Corinne Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 I have always been very healthy. I have looked after myself very well over the years.I was x-rayed last Saturday. Much to my surprise, make that horror. The doctor told me that I have lung cancer. He found something about the size of a quarter or bigger . Tomorrow I go for a scan of some sort. I have lived alone for many years. Now I feel extremely alone & isolated. I am so very nervous and upset. I don't know what to expect. It seems that everything that I look at, shows lung cancer to be a death sentence. I guess that I am just looking for some comfort of some kind. Hopefully, some one out there will be able to offer me support and guidance. I don't know what way to turn or what end is up. I am an emotional wreck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lc46 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi and let me begin by saying welcome to a wonderful group of people that can help you in this new journey. You are only @ the beginning right now so try as best you can not to let your mind jump so far ahead. From what it sounds like you don't know yet what type and if it can be operated on? Please know that even if it can't be removed (which it very well may be operable) there are long term survivors on here who have had stage 4 and are still going strong. Do you have someone who can go with you to your Dr's appointments? If not I definitely recommend bringing a tape recorder. There is a lot of information and you are still in shock I'm sure. You will get plenty more information from others as you post more. Wishing you much strength on your new journey. Dar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 (((Corinne)))......the very first thing any of us here would suggest is to take a step back and to breathe deeply. Before getting your nerves all tangled up, wait and get all the information from your doctors. You will have scans, tests, x-rays all to help determine just what you are dealing with. Until then, TRY to settle down. And believe me, I know that is MUCH easier said than done! Now the second recommendation is to line up someone to attend ALL your appointments with you. I always took someone who took notes for me. I was an emotional wreck and it was difficult to stay on point. I carefully selected friends who were up to that challenge. Next learn all you can about exactly what you have (after you know exactly what it is). And be sure to get more than one opinion. Many folks here can help guide you once you have all your information together and post a profile like you see under all our names. Finally I want you to know that MANY of us here are long term survivors of ALL stages. Please don't get yourself too down that you can't get back up. You are in for the fight of your life and you'll be up for it. Stay with us for the support and information you may need. Lastly, I want to welcome you to the most awesome group of people in the entire universe, Corinne. Keep us updated as you find out more. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi Cori: I understand all too well the rising panic of the unknown - it is terrifying. My experience also started with a chest x-ray. I took someone with me to every appointment and I also had my sister/husband/someone take notes as I missed so many things that were said because I would get stuck on something the doctor said. I did purchase a tape recorder but wouldn't you know it the darn thing didn't work when I went for my appointment. I live in Drayton Valley, Alberta and you can PM me. What time is your CT scan tomorrow? Please, let me know how I can help and let us know how things proceed. I know you are scared - just try to stay positive okay. I didn't think I'd be 18 months out from diagnosis and feeling great - hold on to all the positives and ignore the negatives. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corinne Posted January 4, 2008 Author Share Posted January 4, 2008 Linda, Thank you for responding. My appointment is in Camrose at 11:15 After that , I guess it is just wait & see until I am told to go somewhere else. I think that it will be the Cross Cancer clinic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi Cori,welcome and I hope and pray the best for you.In july 05 they told me I had a softball sized tumor. At that time I thought everyone who gets lung cancer will die in a short time.I came here and found many survivors of this disease and much help and support.Please keep us posted.Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Welcome Cori....so sorry you need to be here, but you have found a wonderful place filled with amazing people that will help you along this new path. Please keep reading the stories here. You will find so much help and hope. Please let us know what we can do for you. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi Corrine If you do get referred to the Cross Cancer Institute, they have great professionals there. I have met with 3 of the oncologist there and they have been very helpful. The patient care specialist are great as well. I live 1500km away but even the oncologist have returned my phone calls. You will find members on this site are a great source of support and have helped me make decisions on my treatment. Take care and hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolasDaughter Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 (((Cori))) - hugs to you as you start this journey. I am not an LC survivor but a caregiver and I remember those first weeks of early stages of diagnosis where it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. This is a superb group that will exceed your expectations for support and compassion. Please come back and let us know how it goes and how we can help. Love, Nicole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary colleen Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Cori, Welcome, I'm glad you're here. You aren't alone in this. Keep us posted. Mary Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph74 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Welcome to the boards, there are many survivors here - you aren't alone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Cori, Lung cancer is not a death sentence. Don't believe that!! I am a 3 year Stage IIIB survivor and am cancer free!! Have hope and know that this disease is survivable!! There are many here with advanced disease surviving and thriving!!! Welcome to our family and know that we are here for you!!! God Bless! