Just found out I have cancer

mamacita5 · May 2010

I am numb. I wake up in the morning and just can't believe it. Please tell me this sense of hopelessness will go away. I need to function for my family, I have to go to work. I know that I need to be positive and get into the right frame of mind to fight this demon that has invaded my body. I had a bad bout of bronchitis in February and finally went in to see if I could possibly have pneumonia. Doctor told me my lungs were clear and sent me home. My primary care doc called a couple of weeks later to say he saw a shadow and would like me to have a follow-up x-ray which I did. He then called and told me the shadow was still there and sent me for a CT. His nurse called me late on a Friday night to tell me I had a lung tumor. Devastating weekend of fear. I went to the phonologist who showed me my CT and explained that a 2" mass is located in my left lung near my aorta. She did say that it does not appear to be attached to the aorta and should be able to be removed surgically. Biopsy confirmed NSCLC. I had my PET yesterday and will speak to the surgeon next week. The waiting is excruciating. I am feeling slight discomfort in my joints and under both arms, which is confusing because I was told that the lymph nodes looked clear. Every ache and pain seems to be telling me that the cancer has spread. Sorry if this is rambling but I know that you are the only ones who truly know what I am going through right now. Sad thing is...I don't know if I can be called a survivor yet.

PBJ Austin · May 2010

You are already a survivor
Hello mamacita and welcome to this board. I joined this board in March 2009 when my then 25-year-old sister was diagnosed with brain cancer and they gave her 3-7 years to live. Just 3 months later I was told (mistakenly) that I had lung cancer. In both of these incidents I remember thinking I will wake up and it will all be a bad dream. Also in both cases I thought the worst--my sister and I would both be gone in just a few years.

Although I eventually discovered I did not have cancer, I still haven't forgotten the emptiness I felt when I thought I did have it. I haven't forgotten the excruciating feeling of waiting and wondering what the future holds for me. To say it's hard is a terrible understatement.

I don't know this with certainty, but the aches and pains you are feeling could be from stress. Please do not be afraid to ask the doctor for meds to calm your nerves. My husband and I took Xanax and it did help.

I learned a lot from this board and I will share a few of the highlights. I learned that waiting is a part of this game. No matter how fast you get answers it won't seem fast enough. I also learned there is hope. So many people on this board have beat this monster and you can too. My sister is a prime example. As I mentioned above she was given 3-7 years upon the diagnosis, however after a year of treatment she is cancer free. The cancer might come back some day but then it might not, we just don't know. We have learned to celebrate small victories so right now we are feeling very triumphant.

Please stay in touch with this board, there are so many great people here who can help. And whatever you do, please do not give up hope. You and the rest of this board will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Glenda N. · May 2010

lung tumor
I know what you are going through. I was diagnosed with non small cell cancer in my left lung, almost 3 yrs ago. Had my entire left lung removed because the tumor was sitting on both lobes. I have been cancer free for almost 3 yrs. The waiting is so hard, but you will find out more when you get your petscan results. My husband & I also used xanax to help get us through the first couple of months. The scariest time in our life. You will get through this also.

mamacita5 · May 2010

PBJ Austin said:
You are already a survivor
Hello mamacita and welcome to this board. I joined this board in March 2009 when my then 25-year-old sister was diagnosed with brain cancer and they gave her 3-7 years to live. Just 3 months later I was told (mistakenly) that I had lung cancer. In both of these incidents I remember thinking I will wake up and it will all be a bad dream. Also in both cases I thought the worst--my sister and I would both be gone in just a few years.

Although I eventually discovered I did not have cancer, I still haven't forgotten the emptiness I felt when I thought I did have it. I haven't forgotten the excruciating feeling of waiting and wondering what the future holds for me. To say it's hard is a terrible understatement.

I don't know this with certainty, but the aches and pains you are feeling could be from stress. Please do not be afraid to ask the doctor for meds to calm your nerves. My husband and I took Xanax and it did help.

