Guest Julies1 Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 I am a newly diagnosed with lung cancer - stage 4 and looking for hope and what other survivors have found to be helpful in getting them through all that happens. I have 2 young kids and quit smoking nearly 20 years ago -- lung cancer was SO unexpected. I am 42 and have not found any other folks who are quite as young and undergoing treatment. So far I have had 28 radiation treatment and 8 taxotere/carbo treaments and the tumors are shrinking, unfortunatly now I have developed blood clots that they don't quite know what do do with.....Any thoughts ??? Thank you ! Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Perhaps Sam, our resident MD can answer about the blood clots. I just wanted to say if you quit smoking at 22 years of age I can't imagine your smoking caused your cancer. I hope you register and find friends walking your walk here, and hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest marta1 Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Julies, First off..let me say how sorry I am to hear that you have LC. Then, I wanted to let you know that you have found a great place to come for support, comfort, and answers!!! I dont have any answers to your questions about blood clots..but I'm sure someone here does. Your young..and thats something thats working towards your advantage and it sounds like you've got the ball rolling..and those tumors shrinking! My mom is 45...and will be starting treatment for stage IV as well..and one of the moderators of this board, Dave G...I believe is around that age too!! Please keep hope in your heart always...and come here as much as you need..to find answers to questions or just to vent once in a while. Remember...there are people surviving at every stage of this disease!! God bless...I will add you to my prayers Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carleen Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Welcome Julie, I am sorry you have a reason to join us, but I'm glad you did. There is a lot of love, support and knowledge here. I am guessing from your post that you are a stage IV NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). My husband's diagnosis is a bit different, in fact I am not sure exactly what it is. But it was originally diagnosed with stage IV Small Cell LC, and that was later changed to an Atypical neuroendocrine carcinoma, stage IV, which is similar to SCLC, only not as responsive to chemo. He too quit smoking a few years ago, and we also were extremely shocked to hear the lung cancer dx, I mean really... he's young too, only 31. We've just started treatment of Cisplatin and Irinetecan once a week, two weeks ago, and I am praying it is working. We don't know anything yet, and I am so impatient and not good at waiting. I see things and imagine things that may not be there. I hear how other survivors have decreasing symptoms as their treatment shrinks their tumors, but my husbands coughing seems to be getting worse. I am glad to hear that the chemo is working for you. There are so many cases of people today surviving cancer for years and years even in late stages, so there is always hope. As far as the blood clots go, has the doctor said anything about being able to use cumadin? I will be praying for you, Carleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyd Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Hi Julie, Welcome, but sorry you have to be here. What type of LC do you have? Have they mentioned surgery? Update us so we can give you more information. A lot of people here will add you to their prayer list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Stay with us; we are here to help. I had not smoked for 17 years when I was diagnosed with lung cancer. My son was only 7 when I had my first breast cancer. It is tough to look at them. Getting on zoloft helped me tremendously. I could not deal with it all on my own. And for a while I used tylenol PM to sleep. I learned that I was worse without good sleep. Don't be afraid to tell people what you need. Ask for help. People want to help. gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam'swifeShirley Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Hi Julie, I too am sorry that you have to be here. First, I agree with Donna that your smoking 20 years ago probably has nothing to do with your cancer. Although small cell lung cancer is very highly associated with smoking, non-small cell lung cancer, which it sounds like you have, is not uncommon in never smokers and long-quit smokers. It is also not uncommon in younger women. Besides, no one, smoker or not deserves to get LC. As far as age goes, LC respects none. You'll find survivors here from 19 to 70+. As far as the blood clots go, this is a frequent complication of LC. I had my first and hopefully last one eight months before my cancer was diagnosed. At that point it had to be really small as I was still a limited stage SCLC when diagnosed. I have been on Coumadin (a blood thinner) ever since and I would assume that you are now unless there is a good reason not to be. What kind of blood clots do you have. Do you have phelbitis in the legs or a pulmonary embolus ( a blood clot to the lungs) or what? Stay with us and we'll do all we can to help. Stage IV NSCLC is tough but it's great that you're getting a response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julies1 Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Thank you all for your kind words. It is the first place I have found that is at all hopeful and the stats are so grim - it only adds to the fear that is so overwhelming to me already. A bit more about my cancer - adenocarcinoma with a spot in the lung, lymph node involvement and a spot tucked behind my vena cava near my heart. It spread pretty dramatically before it was found. Because of the spread and location it is inoperable. Thank you again, I am so glad I found this group. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Estelleanna Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Julies I got a blood clot after my 3rd treatment of Chemo taxol & carbo. Took the drs 6 weeks to get my bood thin out I am now on 10 mgs a day of WARFARIN. Til then had to give myself shots of LOVENOX twice aday. No fun! My leg still swells up if on it too much! It is discouraging but we will get through it!!!! Hang in there ((((((HUGS))))))) Estelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DaveG Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Julie: First I would like to thank Laura for her compliment about my age. I am actually 59, but that doesn't matter, as you have probably found out by now. Lung Cancer is the only Equal Opportunity Cancer, because everyone is at risk, no matter their age, no matter their sex, no matter their race, no matter their smoking history, and on and on. As you have also found out, you have come to a very friendly place. We are not afraid "to tell it like it is". We express our honesty and encourage honesty in others here. You have also found that love is dished out in very generous quantities, as well as support and hope. As our name Lung Cancer Survivors for Change, we are exactly that, about SURVIVING LUNG CANCER As you have been told, I am facing Chemo myself, starting Monday May 5. I was restaged on April 18, from Stage I NSCLC to Stage IV NSCLC with stystemic mets to my lymphatic system. We all know the consequences of being restaged, but I for one, believe that I have been handed an opportunity to learn more about this disease and gain an even greater understanding of the meaning of SURVIVOR. We share much about ourselves here as individuals. We share about our families and our loved one's. We share our happiness as well as our sorrows. When one cries, we all cry. Likewise, when one laughs, we all laugh. If you have not already done so, take a few minutes and go to the Home Page of Lung Cancer Survivors for Change, click on the "About Us" link and read about Estrea and myself. Obviously, I am in the process of writing a new chapter to my story, but more importantly, read Estrea's Story. She is the essence of inspiration for Lung Cancer Survivors. Then there is our resident long term, "one lung" survivor, David P. You read all his posts and you cannot help but get "pumped up". Then is Connie B, another long term "one lung" survivor. We also have a resident "cheerleader and comedian" in Judy B. Katie, Karma, Deberoo, Marlon, and many others, head our list of very caring family members and caregivers. With each person, there is a different story, but one very common bond -- Lung Cancer. So, Julie, pull up your keyboard and make yourself at home with this very wonderful family of very caring people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted April 30, 2003 Share Posted April 30, 2003 Hi Julie, Bless you for being here dear. We are here for you. As others have said, blood clots are common, but VERY dangerous. Get on a blood thinner right away! My husband is on Warfarin as well and has his blood checked weekly. Last week it was too thin so they had to adjust the dosage. He is also taking pain meds and Iressa which thins the blood so we have to be careful. Blessings to you, Peg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherry45 Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 Julie, I'm brand new at this myself. I just wanted to say that this room will comfort you. I come home everyday and look forward to reading something new and everyone is so encouraging. Like everyone here, would love to talk to you if you need an ear just to vent. The one thing I've learned above all, is no matter what, keep that positive attitiude...being newly diagnosed myself I can relate ot what is going thru your mind. In here you will see that we are all winners and we will make it just fine...keep that faith. You are in my prayers, Julie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanna M. Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 Julie, Just wanted to welcome you here, although I am sorry you have to be here. Everyone here is so warm and supportive. I will add you to my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hebbie Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 Hi Julie, I wanted to let you know that I am pretty young myself (33) and have a 6 year old son. It's been a roller coaster of emotions the past 4 months since diagnoses, but the wonderful people in this message board family have made the ride much less bumpy! I actually start chemo this afternoon, and as scared as I am of the unknown, I am also ready, willing and able to do whatever it takes to beat this thing! Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way, Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 Julie, sorry about the blood clots -- are you on a blood thinner? Blood clots can be very serious. I am happy to see your cancer is shrinking as a result of your treatments. I wish the best for you. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 Hello all- Just a note of clarification: someone mentioned coumadin, others warfarin. These are the same drug; warfarin is the generic name. Exercise (or some kind of physical activity) is good for prevention of blood clots that occur in the lower legs, called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. And, as others have mentioned, blood clots are part of the picture for many with cancer. Hope no one minds a researcher/nurse lurking in the shadows here. I'll offer information if I think I can be of help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hopeful2 Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 I too formed clots after my first round with Cisplatin/VP16, had one hit my spleen, one hit my kidney. But the worse was a popiteal artery clot. Had to be resolved with a drip of TPA throught a catheter. Then I was put on Coumadin and it happened again! After that one I am now on Coumadin and Plavix and my chemo was changed to Carbo/VP16 and no more clots. Have finished all chemo, but remain on the drugs. My onc. researched and spoke with a specialist in Canada. They think I have antibodies to Heparin of all things. Will be in real trouble if I ever need a port. But I have faith it is all gone and I will never need another treatment ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 Julie, I firmly believe a positive attitude is EVERYTHING! And, having a lot of people praying for you is so important. The support here can help achieve a positive result to this scum-sucking, %&*%#$* disease. Cheering for your success. JudyB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David P Posted May 4, 2003 Share Posted May 4, 2003 Hi Julie. Hang in there. It sounds like you have the right attitude and drive within you to go toe to toe with this disease. Take care, David P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.