Anxious

franbl6
franbl6 Member Posts: 6 *
in Lung Cancer #1

I have recently been diagnosed with stage 1 non small cell lung cancer and am heading into surgery in 12 days. I am so fearful and am experiencing a terrible sense of doom. Has anyone else had this type of surgery? I am also breast cancer survivor and have been a caregiver for my sister for the past 9 years during her breast cancer treatments…

Comments

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy Member Posts: 90 Member
    #2

    I do not have any experience with lung surgery. But stage 1 nsclc has a very high success rate I was diagnosed stage 4b four and a half years ago. So definitely not the death sentence it once was. Are you stage 1a?

    Was the radiation to your right breast? Older 2D treatments were not as precise as the modern 3D treatments.

  • franbl6
    franbl6 Member Posts: 6 *
    #3

    I’m stage 1 - as far as Ive been told!

    Yes radiation to the right breast in 2004 - they have told me that it could be a contributing factor.
    thanks for your note - I appreciate it a lot as the stress level is high right now. Got great grand babies to see grow up!!!

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy Member Posts: 90 Member
    #4

    You know what size the tumor is? Or the type of surgery you're having? Wedge resection, segmentecyomy or lobectomy?

  • franbl6
    franbl6 Member Posts: 6 *
    #5
  • franbl6
    franbl6 Member Posts: 6 *
    #6

    I believe it is I.8cm - have to look on my biopsy but that’s what I recall. They will remove the top lobe of my right lung - don’t know the medical terms for that! It will

    Be done laprascopically (sp) and robotically

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy Member Posts: 90 Member
    #7

    Sounds like stage IA2

    Are they doing a right apical segmentectomy? Removing only the top portion of the right upper lobe? Studies have found no significant difference in overall survival or disease-free survival between stage IA1 and IA2 patients undergoing segmentectomy and those undergoing lobectomy. The prognosis is very good either way and should require no systemic treatments but that will depend on the final pathology report.

  • franbl6
    franbl6 Member Posts: 6 *
    #8

    yes I believe you are completely right. They are removing the top portion of my right lung. I’m glad to learn about the studies for survival rates with this procedure at the stage I have! Will do some research while I’m in “quarantine” this coming week!

    What procedures did you have, since there was no surgery? I’m happy that you are well these days and thriving. Are you on any type of immunotherapy?


    can you suggest a good source for doing research on this - I don’t want to hunt around the internet necessarily- not always a good idea.


    thank you so much for this information and conversation-

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy Member Posts: 90 Member
    #9

    I had one cycle of carboplatin plus taxol

    Then brain surgery to remove 2 of 4 lesions in my brain

    Then 2 cycles carboplatin pemetrexed and pembrolizumab.

    Then 5 treatments of stereo static radiation

    Followed by 4 treatments of cycles carboplatin pemetrexed and pembrolizumab again. Then one with pemetrexed and pembrolizumab.

    Then 9 months Keytruda alone.

    Since then Bevacizumab was added to the pembrolizumab for cerebral radiation necrosis. It's what I'm currently on. I take a half dose of the Bevacizumab every 4 week and get the Keytruda at the same interval.

    As far as research I don't recommend for anyone to do the crazy amounts I do.

    But Google is a good source as long as you only go to the science supported sites. Here's a list of some reliable, science-based resources for cancer research and information.

    National Cancer Institute (NCI)

    Comprehensive, evidence-based information on cancer types, treatments, clinical trials, and research.
    Address: www.cancer.gov

    American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – Cancer.Net

    Patient-friendly guides written by oncologists, covering diagnosis, treatment options, and survivorship.
    Address: www.cancer.net

    National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

    Provides downloadable guidelines adapted for patients with evidence-based treatment protocols and palliative care resources.
    Address: www.nccn.org/patients

    International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)

    Focuses on lung cancer research and education, offering up-to-date research, news, and treatment advancements.
    Address: www.iaslc.org

    PubMed

    A vast resource of peer-reviewed studies, ideal for those seeking in-depth research. Abstracts provide summaries that are easier to understand.
    Address: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    Searchable database of clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments across various types of cancer.
    Address: clinicaltrials.gov

    LUNGevity (for lung cancer)

    Offers research summaries, patient support, and webinars featuring oncologists.
    Address: www.lungevity.org

    These resources should help you stay informed without straying into misinformation.

    The ASCO, NCCN, and ESCO all offer apps with their guidelines.

  • franbl6
    franbl6 Member Posts: 6 *
    #10

    Congratulations on your strength and dedication to your well being!! Being a caregiver to someone who has gone through several surgeries, multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and is now taking oral chemo meds…I understand the path you have travelled. It is daunting and, not to compare or contrast, I can only imagine the anxiety you have felt at some point in your journey. I truly appreciate you reaching out to me with all the information.

    Thank you for helping me with the resources you mentioned. I will definitely do some research and try to become more educated. I don't know that I will do as much "digging" as you have done, at some point it becomes overwhelming and a bit depressing. Nontheless, these are very good suggestions.

    I hope you continue to thrive with the current program you're on. God bless.

    If you don't mind, I'll get back with you after my surgery (providing all goes well) and let you know how it's going.

    Thank you again and I hope you have loved ones surrounding you, looking out for you.

  • eDivebuddy
    eDivebuddy Member Posts: 90 Member
    #11

    It would be great for you to give us an update. You're inspiring with your resilience and a great example for your great grandbabies

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