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Hi Lbelle, Wow! You're getting great advice from everybody! I agree that it's important to be your own advocate. Ask lots of questions (including who can see you sooner) and ask for copies of test results. Some doctors assume we won't understand technical stuff, and sometimes I don't, but with the internet I can find out a lot. Information is your friend. Get as much as you can. If you can get someone to go with you to appointments, great! Make a list of questions. Have your support person take notes. Hang in there! Lung cancer is my 3rd primary cancer and I'm hanging in there and living a good life. You can too.

Hello! Do you have access to a palliative care doctor. I hope you know that palliative care is NOT the same as hospice. Palliative care works to help a person deal with pain, debility and other effects of either the illness or the treatment. A person can get palliative care whether or not they are taking treatment aimed at a cure. Your mom sounds like she might be a good candidate for this. It's good she has her children to support her. Best wishes to all of you. Please let us know what you find out.

Michele, your diagnosis and surgery was the same as mine! I'm now 3 months post-surgery. About 7 weeks out I had a cold with a lot of coughing and some mucus. I was a bit worried because when my coughing was at its worst, we were in the midst of the worst snow and ice storm in years and I couldn't get to the doctor. When I finally got in it was diagnosed as bronchitis--a chest xray showed it wasn't pneumonia or worse. Not pleasant, but I'm almost entirely recovered. I agree with Tom's thoughts about handwashing and hand sanitizer. I used to have a job where I made a lot of home visits to group homes and foster homes. I caught a lot of colds until I got in the habit of sanitizing my hands every time I left a home and got into my car. then I stayed pretty healthy. Hang in there, Michele!

Hi Zachary, I suggest that , instead of "assuming" your X-ray is normal, you call your doctor and hear it from him or her. I think it's always good to get definite word about results of any test.

My situation is in some ways similar to your mom's I'm 71. I had a lower right lobectomy in November for a small tumor. It was in a location in the center of the lobe where they couldn't do a biopsy without taking it out. My tumor had no aggressive component though--it was so slow growing that it didn't even light up on the PET scan. Lymph nodes were taken out and were negative. It was adenocarcinoma Stage 1. Since the tumor came out with clear no chemo was recommended. So chemo is not always the standard, I think. I will have to have CTs every 6 months , because of the risk of recurrence. Tumor genetics showed a KRAS mutation. From what I've found on the internet, KRAS tumors don't respond well to chemo and there's no targeted or immunotherapy for them, so it's good they got it all out. I'll be seeing my pulmonologist next month with a lot more questions. I's like to say to you and your mom that I've recovered really fast from my surgery and my life is pretty much back to normal. Also, it looks like you're doing all the right stuff. When you get the pathology and mutation testing, spend time to be sure you understand as much as possible about them. Ask questions. Look things up. If you're not sure about what you're being told, a second opinion is a good idea. It's great that your mom has you to advocate for her. Tell her hi from another old lady who's doing well after surgery and looking forward to getting MUCH older.

Hang in there Adam. When you look at the statistics, remember that they show averages for a large number of people. You are an individual, a case of one. Having had 3 different cancers, I've found that for me, acceptance is a variable thing. I've learned as much as I can about my cancers, and that's helped me to make a plan to survive long and well. I try not to get too hung up on the odds. Best of luck!

Hi Isaut, About travel insurance: Your step dad can probably get travel insurance. Tom's advice about reading the fine print is excellent. There are some policies that will cover pre-existing conditions with certain limits. For example, you might have to buy the policy within a certain number of days of making the first payment on the trip, and also you probably have to be able to travel on the date you buy the insurance. Being a survivor of 3 cancers, and having had to cancel a trip due to late occurring treatment side effects (and lose some money despite having travel insurance), Ive gotten to be a careful reader of fine print. I suggest the site insuremytrip.com on which you can compare a lot of different policies from different companies. Be sure, as Tom advises, to look at the actual policy and not just the summary. Happy travels!

