Join now

Already a member? Sign in

Welcome to Inspire!

What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.

Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.

How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!

corner corner corner

Inoperable survivor stories...

demika
0 Recommendations

My mom has 3a nscl & started treatment on March 16th. She only has 11 more days & the radiologist stated after reviewing the ct scan from last week that the tumor is shrinking, but still too close to blood vessels to consider surgery. He also stated that he anticipates that'll continue to shrink. However, he stated that doesn't mean it's not curative. The main objective is to kill the cancer & try to prevent it from spreading. My mom was a little disappointed cuz she thinks her chances are very slim with the tumor still
there. Please be kind enough to share your stories to give us some encouragement.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Heart disease Cancer Surgery Avastin Lung cancer Diabetes

13 replies

sandy45

My cancer was NSCLC Stage III, Inoperable. All that shows up now is scar tissue where the tumor was and i have been NED so far. They treated it with Radiation and Chemo in 2005. I have a scan coming up this month so we shall see, but, I feel fine.

Hope this helps a bit.
Take care
Sandy

MARIET

I am 3 years and 3 months, NCSLC. No surgery or radiation. I have tried all the drugs available. Some recent bumps in the road but still here. Prayers, attitude and good thoughts are whats keeping me going. Pet next week. Lung cancer is curable but it is managable. Live, love, laugh. Marie

peanutbutter

My husband had a business luncheon with a survivor of stage 3b lung cancer, and he was 13 years in remission! Prayers sent your way!

Kim12345

I was diagnosed with NSCLC in November 2005. Surgery was not an option. I have been through several rounds of Chemo and still keep ticking. I have been in remission this time for about six months. My last scan showed no tumors which was 3 weeks ago. I think the Avastin had a lot to do with it. Keep positive thoughs and fight fight fight.

stephanie410

I'm at 18 months with some shrinkage but certainly nothing close to complete remission (Stage IV, inoperable). I am still asymptomatic, and as far as I know, going strong. My oncologist views the disease as manageable, not curable. He reminded me early on that heart disease and diabetes aren't curable either...they are managed.

B.C. (before cancer) I always thought that once you were diagnosed with cancer, you either cured it or died from it...period. Now I understand that many people LIVE with it.

Take good care.

--Stephanie

Steve

I don't often post here, but I gotta share that back in July of 2000 I was diagnosed with NSCLC; doc said "it's advanced", "It's incurable", "It's inoperable". My prognosis was four maybe six months! But, with good attitude, good medicine and lots of prayers, I'm 'stillhere'
It's been over eight years now, ant the frequency of the CTs and PETs have been reduced to once per year!
So, don't give up! Medicine(chemo,radiation,surgery) works best with a good attitude!!

KatInNM

I'm a 10 year survivor of Stage IIIB inoperable adenocarcinoma. After radiation and chemo, I've been NED for 9 years. The tumor shrank away to a scar. See my profile for some details.

Your mom can do it too!

Good luck and God bless,
Kathy

summeron2001

Going on five years - inoperable 3B - no remission - just slow growth - not metastisized to liver and spleen and lymph node - having to decide about 4th line chemo. Feeling well and staying positive.

Sylvia

Merlin

Stage 4 NSCLC Inoperable diagnosed July 1999 & told had maybe a year. Has been a rocky road at times Still inoperable but I'm able to function. Worked up until last year because I've come to retirement age. Keep your faith & pray. Keep mentally focused on well being. I wish you & your Mom well.
Merlin

demika

All of you are great and courageous! Thank you very much for sharing your stories. They've helped me more than you'll ever know.

Yesterday, the oncologist told my mom that the first two years were the most critical and they look forward to the five year mark. He also stated that he's had inoperable patients live as long as 15 years after diagnosis. So, we're very hopeful and praying daily. Thanks you.

lfether

my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 nsclc about a year ago. She has had ups and downs, but she's doing very well and in good spirits. Just treat everyone normally and stay positive. love you all. be well.
Lisa

dramyg

My father was diagnosed with NSCLC last July and it was inoperable. They radiated the crap out of it, and he did 2 rounds of chemo. PET scan last month showed negative activity and pretty good tumor shrinkage. Don't let "inoperable" scare you. Stay positive! There are other ways to fight this without surgery! Prayers your way!

mrwinget

These stories are great! I'm printing them up for my dad to read, he is stage 3b inoperable and really needs the boost these stories provide! Thanks!

Add to the discussion

Don't have an Inspire account? Join now!

Forgot password?

Help from Lung Cancer Alliance

Fundraising and awareness

Upcoming events
Visit Lung Cancer Alliance to learn about upcoming fundraising and awareness events.

Need financial help?

Cancer Care Co-Pay Assist Program
Medication co-pay assistance for non-small cell lung cancer.

Patient Access Network Foundation
Medication co-pay assistance for non-small cell lung cancer.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Prescription drug assistance programs for uninsured/underinsured.

The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
Searchable database of both medical and non-medical financial assistance (both national and regional) all over the US.

Patient Advocate Foundation
State-by-state information on various assistance, including transportation, utilities, and other products and services.

Need legal / insurance help?

The Cancer Legal Resource Center
Assistance with employment issues, medical leave, insurance, estate planning, advanced directives, patients' rights, and other legal issues.

Patient Advocate Foundation
Assistance with insurance and employment related issues.

Need emotional support?

Lung Cancer Alliance
Find a support group or learn how to get connected with a Phone Buddy here!

Want to find clinical trials?

Lung Cancer Alliance Clinical Trials Matching Service
Search for trials and talk to a specialist who can help you find appropriate trials for you.

You