met with surgeon

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impactzone
impactzone Member Posts: 551 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Well looks like a 4th lung surgery on dec 9 for me. The spot is small (8mm) but they have to use a more open incision due to the scar tissue from 2 pror surgeries.Can't sleep right now and am in a pretty down state... I do have the option of cyberknife which seems to have fewer side effects but the surgeon said that they do not like to do surgery after radiation and if I'm in it for the long haul, perhaps sugery now is a better option...

I know , I should be grateful for the option, Iknow others face bigger issues...but now..I am angry and depressed. Still I made it to over 5 years after dx but damn...it is hard sometimes...
Chip

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  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #2
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    Buddies
    Hey Chip,

    I don't blame you for feeling angry and depressed. It sucks. That being said, I know you will do the right thing -- for you -- and do it with your characteristic grace and strength.

    Hey, us lung met buddies gotta stick together! You will be one ahead of me now (I had three lung surgeries). But this isn't a game we want to play!

    May the surgery be smooth, the recovery smooth -- and may this be the last one ever ever ever!! LONG TERM SURVIVOR -- that's us, buddy. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you. Meanwhile, please do whatever you need to do to get some sleep --we want you going into that surgery as strong and well-rested as possible, so you can have a swift bounceback.

    Love,
    Tara
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #3
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    Dear Chip
    So sorry to hear that another surgery is in your future, but as you say, at least you have that option.

    Thank goodness it was caught while still small.

    Prayers for you and your surgeons as you go into this.

    Marie who loves kitties
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #4
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    Chip
    I feel your pain having had 3 lung operations and 4 RFAs on my lungs since 2004. The are not fun but as you said, be grateful for the option. I am a bit confused, it sounds like you are having surgery but you have the option of the cyber knife over more traditional surgery. AFTER that you will do radiation. If its surgery then radiation in either case, why not go with the cyber knife since it's a bit easier on you?

    I've felt the feeling of disappointment with hearing I had to have yet another surgery, let yourself feel what you feel. It's certainly not something to be overjoyed with but do keep in mind that you ARE lucky to have that option open still. I'm still having RFAs after 7 3/4 years. It IS hard much of the time but as long as you have a good quality of life, that's a positive thing.
    Hang in there Chip...
    -p
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #5
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    Chip
    Well, Chip

    I'm the "lightweight" of the lung group:)

    I'm assuming they did a lung biopsy and got a 'confirm' back that it was cancer?

    I've done da Vinci robot lung surgery and a full open thoracotomy...I really think the open incision is the best way to go. Doc needs the room to 'wiggle around' in there and have a better field of vision.

    Sometimes, with procedures like the da Vinci or VATS, "things" can be missed and then shortly thereafter the surgery, we're confronted with the same issue once more. That's what happened to me.

    Cyberknife could be a successful move as Phil mentioned. But, I do understand wanting to have the mass cut out - I'm a big proponent for cutting out when you can, because it offers a tremendous opportunity for success, but I know they are hard on you - especially, when we're carving on the same organ over and over.

    I've lost 7-wedges of lung along with a side-order of 2 ribs.

    30 rounds of radiation followed (IMRT) which destroyed another 10% lung tissue. Now, exactly 1-year later, Ive still got some issues with lung tissue scarring with the surgery and radiation. It's unpleasant sometimes, as when I lay down, the scar tissue hits the lung and seems to touch on a nerve - I spasm quite a bit and the pain is intense and then if I can just relax and suck down that pain - it will eventually subside.

    Yes, you're back in the "anger stage" again - and that's where you need to be right now. I don't have to tell an ol' war horse like you, how to gear up again - you could teach me a thing or two:)

    The follow-up treatments will be harder than the surgery, Chip. Rads made me very sick and the chemo got me sicker this time than ever. That's depressing, I know. I would be going through the same things you are thinking and feeling if it came back up for me. There's no hiding it - and it's good to deal with it now.

    I want to wish you the best and am sorry for this latest relapse. I know you have the strength and tenacity to do it, however....I do feel good about that one and think you will be okay once more - but you're gonna' have to fight on...

    "Stay to the right of the green..."

    Always to the right, Chip:)

    I appreciate you posting to let us know.
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #6
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    Surgery
    I'm just praying that this surgery takes care of it. You have gone through a lot but come a long way. Please keep us informed. It's normal to be angry and depressed - this disease seems to bring those two emotions right along with it. You are in my thoughts.

    Kim
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #7
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    Chip:
    Gosh I'm sorry you are dealing with this again. You are a long term survivor and yet this crap keeps coming back. It's hard, so very hard, just when you think it might be behind you it rears its ugly head. You are a fighter and you have options so fight you will. Take care and let us know how things go.

    Tina
  • Kenny H.
    Kenny H. Member Posts: 502 Member
    #8
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    geotina said:

    Chip:
    Gosh I'm sorry you are dealing with this again. You are a long term survivor and yet this crap keeps coming back. It's hard, so very hard, just when you think it might be behind you it rears its ugly head. You are a fighter and you have options so fight you will. Take care and let us know how things go.

    Tina

    Maybe be joining the lung
    Maybe be joining the lung mets group also. Last CT scan showed more small nodules 2cm on lungs.
    Had a PET scan today but wont know results till thursday. Just when I thought I was starting to win now this. Kinda scared now, dont know what to think.
  • lauragb
    lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
    #9
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    Your perseverence inspires
    Your perseverence inspires me. And I think you can take some time to feel angry and depressed. This is all so hard. Although I don't know you, just know I'm another person on your team.
    Laura
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #10
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    Sorry
    Hi, Chip.

    I'm sorry you're feeling down right now. Praying for great results with this surgery.

    *hugs*
    Gail

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