Isunique

My first 5k, post surgery. Felt great, scared, nervous, excited all at the same time.Didn't do too shabby, Finished 10th out of 26 in my age group. Main goal was to start upright and finish upright. Love this race, cheerleaders at the start and finish line. Time 49:07 for a pace of 15:51, so happy. I am in the white shirt headed for the finish line. Thanks to everyone for the kind words of support.

Lauren My 5k is in Livonia Michigan. This is such a great event for all cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. I just started back adding some running in today. I should be ready for the run in September. It might be more walking, but I'll take it any day.

I have had 3 rounds with cancer. My first was in 1992, I was diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer. No symptoms, just one gallbladder attack. For whatever reason, the doctor decided not to wait but to remove it. I had surgery two weeks later. The strange thing was that when I went back for the follow up, I came to a complete stop when we were walking into the building. I can still remember it so clearly. I had such a feeling of dread pass through me. I told my husband that I had a bad feeling that they found something bad, of course he thought I was being silly. They had, the pathology report came back ,found cancer. Now, it is very rare and they didn't know how to handle. Some research was done and another surgery to clean up and take samples. It was contained to the gallbladder and no further treatment was needed. Then in 2008, I had a routine appointment with my PCP, normal yearly chest x-ray was done. They found a small spot in my left lung. So, tests and more tests. They removed my upper left lobe in April 2008, stage 1B, N0, M0. I started feeling very sorry for myself, moping around the house and eating and gaining so much weight that I could hardly move. One night I decided that I had survived cancer twice but I was going to let the weight kill me. So, I started working out and watching what I ate. I lost the weight and started running. I have done countless 5k's, 10k's and 2 1/2 marathons. There was still a place inside me that felt guilty for surviving without having to go through treatment. I was hesitant to tell anyone that I was a lung cancer survivor, still such a strong stigma attached to it. Fast forward to 2017. Routine blood work, except my PCP ordered a different one that my oncologist didn't order. The numbers were on the high side, wait a couple of months and repeat, higher yet. OK, the start of all the tests again. Small nodule in my upper right lung. Saw a new oncologist (mine had retired), he said let's wait and see, next day it went in front of the tumor board, change of plans, lets get rid of this now. June 20th they removed my upper right lung, stage 1A, N0, no further treatment need just monitor for the next 5 years. I am walking more and getting ready for my first 5k post surgery. I have decided that I can become a voice for early detection. I have lost family and friends because they waited until it was too late. Former smokers and people with a family history of cancers should get regular check ups so anything can be caught early in the game.I want to let people know that you can have life after lung cancer, it is not always a death sentence. My first 5k is on September 10th and it is for cancer patients, all money raised goes to support the patients in need. I have had a special shirt made up just for my runs. I can't attach a picture of the shirt, but the back reads: Early detection works 1992- gallbladder cancer 2008 Lung cancer - upper left lobe 2017 Lung cancer - upper right lobe. The front simply states that there is always hope. Thank you for letting me share.

Just got home from the hospital. So fortunate that they were able to do the VATS surgery. Still, hard but doable. Had to come home with a portable device for the chest tube. I have a small air leak that is taking time to close up. Glad to be home and out of the hospital. Now, it will take time to get used to being down 2 sections of lung. Will work on my breathing and losing the extra weight so it will be easy to breathe. I won't know what they staged it at for a few more days. I can wait. Thanks for all of the kind thoughts and prayers. You were all with me. Sarah

Thanks guys. I decided today that I have cancer, it doesn't have me. This might sound corny, but each time that I was told I had cancer, while a punch in the gut, also was a blessing in disguise. I have been dx with cancer 3 times in the last 25 years. Each time it was a fluke. 1. 1992, I had 1 gall bladder attack. 2 weeks later I am in surgery for the removal of bad gall bladder. That in itself was unusual, they like you to try to control it with diet first. Path report came back, cancer. Very rare and not often found out until after death. Back for more surgery, clean up detail and targeting clips put in place. After research my oncologist decides no further treatment is needed. Good until: 2. 2008, routine check up for rx renewal. My PCP did yearly chest x-rays on his patients that smoke(d). A very talented radiologist found a spot in my upper left lung. More tests, cancer. Upper left lung removed April, 2008. No further treatment needed. 3. 2017 PCP ordered a different blood test by mistake, numbers are a bit high. Re-check in 4 months, numbers are higher. CT scans and more bloodwork. Not good, PET scan ordered, cancer. With each occurrence there were no symptoms, no indications of anything wrong. I felt very guilty for years, since I have only needed surgery for my cancer's. Hard to explain. This time I was totally floored, Since 2008, I have been very active, trying to be more responsible for my well being. running, watching my diet. I have run over 50 5k's 10 10k's and even 2 1/2 marathon's. Now, I feel guilty because what I am thinking is the impact it will have on my races this year. I believe I have 3 options, Laser knife, VATS or the removal of the upper right lung. I still am very fortunate that it was found early, and I am working for a company that provides company paid health insurance and seems to actually care about my well being. their statement to me was do whatever you need to do for you. Thanks again for the encouraging words, they mean a lot to me. I am singing Gloria Gaynor's song n my head.

