LouT

The separation of those we love is always tough. My heart goes out for you. Lou

So well said Tom. You are an inspiration for so many of us. Happy Thanksgiving. Lou

God bless you on your journey of life. We all struggle with the same demons regardless of our stage or outcomes... Lou

LCSC, A super insightful and informative posting. Thank you for sharing yourself like this. It will be of comfort and benefit to many others. Lou

Ken Wow, what a tale you tell. Now you have me wondering what will happen next. I'm hoping they can take care of both cancers and get you back on a healthy track. I also clearly understand your wanting to know what the cancer type is in your lungs. Hopefully they'll do some testing just to make sure they are treating it with the most effective protocol. I'll be watching this entry for any updates. And you'll be in my prayers as well. Lou

It's amazing how many emails and mailings I started getting after my lung cancer treatment. It ranged from "The Only Vitamin You'll Need" to "New Science Can Cure Cancer". I'm assuming Chong is pushing CBD products, one of the latest in a long line of products that can address every part of our body because of the receptors that exist. I'm not going to argue with people who tell me that without THC they couldn't have kept their weight up when going through chemo. I wouldn't be that presumptuous, but I do look for the "middle road" when it comes to things like diet, exercise, and what I drink. I don't drink alkaline water but will have fresh made lemonade (which triggers an alkaline reaction in the body). I try to limit sugar, but can't give up my one small serving of ice cream most every night. I'll eat the "rainbow of vegetables", but still eat meat (it's recommended to help keep weight on and also because of some of its nutrients. So, I may not be a strict adherent, but I will modify my lifestyle in order to keep my body healthier, build a better immunity response and not do things that can increase my chance of getting cancer again. So, I agree with you regarding whatever Tommy is selling...it likely will not matter; although being healthy is our most important goal. Good luck on your journey and I pray that your treatments will be well tolerated. Stay strong an keep your head up. Regards, Lou

What a wonderful story and frankly a lesson to us and our society about what we should be doing during this time. Like you, I first stayed locked in the house; working on project after project until I ran out of things to do. Now, I'm careful when I go out. I take precautions but I meet people for lunches, visit with my daughter and get out to enjoy the autumn weather. Locking ourselves in our home is hard on us physically and psychologically and we really need to work on a balance in our life. You seem to have found it and I applaud you for it. Thanks again for sharing your story with us. Lou

Well written and my thoughts and prayers are with you on your journey. Lou

Ken, First let me recognize the skill your writing shows. It really drew me into your world and what you are experiencing. And it likely gives voice to others who may not be able to articulate their stories as well. These journeys of ours are fraught with danger, anxiety and hopefulness that we'll come out well at the end. Even when NED seems relatively possible the road there is filled with twists and turns of all kinds finished off with a topping of discomfort and symptoms that can often feel as terrible, or even worse, than the disease. I can say that your in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to hearing your updates as you progress on this path. Finally, you're correct, you are safe here with us and we will support you in any way that we can. Your success will be a success for all. Stay strong. Lou

Barb, Let me throw my hat in the ring here with the rest of our family. Hooray for getting the approval. I have faith that your great strength will bring you through this difficult journey. Lou

Wow! Michelle, I don't believe I ever read your full story before. What an ordeal you experienced. And the "moving prognosis" must have been hell. Thank God you are the athlete and fighter that you are. I was proud just reading how you handled situations that might have left many of us crushed, especially when added to the shock of cancer and a dire prognosis. For my part I never realized I should ask for any type of testing. I always figured that I had been a smoker for many years (having quit in 2003) and was a prime target for cancer as a result of that habit. What I never thought about is that even a smoker might be more prone to cancer (I believe it hits 1 in 7 smokers) because of a mutation. Now I wish I had undergone the testing. I'm so glad you made it through because you're such a phenomenal help to so many, based on your experience and strength. Lou

Thank you Barbara. In my case it was two gowns (front and back) but you could bring pj pants and see if they let you wear them. I don’t see a reason why they wouldn’t. Lou

Love you right back Michelle. Lou

Thanks Lexie. I'll go back and find a way to make a note of it so that folks can look out for it. Lou

