LouT

Research is still out on RSO. Yes, it's high in THC, but I look upon a "THC Based Solution" from a cannabis activist with a certain amount of skepticism. I'd really like to see more evidence of efficacy, but if folks find it useful then more power to them. Lou

Good Bro', I do not have experience with any non-surgical treatment, but I'm so glad to hear of your brother's cancer becoming stable. That is most surely a step in the right direction and our hope is that there is a regression of the cancer over time. I hope he can regain his weight as well. Try anything that he will eat and tolerate. Lou

Chris, This surgery is easier than we think. Yes, it's scary and yes the "chest tube" sucks, but you'll do better than you expect. I hope by now you are resting comfortably and some of the anxiety you felt has diminished. Did you ever get to read my "Thoracic Surgery Tips and Tricks"? If not it can be found here. It will provide some good advice for your post-surgery recovery. My immediate advice is to take your pain meds as prescribed and relax and rest as needed. By now they've already had you up, so your pain block has likely worn off and the oral meds will keep you comfortable. Stay strong and know that you are already on the "healing side" of the surgery. Lou

Lizzy, I'm so sad to hear the outcome of your treatment and the need for hospice. My prayers are with you and your family. Lou

I assume you are asking this hypothetically. I don't believe anyone on this forum can answer your question with confidence. Our approach here is to support those with lung cancer as well as their families and caregivers. We do this by sharing our own experiences and learning as people that have gone through this disease. I don't mean to belittle your question, but it is one you should ask to a doctor or just research literature in order to get an answer.. In the meantime, if you would like to read a bit about "Navigating Your Diagnosis" you can find a number of articles on the topic here. Lou

Kamoto, There is a blog entitled "10 Steps to Surviving Lung Cancer; from a Survivor" and it can be found here. There is a lot of good information to be found in it. In addition, there is information on "Treatment Options for Lung Cancer", a good synopsis of what the treatment options are that may provide some of what you are looking for regarding chemo. That is on this page. We also have forums on treatments and sharing based on mutation types and they can be found here. Stick around, keep posting and ask questions. There is a wealth of information and support available to you here by a great group of survivors. Lou

Sabin, When I was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer (Feb 2019), I believed the end had come. In my family, almost everybody on my mother's side (including my mother and father) died of cancer and for a few specifically LC. When diagnosed I was living with my wife who had advanced dementia and I was a 24/7 caregiver. Two of my three kids lived in other states and I determined that I didn't have much longer to live so I needed to plan for "the end". I still had two months of tests before my diagnostic process would be completed, but for me I couldn't see anything but death. Then I came across this site and I was embraced beyond what I expected. Others shared their stories of diagnosis, treatment and survival. Some for months, others for years , and even others for more than a decade since diagnosis. They answered my questions, encouraged me, and had me so prepared for my surgery and follow up treatment that I felt more ready than any other time in my life. My focus changed, rather than centering my thoughts about dying I began thinking about living. Prior to my surgery, (in May 2019), I increased my workouts to better prepare my body to heal and I started thinking about what to do with my future rather than seeing nothing but an oncoming disaster. It dawned on my that to waste the life I wanted to continue so much on worry and things outside my control would never let me enjoy whatever life I had left. I can tell you that even today I'm aware that this is a disease of high recurrence and "Dr Google" survival stats are terrible (also inaccurate for more reasons than I will go into here), but my choice was to live every day until I can't do it anymore. I support a number of varied groups and contribute to the forums here on Lungevity. I cherish my friends and family more, write music, read books, and allow life to unfold day by day. I can only say that with the help of folks here, support of my medical team, and a change of mindset; my life became a wonderful gift that I will enjoy each and every day. I certainly understand your feelings and won't ever diminish them, but I am here to say that there is "life after cancer" and I hope you are able to live it fully and with joy. Lou

All digits crossed that you have an infection. Then you can treat it and move one. Please keep us updated. Lou

Hi Phil, Welcome to our forum and I'm sorry you need to be here. This can be a scary time and nobody understands what you're feeling more than all of us on this site. You'll soon be hearing from others who have had chemo. My treatment was surgical so I cannot speak from experience, but I will share some very important information with you. First, "10 Steps to Surviving Lung Cancer; from a Survivor". It is a great wealth of information and can be found here. Second, "Treatment Options for Lung Cancer", a good synopsis of what the treatment options are that may provide some of what you are looking for regarding chemo. That is on this page. Finally, is "Chemotherapy", this is a sub-forum where people share their questions and answers regarding chemotherapy and it is found here. It is normal to be filled with a large range of emotions right now, but we have folks here who are NED (No Evidence of Disease) for years and I am one of them. You won't be alone in this journey. Lou

Val, Welcome to the club that nobody wants to be a member of. I too was diagnosed in 2019 and had a lobectomy on May 2nd the same year. You mention having had treatments without mentioning any success, failure of outcome. Your tone would indicate that you are at a point where there are no treatment options. In order for us to share our experiences and provide some support can you tell us a bit more about your diagnosis (stage, factors, biomarkers, etc.), treatments, outcomes, and any clinical trials you looked into. There is such a wide swath of people on the forum that whatever you write somebody will have information for you that will prove useful. I look forward to hearing more from you. Lou

Wow...I couldn't do that pre-cancer. Lou

Mike, Very happy to hear that your surgery was better than expected. Keep up the positive attitude and make sure you do what is necessary to keep your lungs active and strong. Let us know if you have any questions along the way. Lou

