Please help advise, very scared

Prayingin17,

I just joined this site, looking for additional information and came across your post.  I'm not all that knowledgeable about NSCLC (my type) but I've gone through what you're describing and can offer what little I've infor I've gained. 

Like you, I live alone...divorced 3 years and don't want to be a burden on my family or friends, so I keep quiet about most of it.  I suppose we all feel that sense of terror when handed that diagnosis.  My was caught "too late" or so the Oncologist told me.  Stage 3A, spread to 11 of 13 lymph nodes.  Based on how advanced mine was upon discovery and the subsequent lower left lobectomy, I chosed not to treat it with chemo nor radiation.  But that's me.  I'm a Veteran and the V.A. handled everything from discovery, to surgery and follow-up.  The oncologist advised me against treatment.  Yes, sort of shocked me too.  His rationale was that the 5 year survival rate for me was about 20% and that the best chemo and radiation treatment would only increase that by a paltry 5% more.   He advised me that if I treated it, I would be very sick and incapacited for large sections of time, with no discernable benefit guarantee.  All of that I say to left you know where I'm "coming from".  I'm in my 50's, relatively healthy excepting the NSCLC, have lived a most remarkable life and will "go out" on God's schedule.  It suits me.  Now you. 

The PET scan will be proceeded by an injection that will "light up" the tumor if it is "reactive".  Even then it won't tell you if it's malignant, but merely the location and sizes of the various tumors.  I suppose next they'll do a biopsy, either of the needle biopsy sort, or surgical.  Then you'll know. 

I had my surgery 14 months ago.  A recent CT scan showed suspicious "nodules" in my right lung now.  But I was told they are too small to even biopsy at this point, so they'll check again in May 2017 with another scan to see if it's grown.  Having said that, I can tell you I'm not in any particular pain.  We had a break in the weather and I played a full 18 holes of golf with no difficulty.  I've noticed a shortness of breath upon moving from a resting position to activity, but nothing more dreadful than that.  A bit of a nagging cough is beginning, well actually started a couple of months ago, but is it the cancer or the changing seasons? 

The only advice I feel comfortable giving you is don't let it rule your life.  In reality, they'll probably go in and remove a portion of your lung.  You'll recover from that (you won't intitially think you will, but you will) and life will go on.  One thing I did, and it was just because of not wanting to be a burden myself on others, was to go ahead an take care of my "final disposition".  When I go, a phone call will be made, they'll come and get me and that's that.  Please don't assume I have a cavalier attitude about it...I don't.  But when my world was spinning out of control, that was the only thing I knew I could control to my satisfaction.  Remarkably it did provide me was a sense of relief, of a sort.  Since I am alone as well, I contacted  the local Hospice organiztion and after a few mis-steps have began making those arrangements as well.  The offer pallative care and will send a nurse to your home to offer only what assistance you may need at the time, with it ever expanding as the need demands.  I would recommend you check into those initial steps, AFTER you have a diagnosis.  God willing, you may have caught yours early enough to render all of my dire words unnecessary.  I pray so.

Live your life as fully as you wish, do as you will when you will.  I wish you well.

Thunderrgd

my husband is a former Marine,, he  has lung  cancer,, had  radiation,,  they told  him in jan,,that the cancer died,,  told him  2 weeks ago its back they want him to do chemo,,he saids no,,he wants to live out his life  his way and not be sick everyday while hes doing it,,, this is first time i have  been on  this site,,  i   just needed people who have the same thing to talk to,, i'm so confused by what doctors tell us..

TigerJ52 said:

Another new cancer patient

I learned 6 weeks ago I have lung cancer (adenocarcinoma Stage 2a).  This was very much a shock to me as I am a life long non-smoker.  I've had a lobectomy (at the same time I was diagnosed via surgical biopsy.  I have to admit it's pretty scarey lnowing the medical profession doesn't talk in terms of a cure for this type of cancer even in early stages like mine, only length of survival.  In the end, there is no choice but to go forward.  The only choice is how to do it.  I have made up my mind I am going to fight for every minute of life.  I'm waiting for my appointment with the oncologist, frustrated that the office has postponed it 3 times.  Whether it's chemo or immunotherapy or whatever, I want to get on with it.  My daughter, an oncology nurse, suggested frankincence oil as something I could use in the mean time.  I am taking a small amount internally and using it as a skin rub, not as a substitute for more conventional treatment, but as a complement.   Supposedly, it has shown anti-cancer properties.  I also have literally hundreds of people praying for me, and quite possibly thousands.  I know it's OK to shed tears and admit to fear, but then it's time to move forward and resolve to do whatever it takes to win this battle.  I'm praying for you, Praying17.  We can do this!

sending  prayers   

I finished 30 treatments to my right lung about 3 weeks ago. The pain is so severe that I cannot eat  or drink.  I have a feeding tube and I still have problems with heartburn and bile reflux .  Does anyone have help for me?  Sclc limited stage

Hi all, I am new to this forum, seeking answers for my Dad. The biopsies have revealed metastatic cancer in his lungs with involvement in lymphatic system. We have a very rough road ahead. His kidneys are not functioning at present and he is declining quickly.  He has Adenocarcinoma, and began chemo yesterday, carboplatin and one other drug.  Side effects are brutal and he is already so weak.  They have given him 30 days without treatment, maybe a few months more, with the treatment.  Thoughts? Experiences?  We are just trying to figure out how best to navigate this as a family and determine what needs we should anticipate.  I appreciate your comments and insight.  

twlghtangel said:

understand your stress

its horrible after a  scan to wait and see if its better  or worse,,,   sending you prayers,,, we will find out next week what  my hubby's new  pet  found,,  hoping its good,,hes so depressed..i wish i could take this away for him,,   we will be married 46 yrs  may 1 st,,,  its like  part of me  has it   

 

Take 15-20 minutes every day to sit quietly and reflect. Learn and practice relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing. Exercise regularly by bicycling, walking, hiking, jogging, or working out at the gym. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.