Blessrad

Hello everyone. The MRI went fine. I was not a big fan of the tight little tube and cage over my face, but all things considered, it was a walk in the park. The port is healing slowly. Yesterday was the first time it was accessed and it was not bad at all. Way easier than an IV. I do have to wait until next week to get the results but I plan to stay busy to keep my mind off it. I also start round one of chemo on Thursday. Barb, your story does sound a lot like mine. My mom was hospitalized for pneumonia in December of 07 and diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC in March of 08. She passed over in August that same year. I took great comfort knowing she was no longer in pain and had joined my father who also passed from another form of cancer in 1994. I had quit smoking in 2003, when she went on oxygen. Now that I have stage IV as well, sometimes it scares to to think about the suffering my Mom endured. At this point, I feel pretty good with some SOB, occasional chest pain and issues with my right forearm and hand. The mets was to my right ulna and I had pretty invasive surgery to get it. I also seem to have a headache everyday and occasionally blurred vision. I have no way of knowing what the future holds, but I choose to believe in great things and the possibility of a long life. Peace and light to you all, Beth

Hi Teresac, I'm glad you found this site. I have found a lot of valuable information and support here. My mother was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2008. At the time, she was 76. She was pretty much prepared but it was still quite a shock to her and I remember her saying she wished she could just talk to her mother. The time we had between her diagnosis and her passing was very beautiful - sacred even. We tried to enjoy every moment possible. Now, just a few short years later, I have been diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC as well. I turned 50 in August and it was quite a shock! I think that this diagnosis is quite a shock no matter what age a person is. I know for me, I try to only share positive feelings about this with my loved ones. Partly that is because I want to spare them unnecessary worry and also because I don't want them to think that I am not planning to do everything I can to live. I have heard a quote several times to expect the best but plan for the worst and that is what I am trying to do. I feel most supported when my loved ones are present with me and, occasionally, I can open up a little. As a wife and mother, I am used to being the one who steps in and helps and I believe it is hard as a mother to be vulnerable with my children. I am working on that. Know that I am sending positive thoughts along with this reply. Blessrad

Hi Cindy, Thanks for checking on me. The pain has eased somewhat. It is still quite uncomfortable and I still have not slept through the night. I almost called the nurse about it today as it is warm, but not hot, but decided not to. The blister seems to look a little better today but even my shirt against it is uncomfortable. I hope things are going well for you. Beth (Blessrad)

I was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC on September 3, 2015. Besides the tumor in my left upper lung and nearby nodes, I had a tumor removed from my right forearm. I am having an MRI on October 9 to check for brain mets. I just turned 50. I had a port placed this morning and was told there would be slight discomfort and to take Tylenol or ibuprophen for the discomfort. Now the whole area is bruised, there is discomfort when I swallow or turn my head and it hurts to lift my arm. I' wondering if this is common. Also, I don't see the nurse educator regarding chemo until next Thursday and won't start until after that appointment. I'm a bit frustrated about that. I would like some input regarding experiences with port placement. Does it always feel this uncomfortable? It has kept me awake. I took a hydrocodone but the pain woke me before it was time to even take another dose. It's odd because I have a pretty high threshold for pain.