Hi there! I have some experience wtth those drigs and with concurrent chemo and radiation, although not for lung cancer. My non-small cell lung cancer is stage 1 and recent. However, I had another cancer, stage 3, grade 3, 6 years ago, at age 65. I had concurrent radiation with cisplatin for 6 weekly cycles , then 3 more cycles of carboplatin- a higher dose than the cisplatin- and taxotere without radiation. I had a lot of nausea and diarrhea during the concurrent treatment, which may have been because my gut got radiation, as much as from the chemo. I had to be really careful of what I ate to keep it tolerable. I didn't have the kind of fatigue that some people experience with radiation. I was't feeling like a ball of fire, but I was able to function OK. and drove myself to my daily appoiintments. I did have some digestive upset from the carbo/taxo combination, but not as bad. All the platinum drugs have a reputation for causing nausea. I also lost my hair and got neuropathy on the carbo/taxo. My neuropathy has decreased over the years, but I still have some. A serious side effect that I did have from the chemo was neutropenia.This is a decrease in the neutrophils (white blood cells that control infection )If this isn't caught quickly and dealt with, a person can not only pick up infections from others, but also from the normal bacteria that are on and in our own bodies. A few days after my first dose of carbo/ taxo, I developed a slight fever, called my oncologist and was sent to the ER, where they found I had zero neutrophils. They couldn't find any focus of infection, but put me on two antibiotics, ttold me about "neutropeniic precations" to avoid infection. I had no serious consequences After my subsequent chemo rounds, I got shots f Neupogen, which helps prevent the neutropenia. What I want to say with that long story is that if your father develops a fever, even slight, after chemo, get in touch with the oncologist right away (don't wait until morning, for example.) Fever is often the only sign of these infecions, which can become severe really quickly. This therapy worked well for me-- I had a cancer with a poor prognosis and today I have no evidence of disease. Of course you are worried. It's normal to be worried. I have found it helpful to learn as much as I could about the cancers I have had (3 different primary tumors) and to ask a lot of questions. I also went for a second opinion at one point when I wasn't sure about my treatment. I had to pay for it myself and I'm really glad I did. I think information gives me something to focus on besides worry! Best of luck to you and your father. Hang in there. You can do this.

I'm glad to hear that you're surgery is done,Michele. Sounds like you're recovering well. Those darned chest tubes are a hassle! I one time had a problem wiith mine, but fortunately I had a big bandage on it so only my shirt got wet. No puddle. My surgery was exacltly 1 month before yours and I'm feeling pretty much back to normal and a little frustrated because I am still limited in what I can lift Let us know when you get your final pathology report.

HI again Femie, My surgery lobectomy was VATS and my experience after surgery was much easier than Tom's. I was released from the hospital the next day, with a chest tube in place. I did have pain, but it was not as bad as I expected. I had to be careful how I moved or I felt I was being stabbed in the side. So I had to move carefully. But I was able to get out of bed, get dressed and so forth , carefully, but without help. I was able to sleep OK, with the help of oxycodone. I was able to walk a couple of blocks as soon as I got home from the hospital. Had to wear a great big raincoat to cover up my tube and drain bag. My energy returned pretty quickly.. I 'm 71 and was in pretty good shape (not atheletic but active) before the surgery.. I am now just over a month past surgery and rarely need anything for pain. Yesterday I walked more than 3 miles. I was able to drive as soon as I got off the oxycodone, which was shortly after I got the tube out. The biggest limitation I find is lifting. Af first the limit was 5 pounds and I didn't feel like I wanted to lift more than that anyway. NOw it's up to 10 and it's a drag because I feel like I could do more, but I'm being careful.. My recovery has been easier than I thought it would be. Everybody is different. Listen to your doctor and to your body and be as active as you are able to. Best of luck!

Hi Faik, I'm new to lung cancer, and since mine is stage 1a, I'm not having any chemo for it. I did have chemo for another cancer. I had half-dose cisplatin at the same time as radiation, tnd then carboplatin and taxol. I think nausea is a problem for a lot of people with any of the platinum drugs and cisplatin is supposed to be the worst. There are good anti-nausea drugs, so be sure you get them. But everybody is different. I haven't heard that the chemo after the first one is easier. I think it's good to have plenty of support at the time of the first one so you can see how your body reacts. Even though I had nausea and some other side effects, including low white and red blood cells, I drove myself to all my chemo appointments after the first. Luckily, it was in town and only a few miles. Good luck to you. Also, Hi to Normthek! and welcome!

