My Husband's Cancer Journey

[tjmj1]

My husband recently died from Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer that was discovered by accident in late March when the tumor appeared in the base of his right lung when he was having an abdominal CT. In late April he had a lung biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis. He had some chemo, but he didn't tolerate it well. Sadly it was too little too late. The love of my life died on July 1, 2016. I really dislike cancer.

I fired most of his private doctors and took him to VA Urgent Care when he still didn't have a oncologist assigned to him by his PCP and his insurance company. I feel that my husband may still be alive today if he had been diagnosed earlier. I can't say enough about the wonderful care my husband received from the VA Medical Center at Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida. He received swift and professional treatment each and every time he was at their facility. I truly think the VA gets a bad rap sometimes. The nurses who worked in the Infusion Lab were awesome.

[Kmkat]

I am sorry for the loss of your husband.

[Jayvicky]

So sorry

God be with your family

[Kathy53]

Yes, the key is early diagnosis. My sister-in-law died of pancreatic cancer. The doctors kept misdiagnosing her. She was given ulcer medication. They didn't bother doing a scan. I am truly sorry for your lose. You are in my thought and prayers.

[gdeanbates]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in October 2014. The cancer was also in my brain and my lymph nodes. I had a couple of seizures due to it's presence in my brain, otherwise I would have not known that anything was wrong. I spent 6 days in the hospital for them to arrive at this diagnosis. Following 3 weeks of radiation treatments to my brain, I went through several chemotherapy drugs for about 10 months. They were rough on me, also. I went on Opdivo (immunotherapy) in September 2015 and am doing much better on that. I am now able to lead a somewhat more normal life than I was ever able to during chemotherapy.

[eastridingbigden in reply to gdeanbates]

WHAT IS (IMMUNOTHERAPY) NEVER HEARD OF IOT BEFORE NOW

[tjmj1 in reply to eastridingbigden]

As I understand it, immunotherapy is medication that activates your own immune system to at attack the cancer. It keeps up the attacks 24/7 an gives no let up on the cancer. It's kind of like beating back a brush fire with fire retardant and water and never letting up. I've never taken immunotherapy. I know that one of the drugs used for lung cancer is called Opdivo. People may regain their appetites and have a more functional life than staying on chemo. Others probably know much more than I do.

[eastridingbigden in reply to tjmj1]

hi thanks tjmj1 thanks for that info think more people should know about it. Its worth knowing

[Horselover13 in reply to tjmj1]

Unfortunately, my husband is feeling just as bad on Opdivo as he did on Chemo. Very weak. I just don't know what to do for him.

[Lalukie]

My heart breaks for you. There is nothing anyone can say, except I feel your pain and I wish I could make it go away. May God bless and keep you and send many angels to help anchor you while your sails are torn in this storm.

[Ruthie1950]

I am so sorry for your loss. I pray God will give you strength to face each new day.

[FtB_Peggy]

I am so very sorry that you lost your beloved. Please know my heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. If you would like to talk, or to receive some information on grief counseling, please don't hesitate to call me on Free to Breathe's Support Line (1-844-835-4325). Blessings.

[bradleytg45]

So sorry for your loss. I am fighting stage iv nsclc at present. I had my first Opdivo infusion and so praying this will work. Was discovered in Dec 2014. Have gone through chemo and its not working and also radiation. Tough battle. God be with your in your loss./

.

[tjmj1 in reply to bradleytg45]

Thank you for your warm thoughts. I wish you the very best on your new journey with Opdivo. May it stop your cancer in its tracks.

[tjmj1 in reply to bradleytg45]

I wish you the best of luck on your new journey with Opdivo. May it bring you success.