Hi Doug, You've had a long journey my friend and any time recurrence is possible is a time filled with anxiety. At this point there are likely a number of treatments available that weren't even five years ago. Judy covered that pretty well. In addition you can take a look at treatment options available today on our "Navigating Your Diagnosis" page and that can be found here. There are many survivors of all LC stages on this forum and you'll be hearing from more of them soon. In addition we also have Virtual Meetups for our folks, using Zoom, and you can register to join up on this page. The folks on there are all survivors and just a wonderful group to be part of. You won't need to go through this alone. There are many of us here who'll make your journey with you. I understand your anxiety very much and can only say that you are doing the right thing staying busy. All the worrying in the world won't make anything better and can only weaken you through stress and lack of sleep. Stay with us and I hope to see you on some of the Virtual Meetups. Lou

Pretty damn good news! Time to celebrate and get back to your life. Lou

LilyMir, I'm glad to hear that your surgery went well. Yes, the chest tubes are a real pain (pun intended) and it's a good day when they come out. I'm going to share two areas that will help answer your questions. 1. The first is" Navigating Your Diagnosis" and it contains information on many things from "Diagnosis to Biomarkers and Treatment Options" and it can be found here. 2. The second one is "Survivor Resource Center" in this case you have items covered such as "Managing Side-Effects, Complimentary Therapies and Survivor Stories" among other items. You find that one on this page. I'm sure you'll also soon hear from others and some that had the experience you may be going through. Lou

Chris, You have a chance of finding out if this is a malignancy sooner rather than later. In my case I couldn't find out fast enough. I think you are stronger than you believe you are. Early diagnosis and treatment is a great leverage for long-term prognosis. If you are strongly considering cancelling please speak with your doctor first and share all your concerns. Lou

Luke, Your doctor is correct. The Gold Standard test for malignancy is a biopsy. We'll keep all digits crossed for you. The diagnostic process can often seem confusing and or lengthy beyond patience, but it is necessary to make sure that they have a clear understanding of the disease and the aspects that help determine the most effective treatment. Staying hopeful will NEVER hurt you, especially in the long-run. Hang in there Luke. Lou

Mikey, I'm glad to hear that your confidence in your medical care is high. It's always a good thing to know that your health is in good hands. Since you'll be having that surgery I want to share a blog I wrote called "Thoracic Surgery Tips & Tricks". It discussed what to do pre-surgery, in-hospital, and upon return home. It can be found here. I hope it helps you to go through this more easily. In the meantime, please keep us updated we will be waiting to hear about a successful surgery and that you are doing well. Lou

Minh, It's good to hear from you again. Sorry that the SOB is still there, but hopefully the antibiotics will have some positive effect. I'm not sure if you have a spirometer, but if you do using that may help keep your lungs clearer and also give them a mild workout. Please continue to keep us updated. Lou

Kelvin, Welcome to our forum, sorry you need to be here. Others here have been diagnosed at stages 3 and 4 and will be responding to you soon (I was diagnosed at Stage 1). But Lung Cancer has its own set of challenges and characteristics. We have a section online called "Lung Cancer 101" and it can be found here. This can give you a reasonable overview of what your journey will hold. Lou

LukeJames, I can't tell you how happy we are that you have no cancer. Now, get out of here and go live your life! Lou

Lizzy, You're a great example of the courage and strength that so many here learn to depend on to make this journey. I'm so glad to hear about the improvements and will wait to hear how they tackle that stubborn one in the adrenal gland. Please continue to keep us updated, but also keep living your life... that is the best medicine of all. Lou

Mikey, The news is pretty darned good. It is also great that you have a nice tripped planned, enjoy it and let all the good hormones flow. Lou

Deb, It sounds as if your sister has surely had a difficult road. You raise a couple of important points and I'll try to address what I can here. First is the biopsy; that is really the definitive test to determine if the growth is a malignancy or not. Without the knowledge gleaned from that test (i.e., type of cancer, biomarkers, small cell vs. non-small cell, etc.) there is little that anyone can do if this is cancer and progress outside of palliative and/or hospice care. Next, I want to reinforce what Rikke told you about treatments coming a long way. But, that doesn't guarantee no side effects nor does it guarantee success against the type of cancer she may have. Finally, if she is refusing all testing and treatment options (and I appreciate that is her choice to make) then you need to at least get the biopsy (if at all possible) to determine what she will be dealing with and then arrange for the appropriate level of care for her (palliative or hospice) to make her days as comfortable and pain-free as possible. I sometimes worry that some folks look at the side-effects of treatment and believe that just letting the disease progress will be easier (something I myself have considered). But the reality is that it may or may not be. If your sister is suffering from clinical depression that may be affecting her mental attitude toward treatment as well. She might benefit from seeing a professional and perhaps some antidepressant medication. I wish there was more I could tell you. If she does decided to accept the diagnostic process and treatment we have a lot of information and experience to share with you for her benefit. My prayers are with you both. Lou

All fingers and toes crossed for you. In the meantime, take to time find things that make you smile and let you appreciate your day. Worrying about a result does nothing to make it either a good or bad result. Tom Galli actually came up with a term for it, he called it "Scanziety" and we all now use that term pretty much whenever we are awaiting the result of almost any test. Hang in there. Lou