I learned a lot from this board and I will share a few of the highlights. I learned that waiting is a part of this game. No matter how fast you get answers it won't seem fast enough. I also learned there is hope. So many people on this board have beat this monster and you can too. My sister is a prime example. As I mentioned above she was given 3-7 years upon the diagnosis, however after a year of treatment she is cancer free. The cancer might come back some day but then it might not, we just don't know. We have learned to celebrate small victories so right now we are feeling very triumphant.

Please stay in touch with this board, there are so many great people here who can help. And whatever you do, please do not give up hope. You and the rest of this board will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you!
Just a moment ago I was feeling hopeless again... then I read your post and it cheered me up. Thanks so much.

cabbott · May 2010

Hope
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I remember being paralyzed with fear that just didn't stop. It wasn't anything like the fear one gets from scary movies or a ride at the fair. This fear didn't quit when day was done. It went on for days and days. Other folks told me that I was handling it well. They didn't see what I was feeling like on the inside.

Several things helped. Getting a treatment plan helped me the most. Then I knew what was going to happen, at least for the next week or so at a time. Meeting survivors and hearing their stories helped a lot too. All I used to know about cancer is that you can die from it. I didn't know that it is something most folks live with. They are keeping 20 year stats now on breast cancer survivors and folks with other kinds of cancer are living longer too. Anything you hear or read that happened two years ago is already way way way outdated. Cancer research is changing that fast. By the way, it takes two years to get a book in print. So even this year's books are old in terms of what can be done for cancer patients now. Learning more about cancer and its treatment so that I knew how bad it could be helped a lot (though it gave me nightmares if I read just before bedtime!). I admit it, I was a pessimist and was certain I would be gone within a year or so. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2002. In 2004 they thought (mistakenly) that I had ovarian cancer. Then I got hit with an unrelated lung cancer dx in 2006. Currently I have some spots on my lungs that the doctor considers too small and too stable to operate on at this time. So I'm playing the waiting game too.

It seems better, though, this time around. I have a treatment plan, I know more about what I'm dealing with now and how it is likely to proceed. I know I don't have forever on this planet, but how long I have and what happens after that is all in God's hands. Daily exercise helps and knowing who to call if I get in a jam helps too. When I can't make myself plan something that seems too far in the future (planning for retirement in 5-10 years or even planning a summer vacation is rough!), I make myself plan for something that week or that day. Accomplishing something as small as cleaning a counter off sometimes is enough to ward off the molasses swamp of depression. Do something you enjoy every day no matter what the doctor has planned in terms of treatment. My trips to the doctor are also my days to eat out, go shopping, or read magazines I never get time for on "normal" days.

So do what you can and find out what works for you to help you through the day. Medication to take the edge off the blues is a good way to go too. Just add it to all of the above ideas to make a plan that works for you. My dad used to say that life is too short to be miserable. So ask for help when you need it.

C. Abbott

PS They discovered my lung cancer after I had bronchitis that just wouldn't respond to antibiotics too. I was sure I had pneumonia and they just weren't treating it correctly. The PET/CAT scan showed I was right about the pneumonia, but the problem was lung cancer, not inferior antibiotics. Go figure!

mamacita5 · May 2010

Glenda N. said:
lung tumor
I know what you are going through. I was diagnosed with non small cell cancer in my left lung, almost 3 yrs ago. Had my entire left lung removed because the tumor was sitting on both lobes. I have been cancer free for almost 3 yrs. The waiting is so hard, but you will find out more when you get your petscan results. My husband & I also used xanax to help get us through the first couple of months. The scariest time in our life. You will get through this also.

Thanks Glenda!
Thank you for your suggestions and support.

mamacita5 · May 2010

cabbott said:
Hope
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I remember being paralyzed with fear that just didn't stop. It wasn't anything like the fear one gets from scary movies or a ride at the fair. This fear didn't quit when day was done. It went on for days and days. Other folks told me that I was handling it well. They didn't see what I was feeling like on the inside.

