Second time around.

[BigBen906]

I had lymphoma 18 years ago and went through a very aggressive chemo treatment, R-CHOPl and was completely cured. Two years ago after months of a pesky cough and a caring, medical savy nurse friend brought me to her clinic and got a chest Xray which showed a mass in my right lung. A biopsy showed it was andenocarcinoma, non small cell lung cancer. I had never heard of anyone surviving lung cancer so I was resigned to a brief, painful inevitable death. Now after 18 months of chemo including new immunological drugs, I'm beginning to think my expiration date isn't nearly as close as I thought. When first diagnosed, I was ready to die and was being brave for myself and my family. Now I'm beginning to believe I have years, not months ahead.

My new regimen is Keytruda infusion every three weeks. So far Ive had nine of these and compared to chemo it is relatively mellow. My major complaint is neurapathy in my feet and hands. Also I'm tired most days and sleep so much that I can't sleep at night. Fortunately I'm 76 years old and retired except for some investment real estate which I'm selling. Medicare has been wonderful in taking most of the enormous cost from my shoulders. My children and oncologist have recommended medical marijuana which I have been taking as a tincture at night when I go to bed. I have not experienced any highs and don't know if it is helping, but I trust my doctor.

[JeanE41]

Welcome Big Ben 906. Those words "you have lung cancer" are certainly a shock. I, too, thought that it was a death sentence when I heard them, but now see hope with all the new treatments being developed. For me it was 3 years ago, just 3 months after a lumpectomy for breast cancer. You will find in this community many supportive, wise and sometimes funny people willing to share their experiences and acquired knowledge. Many here have been on Keytruda and can share with you their experience with it as well as any tips to make the journey easier.

Wishing you a successful outcome to your treatment.

Jean

[anrean]

Hi Big Ben! So glad you are thinking in terms of a longer life and that you can beat this. There are some good folks here who have undergone great treatments and managed either to have lung cancer as an on-going fight for years or been cured. I'm on my 5th primary cancer since 2002 and fully believe I can beat this just like all the others!

[Marymac4441]

Hi Big Ben . .that is good news. I just started Opdivo which is similar to your medication. I'm glad Medicare is good to you. Keep fighting. Thanks.

[Ruthie1950]

It sounds like you have a lot of fight left. As far as the neuropathy, my doctor recommended Vitamin B12 every day and it has helped me.

Keep doing what you’re doing as it seems to be Working well.

[FtB_Peggy]

Hi there! Thank you for joining us and sharing your story. It is wonderful that you are doing relatively well. Best of luck with your new treatment. Please keep talking!

[judg69]

Hi BigBen, you are doing great. I am 5+ years out with IIIA/B lung cancer and still vertical , mostly anyways. I get a B-12 shot monthly. BestWishes, judg69

[BigBen906 in reply to judg69]

I was doing both Alimta and Keytruda,, but it was tearing me up. For the past three months I have Keytruda every third week. I still take B12 capsules and the doctor gives me a B12 shot ever couple months. Now I feel passingly wonderful, not as good as pre cancer condition, but the best I've felt in 18 months. This morning I woke feeling great and then coughed up a chunk of bloody mucus. Called my doctor and he wasn't too worried, said lets wait 24 hours and see what happens. His speculation was the bloody mucus was a discharge from my infected sinuses and had nothing to do with lung cancer. Cant help but be a little paranoid when you know there's a pesky tumor in my right lung.