Okay, your surgery is scheduled. This post is meant to provide you with information and tips to prepare for thoracic surgery, what to do in the hospital, and when you return home. I’m hoping that the information here will alleviate some of your anxiety and fears. You can do this; you will get through it! Be open to the support of family and friends as well as the folks here at Lungevity. We are here for you. Pre-Surgery o Eat healthily, get sleep, and also do some physical activity. It might just be walking, but the better your body works before surgery, the more quickly it can recover post-surgery. o Make sure you have someone to count on for your first few days at home. You'll be tired and likely in some discomfort, so having someone there to assist you when you need it can be a real help. If you live alone and have Medicare, you can ask your doctor for a home nurse to visit, check on your progress, and change dressings. In-home care also lets you ask questions about your recovery. o Get a wedge pillow. It will allow you to sleep in a more comfortable position, take the pressure off your back, and improve your ability to breathe comfortably. You may also want to keep a small pillow available to press against your body's surgery side when you cough. o Arrange the nightstand with things you may need, so you have them within easy reach. Remember stretching is something to avoid after surgery. o Make sure to fill your pain prescriptions and take them as recommended. Once you’re home, you'll need to be active, and it is harder to do to if you’re in pain. The meds are not a "forever thing," but are necessary to keep you comfortable enough to recover faster. o Have the numbers of your doctors readily available to call if you have questions or experience symptoms that concern you. o Pack your “hospital bag” bringing only the things you’ll need. Remember, a thoracic procedure requires a post-surgical stay of a few days before being discharged. In the Hospital o Show up on time. o On the day of surgery, after the surgery takes place, they will likely have you sit up, stand, or even have you walk to a chair to sit for a bit. It is important to get you moving and exercise your lungs. Remember the surgeon likely gave you a pain block, so it’s unlikely you’ll feel pain. o You should be given a Spirometer (if not, ask for one). Use it often; it will help to keep your lungs clear and rebuild lung capacity. o TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS AS INSTRUCTED. The pain block will wear off within 12-20 hours after surgery, and without the additional pain meds, you will get uncomfortable quickly, so please take the pain meds as prescribed. o The day after surgery, you, your IV’s and chest tube/pump will go for a walk around the ward. Do not be an overachiever; do what is required and practice slow deep breathing when exercising. o If you miss bathing, the nurse can provide towelettes as a substitute. o Once you are stable, if your lung is not leaking air, and your body is properly absorbing post-surgery fluids, you’ll be set up for discharge. They’ll remove the chest tube, IV’s, and other paraphernalia they’ve attached, and you’ll be ready to go home. Home Post-Surgery o Have a plan to exercise. It should be walking; at first around your house and later outside (sunshine and fresh air are excellent tonics). But take it easy--this is not a sprint but a long race that you will win with each increasing step over time. o Continue to use your spirometer; it is your best friend for increasing lung strength and function. o You will be sent you home with pain meds. Take them as prescribed until pain is diminished. Pain restricts exercise and prolongs healing. o REST WHEN YOU FEEL TIRED. Sorry for the caps, but this is important. You've had major surgery and need time to heal, adjust to changes, and adapt to old activities. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace until you’re strong enough to manage your new normal. o If you have any symptoms that concern you contact your doctor asap. For example, some people may hear/feel gurgling when breathing while it may be nothing it might be a condition (subcutaneous emphysema) that your doctor should be aware of. It can often resolve on its own, but keeping the doctor updated is a wise choice. o When you're feeling up to it, update us on our forum. Let us know how you're doing and ask any questions. We're here for you! Recovery differs for everyone; in my case it was about 6 weeks before I was almost back to routine activities after my Lobectomy. Please stop into the forum if you have questions. A good group of people will be there for you.

D iane My heart is breaking for you. You were such a phenomenal caregiver, companion and wife. Your husband was so lucky to have you by his side. I pray for you and your family to have peace and strength in the days to come. Lou

D iane, This is a tough row to hoe for you and your husband. You stay in my prayers. Lou

Diane I’m so sorry to read the latest on your husband’s condition. My prayers are with you and your family and I’ll keep watching here for any news. Lou

D iane As Tom would say, "Stay the course". It sounds like you are on a good track and I'll certainly be hoping for good results so your husband can progress to the immunotherapy. Looking forward to your next update. Lou

D iane, Looks like you're moving ahead and that is a good thing. Sending all kinds of good wishes and prayers your way. Lou

Diane, You have some things that need to be addressed for sure, but if your husband is responding to treatment that is good news. My pulmonologist puts it this way, "we're at a point where, in many cases, we can begin to treat lung cancer as a chronic condition, controlled." And we do have people on the forum (I'm one) who are NED (No Evidence of Disease). I'll let others speak for their experience with radiation and there are some optimistic outcomes they've experienced. I pray the same in your husband's case. Lou

Diane, I've always been terrible at reading my own test results and often have misinterpreted them so I'm glad that you are taking the more prudent approach of waiting to speak with the doctor. There seems to be significant improvement and once you get the answers to what might be new and what is "resistant" then your Oncologist can help develop an appropriate treatment plan to address this. You and your husband are in my prayers.

Diane, Along with the rest of the folks my fingers are crossed and prayers go up that your husband's tests bring good news. Lou

Diane, I say wish for what you want! I'd like to see a full remission for your husband as well and will keep you both in my prayers. Lou

Tom, This is so good. Simple, crisp advice. Thanks for taking the time to share. Lou