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Richard Perry

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  1. Absolutely, the struggle with cancer can have positive results. If we are still here, it's hard not to appreciate every day, every moment, more. To cherish our relationships, the love we give and the love we receive. To feel compassion for those less fortunate.
  2. In September 2003, I was given a chest X-ray during a yearly physical. I had no symptoms, no cough or pain or fatiigue. I felt fine. My doc called to say that there was a suspicious mass. Next day, a CT scan confirmed and I was sent to a surgeon at a Cancer Center. A mediastinoscopy and biopsy showed a tumor with some lymph involvement, and I was told I had Stage IIIA nsclc. The treatment was chemo and radiation, which did shrink the tumor, which was removed in a lobectomy in December 2003. More chemo followed in early 2004. All was fine until a metastasis was dicovered in August 2004, a tumor in an adrenal gland. I was treated with more chemo, but there was no change. In December 2004 I started on Tarceva. In February 2005 my doctors happily told me that the tumor had 'died.' Although I had been told that surgery would not normally be done on a metastatic site, the adrenal tumor was removed in June 2005. Since then I've had CT or PET/CT scans and blood tests at 3 month intervals (now 6 months), with no recurrence and today I'm as healthy as ever, 5 years 3/12 months after diagnosis. I think that the Tarceva was the key. I was on it for 3 years, longer than most, I think. I had skin problems including pretty severe acne, dryness, eye infections, and a frequent upset stomach. In the third year, these effects caused a bleeding ulcer, which was repaired with arthrocopic surgery in 2007. I might have stayed on Tarceva, but eventually I couldn't tolerate it. We were convinced that it had done its job. I feel blessed to have had this experience. I was happy to find that I was able to enjoy life throughout, and with an increased appreciation for every day. That in itself was very comforting. I enjoyed wonderful support during my treatment from family, and my relationships are stronger than ever. I'm convinced that it was much harder on those around me. I feel for those less fortunate, most of the victims of lung cancer. There are so many issues involved. I hope that there will be increased research and improved treatments. I resist the idea that we survivors are heroes. The focus should be on those less lucky.
  3. Hi folks, Thanks for the responses. What a nice group. I would like to stay in touch. I am 62, retired with 3 grown kids and 3 perfect grandkids 4,2,2. I found out about LUNGevity in an article in the Washington Post this morning. It was front page I think (I read it online). Its theme was the stigma put on LC people because so many of us have been smokers and therefore are considered to have brought the disease on ourselves. The article mentioned a few other groupls where input is encouraged. I think the headline of my story is the Tarceva. I haven't seen it confirmed but I guess that Tarceva works wonders for a small percentage of patients. I know that I am treated like a hero at my Cancer Center. I attribute my survival to good fortune. There are many issues in which I'm interested, one being that surviving to me is not heroic, but living happily and fully should be the goal and is a blessing for those who can do it. Please let me know how I might best navigate on this site. Should I just stay right here, posting and readiing? Should I look at other 'categories' here?
  4. This is my first time here. I'm not sure where to go to start. I have a very positive story that I'd like to share. I was diagnosed with nsclc in September 2003 in stage IIIA. I had chemo and radiation, and a lobectomy in December 2003, then more chemo. I had a mestasasis in an adrenal gland in August 2004, treated by more chemo. In December that tumor had not responded and I was started on Tarceva. Two months later the adrenal tumor was 'dying.' I stayed on Tarceva for almost 3 years with some side effects. My adrenal tumor was removed in June 2005. I have had regular PET/CT and CT scans as well as bloodtests and exams. As of my last appointment, yesterday, I have had no recurrence and I'm in good health. It's been 5 years and 3!/2 months since my diagnosis. I hope my story will give some hope. Please let me know where to go.
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