I've been hesitant to post because I don't want to sound like I am whining. The good Lord has blessed me and continues to give me breath everyday. On the urging of my mental health doctor at the VA I am going to do this one post. I know we all have our crosses to bear and demons to face. He tells me that sharing my woes might help me deal with them (although I think I deal fairly well having a smile on my face the majority of the time). So here goes. I have had lung cancer twice ( going on 3 years clean for my left lung, well half of it - LOL, and approaching 2 years on my right lung - the two lobes that are still there). On top of that there is the following I have to deal with - Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Pancreatitis, Liver Disease, Bad Gallbladder (they can't take out because of so much scar tissue in my thoracic cavity due to 8 colon/intestinal surgeries), PTSD, Bladder Fistula, and now, I just learned 3 weeks ago I have Renal Failure. So, there it is - me with all my crosses and demons I deal with everyday, living proof to an old saying, "When it seems like things can't getting any worse, they usually do." Smile - be glad God gave us this day. May He bless you and keep you in His arms.
Hesitant to Post: I've been hesitant to... - Lung Cancer Support
Hesitant to Post
Thanks for sharing and getting some of your woes out of your head and onto paper and out to us that also have had some health issues too. Although I must say you certainly have your share of issues. Glad you have a counselor to talk to to give you good ideas. I think many of us here would do well to talk with someone.
I hope you continue walking with that smile on your face.
Debby
Hi! So glad you have decided to post. I have a strong faith, believe in hope, stay positive and make sure there is something to laugh about everyday. Yet we can help others by sharing what we are experiencing . I don’t consider it whining. This is one place you can be honest about how you are feeling. Support is important and there is plenty here to go around.
You have faced many difficult health issues but I can see your strength and courage as you do what we are all doing—surviving one day at a time.
I was diagnosed in 2013 with stage 4 non small cell adenocarcinoma. I am currently in remission. Now I deal with my autoimmune disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel, trigger fingers,osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis, IBS, large hiatal hernia which has my whole stomach inside my esophagus, swallowing issues, esophageal spasms, memory and concentration issues, etc. Currently getting over kidney stones and spent this last week with balance issues. Have experienced cardiac arrest and have multiple allergies. Fatigue and sleep problems daily. My list no way as serious as yours but it is a list that I can’t talk to friends about, because they say, “but you look good”. They really don’t want to hear it, but I am free to discuss any of them that’s bothering me here, because people here know some of the things you are going through and are willing to talk about it.
Keep smiling and feel free to talk about what is on your mind.
All the best,
Judy
Romans 12:12
Thanks so much for your reply - I can identify with some of the hernia, IBS, memory, allergies, heart stuff (thing I forgot to list cause my list sounded so bad - LOL) --- we both have seen way too much and spent way to many hours at doctors and hospitals I am sure. God bless. and thanks again.
Keep on trucking you are truly a warrior!
I'm a VA patient also with nsc adenocarcinoma also, age 69. I would give the VA high marks for their treatment plan. Only had the diagnosis and treatment since November of 2017. I only had a small lung lesion and nothing else so the docs like me by and large. Every little symptom sucks though. Like I probably just have a cold and cough from the wife having it for 2 weeks, but is it really the cancer getting worse? I'll know in about 10 days when I have my next PET scan. So, can't give you some fabulous medical advise. Told one dude to check out the Grand Canyon if he hasn't already seen it. Saw it with the wife for the first time and took a 45 min helicopter ride. There are some other parks in the area like Brice which are also amazing. It's probably cold right now but give it a month. Camping is possible, but pre-planning is advisable. What I'm saying is have fun, good luck !
Thanks so much for your reply. You are 100% - I know we all hear lots of horror stories about the VA but in my case they have been great. Not only the cancer stuff but all the other surgeries I've had (closing in on a dozen in last 10 years) and with the other stuff - the VA is the only reason I am alive today (by the Good Lord's will of course). So understand the "Follow-up" stuff - I get CAT scans every 4 months and then have to wait 1-2 weeks for the follow-up and it's like waiting to see if I have cancer again, every few months (same with illnesses as you say) --- I wish you well, hope the VA keeps up the good work for you and may God bless you and yours.
My husband had to have quadruple bypass surgery a few years ago at the VA. I believe he got at least as good of care there as he would have elsewhere. I think the VA gets a bum rap that isn't always fair.
It is good to read that you, RRR737 and ElmerFudd314, are both happy with your care as well. I think it is imperative that we take care of our veterans!!!!
Thank you so much ---- Wishing you and yours well -- God Bless
Your post doesn’t sound like whining to me. It sounds like someone who is sick and tired of being very sick. I would be! I’m glad you have your faith in God because He gives us new strength each day. He also promises to never leave us nor forsake us. I talk to him a lot off and on during the day and He helps me through the rough bumps on this journey.
When I was going through chemo and radiation, I was very sick. I remember saying that there are worse things than death. God carried me through those times and after they passed, I realized He has left me here for a purpose. I ask God to allow me to be a blessing each day.
I know with all you’ve been through, God must have a special purpose for you as well. I was blessed when you said that the Lord has blessed you with breath. I was told I wasn’t going to make it but God had other plans for me. I too have one lung and know that I now have many limitations.
May God richly bless you and hold you in His loving arms!
Thank you so much -- God bless you too.
Welcome RRR737. Just about all of us in this community have been through the mill with multiple health issues, so we understand where you are coming from. We consider venting with people in similar circumstances just fine. We all need to do it. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, but often something occurs that puts everything into perspective.
I call myself a battle scarred old lady who drives an old car and has an old cat. Every time I wonder why I'm still here something occurs to let me know. I'm glad you have someone to help you through the difficult times. We all need that.
I hope you continue to post here. We all help each other.
Jean
RRR737, Welcome and thank you so much for sharing a small part of your story with us. I agree with the others, doesn't sound at all like whining - it is your truth, your story, of course you should be able to own it and share it. Thank you again, for doing just that with us. I always feel it is an honor to hear someone's story, to be allowed for a moment into their amazing lives. We are each miraculous and unique, what a gift that is. Your strength and courage shines through, I am just so sorry you, like so many others, have had to endure so much. Please continue to work with others to find some peace with all of this, you deserve to find a place of comfort where you can cope and even thrive. Bless you and yours.
Hi RRR737, wow. You do have a lot of crosses to bear! I admire your positive attitude in spite of all that you are going through. I hope it helped you some to write them down and share them with us.
I have two things to say: I will put you in my prayers and thank you so much for serving our country.
Thank you so much --- praying for you also --- we're all in God's Hands.
The Basket Case
Trying to remain optimistic for my Dad with Small Cell Lung Cancer.. any advice is welcome.
New at this. 
Recent stage 1 diagnosis