Several things helped. Getting a treatment plan helped me the most. Then I knew what was going to happen, at least for the next week or so at a time. Meeting survivors and hearing their stories helped a lot too. All I used to know about cancer is that you can die from it. I didn't know that it is something most folks live with. They are keeping 20 year stats now on breast cancer survivors and folks with other kinds of cancer are living longer too. Anything you hear or read that happened two years ago is already way way way outdated. Cancer research is changing that fast. By the way, it takes two years to get a book in print. So even this year's books are old in terms of what can be done for cancer patients now. Learning more about cancer and its treatment so that I knew how bad it could be helped a lot (though it gave me nightmares if I read just before bedtime!). I admit it, I was a pessimist and was certain I would be gone within a year or so. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2002. In 2004 they thought (mistakenly) that I had ovarian cancer. Then I got hit with an unrelated lung cancer dx in 2006. Currently I have some spots on my lungs that the doctor considers too small and too stable to operate on at this time. So I'm playing the waiting game too.

It seems better, though, this time around. I have a treatment plan, I know more about what I'm dealing with now and how it is likely to proceed. I know I don't have forever on this planet, but how long I have and what happens after that is all in God's hands. Daily exercise helps and knowing who to call if I get in a jam helps too. When I can't make myself plan something that seems too far in the future (planning for retirement in 5-10 years or even planning a summer vacation is rough!), I make myself plan for something that week or that day. Accomplishing something as small as cleaning a counter off sometimes is enough to ward off the molasses swamp of depression. Do something you enjoy every day no matter what the doctor has planned in terms of treatment. My trips to the doctor are also my days to eat out, go shopping, or read magazines I never get time for on "normal" days.

So do what you can and find out what works for you to help you through the day. Medication to take the edge off the blues is a good way to go too. Just add it to all of the above ideas to make a plan that works for you. My dad used to say that life is too short to be miserable. So ask for help when you need it.

C. Abbott

PS They discovered my lung cancer after I had bronchitis that just wouldn't respond to antibiotics too. I was sure I had pneumonia and they just weren't treating it correctly. The PET/CAT scan showed I was right about the pneumonia, but the problem was lung cancer, not inferior antibiotics. Go figure!

Thank you!
I know I am in the right place with this discussion group...bless you for your kind support.

halfpint1 · May 2010

PBJ Austin said:
You are already a survivor
Hello mamacita and welcome to this board. I joined this board in March 2009 when my then 25-year-old sister was diagnosed with brain cancer and they gave her 3-7 years to live. Just 3 months later I was told (mistakenly) that I had lung cancer. In both of these incidents I remember thinking I will wake up and it will all be a bad dream. Also in both cases I thought the worst--my sister and I would both be gone in just a few years.

Although I eventually discovered I did not have cancer, I still haven't forgotten the emptiness I felt when I thought I did have it. I haven't forgotten the excruciating feeling of waiting and wondering what the future holds for me. To say it's hard is a terrible understatement.

I don't know this with certainty, but the aches and pains you are feeling could be from stress. Please do not be afraid to ask the doctor for meds to calm your nerves. My husband and I took Xanax and it did help.

I learned a lot from this board and I will share a few of the highlights. I learned that waiting is a part of this game. No matter how fast you get answers it won't seem fast enough. I also learned there is hope. So many people on this board have beat this monster and you can too. My sister is a prime example. As I mentioned above she was given 3-7 years upon the diagnosis, however after a year of treatment she is cancer free. The cancer might come back some day but then it might not, we just don't know. We have learned to celebrate small victories so right now we are feeling very triumphant.

Please stay in touch with this board, there are so many great people here who can help. And whatever you do, please do not give up hope. You and the rest of this board will be in my thoughts and prayers.

