Hi,
I am 57 years old and am new to this forum but not new to lung cancer.
Was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer of right lung in 2003 - had right upper lobectomy and have metastases to the spine. Unfortunately cannot receive the Sandostatin med usually given because I do not have the receptors for the meds. This whole diagnosis is a story in itself.
Immediately after this diagnosis (still feel the rib pain from surgery), I was diagnosed with papillary cancer of thyroid. Had one lobe removed and they cut my nerves so that now I have a permanent tracheostomy (breathing tube in neck). Had a recurrence in 2008 and the other lobe was removed and had radioactive iodine.
They discovered Scleroderma during this time which has affected my lungs among other things -wheezing, sob etc. Take meds etc. On follow up scans (I have wonderful docs) a tumor in my parotid (salivary) gland was found. Biopsy was inconclusive and all opinions agree needs to come out.
Was about to schedule surgery when I had a routine CT scan. A nodule they had been watching in upper left lobe has tripled in size in last year and has all signs of being malignant. I am an ex smoker - stopped with first lung cancer diagnosis.
I am totally blown away as are my docs. What are the odds of getting two kinds of lung cancer? I just hate the waiting part and just want to have a plan of action. Docs say I need a surgical biospy as they cannot get to the tumor with a regular biopsy.
I am already looking further and have read so much - that is how I stay proactive and involved - knowledge is power for me. I am asking myself already can I live a good quality of life without two upper lobes? Are the two tumors connected and if so is this metastases and can I take all these major surgeries?
Just needed to find a place where I can vent. Hope to make lots of friends here and to be a survivor for a long time.
Lee
