laurie2020

moment with this disease. As usual my wonderful support system is available to help when ever I need them. In the meantime I continue creating goals to live for and experience with my family. Non are exotic or from any made up bucket list. However every goal I reach becomes a memory for me and my family to hold on to forever. They provide me the will to go forward and face the days I can survive knowing what this disease is known to do to many of us with this diagnosis

https://witheachbreath.com/2024/02/13/no-new-growth/

moment with this disease. As usual my wonderful support system is available to help when ever I need them. In the meantime I continue creating goals to live for and experience with my family. Non are exotic or from any made up bucket list. However every goal I reach becomes a memory for me and my family to hold on to forever. They provide me the will to go forward and face the days I can survive knowing what this disease is known to do to many of us with this diagnosis

Wow this is awesome

Hello RJN
I had the option 6 months ago to go off the immunotherapy or stay on it. I chose to stay on the Kaytruda as it has been helping me to date. I pray it continues as I have no intentions of dieing anytime soon. My Oncologist has a Stage 4 patient that Is on year 6 of survival. That patient and now you are clear examples of the hope and goals I hold on to. Thanks so much for your encouragement and I wish you well on your journey. It is relieving to be able to communicate with someone who really understands what I am expressing.

I was diagnosed with 4th stage cancer metastisized at size 7 with 2 blood clots all in my left lung and lymph nodes. I was loaded with fluid at time of diagnosing believing I had pneumonia and learning my real diagnosis. I went into emergency surgury for a perichondrial window to keep the fluid building up around my heart and had over 4 cups of liquid drained out of my back that was surrounding my lungs. This was a little over 2 years ago. My oncologist refused to give me a time that my life may expire and for that I thank him everyday. A few months ago he told me my time expected was 3 to 6 months and that others he had diagnosed with 4th stage Lung cancer had passed long ago and I am considered ever so lucky. Before I left the hospital 2 years ago I placed my life in God's hands and refused to google lung cancer. I did not want Google telling me how and what I needed to feel and fill my head with the fear of what to expect. I chose treatment and continue to attend every 3 weeks. I tell myself that I will live my life until God decides otherwise. I prepared my will, moved to a smaller house and have spent these years making family memories and helping them prepare for my passing by letting them know that I am not afraid. They will move forward when I pass. I was forced to come to terms with reality the day I was diagnosed by myself in 2 separate hospitals due to Covid. All of this made me see that I wanted to move forward having a quality of life not a life of fear.  Move forward with life in a positive manner.i believe it will help keep you alive. Stay strongl and off of Google.

Hello RJN
I had the option 6 months ago to go off the immunotherapy or stay on it. I chose to stay on the Kaytruda as it has been helping me to date. I pray it continues as I have no intentions of dieing anytime soon. My Oncologist has a Stage 4 patient that Is on year 6 of survival. That patient and now you are clear examples of the hope and goals I hold on to. Thanks so much for your encouragement and I wish you well on your journey. It is relieving to be able to communicate with someone who really understands what I am expressing.

Thank you so much.

Hello RJN
I had the option 6 months ago to go off the immunotherapy or stay on it. I chose to stay on the Kaytruda as it has been helping me to date. I pray it continues as I have no intentions of dieing anytime soon. My Oncologist has a Stage 4 patient that Is on year 6 of survival. That patient and now you are clear examples of the hope and goals I hold on to. Thanks so much for your encouragement and I wish you well on your journey. It is relieving to be able to communicate with someone who really understands what I am expressing.

Hi Laurie,
Google is a beast and you did well for staying away. Survival statistics are no longer relevant to most lung cancer patients as new treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and combinations of treatments are rewriting the script for many, many patients. I saw my main lung oncologist last week, and we talked about how different his job is now. Two and a half years ago when I was diagnosed, a stage 4 diagnosis was still considered  a death sentence, and now they have no way of predicting the outcome. One major development is that oligometastatic LC patients (I.e. with fewer than 5 non-brain metastases) are now considered an entirely different category and highly treatable, with a real chance of remission.