XANAX
the meds will calm your nerves and help you through this. I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. I told the doctors right away you better give me something or I will never survive the stress of this. They did and have stayed positive. Hope, faith, and positive thinking will get you through this. Oh it is in the back of my mind. I am done with chemo and on to radaiation. I will not know what the future holds for me only GOD does. Stay away from any persons speaking negative, or bad news you want to hear the success stories only.

stayingcalm · May 2010

Support is key
mamacita5,

It does sound as if you can have the tumor surgically removed, and that's a good thing. It's all scary, whether you are a first-time cancer patient or a second, or third. I think what helps a lot is having support at home, and particularly, someone to go to those first few appointments with you, to be your ears and memory.

Medication is fine, too - I was reluctant, as I think most people are - to admit that I needed something to help for panic attacks, but my pulmonologist prescribed .5mg Xanax and I began by taking 1/4 of that (people laughed at me, but it was all I needed to keep the anxiety away without feeling in any way "weird"). I never took more than half a pill and I don't usually take any these days, as the panic attacks have subsided.

I can't think of anything better than what GlendaN & cabbott and others have suggested, just wanted to put my 2 cents in, and please let us know how it goes. I expect you'll do fine

Deb

mamacita5 · May 2010

stayingcalm said:
Support is key
mamacita5,

It does sound as if you can have the tumor surgically removed, and that's a good thing. It's all scary, whether you are a first-time cancer patient or a second, or third. I think what helps a lot is having support at home, and particularly, someone to go to those first few appointments with you, to be your ears and memory.

Medication is fine, too - I was reluctant, as I think most people are - to admit that I needed something to help for panic attacks, but my pulmonologist prescribed .5mg Xanax and I began by taking 1/4 of that (people laughed at me, but it was all I needed to keep the anxiety away without feeling in any way "weird"). I never took more than half a pill and I don't usually take any these days, as the panic attacks have subsided.

I can't think of anything better than what GlendaN & cabbott and others have suggested, just wanted to put my 2 cents in, and please let us know how it goes. I expect you'll do fine

Deb

Thank you Deb
Thanks so much for your comments Deb. I find that I need to "hit" the discussion group about 4 times a day to keep my spirits up. Everyone is so kind and understanding to the "newbie" in the group. I will definitely ask my doctor about something to calm my nerves for these first few weeks. Not big into pills either, but I feel it will be better for me to stay as calm as possible.

Laura88 · May 2010

mamacita5 said:
Thank you Deb
Thanks so much for your comments Deb. I find that I need to "hit" the discussion group about 4 times a day to keep my spirits up. Everyone is so kind and understanding to the "newbie" in the group. I will definitely ask my doctor about something to calm my nerves for these first few weeks. Not big into pills either, but I feel it will be better for me to stay as calm as possible.

Hello Mamacita
I was diagnosed exactly one year ago. I won't lie, it has been a daunting year, and it hasn't been all good news for me -- but I've gotten through it pretty well. If you take one day at a time, one treatment at a time and yes, Xanax, you will do fine. Do you best to laugh each day and find the good things in life. Keep on this board -- it will truly help you thought. Best wishes and keep in touch. Laura

mamacita5 · May 2010

Laura88 said:
Hello Mamacita
I was diagnosed exactly one year ago. I won't lie, it has been a daunting year, and it hasn't been all good news for me -- but I've gotten through it pretty well. If you take one day at a time, one treatment at a time and yes, Xanax, you will do fine. Do you best to laugh each day and find the good things in life. Keep on this board -- it will truly help you thought. Best wishes and keep in touch. Laura

Thank you Laura
I will try to keep a positive outlook. I had a lovely day yesterday with my husband and our children. Hope you have a great week!

barryd2 · May 2010

mamacita5 said:
Thank you Laura
I will try to keep a positive outlook. I had a lovely day yesterday with my husband and our children. Hope you have a great week!

I joined this site just so I could reply to you!
I've been a longtime reader of this site, but never really had the urge to join... after reading your initial post, I felt compelled to join just so I could write to you... I'm a 2 1/2 year survivor of Stage III lung cancer... I went through the horrible initial time after I was first diagnosed. I remember that first week, I would shake uncontrollably after I showered. I, like others, took a very small dose of Xanax and it helped immeasurably.

