Lydia V

LexieCat, Somehow I missed seeing your post until today. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. How did the surgery go? Lydia

I'm so glad that it worked out for you. I now have a PCP that is phenomenal and works closely with my Oncologist. Thank you so much for doing the work you did! As a former Psychotherapist I worked with many victims of abuse and so appreciate all the members of the team to assist and support them. I wish you the very best in your journey. There are so many great options for treatment and more being developed. There is many reasons to be optimistic! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Lydia

I am definitely a fan of screening. Especially because I requested a chest x-ray (I wasn't aware of the screening at that time) a year before my diagnosis. My Doctor asked me why I thought I needed one to which I replied that I had a 30+ pack year history (I had quit 15 years earlier). The Doc asked me if I was having any symptoms to which I replied "no". She said there was no need for an x-ray if there wasn't any symptoms. Needless to say I was quite angry when I was diagnosed with stage 4 one year later. I changed to a different primary care Doctor immediately. I still get angry when I think about it. Especially since 75% of lung cancers go without symptoms until stage 4. Now I tell everyone I know that has been a smoker to get the scan! Lydia

Hell Ed, Good to meet you. Yes you absolutely want to request testing for mutations. My most recent testing was done via a simple blood test but the initial testing was a biopsy of the tissue. The biopsy may be more specific. But either way that testing can open many avenues for treatment with targeted therapy. I wish you the best. Let us know how it goes. Lydia

Tony, So sorry to hear you're going through such a difficult process. It seems this diagnosis is one of ups and downs along with severe abrupt turns! My only suggestion is "hang on for the ride". I have stage 4 and it has been a roller coaster ride but I'm in a good place now so am enjoying it for as long as it lasts. Please keep hope and faith in positive outcomes. I will keep you in my prayers. Best Wishes, Lydia

Hi Carl, Yes, getting the diagnosis does freak one out. I was diagnosed 18 months ago and even though It was stage 4, it doesn't freak me out any more. The treatments have been amazing and am now enjoying life more than ever. I hope and pray you have a similar experience. Do you know what mutation you have? Lydia

Hi Nagle, I agree with the others, could be many things. I know it's difficult from keeping your mind from going right to the worst! I'm so glad you have your loving wife to go with you. Hopefully you will have great relief and happiness after your appointment tomorrow. Best Wishes, Lydia

Hi Paula, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I don't know very much about small cell but I do know that new treatment options are being developed very frequently. Having said that I also understand what it's like to be facing death. I had a similar experience as you. When I was first diagnosed the Oncologist said 6-18 months with aggressive treatment. At that time I was so sick and had so much pain that I was able to accept that death was in the near future. My family and friends however, were in denial and I couldn't get them to accept the poor prognosis. My prognosis changed when it was discovered that I had a mutation that could be treated with targeted therapy. I don't know much about you. How old are you? Do you have children? How do you feel about death? Looking forward to getting to know you. Sincerely, Lydia

Hi Michele, I'm so happy for you that you found the cancer early. I can totally relate to the anxiety. It can be both positive and negative. As people with serious health problems we need to pay attention to changes in our bodies and follow up with a visit to our health provider if indicated. The other type of anxiety/fear is the type that happens when we let our imaginations go to all the bad possibilities. That type just wears you down for no good purpose. I was a psychotherapist before I had to stop because of the cancer. I helped people to develop a variety of skills to manage anxiety. Thought stopping is very helpful when dealing with One's imagination. After awareness of the negative thoughts and images one can stop them and replace them with positive images. It's like making a "movie" of your positive future. See yourself doing something you love, as a healthy person in the future. The more sensory aspects you can add, the better. See yourself, hear the related sounds, notice the smells, your bodies position and how it feels to touching the objects around you etc... It takes a little practice but can be vey helpful. The practicing is best done when your not anxious as it's difficult to learn something new once anxiety is activated. If it's too difficult to do on your own there are lots of recorded guided imagery that can be down loaded. Hope that helps. Enjoy your happiness. Lydia

Hello Joanna, It is nice to "meet" you. I'm so sorry that it is under these circumstances. All I can tell you is that my sister has been a major support for me during this difficult time. There is something so special about a sister relationship that it is a role that no one else can fulfill. Because of the sister-bond and long-term nature of the relationship I could totally relax with her and talk about things that I wouldn't be comfortable sharing with anyone else. I know nothing about you circumstances but if you are able to go there without causing too much hardship for yourself, I would encourage you to go to be with her. I think I saw on one of the cancer websites that there may be assistance with travel expenses for situations like this. My heart goes out to you and your sister. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Lydia

Barb, My heart goes out to you and your husband. As a patient, sometimes I think this process is more challenging for the family members than it is for the patient themselves. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lydia

Wow, Tom, your message regarding palliative care was right on. The only thing I can add is usually hospice includes support for family members. Many time that person can facilitate discussions between the patient and their family members. It is never wrong to show or share your emotions but sometimes a 3rd party can help it to be done in a way that can be very therapeutic and positive for all involved. Many times when emotions are high, accurate communication can be a challenge. Best Wishes to you. Lydia

Welcome Alyssa. Good to have you aboard! Lydia

To all Fellow Passengers on this amazing Tagrisso Train, Just got the results of my CT. I'm doing the Tagrisso Dance. The news was all great-shrinkage and disappearance of nodules. Bones stable. Amazing since I was off the Tagrisso for 7 weeks!? (Can't find the dance emoji) But I'm definitely doing the dance! Hope you are all dancing with me! ? Lydia

Welcome Alyssa. Good to have you aboard! Lydia