Lung Cancer Stage 3B

BettyBaker · March 2009

stillhere_3yrs said:
NON SMALL CELL STAGE 3B LUNG CANCER
I was touched by your posting, & want you to know that I too have non small cell stage 3B lung cancer, & am alive and doing very well after 3 years. They can no longer see any cancer activity on my PET scans, but are hesistant to say that I am cured. I continue with chemo treatments every 3 weeks, & have been on Alimta (a type of chemo with minimal side effects)for almost 2 1/2 years. My cancer was inoperable because of the size & location of the mass, so I was treated aggressively with radiation & 3 different types of chemo. The hardest part was the first few weeks of treatment, but please know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I lost my hair during treatments but got a wig & went back to work after 12 weeks of treatments. Please don't put too much stock in statistics. Yes, your sister can have a great quality of life. I am proof that it is possible. I wish your sister the best, & will keep her in my thoughts & prayers.

stage 3B
In Feb, 2009,I was diagnosed with Stage 3B lung cancer. The tumor in my right lung is 9X7, with 2 lymph nodes between my lungs and one around my collarbone area. With so many scans, ct's and mri's taken and then I began chemotherapy then radiation. It was a whirlwind of a month. With all of that going on it has taken a while for it to hit me and it has hit me hard emotionally. I am trying to find support groups in my area. The Dr's said it was inoperable, unless they can decrease the size of the tumor in my lung enough. So I am confused, scared, and the not knowing is the hardest. But reading still here 3 yrs and another blog, I see there is hope. If you can give me any information I would appreciate it. It has been almost 3 weeks since my first chemo and I have not lost my hair yet. I have been through 2 weeks of radiation and have acid reflux, but the doctor stated that was not caused by the radiation. I feel tired all of the time, I sleep 11 - 12 hrs a night. I have hit a low point and need some reassurances. I am knew at this and don't know where to turn. I am trying to find financial assistance, because I have to pay $5,000 out of pocket and I have called around and don't know for sure what associations, etc. are out there. Any information anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Unknown · October 2009

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

goldeneagle 1953 · October 2009

stage 3 left lung cancer
I had cancer in my upper lobe of my left lung. Been there 7 weeks of Chemo and 8 weeks Radiation . When i went back and had the Pet Scan. A then seen my cancer Doctor he said my left lung look good now. but i will have to go back for a cat scan because they found a 6 mil-a-liter in my Right Lung and it is small.

Craig4 · November 2009

SALEMHOGAN said:
NON SMALL CELL STAGE 3b LUNG CANCER
My sister has this cancer. They told us she has a less than 20% chance of survival. She starts
her chemo next Wednesday. She goes for 6-7 hours of chemo.Is this coming to give her any type of quality of life. She's 54 years old and I don't want her to suffer for the remaining time she has left.

lung cancer
My name is Craig
My wife has non small cell lung cancer
We kept her lung drained while at home
and the tube is removed and she is on her 4th
treatment of alitma chemo
before we started treatment i met a 20 year surviver of lung cancer at work
i asked him exactly what he did to survive the ordeal
he said he put himself on high doses of vitamin C plus small doses of A and B
and did chemo.....he was not suppose to survive....the oncologists asked him exactly what he did to make such a remarkable recovery...we did a exact duplication of what he did..
to date my wife is on introvenous C (100,000 mlg) per week plus A and B twice weekly through her port...
I have seen the good results from the C being in her plus it has helped her
make a comback after each chemo session .............
my question to this group is this.
have any one of you used or are you using vitamin C to help combat the cancer?
they down graded her cancer from stage 4 to a 3b because she is doing so well
she has no difficult breathing, no pain, no fatique
we are considering immuntherapy after her chemo is done
any information shared is greatly appreciated

Grandma Carolyn · November 2009

Greggriggs said:
There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
I had alung removed a year an a half ago. I am still here. Try an get him to drink insure or any juce I took flax seed oil I don't know if any of it does any good but it is up to him an I can under stand why he does not want to eat.
but don't give up on him.
Greg

survival
I had surgery for lung cancer in March 2003. I had a small lump 3 years ago but had that burned off and I am on oxygen but other than that I am doing pretty well. I don't go out as much because it is a hassle to fill tanks and get going. I have a pretty good attitude because I am happy to be alive. I do quite a bit of cooking which I have always loved. I had two rounds of chemo in 2003 along with the surgery but I do have extremely knowledgeable doctors. I have been in two clinical trials and also in a Mayo Clinic trial. You have to hang in there and hope for the best and do exactly what your doctors tell you. Never give up!!!!!!!