I think my fear lasted until treatments actually began... I had five months of chemo, then surgery to remove the left upper lobe, then two months of radiation and chemo. It was tough... I won't lie.. but it all worked. I have been totally cancer-free for something like two years now... I go in for periodic PET scans, but that's nothing... When you survive cancer, most of life's problems seem like mere inconveniences.

Hang in there!

Barry

mamacita5 · May 2010

barryd2 said:
I joined this site just so I could reply to you!
I've been a longtime reader of this site, but never really had the urge to join... after reading your initial post, I felt compelled to join just so I could write to you... I'm a 2 1/2 year survivor of Stage III lung cancer... I went through the horrible initial time after I was first diagnosed. I remember that first week, I would shake uncontrollably after I showered. I, like others, took a very small dose of Xanax and it helped immeasurably.

I think my fear lasted until treatments actually began... I had five months of chemo, then surgery to remove the left upper lobe, then two months of radiation and chemo. It was tough... I won't lie.. but it all worked. I have been totally cancer-free for something like two years now... I go in for periodic PET scans, but that's nothing... When you survive cancer, most of life's problems seem like mere inconveniences.

Hang in there!

Barry

Bless you Barry
Thank you for your kind reassurance. During these early weeks I find my mood and emotions can change from hour to hour. Reading your post will make my next hour a happy one!

scfranson · May 2010

mamacita5 said:
Bless you Barry
Thank you for your kind reassurance. During these early weeks I find my mood and emotions can change from hour to hour. Reading your post will make my next hour a happy one!

I need help too
I found out I have lung cancer that has spread to the spine in February. At first I thought I was handling the news ok, I cried a lot and had bad times but I didn't fall apart like I have this past couple weeks. My anxiety has reached out and grabbed me and won't let go. I'm seeing a therapist, had one session so far but that doesn't help much when it's just one session. I'm also taking anti anxiety meds. I'm not even sure what I want to ask here, maybe just has anyone had a delayed reaction like mine to their cancer diagnosis?

Like Mamacita5 my emotions are changing from minute to minute and I sure could use some kind of support from the rest of you also living this nightmare.

Saying you wish you would wake up from this dream and find it all gone is a common thought but I know it's not going to happen. The therapist said she feels I'm accepting my diagnosis but I don't, it feels like grief to me. I probably need more help that you can give me.

I had radiation for pain control and that worked and I'm having chemo which is holding the cancer at bay but not shrinking it, now the doctor is talking about adding tarceva, I know I might have a lot longer life than I first thought after diagnosis but I can't get past this grieving emotional feeling to enjoy it.

If anyone has any suggestions for dealing with this anxiety I sure can use them.
Bless all of you, Claudia

bfp9548 · May 2010

scfranson said:
I need help too
I found out I have lung cancer that has spread to the spine in February. At first I thought I was handling the news ok, I cried a lot and had bad times but I didn't fall apart like I have this past couple weeks. My anxiety has reached out and grabbed me and won't let go. I'm seeing a therapist, had one session so far but that doesn't help much when it's just one session. I'm also taking anti anxiety meds. I'm not even sure what I want to ask here, maybe just has anyone had a delayed reaction like mine to their cancer diagnosis?

Like Mamacita5 my emotions are changing from minute to minute and I sure could use some kind of support from the rest of you also living this nightmare.

Saying you wish you would wake up from this dream and find it all gone is a common thought but I know it's not going to happen. The therapist said she feels I'm accepting my diagnosis but I don't, it feels like grief to me. I probably need more help that you can give me.

I had radiation for pain control and that worked and I'm having chemo which is holding the cancer at bay but not shrinking it, now the doctor is talking about adding tarceva, I know I might have a lot longer life than I first thought after diagnosis but I can't get past this grieving emotional feeling to enjoy it.

