LouT

Wow...you've really been through the mill with the treatments, but I'm so glad to hear that the 3rd treatment went more smoothly. My hope is that the 4th one is much the same. It's also good to hear about tumor shrinkage and no new disease. I'm aware that others here have experience with different forms of chemo, but for my part I pray that your 4th treatment is an easy one and that the results continue in the right direction. Thanks so much for the update. Lou

You're so right Tom...this is the time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I have a couple of names I carry with me of my buddies who did just that. On Veterans Day I'll continue to think of those we lost while thanking those, still with us, who served. Lou

Sarah, Welcome to our forum. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's lobectomy. But it is very effective in removing cancerous tissue. Lexie already shared the "tips and tricks" with you and please feel free to ask any questions you (or your Mom) may have.

Sorry I'm so late to the party here, but I'm moving to a smaller house on the 27th and I've been poring over, donating and throwing out stuff my wife and I had gathered over 44 years together... I'm so glad to hear that you are in your treatment program and sorry to hear about the side effects. Your attitude is a great one though (could be better, could be worse) and will help you more than you know. I personally have not had chemo of any kind, but many here talk about keeping a journal of their treatment so they can more accurately help the doctor determine all the data around symptoms and side-effects as their treatment progresses. That may help you. And researching is fine, but I would stay with souces like Lungevity as it is focused on your key disease and may be more updated and relevant than much of what is out there. Please keep us posted and know that our thoughts and prayers are going out to you. Lou

So moving...I don't know what to say. Lou

Boy!!! I really missed this...happy belated anniversary... Lou

KM, If your medical team decides that surgery is the approach then you should take a look at some Tips and Tricks on how to prepare, get through and recover from thoracic surgery. It can be found here. Lou

KM, Now you're coming to the part where you'll have a defined battle plan. Once you know the approach there are many of us here that can share our experiences with you and that can help you go through your journey more easily. Please stay in touch and ask us any questions you have. Lou

Well-written Ken. Yes, the pandemic is scary. I too am fully vaccinated so I am a bit more relaxed. Yes, I wear a mask out and keep myself clean and safe, but I'm lucky to have a group of friends (all fully vaccinated) that I can spend time with and refresh my soul. I don't want Covid (I saw my wife fight it) and I don't want desolation either. So, I've found a happy compromise. I hope you do as well. Lou

Jesse, Like you, I prefer to let my doctor read the results and tell me what he sees. My problem is that one time I read the results early and was sure I'd be dead in a month. After unsuccessfully trying to control his laughter, my doctor told me that I was stable, NED and misunderstanding most of what was written there. So, I stay educated on the disease and treatments, but don't read my own scans. That's not so different as singers or movie stars that never read their reviews. So, we're in good company. Lou

K, Welcome to our forum. A 3cm growth is concerning, but all of us here have learned the lesson of waiting for all tests to be done before we go down one road or another. So please read the info that Tom mentions (it's very good) and come back here with any questions you have also, make it a point to do a few things: 1. Write down questions you have for the doctor as we can often forget them when we are nervous. 2. Stay away from Dr. Google, there is little help there and even many of the stats are outdated because they run on 5-year averages and don't show the present rates for recovery, survival and such. Stick with your medical team and what you'll read and learn here. 3. Keep your mind in the present, until you have a diagnosis don't make any conclusions. Once you have a diagnosis make sure you learn all you can about it, how it was concluded and (if needed) what treatments yield the best results for any condition you may have. Good luck with your tests and please keep us posted. Lou

Bridget makes a good point. We often fight to hold onto life, but then don't actively live it fully. Bridget's friend did just that; "lived it for what it was worth". I would never presume to tell you how to spend your money, but rather would always support a decision to live each day, week, month, year or years fully. Lou

Ken, Wow! What a day you had. Sounds to me like you've got a pretty good team looking out for you. I'm glad that you didn't have covid and hope you never do. Lou

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