Michael Lewis

MJB, Thanks so much for your expressions of hope. We are in exactly the same situation. I'm 62, my wife Bobbie, 58. We have been struggling with this diagnosis since March, 2004. One year after surgery to remove the right lobe of my lung, we find that the cancer has metasticized to left lung and right lung. Don't know where it will go from here, but doc says I'm stage IV. We have been married for 39 years, and the magic we felt the first day we met is still there. It's a bit more grown up, but nothing feels better to us than being together. We love each other deeply and felt we were many, many years away from having to say goodbye. I retired in 2002, and like you, planned to travel and enjoy our future years. Hold on to him. It's obvious that you love him very much. That's a gift you both deserve. Love may not conquer all, but it's one heck of a lot better than whatever come in second! Prayer and good thoughts... Michael

Karen, I read the written surgery report on my lobectomy. It was clearly noted that the doc pressurized my lungs and checked for leaks prior to closing. Even counted tools and such. There probably is not a written report yet, but it's something you can ask for. In fact, with all these problems, I would ask for all the written reports. I was having trouble breathing after surgery and the docs had my wife bring my CPAP machine from home. That puts quite a bit of pressure on the lungs, so I guess they were confident that there would be no leaks. I can't imagine having a lobectomy and then being opened up again immediately following surgery. He's going to be mighty sore for awhile. Prayers and good thoughts... Michael

Please do as others have suggested and get a second opinion. Find a large, or at least comprehensive cancer center near you. Speak with the billing office. Many have programs for those who are financially struggling. If you can afford the current treatment, you can afford a second opinion. Meanwhile, many are praying for you and your brother. He's lucky to have you at his side, sis. If the docs are not "saying much", find a doc who will. Be in control, you will never regret it. Prayers and good thoughts... Michael

Hello to all and thanks for the mutual support provided here. Right now, I need all the support and encouragement I can get. I was diagnosed with NSCLC in March of 2004. Since there was only one tumor at that time, outside the lung, the Dr recommended surgery, an upper right lobectomy, which was performed April 27, 2004 with curative intent. Subsequent monthly scans showed no metastasis through December of 2004. January, 2005 I became very sick and the Doc thought pneumonia. Xray showed suspicious spots. Followed with MRI, CT, PET and needle biopsy, diagnosis, stage IV NSCLC. Strong antbiotics got me through the pneumonia and right now I feel great. It's very hard to believe I have a fatal disease. I'm 62, married 39 years to a wonderful wife and have three adult children, one of which lives at home. He will be 18 in November. All of us are in shock and disbelief. I recently changed health care facilities, to a large cancer treatment center here in Seattle. I did this both because I wanted an additional opinion and I wanted a specialist in lung cancer. We made a choice not to start chemo at this time because I am without symptoms. His current prognosis is about a year. When asked about a start date for chemo, he said, "You will know." I'm not looking forward to that. On the up side, I attended the first Seattle based support group specifically for lung cancer last Thursday and enjoyed it very much. We mutually decided that we would welcome spouses and other caregivers, so I'm hoping my wife, Bobbie can attend in two weeks. If others are interested, I can provide contact information. This Saturday, there is the American Cancer Society's Run for Life at Husky Stadium. I plan to be there despite my dislike of crowds. I don't know how far I can run/walk, but I'll make whatever statement I can for other cancer patients, including myself. Contact me if you are going, as I would like to meet other cancer survivors. Well, long introduction. I'll be here for whatever time is left. Michael