Hi Femie, Welcome! I'm new this site too. I had a right lower lobectomy.. Fortunately Stage 1, so no chemo. Do you know whether your surgery is going to be VATS (laparoscopic, minimally invasive) or open? I had VATS surgery just about 4 weeks ago and I'm feeling pretty well now--still some tenderness around the incissions. I'm back to many of my prior activities except I can't lift over 10 pounds or go in the swimming pool yet. One thing I suggest is getting a foam bed wedge. I think it's common to advise people to sleep with their head raised 30 degrees after lung surgery because it makes it easier to breathe and I also think you're less susceptible to pneumonia. I tried for the first couple of days at home to prop myself with one of those "reading in bed" type of pillows but ended up with kinks in my neck. Got a bed wedge and it was MUCH more comfortable. A wedge that's 12 inches at the high end will give you about 30 degrees. Mine cost about $40 at a locan medical equiment supply store. I'd be happy to answer any questions I can. Bridget

I'm new to this site and to lung cancer. I've had two other cancers. One was advanced and agressive, so I've been on this journey for a while. Here are two resources that I've found helpfule (and fun!). First, Harmony Hill, a retreat center at Union, Washington They have 3 day retreats throughout the year for people with cancer. The setting is beautiful, accommodations are niceand the program is pretty structured, with support groups, education, yoga, etc. Participation is expected .You can take a partner or caregiver with you. There's a lot of support for caregivers as well as survivors. And best of all it's FREE! You just have to get yourself there. I've been twice, along with my partner, and will probably go again since I now have primary cancer #3. The website is http://www.harmonyhill.org/ Second is Camp Mak-a-Dream. It's in Montana. They have a camp for children with cancer in the summer. In September there is a retreat for women with cancer They also have a retreat for young people (18-40) with cancer, both men and women.Their programs are for survivors only, no partners or caregivers.The women's retreat is great! Lots of things to do,- recreation, education and support. You don't have to any of it, but can choose to snooze, read a novel or enjoy the spectacular view if you want. The setting is in a rural location but facilities are not primitive. The shared cabins are modern and comfortable and the whole site is wheelchair accessible. They have a health center with nurses on site, so they can deal with any medical issue that come up. (And they do come up, because participants are often quite ill or in active treatment.) This place is absolutely great! Like being a kid at summer camp but better, because you don't HAVE to do anything if you don't want to. The webiste is http://campdream.org/. It is also FREE. You have to get yourself to Missoula and the camp bus picks you up at the airport. They do have some travel scholarships available for first-timers. Registration is January 1 for summer camps and June 1 for the fall women's retreat. It fills up fast, so it's important to register the first day. Anybody who has questions about my experience at either of these programs, let me know. Bridget

Hi Michelle, I just saw your post and I wondered if you had had your surgery yet. I'm new to this site. I had laparoscopic surgery on November 14 for Stage 1 adenocarcinoma. They took out my lower right lobe. I'm recovering really well. I have very little pain now--I rarely need even a tylenol. My breathing is easy and my lung capacity is increasing. My surgeon said that the rest of the lung will expand some into where the missing piece is. My main restrictions now are that I can't go in the swimming pool and I can't lift over 10 pounds. I'm really looking forward to going back to my water exercise class in a few weeks. If I were you I wouldn't worry too much about the delay. I, like you, had a really slow growing tumor that was watched for several months before they decided to do surgery. They couldn't biopsy it before the surgery because of the location. My doctors thought it was important to have it out, but not a big rush, because it was so slow growing. I had a vacation planned for October and I asked if it could wait until after that, and they said it was no problem to wait a few weeks. I was sorry to hear that you've had a hard time with friends and jobs. That must be really tough. I am fortunate to be retired. I work off an on part-time, I'm not well off at all but my retirementt income is enough that cancer isn't causing me a financial crisis without working. I also am fortunate to have really good health insurance. I was just this morning talking to someone about how much harder cancer treatment must be for people who are working, have insurance problems, small kids or parents who need care, and similar issues. I know how lucky I am to have the time to focus on my healing. Let us know where you are with the surgery and how you are doing. If you haven't had the surgery yet and have questions about it, I'll be happy to answer what I can. I think the people on this site can be a good source of support, even is we can't be there to hold your hand. Bridget