If anyone has any suggestions for dealing with this anxiety I sure can use them.
Bless all of you, Claudia

support
I agree with Deb. For me support has been the key. I have good days and bad days. I am still trying to avoid taking any more medications at this time. Without my friends and family I don't know what I would do. They allow me to vent my frustrations and fears and are just there for me. For me, I try to take it day by day and focus on only the issues that come up that day. Sometime this is hard, but my support team reigns me back into control.

Hang in there!
Kim

Citygirl24 · May 2010

scfranson said:
I need help too
I found out I have lung cancer that has spread to the spine in February. At first I thought I was handling the news ok, I cried a lot and had bad times but I didn't fall apart like I have this past couple weeks. My anxiety has reached out and grabbed me and won't let go. I'm seeing a therapist, had one session so far but that doesn't help much when it's just one session. I'm also taking anti anxiety meds. I'm not even sure what I want to ask here, maybe just has anyone had a delayed reaction like mine to their cancer diagnosis?

Like Mamacita5 my emotions are changing from minute to minute and I sure could use some kind of support from the rest of you also living this nightmare.

Saying you wish you would wake up from this dream and find it all gone is a common thought but I know it's not going to happen. The therapist said she feels I'm accepting my diagnosis but I don't, it feels like grief to me. I probably need more help that you can give me.

I had radiation for pain control and that worked and I'm having chemo which is holding the cancer at bay but not shrinking it, now the doctor is talking about adding tarceva, I know I might have a lot longer life than I first thought after diagnosis but I can't get past this grieving emotional feeling to enjoy it.

If anyone has any suggestions for dealing with this anxiety I sure can use them.
Bless all of you, Claudia

focus else where
Hi Claudia.
I'm really sorry about your grieving. Will pray for you. As I've seen mentioned before. Focus on the day by day. If its nice out go for a walk. Enjoy the sunshine. Find a good book to climb into. If you can't take the time to excercise, take a few mins to stretch or walk a round the room. I have 3 kids so yesterday I got on the floor with them and we played games and did puzzles. Or do a puzzle yourself. God Bless

mamacita5 · May 2010

scfranson said:
I need help too
I found out I have lung cancer that has spread to the spine in February. At first I thought I was handling the news ok, I cried a lot and had bad times but I didn't fall apart like I have this past couple weeks. My anxiety has reached out and grabbed me and won't let go. I'm seeing a therapist, had one session so far but that doesn't help much when it's just one session. I'm also taking anti anxiety meds. I'm not even sure what I want to ask here, maybe just has anyone had a delayed reaction like mine to their cancer diagnosis?

Like Mamacita5 my emotions are changing from minute to minute and I sure could use some kind of support from the rest of you also living this nightmare.

Saying you wish you would wake up from this dream and find it all gone is a common thought but I know it's not going to happen. The therapist said she feels I'm accepting my diagnosis but I don't, it feels like grief to me. I probably need more help that you can give me.

I had radiation for pain control and that worked and I'm having chemo which is holding the cancer at bay but not shrinking it, now the doctor is talking about adding tarceva, I know I might have a lot longer life than I first thought after diagnosis but I can't get past this grieving emotional feeling to enjoy it.

If anyone has any suggestions for dealing with this anxiety I sure can use them.
Bless all of you, Claudia

Praying has helped me
I don't know if you are religious, but praying has helped me a lot. After praying I make sure to take some time to listen....

I have also found a lot of comfort in reading success stories of others here on the discussion group. You can see there are a lot of people here that have overcome incredible odds to fight and LIVE with their cancer for many years.

Claudia, I will add you to my prayers if you don't mind.
Anita

hartmann · May 2010

mamacita5 said:
Praying has helped me
I don't know if you are religious, but praying has helped me a lot. After praying I make sure to take some time to listen....

I have also found a lot of comfort in reading success stories of others here on the discussion group. You can see there are a lot of people here that have overcome incredible odds to fight and LIVE with their cancer for many years.

