cancer

[cancompany]

How do I know what stage of cancer I have or are in , last week I was told that I have non-small cell cancer in the right lower lung ???

[PegD]

Do you have an oncologist yet? If so they should be able to tell you. You can also request your medical records. Keep in mind that staging is just a number. Stay positive and informed. You got this!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

There are a number of steps that need to be completed first. Early on there's a whole lot of hurry up and wait and with non small cell this phase can take a couple of months.

You've had the biopsy so I will move go forward with the assumption that you've had a thoracic CT at minimum. An abdominal Ct should be done as well. There's an 'eyes to thighs' PET scan, a bone scan and an MRI of the head. Women may have a pelvic ultrasound as well. All tests are to rule out metastatic disease.

AFTER STAGING IS COMPLETED:

If it appears after those tests that you have advanced stage 3 or 4 they will submit your biopsy samples for genetic testing to determine if you have a mutation that can be targeted with the new precision meds.

Likely your treatment decisions will be determined at a tumor board-a multidisciplinary oncology team recommends their thoughts regarding treatment. At this point an oncologist or a pulmonologist (depending on your stage) meets with you to discuss the various options they laid out. Many stage 1 patients never see an oncologist.

As PegD pointed out, get copies of all your test results. And take someone with you who can make notes of the meeting.

[Johnsheek in reply to Denzie]

Yes, a friend to take notes is very good. You will get a flood of information, and you need to communicate with your team without trying to write it all down yourself.

[Steph60]

For me the stage of my cancer was determined after I had surgery to remove my upper right lobe. I believe that before surgery they can only determine your stage by determining if the cancer has spread, if the cancer is just in your lymph nodes, or is it now in your organs etc. I know that the waiting is horrible, but you need all of the tests etc. that Denzie spoke of. Sending you positive thought through this difficult process.

[scifiknitter Blogger]

There is little to add after this comprehensive list from Denzie. Fingers crossed for you as you work your way through the process. My advice is to take a deep breath and be as patient as possible as you work your way through all of the tests. Your situation is very serious but it probably is not an emergency, you have time to do what you need to learn as much about your cancer as possible so that your first treatment is the best treatment for you. It took 2 1/2 months for me from the CT scan that showed I had a mass in my lungs to the day I started my first treatment - and 32 months later I'm still here and doing quite well.

Anita

[Ruthie1950]

My pulmonlogist told me what stage my cancer was in after I asked him. You should ask whoever gave you the diagnosis.

May God be with you. I pray it is in the early stages.

[cancompany]

Well I learned I have stage 4 in both lungs , Doc, gives me about 1 year, can not have surgery so do not know what is next. I have had a good 75 years , so if GOD wants me I'm ready

[FtB_Peggy]

cancompany,

Bless you for appreciating the years you have had - but I am guessing the doctor will have some other ideas for you on your next visit. You just might have to put up with all of us a while longer!!!!!

[Hidden]

cancompany you ask your surgeon mine took care of me in the hospital. my oncologist stopped once and my lung dr once. I was in there seven days. Jo

[cancompany]

I start chemo on 3-7-17 .