Waiting game

[Memaw0100]

I am 41/2 years from lung cancer surgery. I have been having stomach issues for a while. I started having difficulty walking around for feeling weak and out of breath. I went to the ER in the middle of the night. After a CT scan if my lungs and abdomen, they found a section of what they believe to be inflammation from possible diverticulitis, but with my cancer history, there is concern. Blood tests revealed I was extremely anemic and needed blood transfusions. They have put me on strong antibiotics to help clear up any infection and to repeat the scan in 2 weeks. If it's still there in 2 weeks, surgery to find out if it's cancer will be done. It's going to be a long 2 weeks!

[SusieJo1948]

Hi sorry your having a rough time. Think positively keep your hope and faith don,t give up keep fighting. I,m 5 and a half years cancer free no cancer any where. I,m a survivor.I,m going to hope and pray that what's going with you isn't cancer. You only have six more months and you,'ll hit your 5 year mark. I know you can do it,but either way I,'ll be here for you. Please let us know when you find out what's happening. If you need to talk ,rant, cry all of us will be here for you. Love susiejo1948

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Scanxiety on steroids!!!! So very sorry it’s happening like this and there are no swift answers. You don’t know what to hope for-diverticulitis or anything but progression on the lung cancer. How long have you been on the antibiotics? How long do they think it will take for them to bring some relief if it’s the diverticulitis?

Please know you are in my prayers and let us know what you learn.

[Memaw0100 in reply to Denzie]

I was on the antibiotics for 2 days in the hospital thru iv, and 3 days pill form. They said it depends on permanent damage from diverticulitis as to what treatment is necessary. They said I could lose the part of my colon affected and have a colostomy bag for a while. They say if its cancer, it appears to be very small area. At least my lungs are good, and my problem is in one small place!

[FtB_Peggy]

Oh Memaw...I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Waiting can be so extremely hard. You have a wonderful attitude, but not knowing is just never comfortable. We will all be thinking about you, please let us know how things go. Meanwhile, hugs.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

So, caught between hoping for colon cancer or diverticulitis. If this was me I’d probably have every drawer and closet cleaned and rearranged by the time of the next scan.

I went through something similar when a mass was spotted on my chest wall at a mammogram. I prayed for a new primary rather than mets from the lung. Prayers were answered, fortunately stage one breast cancer. Much easier to treat than stage 4 lung.

[JeanE41]

First, congratulations on being 4 1/2 years out from your lung surgery. Having had to battle both diverticulitis and lung cancer, I can't say which is worse. I feel for you having to wait for the results of all that testing and having to take those antibiotics. I hope the antibiotics clear up any infection and that they can find the cause of your anemia.

Hang in there. Take care of yourself. Let us know what they find on your next scan. We can only take this one step at a time.

Jean

[Lucieee]

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I had the diverticulitis 4 years ago. I was hospitalized 4x in a year and Dr told me that was it. He told me that if they had to do surgery when I was in crisis I would end up with a bag but if they could keep me well for4 months they could do the surgery and hook me back up so to speak. 4 months later I had a bowel resection and have had no issues with that since then. They found the lung cancer in December and had upper left lobectomy in March. I am so blessed that it was 1b and am now cancer free and no chemo needed. The first 3 weeks after surgery were pretty rough but I am doing much better now. You stay tough and hang in there. Congrats on the 4 years cancer free. The diverticulitis was difficult but good thing is once they took out the bad parts I have not been sick with it since. Try and keep yourself as healthy as you can and keep your chin up. You can do this!

[Memaw0100 in reply to Lucieee]

Thank you. I too was 1b with my lung cancer, but was advised to do the chemo, especially with 2 previous family members dying. One death was 2 days before mine was found. Im just sick of my stomach cramping 24/7!

[Lucieee in reply to Memaw0100]

I understand completely. Have the antibiotics helped at all? I would be in the hospital for a week and it would get better for a little while and then it would come back x4 in a year. If they have to do a bag, it may be just temporary and then they can hook you back up. Make sure you get a good gastro dr. I hope you get some relief.

[joeyroe]

I am so sorry Memaw that you are going through this terrible wait, I now how you feel as my Husband was told he has lung cancer, after 3 biopsy's and 4 months later he still has not seen a surgeon and the waiting is killing us both, his Doctor is meeting his surgeon to morrow (Friday) and we hope he will be seen soon after that.

Keep your chin up and i will remember you in my prayers.

Good Bless and keep us up to date.

Joeyroe (margaret)