Been a long few months for me - started with a routine mammo that detected calcifications that turned out to be DCIS (stage 0) - that was removed with follow up radiation required. CT scan to prepare for radiation detected spot on lung (healthy non- smoker, asymptomatic) - which led to PET scan. That show small uptake on thyroid and small on 2 spots on the lung. Biopsy on thyroid papillary carcinoma - very small and they said was most likely indolent but now we need to address. R Lower lobectomy and r upper wedge on 4/30 - no lymph node involvement. Out in 4 days and back to work and walking the following week. Went for follow up appointment to find out had a tension pneumothorax and was back in for chest tube for 3 more days. Another follow up this week to remove stitches and take another chest xray! Started seeing a therapist to deal with all the emotions that are a daily roller coaster - all while trying to smile and get through the day for my kids. I know the doctors say this was a blessing they found it this way but I struggle with that "blessing". Doctor said it is gone - is it ever really gone? I am trying to stay positive but I have read so many sad stories about this - so scared about becoming a statistic!!!
Recent stage 1 diagnosis: Been a long... - Lung Cancer Support
Recent stage 1 diagnosis
Hi the Dr may be right you are not going to be a statistic. I know it's scary,don't be afraid. We have a lot of stage4 in this community. There living longer thanks to the new drugs. I had stage 3 in nodes. I was told by the surgeon I was goin to die even oncologist. Wanted me to do radiation I refused it. I did six months of chemo,I,m not going to die. They were wrong I am a 5 and a half years. Lung cancer survivor the cancer is gone. I don,t have to see oncologist for a year. So you see it can be cured or remission. Had breast cancer about 8 years ago. I believe you will make it so have hope and faith,don,t give up keep fighting. I will be hear for you if you need to talk about it or rant or cry. The others on here are great they will be there for you too. Love susiejo1948
thank you so much - just trying to take one day at a time. Very scared 
You’ve been through so much in such a short period of time it’s hard to believe that the rollercoaster has come to a standstill and you can start rebuilding your life.
Seriously, only someone whose never been diagnosed with cancer is going to tell you you’re blessed because they caught it at such an early stage. If we were truly blessed we wouldn’t have cancer at all, let alone 2 different primaries. (My lung cancer-2010, my breast cancer 2014).
I’m grateful that they caught both cancers at early stage and send hope that neither progresses or metastcizes. I hope this means they did cure you. Stick with the regular check ups.
Kri, difficult for you to relax into where you are after all the trauma...and understandable. You will have good and difficult moments, learning to live with a new perspective is not child's play for sure. Please continue to share with this wonderful community and continue to take each day at a time, and yes, please keep up with your checkups. So glad to hear your news, but I deeply appreciate the anxiety that comes with the original diagnosis. Hugs.
Your story is so much like mine in that they found my lung cancer during the preparation for radiation after a lumpectomy. 3 months later I had a left upper lobectomy. That was 3 years ago. Never did have radiation, but do take anastrazole to prevent the recurrence of the breast cancer. So far so good. The mammograms have been clear.
It sounds as though your post op course after the lung surgery has been a bumpy one. Take things one step at a time. Be patient with yourself. Keep asking questions until you understand everything that is being said. This is a journey not a race, so we need to deal with things as they occur.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you from now on. Take care.
Jean
Congrats on the 3 years! I am hoping I can say that too one day. Can I ask why you didn't do the radiation? I wonder if I should have - although it was the left breast and right lung. Took a while to get the PET and that stated probably inflammation. Med onc want to discuss taking Tamoxofin once I am all healed. All your lung CT scans have been good too I assume? Can I ask how big your nodule was? Went yesterday and all looks good. Shortess of breath is much better and cough has subsided significantly. I was in great shape before the surgery so I am hoping to get back at my routine soon!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It helps to hear from so many survivors- the worst thing is to surf the web!
The lung surgery left me completely depleted plus the breast cancer was very small with no node involvement. My oncologist and I decided to forego the radiation. I believe that was the right decision under the circumstances. The lung situation is different. We have been following a slow growing nodule in the operative lung. My original tumor was 4.2 x 2.8 x 2.5 cm. with one node involved. On the last scan 4 months ago the new node was 1 cm.. My next scan is June 11 and depending on the results I might be starting treatment. I understand your fear of recurrence. It's something we all live with, but there have been so many advances in treatment options, that there is good reason to expect a good outcome. I'm 76 and still hopeful and fighting.
Take care.
Jean
Your emotions and your fears are normal. I believe that it takes time to process what happened. Having cancer is terrifying. We equate cancer with death because we don’t really focus on the survivors.
I had stage 1A three years ago. Post lobectomy, I cried on my way to work everyday for three months. Then I told my story to others Which was very hard, so that I could face the truth that I had lung cancer and then I rejoined my life as a different person. I could never be who I was before cancer, no one is the same.
Instead of looking back, I keep looking forward. I look forward to spending quality time with my family, I look forward to deciding to enjoy my life.
Cancer gives you a gift of realizing that life is short and that we have a purpose for being here.
Focus on finding yours..,
Let the fear of its return go and live!
God Bless!
Yes however scanxiety is real. So I tell myself every six months that I must prepare for whatever news I hear. I get my results the same day so there is no waiting. This works for me. Trust God in all things
And keep reading survivor stories because you are one!
Kri, you have been through so much in such a short period of time that it is naturally hard to digest it all so quickly. Please give yourself time. Work closely with your oncologist and med doctors, and be grateful that you are in therapy to help with the emotions. Over the last 16 years I have learned that anxiety and depression are common, and that getting help for them is one of the great things we can do! Thank God for all that led up to your cancers being caught very early, and please know that the treatments for all kinds of cancers have changed so much for the good. Be the statistic of survival !!
God Bless
Lauri-Anne
I as well have been told it is gone after a Stage 1 diagnosis and lobectomy. My understanding is that it can always come back, so I live in fear thinking that it will and wonder where.
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
More aggressive options for Stage 1 cancer post lobectomy.
70 M Stage 1 Lung cancer & Lobectomy next week and scared and worried
Chemo an option? Surgery bad?
Been wanting to write this for awhile
Immunotherapy Stage IV
Good news - Stage IIIB
Stage 4 adenocarcinom
About stages of lung cancer
Recovering from a lobectomy
Mom just diagnosed Stage IV
