SCLC Survivor

SunnyOne10
2 Recommendations

I was diagnosed with SCLC in Sept. 2005. In Oct. 2005 I had the upper left lung removed and began 4 months of platinum chemo in Nov.

No matter what I read or where I looked - the stats and figures were staggering. There was nothing I could do and nothing I could see that would give me a lift up or a hope. So you know what I did? I stopped reading and looking and trying to figure out what to do.

I got thru each day and survived. And I am still surviving and I'm doing it with a smile.

I am out there walking when I can and doing all that I can do.

DO NOT LOOK AT THOSE FIGURES OR STATS THAT YOU FIND.

Take each and every day as a day to survive and do whatever you are able to do! Get on up and get on out there!

I will have three years of survivorship in Oct. 2008 and will just keep on keepin' on until I can't!

I am back to cutting my own grass and doing some but not all of things I used to do.

Is there light at the end of the SCLC tunnel? I don't know but I sure am trying....because I AM A SURVIVOR!

33 replies

Ann

Dear Sunny One,

What a good attitude you have. I too have an attitude to survive am 5 years out with sclc as of this pasted Feb. I was privileged to hear a man speak last month he is a 20 year survivor.We are doing great work you keep up your end and I'll hold up my end and we will help others to live along with us..God bless and thank you for your sharing a wonderful life with us....Ann

SunnyOne10

Hi Ann,

Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful news and also the news of the 20 year survivor! I love it!

These are truly things to make you smile during the day!

Linda
The Sunny One

ANTO70

HI Linda,

That is wonderful.... can u pls explain to me the difference between SCLC and NSCLC

Thank You
Anto

SunnyOne10

Hi Anto,

NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer. It usually grows and spreads more slowly than SCLC.

SCLC is extremely fast growing and spreads much quicker than NSCLC.

Linda

jadams

Thanks I needed that. One thing bothers me tho - my pulmonologist and oncologist both said SCLC was not operable??

SunnyOne10

Hi!

I have had the most wonderful Internist taking care of me for 25 years. My dad died of SCLC in 1986 after 7 months and this incredible Internist kept a close watch over me because of that. I got pneumonia and he insisted on an xray. After 30 days he INSISTED I have a second xray to make sure everything was okay - and it wasn't. He sent me for a Cat Scan and a PET scan and found the mass in my lung. He sent me for a biopsy which I decided I didn't want. I didn't want them cutting or poking at me just for a test. I then went to a surgeon (who also did the lung transplants) at a large med center. He stated that he would go in and do the biopsy at the same time he removed the mass.

He went in and stated that in all of his years of working on lungs, he had never seen cancer caught that early. He removed the upper 2/3rds of my left lung and waited for the biopsy, which came back as SCLC. If I would have had the biopsy first - he never would have operated.

I was given a stronger platinum chemo and am still here at almost 3 years with no cancer found yet.

All of the reports say that you don't get early detection with lung cancer and that xrays can't catch it early - well, I've gotten almost 3 years worth of seeing my grandchildren and getting their hugs and kisses and all because my Internist got me in early and my surgeon took it out.

I realize it's a waiting game but my goodness those three years were wonderful to have!

So the bottom line is that early detection does pay off. They did buy me some time and I'm enjoying the time they gave me.....

cad1223

I am not positive, but I think there may be a slight chance of operating on SCLC if it is limited stage. My dad had extensive stage, dx in May of 2007, and it never stopped growing, even through three different lines of chemo. He passed away May 20, 2008.

Cheryl

SunnyOne10

Hi Cheryl,

I am so very sorry about your dad. I went thru it with my dad and even tho you don't want them in pain - you just want them with you - in any way they can.

My thoughts and prayers are with you...

Linda

jadams

My condolences on your recent loss. They found mine in limited stage, but said the cells are so small there is no way they can get them all with surgery. But then again, not sure I would want surgery. My limited knowledge of cancer, I always heard "they cut you open and it spreads like wildfire".

Kerstin

Hello,
you have a wonderful attitude and I know how you feel...Almost 2 years cancer free for me ( SCLC ).
God bless you, Love Kerstin

SunnyOne10

Hi Kerstin!

CONGRATULATIONS on your two years!!!

In 2006, while I was speaking with the Chairman of the Radiation Oncology Dept. regarding my choice of not receiving the preventative radiation of the brain, I made mention of waiting the 5 years to be cancer-free.

He said that SCLC patients don't wait 5 years - he said that it would be a miracle if we made it to 2 years cancer free.

So Kerstin, congratulations on your 2 year miracle!

Linda
The Sunny One

peyz33

Hi Kerstin - Good for you!!!!! I actually found a site from the National Cancer Society that said the survival rate was 70% (vs the 45 -50) depending on staging and treatment ....and still - it's just a NUMBER - we are alive and real people - keep the faith!
Karen

Lilyjackie

Congratulations! I'm a NSCLC IIIb from 2002!!!!
Lucky us.

jmastro

What an INSPIRING story! My dad was diagnosed with L-SCLC a year ago and has undergone chemo, radiation, a recent surgery to remove a tumor and getting ready to start chemo again. Attitude does make a difference. Thanks for sharing your outlook;0).

SunnyOne10

Hi Jmastro,

I'll be thinking of you and your dad - please let me know how he's doing.

My thoughts and prayers are with you both - please keep a smile on your face!

Linda

rita500

I Was dx Aug. 19 2004 with SCLC and still kicking!!! Had 6 rounds chemo, and 30 rads started rad during chemo, 3rd round rads twice a day for 15 days. Throat problems still have to have dilated from time to time, but other than that scans have been clean, last Pet scan April and all is well. hang in there, i am 65 and still kicking a--!!

SunnyOne10

Hi Rita!

I am so very glad you let us know how high you can kick!!! You made my day!

You're in my thoughts. You sent this in on a day when I was a bit down - so thank you for your positive attitude - you lifted me up...

Linda

Cork

Wow! The stories are amazing and really give a girl hope!

Congratulations to all survivors!

Cork

simplyklb

Thanks for the inspiring stories about living with SCLC! My dad has SCLC - ED but I am still hopeful. You gotta have hope.

Kristi

SunnyOne10

Hi Kristi,

You're right - you gotta have hope. Just by waking up in the morning means you're hopeful the day will go well or someone will find an answer to SCLC or just that you've survived the day. You can never predict how a person's body or mind will react to situations in life. Your dad is quite lucky to have you for a daughter. Keep that hope going and thank you Kristi - for sharing your hope with us!

Linda

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