I was diagnosed with 4th stage cancer metastisized at size 7 with 2 blood clots all in my left lung and lymph nodes. I was loaded with fluid at time of diagnosing believing I had pneumonia and learning my real diagnosis. I went into emergency surgury for a perichondrial window to keep the fluid building up around my heart and had over 4 cups of liquid drained out of my back that was surrounding my lungs. This was a little over 2 years ago. My oncologist refused to give me a time that my life may expire and for that I thank him everyday. A few months ago he told me my time expected was 3 to 6 months and that others he had diagnosed with 4th stage Lung cancer had passed long ago and I am considered ever so lucky. Before I left the hospital 2 years ago I placed my life in God's hands and refused to google lung cancer. I did not want Google telling me how and what I needed to feel and fill my head with the fear of what to expect. I chose treatment and continue to attend every 3 weeks. I tell myself that I will live my life until God decides otherwise. I prepared my will, moved to a smaller house and have spent these years making family memories and helping them prepare for my passing by letting them know that I am not afraid. They will move forward when I pass. I was forced to come to terms with reality the day I was diagnosed by myself in 2 separate hospitals due to Covid. All of this made me see that I wanted to move forward having a quality of life not a life of fear.  Move forward with life in a positive manner.i believe it will help keep you alive. Stay strongl and off of Google.

Lauren,
Hi.  I’m glad you found us but sorry you need to be here.  Your dad is beginning a journey that can have a lot of twists and turns depending on many details.  I can’t give you particular detail regarding his condition, but I can tell you that I was diagnosed with lung cancer 4 years ago and am still here surviving and living my life.  So a LC diagnosis is no longer the definite death sentence that it once was and there is more hope than ever before.  This is a time for you (and your dad) to begin to learn about this disease.  This way you’ll be able to navigate these waters more successfully.
This is an article titled “10 Steps to Surviving Lung Cancer; From a Survivor” and it can be found here.  Both you and your dad need to read this.  It was written by a member who was first diagnosed at Stage 3 and then later Stage 4 and 18 years later was considered cured.  It’s not everybody’s story but there are many here (like me) who have survived for years, and there is great knowledge for any LC patient, and family. Time to begin learning about this disease; causes, diagnosis, treatments, etc.  Take a look at “Lung Cancer 101“. Last (for now) is a forum you may find interesting it is our “Caregivers Resource Center“. I can understand that at this point you are less interested in reading than in “getting something done” to help your father, but knowledge is power in battling this complex disease.  You can also look through some of the forums to read what other survivors have written to get a better idea of what your dad might go through now and in the future.
I hope this helps you.
Lou

Happy New Year everyone! With every new year comes another birthday. Today is my birthday and once again I am able to thank God for my turning another year older as a cancer survivor. I am beginning my 3rd as a 4th stage Lung Cancer Survivor still keeping up with the fight. A fight that has been the most difficult battle in my life but one I will continue to fight in hopes of winning over this Monster that has tried to take my life away. Well Christmas and New Years has passed since I last wrote. Once again less struck at Christmas 🌲 my son Chris, his wife and son remained home due to illness. Jen, Jerome and the girls spent their Christmas in Arizona this year. The rest of us shared dinner and the children shared some gifts on Christmas day and thanked God for the ability to share this day together. We decided the main gift giving would be postponed until New Years Eve. New years Eve was perfect. We spent 4 wonderful days at the house we have rented for family gatherings in Coventry for the past few years. 18 of us Gather around the meal table in Coventry and thank God for bringing us all together to meet as a family and celebrate LIFE. Although Jen, Jerome and the girls did not make it back this year, the rest of us carried on the tradition of each couple cooking a dinner for all, games, walks to the stables and the tree house on the river in and most importantly spending time together. It was a wonderful memorable time. Christmas gifts were shared and most important we all brought back to our homes special memories of time spent together yet again at this special location. The kids love these outings and we are all so sad to go home at the end of our stay together. It is now the end of the day of this special birthday. I was able to share a special lunch celebration at one of my favorite restaurants called Relish. I love there food and staff. My daughter Lindsey arranges my special occasion ceebrations here and brings special cakes and cupcakes. Peter was able to attend this one as was Gui my daughter n law. A great meal with them made my day. Full family celebration Will take place Sunday. So fortunate to continue to have these special moments with my family as my fight against cancer continues. Trust in God as he remains in charge.

