We have a diagnosis finally!

• By cuddles53
• Posted May 22, 2009 at 5:36 pm
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Hi Jim,
Your daughter, Marnie, what a pretty name, writes and tells us of how you are doing. So happy you finally at least know what you are dealing with. I also have squamous cell and it also says for me adenocarcinoma stage lV non-small cell lung cancer. Mine has spread to my lymph nodes. I am in a remission now. I was diagnosed in Feb 2006 which they told me 12 to 15 months to live with treatments, well I fooled them didn't I. You just have to keep fighting, it feels some days like you are doomed, but then the next day you feel better, this can go on and on like this for a long time. Just don't give up! I was almost at deaths door on a few occasions, and came back to life, so you can too. Just try and eat well, even small amounts helps, and you will survive on these small amounts so don't be scared you will starve to death, take the worry out of everything for yourself and just know you are going to make it. don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The doctors I have dealt with some are positive, and some can be very negative. The hopeful ones are who I am sticking with. I need hope, not a life sentence!
There are going to be days when everything you put in your mouth tastes like a cardboard box. I mean that literally, no taste or an awful taste. I love ice cream and I couldn't get it down for anything it tasted so horrible, being someone who always loved food I couldn't believe it, I lost weight, but for me it wasn't so bad, I was overweight anyway. but you may start to feel like you are a chronic complainer, and your family may think so too, it is not you, it is the chemo drugs, they make your appetite change dramatically, and your taste buds change so much you will not enjoy the same foods you once did. It all eventually comes back, the weight, the taste buds, the hair!!! The wellness feeling, just bare with it, keep fighting, pray get some different hobbies to keep you active in mind anyway. Try and walk everyday to keep some strenth, if you can, and your doctor says it is okay to exercise, I would also say go for it. In the long run you will do much better. And if you smoke, quit. I know it sounds stupid now, but I did after 30 plus years and it was easy! I just kept saying a prayer for God to get me through it and he did. I am not a holy roller by any means but God stuck by me and now I need to stick by him. So keep up with your faith too, it will guide you in the coming weeks. Take care and God bless you and your family. Keep us posted, on how you are doing, we really care.
Sandy

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• By mrwinget
• Posted May 22, 2009 at 5:41 pm
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Thank you Sandy! You're awsome and I will get this to my dad!

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• By cjtexas
• Posted May 23, 2009 at 7:13 am
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Hi Jim, I was dx 1/08 with same type of cancer, went through the chemo and radiation, not easy but you do get better, just try to keep busy, I played games on the computer and made myself eat and take care of myself everyday even tho I just wanted to stay in bed. Most important keep positive and fight, thats what we do here and most of us are still around to enjoy the life we have. hang in there were here if you need us.

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• By glendakay
• Posted May 24, 2009 at 1:19 pm
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Hi Jim, I am recooperating from right upper lobe surgery, I see my Oncologist his week and she'll want my answer, yes or no for chemo therapy. I'm a retired RN and have cared for many, many oncology patients over the years. I pray daily and will add you to my prayers, Jim, I hope others will respond to me like they are doing for you, and I do need to build a more positive attitude; god bless you Jim. Glendakay

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• By staceym
• Posted May 24, 2009 at 9:25 pm
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Jim - I will be thinking of you as you begin your treatment. Try to keep positive, rest, eat well and exercise - simple walking is so healthy for you right now. My husband was diagnosed Stage 11B NSCL Adenocarcinoma in June 2006 and had his right lung removed. He's had ups and downs but he is almost on 3 years since surgery/diagnosis - been on chemo - been off since December and has had clean scans since June 2008. He may start another course in July after his next 3 month scans and after we come back from a little vacation. There are many stories on this site of people who get thru this and have very positive outcomes - I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I am sure your daughter will keep us all posted. Marnie, you are a devoted daughter - supporting your Dad the way you do is wonderful for the both of you and your family. Keep us posted.
Stacey

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• By mrwinget
• Posted May 24, 2009 at 9:53 pm
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Thank you all so much for such positive replies! I know this will help my dad and I really appreciate it!
Marnie

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