Introducing myself

[Mamma Om]

Hello, I just joined. I am a 74 year old multiple cancer survivor. I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and had surgery, right lower lobectomy. Two tumors were found, the first one was adenocarcinoma and the second one was small-cell carcinoma. I also had breast cancer in my left breast in 2001 with surgery, chemo and radiation. I had breast cancer in my right breast in 2012 with surgery only. I had thyroid cancer in 2015 with surgical removal of the thyroid and radioactive ablation. I am going to need concurrent chemo and radiation to treat this most recent small cell lung cancer. I am exhausted by my medical problems, with 20 toal surgeries, 16 of them in the last 18 years, plus Rheumatoid arthritis, and many infections, hospitalizations, and drugs. I'm told I am a strong woman, but I don't feel very strong right now. I look forward to connecting with other lung cancer people.

[Laurel]

I am 72 years old with non small cell lung cancer surgically removing upper right lobe on 2/16. I have rheumatoid arthritis. I can't believe all that you have been through and starting another treatment.  It is so much to deal with. I am in the midst of chemotherapy then radiation. I have only had one chemo treatment on 4/19.  Since then, both my husband and I have been fighting pneumonia. I find a need to protect myself from a well meaning oncologist to be sure I don't take an antibiotic that can flare my rheumatoid arthritis and I don't return to chemo until my body is healthier. Thank heavens I have a primary physician who monitors all this and checks on me. Surround yourself with those who will support whole body health and reach out for support...like you are doing now. Sending you soft hugs and prayers.

[Judy M.]

Mamma Om

I'm also a multiple cancer survivor. Cervical cancer treated with outpatient surgery. Breast cancer right breast treated with lumpectomy and radiation. Stage IV lung cancer diagnosed about 18 months ago treated with SBRT radiation, chemo, standard radiation, and now immunotherapy, bone strengthening injections since I had a met to my hip bone, and most recently ablation and cementopathy on that hip. I've certainly not been through what you have. Just wanted you to know you're not alone in this multiple cancer thing. There are also others on here that I'm sure will chime in. And I understand having others tell you how strong you are and not feeling strong at all. I didn't choose this. It's simply what I've been presented with in this life. Others who are presented with this particular trial fight the same battles because we have no other choice except to lay down and give up. I've not reached that point, but I can understand how it could happen. My strength has come from my God, caring family, and many caring health care providers. You probably know much about navigating cancer already. But we're here for any questions you may have about lung cancer. I agree with Laurel that a good PCP is priceless. Oncologists are focused on beating the cancer and often don't see the big picture. From what I've been reading Palliative Care doctors also can do this for you and I've been considering acquiring one for that reason. I'm 65 and my other health problems are asthma, COPD, and I believe bursitis. Since steroids help with those but work against the immunotherapy drug I'm receiving I have a good Pulmonologist doing that balancing act for me. Thankfully I've required only a low dose of steroids once so far. I hope having others who have walked this road with you on here will make walking it a bit easier. I know it has for me. I will say a prayer for you. 

Judy M. 

[BridgetO]

Hi Mamma Om and welcome here . I'm 72 and a multiple cancer survivor but I haven't had the other medical problems or the number of surgeries you have had. You have really been through it!  I had breast cancer in 2008, with lumpectomy and radiation. In 2011, I had a rare form of cervical/endometrial cancer, stage 3. I had an extensive surgery, concurrent chemo and radiation and additional radiation. I had late occurring side effects of treatment, some of which made it difficult to walk or drive. Fortunately these were temporary. Then in November 2016, I had a lobectomy for stage 1 adenocarcinoma. This was discovered in a routine CT scan to watch for metastasis of the gynecologic cancer. Now I am NED on all 3 cancers. My quality of life is good. 

I concur in Judy's suggestion of a palliative care doc. Some think palliative care is the same as hospice but it isn't. A palliative care specialist can help coordinate complex medical care,  which, given your array could really be helpful. He/she could also help with pain and other effects of both illnessess and treatments and work to help you have improved quality of life. 

Hang in there and know that we are here for you. Let us know if you have questions and how we can support you.

Bridget O

[Steff]

Mamma Om, my oh my, you have definitely been put through fight after fight. It is women like you and my mom who show me that I will be able to stand up for battle when my day comes. Your battle cries show me you are human, like me. And if you can do it, I will one day be able to survive too. I am so sorry you are exhausted and I am so very sorry you don't feel strong today. May tomorrow bring you more energy and peace.  

Take Care,

Steff