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 See you already have 3 new friends for Help and support here in your area. You should all get together and have a little meet and greet and get to know each other in some way. Lots of love and compassion and support here Corrine. Pray for B9 results of whatever the little bugger is.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Cori, Welcome. I am so glad you found us because this is the one place where you will read about hope and progress against this stupid disease. My mom was dx at stage IV one year ago and is now doing very well. If your dr tries to tell you that nothing can be done, keep going to doctors until you find one who will treat you. In the meantime, feel free to ask any questions you have or express your fears. There are many people here who will help you through this. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghita419 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 As the others have said, I think we all felt the same way upom initial diagnosis, but we are all here for you. Living alone will make it difficult to share your fears, thoughts, and feelings, but this board can help tremendously. When I first found this board and asked a few questions, I received many heartfelt replies and information on how others experienced the same problems but got through it. Now, I'm finding myself interested in helping others by answering questions that my husband and I have had experience with. You are now in for testing to find out what type of cancer it is as the treatments are different. So, after your scan, you'll probably be getting a biopsy to determine the treatment whether it be surgery, chemo (and what kind) radiation, etc. Keep posting whenever you have questions or fears. Everyone is here to help. You're not living alone, but living with all of us!! Ghita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Cori- Sorry you had to find yourself here but this IS the place to be once diagnosed. You will find so much inspiration, strength and words of comfort here. I cannot stress enough to you that this is a scary time but once you know what you are dealing with, it will get better. Do NOT listen to timelines or statistics - everyone is different. I am Stage IV and have been doing quite well for 15 months now. Thee are many here who have surpassed all the "odds" they were told. Take a deep breath, get prepared for a hell of a fight and know that your new "family" is here for you every step of the way!! Hugs - Patti B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbb Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Corinne, This IS the place to be. These people have kept me sane. I will send prayers for you. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Breathe slowly and stay in close touch. We have all been where you are and feel your stress. One step at a time. gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Cori, I think with the posts you had in answer you already feel a bit better. Just wanted to welcome you to this forum for the help you need, sorry you had to find it, but it is the best you can have access to. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Randy ... you are right - we 3 Westerner's have found each other. Bruce and I have been e-mailing back and forth and Cori and I have been in touch quite a bit as well. I am sure the meet and greet will happen in the near future. It is a wonderful thing that we can feel the distance is bridged somewhat for all of us and that we have someone close by that understands and shares our fears, etc. Thanks again to all of you who make this possible. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corinne Posted January 5, 2008 Author Share Posted January 5, 2008 Today I went for a CAT Scan. Chest & head. I never thought about the head, my instead thought was "OH NO, they think this has spread to my head!" Apparently there is a growth just above my heart, about the size of a "toonie" for Canadians, or silver dollar for our American friends. That sounded huge to me. I spent some time with the hospital Pastor. He said that was not considered to be large. I guess that the next step is into a cancer clinic in Edmonton. Today one of the girls in our office drove me to my test. After that, it was lunch, talk about anything & everything, shop for groceries. It has been the highlight of my life since last Saturday. I want to thank all of you for your kind and encouraging words. You have taking me from thinking that I have a death sentence to knowing that I, like you can beat this thing. There is still a rough road ahead, but with your help, guidance, prayers and the grace of God; I will soon be able to help others as you have been helping me. God bless each & everyone of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Welcome, Cori, and good luck with your treatment. I see that you're already off to a good start -- you've made new friends and have learned that whatever it is that you have can be beat. Stay strong and keep us posted. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Welcome Corinne. with that small a tumor, you may be headed for a cure. don m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corinne Posted January 5, 2008 Author Share Posted January 5, 2008 Good Morning everyone, Based on the small amount of information that I have so far, would you think that the growth would be cut out, or would something else be done? I know that I am asking a medical decision, but then with what all of you have been through, your combined knowledge is massive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Good morning Corinne. I guess the direction will depend on what your tests show. I remember wanting to have answers quickly in the beginning and to me things just didn't seem to be moving fast enough. I really wish I could answer your question...I just can't. Let's put it this way though - even if they say surgery isn't possible - there are still many, many things that can be done to cure this. Try not to get caught up in that "surgery or nothing" worry as there are many on this board who have not had surgery and are doing just fine. I'm not saying that surgery won't be an option - all the information isn't known right now to determine what course will be taken. I wish you a peaceful day and I am here for you if you need me. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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