Grandma Carolyn · November 2009

dsm1lkw said:
Greg, is it common that my Mom would lay around for days or weeks feeling so tired that she is not able to have visitors?

depression
Has your mother talked to her doctors about depression?? That could be part of it.....

Laura88 · November 2009

Grandma Carolyn said:
survival
I had surgery for lung cancer in March 2003. I had a small lump 3 years ago but had that burned off and I am on oxygen but other than that I am doing pretty well. I don't go out as much because it is a hassle to fill tanks and get going. I have a pretty good attitude because I am happy to be alive. I do quite a bit of cooking which I have always loved. I had two rounds of chemo in 2003 along with the surgery but I do have extremely knowledgeable doctors. I have been in two clinical trials and also in a Mayo Clinic trial. You have to hang in there and hope for the best and do exactly what your doctors tell you. Never give up!!!!!!!

Thank you
You are an inspiration to me. I am inoperable stage 3B, diagnosed in May of this year. I have just finished 18 weeks of chemo (alimta and Cisplatin) and 8 weeks of radiation. My first scan is this Thursday -- very, very nervous. It is so helpful for me to read the stay positive, never give up postings here. It truly keeps me going -- and thank you so much for that. Keep cooking!!! Laura

mandm1 · November 2009

3b inoperable
my wife finished her chemo and rad on march 18 09 down to 81# when I brought her home but with a lot of care she has come back to me ...now at 101# and gaining....last scan showed shrinking and collapsing..new scans on 11/17 and the only ongoing problem is a bad stricture in her throat from the radiation...but docs doing dialation and seems to be working...her hair is back and looks beautiful...always hope never give up

indydorsey13 · November 2009

Laura88 said:
Thank you
You are an inspiration to me. I am inoperable stage 3B, diagnosed in May of this year. I have just finished 18 weeks of chemo (alimta and Cisplatin) and 8 weeks of radiation. My first scan is this Thursday -- very, very nervous. It is so helpful for me to read the stay positive, never give up postings here. It truly keeps me going -- and thank you so much for that. Keep cooking!!! Laura

husband lung cancer / stage III-B inoperable
All of the support is great, and connections with others who are dealing with this evil disease...My husband was diagnosed Sept. 28..He hasn't started treatment yet....I think he will start next week... What prognosis did oncologist give you ?

Thanks & God Bless You & Keep the Faith One step at a time
Dorsey

diana5414 · November 2009

Plymouthean said:
Hi.

I'm a seven year survivor of NSCLC, 3B. My personal web page is found here, under "Grateful Survivor".
My tumor was approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 7 cm, and located in the upper lobe of my right lung. I was diagnosed in May of '01, at age 67, as incurable/inoperable. I received three 3-day chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Etopiside, at three week intervals. At the same time, I received 55 consecutive daily radiation treatments, five days a week, with weekends off.
By October, '01, my tumor had been shrunk by 75%, and it was removed surgically. Post-op, I received ten more radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.
By April, '02 I was able to travel to Las Vegas (I live in MA) for some well-earned partying!
I've been cancer free since. My whole experience lasted ten months. At the time, it seemed like a hundred years! My point is that cancer can be beaten,- not easily, but it's possible.
The pre-op chemo treatments were very aggressive, and were harder to take as time passed. The radiation did some (mostly) temporary damage, but I'm here today, - alive and kicking!
You and your father must keep a positive attitude, and do what it takes.
As a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, also. Try to arrange for someone to give you a break, now and then.
If I can be of help, e-mail me through this website.
My prayers and best wishes to you and your father.

Ernie

Thanks for your help
My mother in law has just been diagnosed with NSCLC, stage 3. She went in for surgery today and was told not operable. I am finding stories of hope for her. I have printed yours. Thanks for being here.

mandm1 · November 2009

mandm1 said:
3b inoperable
my wife finished her chemo and rad on march 18 09 down to 81# when I brought her home but with a lot of care she has come back to me ...now at 101# and gaining....last scan showed shrinking and collapsing..new scans on 11/17 and the only ongoing problem is a bad stricture in her throat from the radiation...but docs doing dialation and seems to be working...her hair is back and looks beautiful...always hope never give up