In my case, pleural fluid started to accumulate about a year after completion of chemo and radiation and 16 months from when treatment with Imfinzi was initiated.  I underwent a thoracentesis several months ago, but the fluid accumulation promptly returned.  Testing of the fluid has not revealed malignant cells--although, to be sure, a malignant source cannot be completely ruled out.  The doctors seem to believe the fluid results from inflammation perhaps related to my continued (more than 18 months, now) treatment with Infinzi or from heart failure.  The fluid builds rapidly and requires daily draining via an indwelling chest tube.  There is very little discomfort with this and it relieves breathing problems that would otherwise be present; but--after nearly 4 months--it gets to be a bit of a hassle.  My guess is that Imfinzi is the culprit; but I don't want to stop it because it seems to help with the cancer. 

Karen,
Welcome here.
If your question about fluid removal involves draining a pleural effusion, then yes I’ve experienced it. I had a local anesthetic and a long needle was used to withdraw the fluid from the pleural space. My discomfort breathing was immediately relieved. I admit, I was concerned when I saw the rather large needle, but I didn’t feel a thing. Does the fluid come back? Sometimes. The fluid results because the lungs are experiencing irritation. Judy reports her Tagrisso stopped the fluid and mine never returned when I started chemo. I do hope you have but one drain session and results improve with Tagrisso.
Stay the course. 
Tom

I haven't had the procedure but Tagrisso should help after the fluid has been drained. Plenty of people report that Tagrisso dried up their fluid completely. Two weeks is a short time, so give it time to work. For me, chemo and radiation resolved the fluid in my left lung. Best of luck with the procedure. 

All
I think I had stopped posting before this happened (on advice from a lawyer) but it might be interesting for some of y'all 
I was sitting in my OSU recliner in late 21 and had an epiphany. I could stay in that fine recliner, get fat, and just wait or I could do something different. When I say I...my wife is included.
So we sat down and developed a bucket list. It included a bunch of stuff we both desired. First sell our much to big (with the boys gone) house. Buy my most desired car (CT6-V. Check it out if you like cars) and travel. We decided on starting with a cruise to Alaska to see how well I did. Went with some dear friends (one had LC also and has sense past) and had a fine time. I didn't do all the excursions, but my wife did and had a blast.
After that, we decided on a slow trip across the US starting in Washington. Made plans to meet up with friends along the way. Even had lunch with old friends from Seattle at the Mackinaw bridge in the UP of Michigan. We ended in Brooklyn New York where my wifes sister lives. Had my pup Mac with us for the drive.
Then we caught the QE2 in Brooklyn and sailed to South Hampton UK. 7 day journey which was fantastic. Had the widow of my second dad join us for the trip. It was magical.
Then we spent 3 months taking the train around Europe. From Rotterdam to Barcelona and two stops in France. It was a great trip but I learned that Europe is more divided than even the US. Any desire to retire there quickly dissolved. My two favorite visits were to a WW1 battle site in northern france and Normandy. The cemetery"s were very moving places. Tor du Hoc (sp) was astonishing. My parents generation were an incredible group to have accomplished what they did. Also very special was meeting up with a large group of friends from Longview in Paris for a fun night of food, drink and chat.
We then spent the last 3 weeks in England. Being Scottish we had to visit Edinburgh. I highly recommend it if you get a chance. The castle is the best we saw by far. Also, the war room exhibt in London was incredible and wore me out so much I had to rest for two days. We were joined by a special couple. The wife had just survived a breast cancer scare (when we set it up we didn't know if it was a recurrence yet) that turned out to be begnin. What a great week of celebration.
We had such a grand time on the QE2 coming from the US we decided to take it back home. In November. Across the North Atlantic! It was an exhilarating rough trip and I was very pleased to find I do not get sea sick.
Upon arrival back in Brooklyn I decided to drive straight back to Washington. My wife stayed with her sister for a few days and then flew home. It was the perfect end of the adventure for me. Alone in my bucket list Caddy driving as long and as fast as I wished. I enjoyed it immensely.
I can now claim to have traveled from Alaska to Barcelona and back without ever stepping on an airplane!
We did spend a bunch of my kids inheritance but I wouldn't do it any different. Sorry for the long post.
Tom
PS This post does not do justice to the trip. So many stories. So many memories. I have only one thing left on my bucket list. To watch the Lions in the Superbowl live. Is that possible this year? Yah damn right it is!

