Tomorrow I'll find out what type of cancer cells have invaded my body. I already know that I have Stage IV lung cancer with metasticies in many areas. Up until now I have been getting ready taking care of legal matters, telling family and friends, my Church, my wonderful neighbors. No time to be scared. I have an amazing daughter, an awe-inspiring military son, three beautiful grandchildren, two step-grandsons, 6 supportive brothers and sisters, and the dear love of my life, my partner Jack. I'm sick with guilt over how this is and will effect all of them, especially my two tiny grandchildren, Tristan (4) and Morgan (15 mo). I have a fight on my hands and don't know if I'll be strong enough to make a good effort. Am only 89 lbs at this point. My emotions are running wild. How can I do this to them?
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June 30, 2009
- By KathyV
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 1:47 pm · 10 replies
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- By stage4survivor
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 2:33 pm
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Dear Ms V,
You'll find help here that you can't buy. Get a second opinion at a dedicated cancer center before beginning any treatment plan.
Never lose hope, if you have no hope, pray for it.
G
- By sheilake
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 2:45 pm
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As you will see on this site, there are many stage IV lung cancer people who have lived years and years. You sound like you almost feel defeated, when there are so many treatments now that may be able to keep you alive.
Please let us know as much as possible about the type of cancer, the mets, the treatment(s) you are considering, etc. The more you share, the more people can be relevant and helpful about what has worked. You can't have too much information in this pursuit.
Hope you can find a way to get your weight up. That is really critical. You don't have anything to spare.
Hopes and prayers,
Sheila
- By chessie-too
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 2:53 pm
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Don't give up before the fight even begins. I was told 6-12 months for stage 4, both lungs. That was almost 3 YEARS ago. So keep your faith, say your prayers, and let us know what we can do to help you.
Good luck and God Bless
- By cuddles53
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 3:59 pm
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Just like chessie-too I also was told 12 to 15 months with stage 4 and this is my 3rd year and still going, although my wirhgt is high, not low like yours, concentrate on gaining weight so you have more energy to fight with, don't give up hope before you even start! My God that is what I almost did and look at how long I have survived this, I have lost many friends who have died all of them had come to tell me how sorry they were for me thinking I would die before them. One never knows when our days are finished, and you don't either, so keep on plugging, eat like a horse right now and gain some weight. god bless Sandy
- By debra1
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 5:31 pm
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They all say it is proven that attitude is a big part of it.
You can not give up before the fight. Get mad and get determined and positive to beat this. There are very many on here that have survived years and living pretty normal. You have a whole group of family to help you fight, so get positive, get ready for some bad, and kick ass. Keep us updated.
- By Munker
- Posted June 30, 2009 at 9:01 pm
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I agree with all the other posts. Not time to give up hope! I know a women who was given a death sentence with ovarian cancer 10 years ago and she is still alive and kicking ass even after a bout with breast cancer. She refused to give in but her sister took the opposite approach and was dead within a year. Eat up!! Funny how I always wanted to lose those extra ten pounds but since the LC diagnosis I panic when I lose a few pounds. Get angry - it has always worked for me. Get a second opinion! Keep us posted!
- By Chi-Dreamer
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 9:48 am
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Kathy,
We all experience a range of feelings once we hear the big C word. You are blessed to have so many loved ones. As mentioned above stage 4 is not an immediate death sentence. Many of us are here and still enjoying life.
Just curious, is your weight due to the disease or have you always been small built? I stayed under 100 most my life and that's when I felt the strongest. Now with age, treatment, and steroids I have gained 50 lbs and miss my size 5. LOL.
Please let us know what type of cancer your DR informs you. I was told there are 6 types of non small cell and I don't know how many small cell.
Stay positive and enjoy your family and grand kids. That's what lifes all about.
Best of Luck to you
Linda
- By summeron2001
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 2:19 pm
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Kathy - stay positive and gain some weight - I am desparately trying to do this and I know it is hard but I know it will help in this battle. Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way.
Sylvia
- By Marylou1
- Posted July 1, 2009 at 9:01 pm
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Dear Kathy:
You have Many reasons to fight this beast! You have a wonderful family, friends, and the best gift of all, grandchildren that you can sugar up and send home :) Yes, I'm guilty of doing that. It's called pay back.
There are many people on this site living productive lives with stage 4 cancer. I will say you need to do something about your weight even if it's starting some Nutrition shakes.
I would LOVE to hear you say "I WILL FIGHT WITH ALL OF YOU, LCA." Cancer treatments continue to improve every year and NEVER read statistics because they are so outdated (10 or more years) that all they will do is depress you.
Hey Girl, put you boxing gloves on and get ready for round 1.
Sending Much Love,
Marylou
- By cody814
- Posted July 2, 2009 at 5:12 pm
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thats right put the boxing gloves and fight to the very end we can do this and be able to enjoy our family and grandchildren for a long time to come yet
prayers help alot too
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