3b nsclc
my wife was dx in nov 08 and we started treatment at MD Anderson in houston in jan 09..45 radiation treatments at 72 gy and 8 days on 8 days off with chemo coctail that was 8 to 10 hrs a day at the same time.we came home on march 18th at 81# tired and most of hair gone..the treatment shrunk and collapsed the mass..retreated from the chest wall and unwrapped from the aorta....she is now at 107# and last week a new scan showed 2 new tumors are growing biosys coming in the next couple of weeks and a new chemo treatment to come shortly..a positive attitude has a lot to do with it..and as a caregiver it was up to me to find something that she would eat to get those pounds back.it takes a team..don't give up just get started we won round 1 and will put the beast on the mat for round 2...the war is won 1 battle at a time

Laura88 · November 2009

Hope
Hi -- I am stage 3B, inoperable. I had 6 cycles of Cisplatin/Alimta chemo and eight weeks of radiation. Scans last week revealed a much, much smaller tumor and lymph nodes having a great response. I am once again going to meet with the surgeon as they think I may be a surgical candidate. As far as weight, I was between 90 and 95 lbs. all during treatment. My last chemo was 10/5 and today I weighed 106 lbs. I am feeling better than I ever have (honest!!) and I am so very hopeful for the future. I feel as if I've learned all my lessons as far as what is important and what just is not (like my thinning hair -- I worried so much about it and now I realize it is nothing worth even thinking about). I am happy, healthy and looking so forward to wonderful holidays with my family and friends.

I think one of the most important things you can do for your dad is just be there for him. I believe being a caretaker is almost harder than being the patient -- I admire your strength, and your dad is very lucky to have you. I can tell you I would not have done so well were it not for my family.

Please check in and let us know how he is doing, and you also. We are here for you to lean on. Laura

indydorsey13 · November 2009

Laura88 said:
Hope
Hi -- I am stage 3B, inoperable. I had 6 cycles of Cisplatin/Alimta chemo and eight weeks of radiation. Scans last week revealed a much, much smaller tumor and lymph nodes having a great response. I am once again going to meet with the surgeon as they think I may be a surgical candidate. As far as weight, I was between 90 and 95 lbs. all during treatment. My last chemo was 10/5 and today I weighed 106 lbs. I am feeling better than I ever have (honest!!) and I am so very hopeful for the future. I feel as if I've learned all my lessons as far as what is important and what just is not (like my thinning hair -- I worried so much about it and now I realize it is nothing worth even thinking about). I am happy, healthy and looking so forward to wonderful holidays with my family and friends.

I think one of the most important things you can do for your dad is just be there for him. I believe being a caretaker is almost harder than being the patient -- I admire your strength, and your dad is very lucky to have you. I can tell you I would not have done so well were it not for my family.

Please check in and let us know how he is doing, and you also. We are here for you to lean on. Laura

To: Hope 3-B lung cancer
Thanks for your encouragement ! My husband started treatment this week for Stage III-b inoperable Lung cancer....Surgery could be an option if treatment shrink the tumor !!
Has your treament been rough for you ??? Made you tired & sick ? He had 2nd chemo & rad. today....Chemo 3 x per wk. and radiation 5 x per wk.

Thanks
Dorsey

Laura88 · November 2009

indydorsey13 said:
To: Hope 3-B lung cancer
Thanks for your encouragement ! My husband started treatment this week for Stage III-b inoperable Lung cancer....Surgery could be an option if treatment shrink the tumor !!
Has your treament been rough for you ??? Made you tired & sick ? He had 2nd chemo & rad. today....Chemo 3 x per wk. and radiation 5 x per wk.

Thanks
Dorsey

Happy Thanksgiving
I'm not sure what I said already so please excuse me if I'm repeating myself -- I had six rounds of cisplatin/alimta, once a week every three weeks. I was pretty tired the week after chemo. However, I worked full time (with the exception of the week after chemo) all through treatment. I also had radiation along with chemo, which makes you a bit more tired. Toward the fifth and sixth chemo treatment it took me perhaps a week and a half to get back to baseline instead of a week. I had some neuropathy in my hands and feet, but nothing that could not easily be handled. I did experience some vomiting and chest pain in my last week of radiation. I was unable to tolerate any spicy foods or acidic foods due to radiation and was put on a bland diet. On the upside, my last chemo was 10/9 and my last radiation was 10/23. Today, not very long after treatment, I am feeling as good as I ever have. I am eating anything I want and so happy about that I gained 6 much needed pounds.