This post made my day! Thank you

Thankyou Lou for your response.i with for you a very Happy New Year.

Thank you for your feedback and kind words n my post. I am blessed to have this time to helpy family through this  as well as myself. How you enjoyed your holiday.

Laurie,
Happy Birthday to you.  What a great writing about how to enjoy the life we are given as survivors of this terrible disease.  What a great reminder to all of us to be grateful for what we do have and to make sure we immerse ourselves in the life around us.  Thanks so much for this and I pray that God continues to bless you.
Lou

Happy New Year everyone! With every new year comes another birthday. Today is my birthday and once again I am able to thank God for my turning another year older as a cancer survivor. I am beginning my 3rd as a 4th stage Lung Cancer Survivor still keeping up with the fight. A fight that has been the most difficult battle in my life but one I will continue to fight in hopes of winning over this Monster that has tried to take my life away. Well Christmas and New Years has passed since I last wrote. Once again less struck at Christmas 🌲 my son Chris, his wife and son remained home due to illness. Jen, Jerome and the girls spent their Christmas in Arizona this year. The rest of us shared dinner and the children shared some gifts on Christmas day and thanked God for the ability to share this day together. We decided the main gift giving would be postponed until New Years Eve. New years Eve was perfect. We spent 4 wonderful days at the house we have rented for family gatherings in Coventry for the past few years. 18 of us Gather around the meal table in Coventry and thank God for bringing us all together to meet as a family and celebrate LIFE. Although Jen, Jerome and the girls did not make it back this year, the rest of us carried on the tradition of each couple cooking a dinner for all, games, walks to the stables and the tree house on the river in and most importantly spending time together. It was a wonderful memorable time. Christmas gifts were shared and most important we all brought back to our homes special memories of time spent together yet again at this special location. The kids love these outings and we are all so sad to go home at the end of our stay together. It is now the end of the day of this special birthday. I was able to share a special lunch celebration at one of my favorite restaurants called Relish. I love there food and staff. My daughter Lindsey arranges my special occasion ceebrations here and brings special cakes and cupcakes. Peter was able to attend this one as was Gui my daughter n law. A great meal with them made my day. Full family celebration Will take place Sunday. So fortunate to continue to have these special moments with my family as my fight against cancer continues. Trust in God as he remains in charge.

