Merry-Go-Round

[Ncpoet]

I feel like this merry-go-round never lets me off. In1993, I was a Care-giver for my husband who had a soft tissue sarcoma attached to his left kidney. The kidney was removed and he had radiation and chemotherapy. He survived. In 2007, my mom was fighting ovarian cancer and I was her caregiver. She had surgery and chemo. She survived. In 2013, I was diagnosed with stage 4 NSCLC and had chemo and targeted therapy drugs. My husband and mother were my caregivers. I am surviving. During that time period we lost John’s mom to bladder cancer, his dad to lung cancer, and three of my cousins to lung cancer and an uncle to bone cancer. You would think the merry-go-round would stop by now. Our family has heard the cancer word too many times. Last week, my husband has heard the word “cancer” again. He has been diagnosed with probable stage 3 NSCLC carcinoma. He has to have a PET scan and genomic testing before his treatment plan is set. John is a Vietnam Veteran and due to Agent Orange exposure he has had to deal with peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, heart issues, PTSD, the soft tissue sarcoma and now lung cancer. Of course, I, despite my own health issues with an autoimmune disease, will once more be his caregiver. We do have a strong faith which means we definitely hope and must believe he will overcome this new challenge. In the meantime, we welcome all prayers and words of encouragement. We both have a strong sense of humor so jokes are also welcomed.

Thanks,

Judy

[Feelingblessed2013]

Someone once told me "the good lord never gives you any more than he knows you can handle". There is also the old saying: "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" (can either of you guys bench press Buick yet?)

I feel bad that you and your family have had to endure so much, but you have survived everything life has thrown at you, you guys will survive this as well. Keep in touch.

[Ncpoet in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Thanks, Katherine! I had a best friend who once said I wish God didn’t think so much of me. She had lost her parents a day apart and later succumbed to cancer. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was a great role model. I always remember her when life starts weighing me down. I can leg press 200 pounds but it gave me sciatica. Need more practice before I tackle the Buick.

Judy

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to Ncpoet]

🤣.

My first fight with LC, my first oncologist told me a good attitude is a good thing to have.

After my second LC, I told my current oncologist that if it comes back again, Its mine and I'm keeping it. He gave me the strangest look and said "oh no, there plenty of options". I had to actually tell him I was kidding. He has a great bedside manor, but no sense of humor. 🙄

[Ncpoet in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Funny. Not enough humor in his life.

[Feelingblessed2013 in reply to Ncpoet]

I think the office staff may be working on that. I've seen signs. 😁

[Ncpoet in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Good!

[SusieJo1948]

OMG you've and your family is going through the grinder and your a very strong woman. I don't know how you all did it but. I'm glad you all had the faith and strength so keep going.i believe you all will make it. Love susiegrannan68 @gmail.com

[Ncpoet in reply to SusieJo1948]

Thanks, my dear!

[JanetteR57]

You've certainly dealt with a lot so here's wishing you the best of luck with what other bad news you have to deal with. I agree with your approach - my consultant also said 'a positive attitude' helps. I was diagnosed with NSCLC in Jan 2011 after surgery to remove a 7cm tumour and half my left lung. My role model has been my dad who has so far survived 3 different bowel cancers and had radical surgery for them all. We didn't think he'd get to 60 yet is now 89 and my mum's carer (she has alzheimers). My partner was diagnosed with diabetes within the year I was recovering from my surgery. We lost my younger sister at 40 (not from cancer) and last month lost her daughter, my niece at just 33 from a bleed to the brain. People say we've had to cope with a lot but I just think that's the way it goes - every family has their own stories - and it is encouraging to learn how much our spirit can actually cope with - even if we'd wish it were otherwise. thinking of you and wishing you even more fortitude.

[Ncpoet in reply to JanetteR57]

Thanks! You have had your share as well. As the old Timex watch commercial would say, “ Takes a lickin’, but keeps on tickin’.” We will just keep on keeping on!

[Jenniferroseolson]

Oh, Judy. What a lot to carry on your shoulders. Every time you think you are managing it, someone adds another 10 pounds into your backpack! Bless your heart. I can only imagine the hundreds of “stupid things” you have heard people say to you! “At least...” is one of the ones I hate the most. I’m adding you to my prayers. And thank you to your husband (and your support) for his military service.

[Ncpoet in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Thanks for your kind words especially for my husband’s military service.

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to Ncpoet]

The added risk of lung disease for our military (and probably other health issues I’m not as knowledgeable about) makes it especially frustrating that National Institutes of Health underfunds lung cancer.

[Ncpoet in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

So true!

[PegD]

You and your family are in my prayers, Judy.

[Ncpoet]

Thank you. That means a lot!

[OrangeSkies]

I believe prayer is real! I feel your family is super strong...what a blessing...will pray for you and your present family. This is a wonderful site for comfort and education/information. I pop in and out, but was welcomed so warmly.....I hope you will find comfort here as I do. There is a lot of great experience here but I always check things with my medical team.

Bless you.

Breezi

[Ncpoet in reply to OrangeSkies]

Thanks! Prayer is an integral part of my life. I agree, this is a great site!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Just, you have been through so much! I add my voice in prayers.

[Ncpoet in reply to Denzie]

Thanks!