Thanks everyone. This time around has hit me especially hard. I am not doing well emotionally at all. Katie, I will know more on May 22nd when I see the surgeon.

My name is Sarah. I was first dx with Stage 1b nsclc in 2008. I had an upper left lobectomy on April 8th 2008. No chemo. I have been clean for the last 8 years, then this year it came back. My PCP ordered a blood test that my oncologist didn't order. I had stopped going to my regular oncologist by this time and just having my PCP run the needed tests. Well, the CEA levels were a little high, so he said lets repeat again in 4 months. Higher again, CT scan next, small spot on right lung. PET scan came back positive. Small tumor located near right pulmonary artery. Had to find a new oncologist, since the one I had been seeing for over 25 years was finally retiring (had gall bladder cancer in 1992). Met with new oncologist at he U of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Tumor's small, lets just wait and watch it. Come back in August. Still had to go to the tumor board. Call the next day, board disagrees, more tests and have to meet with a surgeon. They can't biopsy the tumor because it is so close to the artery. So, I went from relief to dread in less than 24 hours. I am an emotional wreck. For whatever reason, it is so much harder this time. I'm scared. Everyone keeps telling me how strong I am, when all I want to do is sit down and cry. I know that you will understand. Thanks for letting me vent.

Well, I am not a new member, but a returning one. I have had great check ups for almost 9 years. DX in 2008, Stage 1B NSCL, upper left lung removed. Just a fluke, a test that my regular oncologist usually doesn't ordered was ordered by my primary care doc. That led to CT scans, which led to a PET scan. They found a new small (3 mm) nodule in my right lung. To make matters worse, my oncologist of almost 25 years (gallbladder cancer in 1992)is retiring, so I have to go through the new doctor process all over again. Did find one at the University of Michigan Cancer Center. So, now the waiting game to see what the new oncologist will recommend. I need to stay strong. As anyone had it return after so long and what did the docs recommend? TIA

Well, both my husband and I quit is 07 with accupuncture. We had to put our family friend and buddy to sleep and we both started back. The doc gave us another treatment and it worked for my husband. My husband kept having seizures that the docs couldn't figure out why. Each one was worse than the one before. I know there should be no excuse but it did seem to calm my nerves. We lost both my brother and father in the last part of 07, kept smoking. Was told they found a spot on my lung (first part of feb 08) started chantix and quit on Feb 16th. Yes, I still desire a smoke and at times want to go up to a smoker and slap them in the head and steal their smoke, but most of the times I can't stand the smell and try to avoid them. My husband is going on 3 years. Sarah

I just heard the news on the Today show. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Sarah

Thanks again guys. Sandra I hope that you are feeling better. I plan to go to the gym and get in some swimming and then relax in the hot tub before I go to the docs. I will post when I get home. You guys are the best Sarah Okay, everything is cool. Doc said the cyst was nothing to worry about. I don't have to go back now until December for a Cat scan and bloodwork. Thanks again everyone. Take care Sarah

Thanks everyone. I am pretty sure it is nothing to fret over and I am still doing the happy dance over the clear lungs. I won't let a thing like that stop me from having a good time and enjoying the things I like to do. Tomorrow we are going to a bike blessing and then I am off to a craft show. I know that my mind will play tricks on me and I have to learn how to qwell those feelings, it is hard but I'm trying. That's what I love about this site and the folks here, friendly, helpful and understanding. I will post back on Monday afternoon when I get back from the onc. Have a great weekend Sarah

I will be seeing my onc on Monday to get the results of my cat scan and blood work. Of course I picked up a copy of the cd and report. Lungs are clear (happy dance) but they found a left superior pole renal cyst. Unsure if it is just a simple cyst or means more. Worried since my brother passed away from kidney cancer. I know that I can handle anything that comes at me, because I have grown so much since the DX. Coming to this site and while not always posting it gives me a inner strength. It is hard to put into words, but by reading the stories of others helps me in a way that only the rest of you might understand. If any body else has had this issue I would appreciate some insight. Thanks and have a great weekend Sarah

Sandra I can't say anything more than the others. Just know that I am also sending you gentle hugs, warm thoughts. Sarah