Together we will survive

Hi all. I just joined the community. I was diagnosed in Jan with non-smokers non small cell lung cancer...stage 3b (I had fluid in my lungs). I am only 57 years old; never smoked a day in my life and have always been fit and healthy. I had no symptoms until Dec when started running a low grade fever, coughing and tightness in my chest. My primary care Dr was treating my for bronchitis until Jan when I went back and told him I could not breath. He then ordered an ex-ray and found the fluid. After the fluid was extracted they were able to see the tumor. The fluid was tested and that's when the cancer was diagnosed. Mine is not cureable but it is treatable. I have had 4 rounds of chemo with 2 more left. After that my Oncologist will start me on Avastin along with Tarceva. This has been the scariest most devestating thing that my family and I have had to go through. I have 2 kids in college so it has been hard on them to see me go through this. My husband has been fantastic as has my extended family and friends. I believe in the power of prayer and love...so all of you cancer victims out there don't give up hope. We need to stay positive and fight this disease. Together we will survive

By cuddles53
Posted May 6, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Report post

I am so sorry you were diagnosed with cancer, however you have found a good place to come and vent. It sounds like you have a game plan all thought out from the doctors so stay positive, and soon all of those treatments will be a thing of the past, and you can get on with things like planning your childrens college graduations!! Let us know how you do with the Avastin and Tarceva. I am going to give you a link to also check out for the future. www.rationaltherapeutics.com Take care and God bless.
Sandy

By linnea
Posted May 7, 2009 at 8:42 am
Report post

My situation at diagnosis was very similar to yours. Make certain that they are testing your tumor for mutations--if they are putting you on tarceva they may have found that you are EGFR positive, but there are other mutations (often found in never smokers) which can be targeted as well. Best of luck and do your best to stay active, it will really help you in so many ways. Linnea

By SuzzieQ
Posted May 7, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Report post

Sorry you had to find us... that being said, we are here for you when ever you need us. Sending prayers and hugs your way, as well as to the family. One thing I have learned is that my children are stronger than I may have given them credit for and have been an amazing source of strengh for me. Let them love you and at times smother you with thier love. You have an awesome attitude!!! Keep staying positive (easier said than done some days), you sound like a real fighter.

Blessings
Sue

By peyz33
Posted May 7, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Report post

Hey - we are not victims - we are FIGHTERS!!!!! There is no "cure" for Lung Cancer - but we can control it and sometimes scare it away for many years - have faith!
Karen

By MarionW
Posted May 27, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Report post

I live in Del Mar! I have a different story but the effect is unreal on us all. I am so impressed by your strength. You are in my prayers and we should all be praying for each other. Go and enjoy the day- that's my motto.

God Bless!

By canbeatthis
Posted May 27, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Report post

Your storey sounds so much like my husbands. He was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer in February of this year. He is 59 and has never smoked. We are still in shock. He just finished 33 treatments of radiation and 7 chemo treatments. He is on a short break then a CT and MRI to see results and what treatments next. Do you know what I found sad is that the Hospital we are going to did not have enough people to come forward for a Lung Cancer support group. He said smokers with Lung Cancer felt quilty. I feel all people with Lung Cancer need support whether you have smoked or not so please come forward we need you.

By TheHmip
Posted May 27, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Report post

I live in Carlsbad in San Diego County and am getting my treatments at UCSD. My Oncologist is the only lung cancer specialist in the county. UCSD has it's own cancer center and the support is great. I feel blessed to have access to this facility. It appears more non-smokers are getting cancer than those who smoke. I am ticked off that I have cancer, but I feel my genetic make up along with the environment did me in.....second hand smoke is everywhere....toxins fill the air....some of us are just more suseptable, so all we can do is stay strong, positive, and don't give up. Please tell your husband to hang in there. I believe our postitive attitudes is half the battle.

By moretime
Posted June 29, 2009 at 11:58 am
Report post

Scripps hospital radiologists would only do whole brain radiation if there was more than one lesion. One radiologist was concerned about the cost of using gamma knife.

By TheHmip
Posted June 30, 2009 at 12:16 am
Report post

WBR is the norm at most hospitals; that is why I went to a comprehensive cancer center like UCSD. If there is any new technology out there, they have access. I don't believe you can put a price tag on human life, and that's what the insurance companies are doing. I just had another MRI of my brain, and the report shows significant improvement from the previous MRI with no mets to the brain. My CT scan shows more shrinkage of my tumor in my lung. I had my PET scan today; waiting for those results. Will get the official readings from my Onc on Monday.

Welcome to Inspire!

Explore topics in this discussion:

13 replies

Add to the discussion

Help from Lung Cancer Alliance

You