Hi Tom and Lauren, I definitely am choosing to live! Travel is one of my great joys. I have 4 trips planned over the nest 8 months and I'm really looking forward to them. I'm also starting to write, and recently joined a writing class. I have some great role models for enjoying my time in cancer survivor mode. Since my diagnosis of stage 3 grade 3 cervical cancer in 2011, have been part of gynecologic cancer support group. There were 3 women in my group who each had stage 4 ovarian, which is a pretty dire prognosis. All have since died. All of them lived their lives to the hilt as long as they possibly could--traveling (one had a trip to China between chemo sessions, another went to the Galapagos and had to be medically airlifted out--her attitude was, oh, well, I had good travel insurance), horseback riding, tango dancing, photography, enjoying friends and family. Each maintained her sense of humor and her sense of hope. I'm sad they're gone, but I'm still happy when I think of them. They continue to be an inspiration to me and I want to live like they did, regardless of diagnosis or prognosis. I'm learing all I can about cancer so I can be actively involved in my treatment and surveillance. I find it all really interesting! I may have said this before, but being curious and interested in all aspects of this journey is a way for me to maintain a little distance and some balance and feel calmer about it. Tom, I got your book on Kindle and read it in a day. Boy, you've really been through it! I agree that if you can survive, so can I. Lauren, thank you, thank you for the link to the Stand Up To Cancer site. I read the stuff about the work on treatment for lung cancer with KRAS mutations. It's encourageing to me to know that if I have a recurrence, there may be some effective treatment. If you see anything else about KRAS, I'd love to hear about it. Bridget

Hi Tom and Shari, Thanks to both of you. Tom, your explanation of "curative" was helpful to me in understanding this. I also read your blog and just got your book on Kindle. I'm learning all I can about lung cancer. Shari, yes, our situations are similar and I was happy to hear from you. I was told by all the doctors the same thing you were,that surgery wa the only treatment needed. Did you have molecular/genetic profiling done on your lung cancer tumor? As I said in my first post, mine had a KRAS mutation. I wanted to know this because it could be relevant in a recurrence/metastasis. Tumors with the KRAS mutation don't respond very well to chemo and also there hasn't been any immunotherapy that can target it. I did read an article in the New York Times just today about a woman with colon cancer with a KRAS mutation appears to have been cured by a new kind of immunotherapy. in a clinical trial. So maybe thisis a breakthrough. I had my cervical cancer in 2011.The prognosis was poor because it was a really aggressive and rare tyoe. I had some grueling treatment--radical surgery, consurrent chemo and radiation and additional different chemo. Now, over 5 years out, I am NED. My doctors all talked in an optimistic way about this lung cancer--very early and slow growing, surgery "curative". My pulmonologist did say they often recur. Now that i'm reading about lung cancer and looking at stats, it seems like the stats on recurrence and survival for this are about the same as for my cervical. Seems like what was considered a poor prognosis for cervical is considered a good prognosis for lung. Interesting. I do know that statistics are just statistics, though. They're about large numbers of cases. And I'm one case and neiither I nor anybody else knows where I 'll be n the range of possibilities. Bridget

Hi Shari, I'm a newbie also. See my recent post. My situation was similar to yours in a lot of ways. However, I was fortunate to have a lobectomy by VATS surgery, so I'm recovering pretty quickly. So far as typing, my tumor sample was sent off to some place in Virginia, I think it was Quest. It was tested for EGFR, ALK and KRAS mutations.

Hi, I'm recently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, grade 1, stage 1a, with a KRAS mutation. I had a VATS (laparoscopic) lobectomy 3 weeks ago.and I'm recovering much faster than I thought I would. I have a few questions. First, my doctors told me that for this early stage cancer, surgery would almost certainly be curative, with no further treatment needed. However, they also said that this cancer has a tendency to recur. Somewhere I read that it recurs in about 50% of cases. How does "recurrence" fit with "being cured? Have any of you had a stage 1a adenocarcinoma recur? How long afer surgery? Second, this lung cancer is my 3rd primary cancer. I had a grade 1, stage 1 breast cancer, and also a grade 3 stage 3 clear cell cervical. The lung cancer was discovered in a routine CT scan for keeping watch for metasteses from the cervical. This one wasn't (thankfully) a met, but new primary. BTW, I'm a never-smoker. I'm wondering why I have had multiple different cancers. I don't mean "why" in the sense of "why me?", but in the sense of whether there is some connection and whether I need to watch for any specifice new ones, ongoing. I'm not seeing any information that these 3 types are related to any syndrome or specific environmental factor. Is it just bad luck? I'd appreciate hearing from anybody with multiple "unrelated" cancers, or who has any thoughts or info about this. Thanks!