Claudia, I will add you to my prayers if you don't mind.
Anita

Hi Mamacita
Im so glad that I have found this sight as well. I too have been recently diagnosed with cancer. I was seen by my PA in January for some very minor chest pain (my husband made me go). A chest xray was done although we all thought the pain was stress related. It showed a 2.5cm area in the left lower lobe. I then had a ct scan which showed extensive lymph node involvement under my arms and in the mediastinum as well as several large (6cm) tumors in my liver. I had pet scan, MRI, liver biopsy , multiple blood tests and a port placement with chemotherapy all starting within 2 weeks of my initial appointment. Talk about a nightmare. I went from one of the most fit and healthy people I know and to working 40 to 60 hours to having a death sentence in no time. I had not been to church 10 years but I have a dear friend who helped bring me back to God and I am so grateful for that. I agree that praying help and also having as many supportive people around you as possible. Dont listen to the negative stuff and keep as positve attitude as possible. My prognosis is extremely poor but I did not allow the doctors to give ma a time frame or any numbers. I believe it is up to God when I go. So far Im doing amazingly well and I believe you will as well. Its been 4 months. I have recieved 6 chemo treaments and have no hair but I also have no new symptoms. No cough or shortness of breath or signs of liver failure. I even work a few hours a week (except the week after chemo:). The tumors were shrinking after the 2nd chemo and Im due for another scan in a couple weeks. My doctor is a bit suprised and even hopeful:) You will continue to have good days and bad days. I think this is normal for all of us. Keep in contact on the board. I know it has helped me already to know there are others out there. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless

mamacita5 · May 2010

hartmann said:
Hi Mamacita
Im so glad that I have found this sight as well. I too have been recently diagnosed with cancer. I was seen by my PA in January for some very minor chest pain (my husband made me go). A chest xray was done although we all thought the pain was stress related. It showed a 2.5cm area in the left lower lobe. I then had a ct scan which showed extensive lymph node involvement under my arms and in the mediastinum as well as several large (6cm) tumors in my liver. I had pet scan, MRI, liver biopsy , multiple blood tests and a port placement with chemotherapy all starting within 2 weeks of my initial appointment. Talk about a nightmare. I went from one of the most fit and healthy people I know and to working 40 to 60 hours to having a death sentence in no time. I had not been to church 10 years but I have a dear friend who helped bring me back to God and I am so grateful for that. I agree that praying help and also having as many supportive people around you as possible. Dont listen to the negative stuff and keep as positve attitude as possible. My prognosis is extremely poor but I did not allow the doctors to give ma a time frame or any numbers. I believe it is up to God when I go. So far Im doing amazingly well and I believe you will as well. Its been 4 months. I have recieved 6 chemo treaments and have no hair but I also have no new symptoms. No cough or shortness of breath or signs of liver failure. I even work a few hours a week (except the week after chemo:). The tumors were shrinking after the 2nd chemo and Im due for another scan in a couple weeks. My doctor is a bit suprised and even hopeful:) You will continue to have good days and bad days. I think this is normal for all of us. Keep in contact on the board. I know it has helped me already to know there are others out there. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless

You can do it girl!
I can tell you are a fighter! Like you, I will not listen to numbers. Only the Lord knows when it is my time to go. I intend to move forward with my life and take on each challenge as it comes. Lets keep in touch, and know that we can be great inspiration for each other! I will be out of commission for awhile after my surgery on Monday, but I will write again as soon as I am able. Have a marvelous weekend!
Anita

hartmann · May 2010

mamacita5 said:
You can do it girl!
I can tell you are a fighter! Like you, I will not listen to numbers. Only the Lord knows when it is my time to go. I intend to move forward with my life and take on each challenge as it comes. Lets keep in touch, and know that we can be great inspiration for each other! I will be out of commission for awhile after my surgery on Monday, but I will write again as soon as I am able. Have a marvelous weekend!
Anita

Best if luck with your
Best if luck with your surgery. I will say a prayer for you!! Talk to you soon.

Just found out I have cancer

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