Whatever higher power you believe in -- that power I think gives us the ability to look at things in hindsight and say "that really wasn't too bad", no matter how bad it was while actually going through it. This is the power that allows us to continue. Your husband, while going through this will definitely have his good and bad days. He is lucky to have you during both those good and bad times. And on days that power does not work for you guys -- log on here and we will be here to carry you through as best we can. I know I have been so scared and confused during treatment and I have found many good answers and wonderful responses on this website -- and it is so helpful to be able to converse with people who truly know what we are going through.

Please let me know how things are going. I hope you have a wonderful and peaceful holiday. Take care -- laura

Laura88 · November 2009

indydorsey13 said:
To: Hope 3-B lung cancer
Thanks for your encouragement ! My husband started treatment this week for Stage III-b inoperable Lung cancer....Surgery could be an option if treatment shrink the tumor !!
Has your treament been rough for you ??? Made you tired & sick ? He had 2nd chemo & rad. today....Chemo 3 x per wk. and radiation 5 x per wk.

Thanks
Dorsey

Happy Thanksgiving
I'm not sure what I said already so please excuse me if I'm repeating myself -- I had six rounds of cisplatin/alimta, once a week every three weeks. I was pretty tired the week after chemo. However, I worked full time (with the exception of the week after chemo) all through treatment. I also had radiation along with chemo, which makes you a bit more tired. Toward the fifth and sixth chemo treatment it took me perhaps a week and a half to get back to baseline instead of a week. I had some neuropathy in my hands and feet, but nothing that could not easily be handled. I did experience some vomiting and chest pain in my last week of radiation. I was unable to tolerate any spicy foods or acidic foods due to radiation and was put on a bland diet. On the upside, my last chemo was 10/9 and my last radiation was 10/23. Today, not very long after treatment, I am feeling as good as I ever have. I am eating anything I want and so happy about that I gained 6 much needed pounds.

Whatever higher power you believe in -- that power I think gives us the ability to look at things in hindsight and say "that really wasn't too bad", no matter how bad it was while actually going through it. This is the power that allows us to continue. Your husband, while going through this will definitely have his good and bad days. He is lucky to have you during both those good and bad times. And on days that power does not work for you guys -- log on here and we will be here to carry you through as best we can. I know I have been so scared and confused during treatment and I have found many good answers and wonderful responses on this website -- and it is so helpful to be able to converse with people who truly know what we are going through.

Please let me know how things are going. I hope you have a wonderful and peaceful holiday. Take care -- laura

Laura88 · November 2009

indydorsey13 said:
To: Hope 3-B lung cancer
Thanks for your encouragement ! My husband started treatment this week for Stage III-b inoperable Lung cancer....Surgery could be an option if treatment shrink the tumor !!
Has your treament been rough for you ??? Made you tired & sick ? He had 2nd chemo & rad. today....Chemo 3 x per wk. and radiation 5 x per wk.

Thanks
Dorsey

Happy Thanksgiving
I'm not sure what I said already so please excuse me if I'm repeating myself -- I had six rounds of cisplatin/alimta, once a week every three weeks. I was pretty tired the week after chemo. However, I worked full time (with the exception of the week after chemo) all through treatment. I also had radiation along with chemo, which makes you a bit more tired. Toward the fifth and sixth chemo treatment it took me perhaps a week and a half to get back to baseline instead of a week. I had some neuropathy in my hands and feet, but nothing that could not easily be handled. I did experience some vomiting and chest pain in my last week of radiation. I was unable to tolerate any spicy foods or acidic foods due to radiation and was put on a bland diet. On the upside, my last chemo was 10/9 and my last radiation was 10/23. Today, not very long after treatment, I am feeling as good as I ever have. I am eating anything I want and so happy about that I gained 6 much needed pounds.

Whatever higher power you believe in -- that power I think gives us the ability to look at things in hindsight and say "that really wasn't too bad", no matter how bad it was while actually going through it. This is the power that allows us to continue. Your husband, while going through this will definitely have his good and bad days. He is lucky to have you during both those good and bad times. And on days that power does not work for you guys -- log on here and we will be here to carry you through as best we can. I know I have been so scared and confused during treatment and I have found many good answers and wonderful responses on this website -- and it is so helpful to be able to converse with people who truly know what we are going through.

