of January 2003 and after about 1 1/2 - 2 years of three separate rounds of combined radiation and chemo, I have now been in remission almost 6 years.

    Due to the aggressive nature of the treatment and damage from a new chemo drug, I have been on oxygen 24 hours/day for about 6 1/2 years. The new drug also damaged my good left lung. By no means am I complaining about this, I thank God for putting the right medical professionals on my care and realize that without this aggressive treatment I would not be here today.

    I can't believe that I am just now discovering this site - of course I didn't really search as much as I could have. I am searching now primarily because I am in the process of being evaluated for Lung Transplant. The hospital I am with does more lung transplants than any other in the country along with many of the more difficult ones. Having said that, they have not done one on a stage 4 cancer survivor.

    So I am asking you all - are you or do you know of any lung cancer survivors who have later had a lung transplant - I'm curious of any stage but most curious of stage 4.

    Thank you, and I wish you all continued improving health.
    God Bless,
    Gary

    diet/recipes
    Does anyone has a cooking guid for cancer patients. AS well as you, my brother was diagnosed on March 17 with lung cancer that spread to his brain. They did radiotherapy, then chemoteraphy with pills and he is doing all kind of natural diet. He changed his life radically to help himself. I am sure there is good days as well as bad, my sister in law is running out of ideas to cook for him, plus the nausea that he feels. He was taken back to the hospital today, because of not feeling good. We all pray, and be confident about. I will appreciate if someone has an idea of food to cook.

    Thanks,
    Maria
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #177
    tropicgirl2780 said:

    I'm a mom too
    Hey I have a little girl, 2 and a son, 7. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2009 with stage 4 NSCLC. I immediately did a clinical trial with carboplatin, pemetrexed and avastin. After 12 weeks of that I went to pemetrexed and avastin. IN July of 2010 I started having a bad reaction to the pemetrexed. I have been on Avastin since then, every 21 days. After the first 12 weeks of chemo the tumor was almost non existent and all the lymph nodes were back to normal size. I just had CT results today and infusion. The Dr's said they have no idea how I haven't had a reoccurance AT ALL. I am going on 18 months and most typically occur at 3 months they said. They have now said they are thinking outside the box and would like me to consider letting them go in microscopically and remove the very tiny bit of tumor left in my lung to further test it and basically get it out of my body. I am leaning towards yes, why not try right? In the mean time I have divorced an abusive husband, moved into an apt with my kids and am loving and living every minute. I feel great and I am anxious to see results of PET scan next friday and brain MRI. Keep fighting, you have 2 reasons to give it your all. I really believe that attitude and being surrounded by loved ones helps.

    tropicgirl
    This is great news!, I hope your pet and mri come out well, and you have continued success. Lori
  • nessaducky
    nessaducky Member Posts: 3
    #178
    soccerfreaks said:

    survivors
    Stardust, there are indeed survivors of Stage IV lung cancer, some of them on this very site. I am not sure, however, that any of them were told that their particular 'version' was 'terminal'.

    The only exception to that that I know of is me, and my story is sort of strange, as I really didn't have stage IV; they just thought I did due to the spread.

    Still, I have at least a couple of friends on this site who are stage IV survivors, one with both small and non-small cell, and the other with small cell, if I am not mistaken.

    One recently received a proclamation of NED (No Evidence of Disease) and the other is in at least his third year of college (you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, it seems :) ).

    But I would not want to falsely raise your hopes.

    If docs are providing treatment (radiation) then they at least have hope of extending life, quality life, for the person we are talking about it here. I would advise that since that time cannot be precisely measured even in the worst case scenario, that it be lived as if every day were the last, spent enjoying life, friends, family, spent loving and laughing.

    Life IS precious.

    I know this does not help much, but please know that we are getting closer and closer to actually finding ways to reverse cancers; it is just a matter of hanging in there, in my opinion.

    Incidentally, and I do not say this flippantly, birth is a terminal disease.

    Take care,

    Joe

    More about your treatment Joe, please
    Joe,

    My mom was just diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer which has metastasized to the pleural lining and space outside the pleural lining of her right lung. She is still up and about and wearing her high heels. She is strong and amazing and forever an inspiration to me. I would like to know what your course of treatment has been. We are just now trying to get her in with doctors and finding her treatment as soon and as fast as we can. This is all so sudden, but I know my mom will get through this and overcome it with God. I am just trying to educate myself with disease and am looking for any and all help.

    I appreciate any response to this post. God Bless you!!

    -Vanessa
  • dbeidler888
    dbeidler888 Member Posts: 1
    #179
    lorisoto said:

    Survivor of Stage IV Small Cell Lung Cancer w/ METS to Brain
    Hello everyone - Just want to send out some encouraging words - I'm 39 diagnosed with Inoperable, Incurable, Termainal Stage IV Small Cell Lung Cancer in April 2010. I've had brain surgery to remove tumor in April 10, Radiation to my whole brain in May 2010, 1 chemo treatment from June to Aug 2010 tumors resolved both in my brain, lungs lymphnodes in left lung. Off from treatement from Aug to Dec 2010. Re-scanned MRI, PET and CT beginning of Dec. all the tumors came back worse then before. 1 in left upper lymphnode, 2 in lower left lung and nodules in middle chest followed by 3 new small tumors in brain. Started immediately with new drug Topotecan received new scans in Feb 2011 to see if Topotecan is working it's not. Was refered to Gamma Knife for brain Mets and the Gamma Knife doctors found 12 tumors on Feb. 24th, 2011. 6 on right side and 6 on left side of brain. 3 large mets over 1.5 cm. They were able to target 6 on the right and I'll go back in a couple of weeks for the other 6 on left side of brain. Very blessed that I was referred to Gamma Knife doctors I believe they have saved my life for now! My local oncologist and radiologist/pathologist were VERY WRONG on my brain tumors and MRI Scans. They said 3 and I find out I have 12?? I was not a happy camper when I found out. Gave the Oncologist a piece of my mind. Will no longer return to that Oncologist and or Radiologist place for my scans. This has taught me that I need to take responsiblitly and stay on top of everything. My LIFE is precious to me and unfortuntaley not to some of the medical professionals. I've learned some oncologists don't look at the bigger picture and just tell you what you want to hear or just follow the basic medical protcol. I'm not allowing this any longer. I'm checking into experienced Oncologists that handle my specific cancer. Looking at going to Stanford or Loma Linda where I will be a top priority and be with medical professionals that are interested in finding a cure or helping my survival rate. If you have any information I'm very interested. I'm 39 and I'm not having any complications, my weight is good, my health other then the cancer is fairly good, I still go to work, I'm fairly active need to walk more. My diet is excellent no problem eating. No symptons of all the side effects of chemo or radiation. Very strong willed person I thank God everyday for another day. I'm truly blessed. Interested in talking to all Small Cell Lung Cancer people to see how you are doing and your stories and survival times. Have a blessed day.

    My mother had Stage IV Lung
    My mother had Stage IV Lung Cancer, found 4 tumors on her bones and then traced in back to to her Lungs June 2004. Spread to her brain in February. They gave her three months, but she fought. She did 3 rounds of Chemo and 3 2-week week sessions of radiation. She died 13 months later. There are 4 of us kids and even though she had a hard time with the treatments, she fought every day for more time with us. She was 41. Keep fighting. You are all heroes in my eyes. God Bless.
  • sleepless in jersey
    sleepless in jersey Member Posts: 185
    #180
    tropicgirl2780 said:

    I'm a mom too
    Hey I have a little girl, 2 and a son, 7. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2009 with stage 4 NSCLC. I immediately did a clinical trial with carboplatin, pemetrexed and avastin. After 12 weeks of that I went to pemetrexed and avastin. IN July of 2010 I started having a bad reaction to the pemetrexed. I have been on Avastin since then, every 21 days. After the first 12 weeks of chemo the tumor was almost non existent and all the lymph nodes were back to normal size. I just had CT results today and infusion. The Dr's said they have no idea how I haven't had a reoccurance AT ALL. I am going on 18 months and most typically occur at 3 months they said. They have now said they are thinking outside the box and would like me to consider letting them go in microscopically and remove the very tiny bit of tumor left in my lung to further test it and basically get it out of my body. I am leaning towards yes, why not try right? In the mean time I have divorced an abusive husband, moved into an apt with my kids and am loving and living every minute. I feel great and I am anxious to see results of PET scan next friday and brain MRI. Keep fighting, you have 2 reasons to give it your all. I really believe that attitude and being surrounded by loved ones helps.

    tropicgirl
    God Bless you...Keep that positive train going and keep us posted please!
    You are an inspiration to alot of us. Give those beautiful kids a big hug :)
  • merrilee100
    merrilee100 Member Posts: 4
    #181
    BrendaRae said:

    God Bless You!
    Greetings;
    My husband has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The news he has received from the doctor's is not encouraging. What is frustrating is that they said he could be stage 4 but they don't know yadda yadda yadda. However, given the circumstances-he has been in the hospital seven days-he is holding up really well. His spirit is amazing and as much as I hate to see him endure all of these tests and procedures I can say this much he is tougher than I could ever be. It seems he is somewhat of an inspiration to the nurses, etc and I have heard them talking to him in the background while we were on the phone together. One said she would not be in for three days and that she expected he would home before she returned. We are not sure if it will happen that quickly, and while I cannot wait for him to come home I just want to be sure he gets all that he needs at this time while he is there.

    This has been extremely difficult for me for there are so many things left unmentioned even to him and here I am sitting at home literally wanting to scream and 99% of the time I am pouring my heart and soul out so much to God that I have literally worn myself out.

    I myself and refusing to give up or give in-and my husband is not giving up and his spirit is so strong it shows just how much will he has over this. But, hearing all of the negatives-or should I say-non-definitive scenarios is turning me upside down. I know God has a hand in this, and I know that in spite of things miracles can happen and even something as horrid as this can be beat. If anyone can and wants to beat it that is my husband but me, I am in a state of brokeness that just will not quit and if he is coming home soon-he will then take up treatments at the nearby clinic-then I have to work really hard on getting myself together. Being apart for us is horrid, and I will be glad when he is home but I don't want to be such a mess that I make that upsetting for him.

    Could you all keep he and I-his name is William, mine is Brenda in your thoughts and prayers? I really need an advocate in my corner because I am literally having to deal with alone.

    Thanks for sharing...

    Hi Brenda~I just finished reading your post and I was amazed at how similar our stories are. My husband went to the ER about 10 days ago with what he thought must be pneumonia or bronchitis. He is 56 and a non-smoker. After several days of testing he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. The doctors are not at all encouraging, show little empathy and are frankly, very confusing. I am so frightened that it's almost unbearable. And I literally DO scream at times. My husband seems so very much like yours. His spirits are high, his attitude is amazing. I'm trying so very hard to be strong for him as well as our 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. Yet most of the time I feel as if I'm walking around in a daze. My thoughts are constantly of him and wishing there was something, anything I could do to offer him the strength and encouragment that he so desperatly needs.

    I would love so much to have someone to correspond with who understands a little of what I'm going through. I'm also a very good listener :) At any rate, you and William will be in my thoughts and prayers. My name is Merrilee and my husband is Dan. Thanks so much for sharing your situation and helping me to see that what I am experiencing isn't abnormal. I wish you both God's blessings. Thanks~Merrilee

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