Hi!
Just wanted to let you all know that there is HOPE!!
I am an 11-year survivor! It does happen! As someone posted, most of us are out living our lives--and to the fullest. Given another chance does that to one.
Beware of statistics. They are old and out-of-date. I was diagnosed in November '97 at age 40. Hadn't smoked since I was 25. Very active. Exercised religiously. Ate well. Surprised? Had a softball- sized tumor in my left lung. It was discovered by accident.
Long story short, we did adjuvant therapy (Taxol/Carbo)(chemo/radiation upfront as it was inoperable). Didn't check nodes for 3 months. Were clear at that point. Had surgery 3/3/08. More chemo. Been cancer-free since then!
I've been trying to make a difference since then. Hope to get more involved in the next month as I'll be finishing grad school this month. Busy working four jobs and grad school since my divorce in 2006. I HAVE been a phone buddy all along. Feel free to share my story!
See ya in cyber-space!