Leeb1217

I've had 6 chemo treatments and 7 radiation treatments since 11/17/15. So far so good, I have only been nauseated/vomiting once and it was a day and it was due to taking the chemo in pill form over the weekend instead of intravenenous. I'm just speculating. I've noticed a lot of swelling in the extremeties around the knees and ankles. I'm having a hard time sleeping due to the steroids given prior to the chemo. My appetite is healthier than I would like, but I'm told this will pass. I've got a 3 week break from the chemo and then will do another 6 days of it at end of December. Radiation every day Mon-Fri thru Jan. 4. I am staying at the American Cancer Society "Hope Lodge" in Iowa City, IA. It's a beautiful place filled with hope. I get to go home weekends and spend time with my family and pets. I'm hoping this all works in my favor. Have a healthy and happy thanksgiving all. ~LeeB

Tom, thank you for sharing your perspective, or retrospect if you may. I'm hanging in there and hopefully I will be able to find some joy along this journey. You seem to be a wealth of information and personal experience. God bless you.

Oh, by the way Donna, in answer to your question, yes they found the lung tumor while testing due to the pelvic tumor.

Thank you Donna and Tom for the reply and the tips. I am going to have 40 treatments of radiation Mon-Fri for 6 weeks. I will be given two types of chemo . Cisplatin on the 1st and 8th day and then they will repeat. Then Etoposide, Mon - Fri every 4 week x 1. It is a 128 mile round trip from my home to the clinic, so driving back and forth every day is a real burden. Working is going to be out of the question. The American Cancer Society provides lodging for cancer [patients at a nearby facility, named Hope Lodge, where I can stay while receiving treatment although there can be a waiting list, so because I am insured under an Iowa Medicaid type of coverage, it will pay for up to 60 days of lodging that I could utilize if necessary. While in consultation yesterday with one of the oncologists, he stated he would be ordering an MRI to get a brain scan, prior to beginning treatment. I just got a letter from my employer today stating that the company paid life insurance was cancelled as of Oct.31. I have no other. This is all very overwhelming. I am doing my best to stay positive, yet it is wearing. Everyone keeps telling me I need to be strong and fight, and I know that I will. Where did your strength come from when you felt the weakest? I believe in God, but I'm not good at praying, mainly because I don't like asking for things. Been that way all my life. I figure if God means to provide and or bless us, he will do so. So, I'm leaving things in his hands. Thanks for listening. Lee

Hello. My name is Lee. I'm a female. I have recently been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma right lung and also of a lymph node between my lungs. I am going to consult with doctor at UIHC IN IOWA CITY tomorrow to discuss treatment. I'm pretty scared.I am still recovering from a hysterectomy and oophectomy where a a very large mass was removed from my pelvic area. It was borderline. I just went back to work on light duty after being off for 6 weeks. I'm a cook at a rehab center. I'm worried about my ability to work while undergoing chemo or radiation. This sucks. Any ideas? THANKS