Newly diagnosed

[Mytwins02]

I have NSC lung cancer. Right lung Stage 3a. I have seen pulmonary dr oncologist and Tuesday will be seeing the Surgeon. I guess he will see if I need chemo surgery chemo or surgery then chemo. I'm still in shock. I don't know what to expect.

[Six1]

Mytwins02 Ive been seeing my plumanary doc going on 3,yrs an he still havent figured out anything he said it is improving by the way I have copd and sarcadois stg4 so always expect it to get better God's gonna make it BETTER

[Mytwins02]

Thank you. It was found by mistake so I am blessed that it was only contained to one lung. It also has a lymph node effected in same lung. I just want it to go away

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

This is a list of questions you can print out and take to the appointment with you. When you print it there is room to record the drs answers.

Please take someone with you to record the answers, a friend or someone who won't be overwhelmed.

cancer.org/cancer/non-small...

Please know that if they are considering surgery they are doing it with curative intent. Surgery is not an option in metastatic cancer and I pray that option is there for you.

The hurry up and wait of trying to get a diagnosis and to begin treatment can be crushing. It can be a bit like PTSD and just as difficult to get through. Try meditation if you can. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

[Mytwins02 in reply to Denzie]

I liked the Surgeon today. He isn't sugar coating anything, and I would never want that. Glad that I have a good team on my side.

[Mytwins02 in reply to Denzie]

The questions were of great help..Thank you

[Laurajean]

Your scared right now...soon you will question why me?... then you will get pissed n energy will come to fight. ..you will then think positive..... that's how it went with me.... you have a lot of drs ...you need za team leader. ..that leader should be your oncologist. ... but you are in control of your treatment. .ask questions ... how come ...asked why?

Prayers

[Mytwins02 in reply to Laurajean]

My Oncologist took charge!! I was sitting in the Primary Dr. Office when the call came from my Oncologist who just got off the phone with the Surgeon...WHEW! Had the Primary order a PET.

[Angie2208]

Research,before surgery.

Quality Of Life,has precedence. A lobectomy is a extremely invasive surgery,with a long painful recovery. If it isn't going to do anything but extend your life by a few months. Then you might slow down and think about it awhile.

[Mytwins02 in reply to Angie2208]

Yep Surgeon said not doing it yet. I like him a lot! Going to do Radiation and Chemo first.

[Steph60]

Just remember to breath through this whole process. It is overwhelming and scary. I wish I would have had Denzie's advise of the printed questions when I 1st went to the oncologist. Take someone else with you to be another set of ears, because it is so overwhelming you will miss some of what is being said. Sending you a big hug! Realize we are all here for you.

[Mytwins02 in reply to Steph60]

Thank you. I have noticed that I don't get all the info. I take my best friend or my husband with me.

[BrigidK]

I remember the early days of diagnosis well. Please do not despair. Everyone in this sight has been where you are and we are still here. It is important that you take someone with you to your appointments to be your ears. Concentration will not come easy To you right now. If at all possible find a teaching hospital for your treatment as they will have the newest methods. I am at the University of Michigan and I am very pleased with my team. A year ago I was told I was going to die in NC. I decided to move here for treatment and support system (family is here). Good luck to you.

[Mytwins02 in reply to BrigidK]

I was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2000 and 2001. I only had to do the surgeries. I lived in Florida at the time and I went to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.

[Hidden]

Mytwins02 I know you are afraid because you don't know whats going to happen. We have all been there and we will be there for you. So sweetheart please don't be afraid.we'll help you as much as we can,we'll be there. This is a great bunch of people and your in good hands. welcome and if you need to talk i'm here and so are the others. with love Susie Jo

[Mytwins02 in reply to Hidden]

Yes Mam! I am afraid of what will happen. I'm 56 years old and I sure wasn't expecting this. I have two grown children, 6 grandchildren and a great grandchild. I want more time to be with them for sure. Something like this makes you look at life differently for sure.

[Steph60 in reply to Mytwins02]

I was 53 years old when I was diagnosed, and have never smoked. Just keep fighting- it's been 3 years since my chemo ended and I have a ct scan later this month and unfortunately the anxiety never goes way.

[scifiknitter Blogger]

Mytwins02, It doesn't seem like good news, but it is very positive that you are a candidate for surgery. Most lung cancer patients never have that chance for cure. Best hopes to you. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to rephrase information in clear language if you can't understand the medical mumbo jumbo.

Anita

[Mytwins02 in reply to scifiknitter]

I re-read these posts😂 It helps. I go to oncologist tomorrow and I am writing down questions for him.. sometimes it does sound like gibberish

[scifiknitter Blogger in reply to Mytwins02]

Good for you! That is a very, very good thing to do.

[janiceowens1957]

I am so sorry to hear this. Will put you in my prayers if this is alright. My husband and I were in shock also. I hope you will gather all the information and resources from your medical team as you start this journey. I have no doubt you will get through it. We are hear as your sounding board if needed.

[Mytwins02 in reply to janiceowens1957]

Thank You

[FtB_Peggy]

Mytwins02, thinking of you as you visit your surgeon today. Please let us know how that goes, if you feel like sharing. Hugs.

[Mytwins02 in reply to FtB_Peggy]

Thank You

[janiceowens1957 in reply to FtB_Peggy]

We did see the surgeon for a second opinion since he was told he was inoperable in March 2016. He has a new cancer growing to the side of the old lung cancer they feel they can remove but he still has metastasis still in the area outside of previous radiation and chemo therapy. If he chooses the surgery he will be on the vent but does not know how long he would be on it since people are different and respond different and it may take 6 months to a year to recover and per surgeon will be in a lot of pain. Surgeon thinks Opdivo alone will not be successful neither will any other chemo since he had aggressive chemo less than a year ago. If he does not have surgery his life will be shorten further states his cancer is very aggressive. We are going to take a couple of weeks and pray about it for guidance on what to do. He and I have been together for over half of my life and I can't imagine life without him. We are just devastated and don't know which way to turn.

[FtB_Peggy]

Oh Janice,

Words really don't work here.

I am just so very sorry for what you are both going through. Taking time now to think it over carefully, to look deep into your hearts and let everything settle, is very wise. Your husband and you will carefully review everything he has been told. That takes time, tears and prayer. Hang on tight to each moment, and listen to your deepest instincts.

Please keep in touch.

Loving hugs, Peggy

[donna82150]

I didn't do chemo after my lung surgery Mytwin and my cancer came back three months later in my adrenal gland. After I had it removed I did 5 chemo treatments and so far, 14 months clear. Good luck. Keep the faith and positive attitude and like they have said before, stay off the internet. That depressed the heck out of me and it was all wrong.

[JeanE41]

At this stage, right after getting the diagnosis, it is normal to be scared. The best way to deal with that fear is to take it one step at a time, have someone with you at your appointments and live in the present moment. It's the what ifs that scare us the most. It's a lot to ask of ourselves,but can reduce the fear. Often, we as the patient, only absorb a small amount of the Information presented, so a second set of ears are essential. My daughters did this for me. Then their questions could also be answered. They often thought of things that I did not,so it was most helpful. Do use this site for support and information.

God bless you on this journey.

Jean

[Mytwins02]

Thank you