BigBrowne

Good Evening All, 
 
Thanks for all of your responses. It is very much appreciated. 
 
CindyA, I don't believe I was told exactly what type of Lung Cancer it is (Just another reason for a second opinion). The amazing thing about this Oncologist is that he makes a statement, then looks me in my face for a reaction. I guess he is so busy attempting to push my buttons that he is neglecting to tell me everything. 
 
Cheryncp123 - I believe they did a genetic testing with my blood sample in order to see if I was to take the oral chemo, and was told that I could not. Don't know if that is the same test, but, I will ask the next time I go back. 
 
RandyW, I appreciate the insight. I have done some research outside of these forums, and found that it is all based on an individual basis. I believe the common thread of it all is, once you make the lifestyle changes (food, prayer, excercise, etc), you cannot revert to your old ways. 
 
I will you all posted on my progress, and my methodology used. 
 
Thanks again

BigBrowne,
 
Welcome here.  I'll take a stab at answering your questions.
"Am I looking to deeply into the process?"  Assume you refer to conventional and alternative treatment methods and if so, my answer would be no.  I believe information is your ally that will allow you to make important decisions about your treatment alternatives. "Does anyone have any great solid advice or leads that I can look into?" Again, assume you are referring to treatment methods, then Lungevity.org is a good source of information and there are many good web-based information tools available.  Beware however those that forecast or tout a "miracle cure".  There are no miracle cures but there are miracles.  I am one having survived unsuccessful surgery, first, and second line chemotherapy.  I lived long enough for an experimental "Cyber Knife" procedure to be approved for lung cancer patients and that saved my life.  That I lived that long was indeed a miracle.   "... about the success of medical marijuana...." What I've read about medical marijuana is its success in pain management.   "Am I wrong?"  Only you can make the treatment decisions for your cancer so a decision you make cannot be wrong.  It may not be the decision others might make but that will not make your decision wrong. Here is some information I'd read to supplement your research into alternative cancer treatment methods: http://www.quackwatch.org/00AboutQuackwatch/altseek.html and here - https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/medical-marijuana-as-the-new-herbalism-part-3-a-cannabis-cures-cancer-testimonial/ Stay connected and let us learn about your treatment decisions.
 
Tom

I've taken a very long break since I last visited this site....various reasons, but a post on fb today reminded me I needed to check in and share my story since so many were seeming to need to hear stories of hope. So....here I am, still here nearly 8 years after diagnosis, and though I am living with COPD and having to adjust my lifestyle to that reality, it's still a blessing that I'm still here to be able to bounce my new grandson on my knee

Good Afternoon Leslie,
I hope today sees some further improvements in your health,also wish your oncologist finds ways to boost your energy levels and eliminates the dizzy spells you have been suffering from.I can appreciate how you are feeling post dx,it took me some time to re-adjust to my dx,however,I did come to terms with it,mainly through the passage of time and the support of friends.
In my own situation,initally,I found getting a good nights sleep a problem,my mind was on continual over drive dreaming up all sorts of negative scenarios,no light at the end of the tunnel sort of things.I did refer myself to my GP who prescribed for me some sleeping pills and anti-depressants.I kinda figured this situation is not about being macho or Braveheart,its a natural reaction to a serious condition,I would have taken anything that would enable me to stabilise my thought patterns.There were some feelings within myself, that taking these pills would become addictive,but I need'nt have worried,they were only a short term fix as it turned out.
I belong to a lung cancer support group,which I have found to be very beneficial,do you have any in your area?,if so,why dont you go along for one of their meetings,you may also find it a worthwhile experience,a chance to meet new friends who share your condition.Incidentally,many of the new lung cancer survivor friends I have met in person and online,are also stage 4,all doing really well,one in particular Sheila I pick up en-route to the LC support group meeting is in her seventh year of survivorship.Sheila lives alone,a real character,I was telling her of my 7 week journey through the USA,seems I impressed her of how friendly the natives were,she then books up for a three centred holiday in the US, Washington DC,New York and Boston,by the way she travelled on her own,not bad for a woman in her seventies.Sheila is having the time of her life,spending a lot of her time travelling about,she dos'nt mind spending the relatives inheritance money,good for her.
Time to go,dogs are ready for their walk around Drumpellier Park,its a lovely day here today,apparently our weather is to take a sudden change tomorrow, low pressure coming in from the north leaving us here feeling colder and wetter it seems,oh well never mind ,make hay when the sun shines,think you will be enjoying lots of sun where you live in California?.
Best Wishes.