Please let me know how things are going. I hope you have a wonderful and peaceful holiday. Take care -- laura

gailjames · December 2009

mandm1 said:
3b inoperable
my wife finished her chemo and rad on march 18 09 down to 81# when I brought her home but with a lot of care she has come back to me ...now at 101# and gaining....last scan showed shrinking and collapsing..new scans on 11/17 and the only ongoing problem is a bad stricture in her throat from the radiation...but docs doing dialation and seems to be working...her hair is back and looks beautiful...always hope never give up

5 months after diagnosed 3B inoperable
Hello and best wishes to all on this board,

My mother (68yrs) was diagnosed in June 09 with Stage 3B, non-small cell lung cancer. She had an inoperable tumor 8 cm size in her upper left lobe. She was a smoker of 50 years. After a long summer of IMRT radiation treatments (10 minutes/day 5 days/week for 3 months and one Chemo treatment per week) we are happy to say her tumor has shrunk over 50% and has not spread. We are doing this through MGH in Boston—an amazing group there.
She still needs 2 more chemo treatments which will be 4 hrs each coming up next week.

There were times when i thought she might not muster up the strength to get through the last week of radiation but amazingly she got through it then she got worse. We put her on oxygen for a month which made a huge difference. You need the oxygen to help speed up the healing process.

At the time I am writing this I am thrilled to say my mom is doing great! You'd never know what she went through. She looks better than ever. So hang in there and fight the fight.

love and light to all.

Laura88 · December 2009

indydorsey13 said:
To: Hope 3-B lung cancer
Thanks for your encouragement ! My husband started treatment this week for Stage III-b inoperable Lung cancer....Surgery could be an option if treatment shrink the tumor !!
Has your treament been rough for you ??? Made you tired & sick ? He had 2nd chemo & rad. today....Chemo 3 x per wk. and radiation 5 x per wk.

Thanks
Dorsey

How is your husband?
Hello -- I haven't heard from you and was wondering how your husband is tolerating treatment? Hope you had nice holidays and will have a happy new year. Please do let us know how you are both doing. Laura

cfischer · January 2010

Plymouthean said:
Hi.

I'm a seven year survivor of NSCLC, 3B. My personal web page is found here, under "Grateful Survivor".
My tumor was approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 7 cm, and located in the upper lobe of my right lung. I was diagnosed in May of '01, at age 67, as incurable/inoperable. I received three 3-day chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Etopiside, at three week intervals. At the same time, I received 55 consecutive daily radiation treatments, five days a week, with weekends off.
By October, '01, my tumor had been shrunk by 75%, and it was removed surgically. Post-op, I received ten more radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.
By April, '02 I was able to travel to Las Vegas (I live in MA) for some well-earned partying!
I've been cancer free since. My whole experience lasted ten months. At the time, it seemed like a hundred years! My point is that cancer can be beaten,- not easily, but it's possible.
The pre-op chemo treatments were very aggressive, and were harder to take as time passed. The radiation did some (mostly) temporary damage, but I'm here today, - alive and kicking!
You and your father must keep a positive attitude, and do what it takes.
As a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, also. Try to arrange for someone to give you a break, now and then.
If I can be of help, e-mail me through this website.
My prayers and best wishes to you and your father.

Ernie

Hello, I just saw this posting, my father was diagnosed before christmas with lung cancer which is inoperabe, large mass on the left side of lung..definetly fluid because you can tell in his voice, he is 59 years old and he started chemo last week 3 days 3 week intervals, no radiation yet..but your post really inspired me and i almost wanted to copy and past it and email it to my father...he was told today it is 3b because he must of just asked his oncologist..hoping i get a response so we can chat..god bless..from connecticut!

kris4beach · January 2010

Laura88 said:
Thank you
You are an inspiration to me. I am inoperable stage 3B, diagnosed in May of this year. I have just finished 18 weeks of chemo (alimta and Cisplatin) and 8 weeks of radiation. My first scan is this Thursday -- very, very nervous. It is so helpful for me to read the stay positive, never give up postings here. It truly keeps me going -- and thank you so much for that. Keep cooking!!! Laura

still here
Laura, my boyfriend was diagnosed in Oct 2007 with stage 3 non operatable met lung cancer. Dr said lucky if he has a year. We started aggressive chemo and radiation together and started a nightly prayer group with family members. He is still here alive and kicking with a pretty darn good quality of life. 4 pets in remission. Looks great, feels good and living a wonderful life. He gets tired easily, has some residual back pain from the something, not sure what but we are thrilled that it can work and he is living proof. Be optimistic, try anything that makes sense to you and get a strong support group, either family, friends or a group that will be there regardless and keep you going.

Lung Cancer Stage 3B

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