Hi

[Ericsgmom]

1st time here! I'm a 6 year Small Cell Lung cancer survivor.

[vivi6121]

would you share what treatments you had? you have limited or extensive? thanks

[Ericsgmom]

Limited. Cisplatin/Etopiside 4 rounds. Twice a day chest radiation. PCI.

[dmacdo9 in reply to Ericsgmom]

wow you did the twice a day ,I only did the once

[Lisamk55]

Congratulations on being a survivor! My dad was diagnosed June,2016 with small cell. He had 6 rounds of chemo and starts radiation next week. It's very scary and I'm always worried. Trying to remain as optimistic as possible! Prayers!

[Ericsgmom in reply to Lisamk55]

Prayers and a positive attitude helped me. Staying in the day, taking one step at a time also helped. I feel like a miracle!

[kate93105 in reply to Lisamk55]

Good Morning Lisa,

I have small cell lung cancer for the third time. Was treated with conventional chemotherapy and radiation the first two times. I was so sick with chemo and radiation, lost my hair two times, and my symptoms were awful On the third recurrence my oncologist put me on immunotherapy called Keytruda. I receive one infusion every three weeks. Have a infusion today. I have one side effect and that's a headache upon waking. After what I've been through, the headache is not a problem for me.

I have also had breast cancer which resulted in a double mastectomy the end of January 2013. Almost a year ago I had breast reconstruction and all is fine.

Telling you this to give you an idea of what I am experiencing along with some insight about me. I love to hear success stories such as yours. I will put you in my prayers for continued success and freedom from the small cell. God bless. You will be in my prayers. Have a lovely day!!

My Regards,

Kathie

[Lisamk55 in reply to kate93105]

Hi Kathie,

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a fighter! May I asked when you were diagnosed the first time with small cell?

We have heard great things about Keytruda. I pray we are getting closer to a cure every day.

My dad starts radiation tomorrow on his chest and brain. Praying we see improvements! Overall he is doing ok, ( since not being on chemo). At times he has shortness of breath.

You will be in my prayers as well. Stay strong!

- Lisa

[kate93105 in reply to Lisamk55]

Thank you for your comment. Sorry to hear about your dad. I wish him well and will keep him in my prayers.

In mid-2014 I went to Urgent Care due to a bad cough and feeling awful and thought I had pneumonia. The doctor sent me for x-rays of my chest. The x-rays showed two areas of concern. There was a nodule in the upper lobe of my right lung and one in my left lung near and partly behind my heart. That made surgery not a choice. I made an appointment with the Cancer Center here in Santa Barbara, CA. to see a oncologist. Have been in treatment ever since. I had traditional chemotherapy and radiation the first two times. It made me so very sick. My fatigue was the worst ever. I wanted to sleep all day. This third round of treatment is with immunotherapy called Keytruda. My treatment this time around is so mild compared to the first two times. The only symptom I have had was a slight rash in the very beginning which went away after a few weeks. It did not itch. Now I have a headache upon waking most mornings. That I can live with.

Sorry to make this so long. God Bless you and your dad. You will be in my prayers. Have a lovely day, Kathie

[dmacdo9]

Hi I am a 4 year SCLC survivor , I am sure you can bring some insight to new people starting treatment

[Hidden]

@Ericsgmom Welcome and congradulations There are some of the others who have Small Cell. They will want to know all about your journey. They are a great bunch on here Free to breathe/Healthunlocked is a great site to be on. Hope we continue to hear from you. Jo Taylor

[Ericsgmom]

I'm working on my profile. Small cell needs a lot more research! I'm a R.N. and the chemo hadn't changed since the 80's. I thought I was given a death sentence. I have a lot of gratitude for each day, Cancer changed my life in a good way.

[FtB_Peggy]

Ericsgmom,

Please let me join with the others welcoming you to this community. We are so grateful to have your voice here; and SO happy to hear that you are doing well - 6 years, simply wonderful!

I can only imagine what your path has been like...hard and hard, like everyone in this family...but thank you so much for joining us.

You are obviously a bright Spirit with strength hidden in all you do. Good to meet you!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Welcome!!!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Glad you're here and looking forward to getting to know you better.

[RwHayes Community Superhero]

Hi ericsmom,

I was also diagnossed with limited sslc. I'm on my 3 rd round of cisplatin and etoposide now and 15th day of radiation only once per day. Thanks for sharing your story , can't wait to hear more.

Welcome,

RW

[Ericsgmom in reply to RwHayes]

Stay strong and keep a positive outlook! I'm doing things I only dreamed of before Cancer hopped on my journey. I'm a member of a dragon boat team. Power over Cancer is our teams name. We are men and women affected by cancer;be it breast,lung,colon etc. A few are caregivers. I feel so empowered paddling with these beautiful people who I can so relate to ! I highly recommend a support group , try going at least 4 times before you say it's not for me.

[FtB_Peggy]

Congrats on the 6 years! Thank you for joining us, a new voice is always warmly welcomed here!

[Ericsgmom in reply to FtB_Peggy]

Hope to give hope and advocacy for Lung cancer patients especially Small Cell!

[kate93105]

Hi Ericsgmom. Welcome to the group. Hearing about people who have survived lung cancer like you is always enlightening. Six years is a long time. I can't wait until I have years of recovery. I have small cell lung cancer and am on my third round of treatment. Had breast cancer (DCIS) diagnosed in December of 2012 and had a double mastectomy the end of January 2013. Then in the middle of 2014 I was so sick and thought I had pneumonia that I went to Urgent Care. After being x-rayed, the doctor said I needed a follow-up with oncology as there was a nodule in my right lung. I was treated with chemotherapy twice, went bald twice, and was very sick with nausea, fatigue, weight gain even though I had very little appetite. I was so sick and still feel tired all the time.

Now I am on my third time and being treated with immunotherapy called Keytruda. I go to the cancer center every three weeks for a infusion. The only symptom I have now besides a little fatigue is headaches upon waking.

Sorry to make this so long, but wanted to give you a little of my background. It is wonderful to know someone who has survived this awful disease. God bless and take care.

My Regards,

Kathie