Happy New Year everyone! With every new year comes another birthday. Today is my birthday and once again I am able to thank God for my turning another year older as a cancer survivor. I am beginning my 3rd as a 4th stage Lung Cancer Survivor still keeping up with the fight. A fight that has been the most difficult battle in my life but one I will continue to fight in hopes of winning over this Monster that has tried to take my life away. Well Christmas and New Years has passed since I last wrote. Once again less struck at Christmas 🌲 my son Chris, his wife and son remained home due to illness. Jen, Jerome and the girls spent their Christmas in Arizona this year. The rest of us shared dinner and the children shared some gifts on Christmas day and thanked God for the ability to share this day together. We decided the main gift giving would be postponed until New Years Eve. New years Eve was perfect. We spent 4 wonderful days at the house we have rented for family gatherings in Coventry for the past few years. 18 of us Gather around the meal table in Coventry and thank God for bringing us all together to meet as a family and celebrate LIFE. Although Jen, Jerome and the girls did not make it back this year, the rest of us carried on the tradition of each couple cooking a dinner for all, games, walks to the stables and the tree house on the river in and most importantly spending time together. It was a wonderful memorable time. Christmas gifts were shared and most important we all brought back to our homes special memories of time spent together yet again at this special location. The kids love these outings and we are all so sad to go home at the end of our stay together. It is now the end of the day of this special birthday. I was able to share a special lunch celebration at one of my favorite restaurants called Relish. I love there food and staff. My daughter Lindsey arranges my special occasion ceebrations here and brings special cakes and cupcakes. Peter was able to attend this one as was Gui my daughter n law. A great meal with them made my day. Full family celebration Will take place Sunday. So fortunate to continue to have these special moments with my family as my fight against cancer continues. Trust in God as he remains in charge.

Happy New Year everyone! With every new year comes another birthday. Today is my birthday and once again I am able to thank God for my turning another year older as a cancer survivor. I am beginning my 3rd as a 4th stage Lung Cancer Survivor still keeping up with the fight. A fight that has been the most difficult battle in my life but one I will continue to fight in hopes of winning over this Monster that has tried to take my life away. Well Christmas and New Years has passed since I last wrote. Once again less struck at Christmas 🌲 my son Chris, his wife and son remained home due to illness. Jen, Jerome and the girls spent their Christmas in Arizona this year. The rest of us shared dinner and the children shared some gifts on Christmas day and thanked God for the ability to share this day together. We decided the main gift giving would be postponed until New Years Eve. New years Eve was perfect. We spent 4 wonderful days at the house we have rented for family gatherings in Coventry for the past few years. 18 of us Gather around the meal table in Coventry and thank God for bringing us all together to meet as a family and celebrate LIFE. Although Jen, Jerome and the girls did not make it back this year, the rest of us carried on the tradition of each couple cooking a dinner for all, games, walks to the stables and the tree house on the river in and most importantly spending time together. It was a wonderful memorable time. Christmas gifts were shared and most important we all brought back to our homes special memories of time spent together yet again at this special location. The kids love these outings and we are all so sad to go home at the end of our stay together. It is now the end of the day of this special birthday. I was able to share a special lunch celebration at one of my favorite restaurants called Relish. I love there food and staff. My daughter Lindsey arranges my special occasion ceebrations here and brings special cakes and cupcakes. Peter was able to attend this one as was Gui my daughter n law. A great meal with them made my day. Full family celebration Will take place Sunday. So fortunate to continue to have these special moments with my family as my fight against cancer continues. Trust in God as he remains in charge.

Happy New Year everyone! With every new year comes another birthday. Today is my birthday and once again I am able to thank God for my turning another year older as a cancer survivor. I am beginning my 3rd as a 4th stage Lung Cancer Survivor still keeping up with the fight. A fight that has been the most difficult battle in my life but one I will continue to fight in hopes of winning over this Monster that has tried to take my life away. Well Christmas and New Years has passed since I last wrote. Once again less struck at Christmas 🌲 my son Chris, his wife and son remained home due to illness. Jen, Jerome and the girls spent their Christmas in Arizona this year. The rest of us shared dinner and the children shared some gifts on Christmas day and thanked God for the ability to share this day together. We decided the main gift giving would be postponed until New Years Eve. New years Eve was perfect. We spent 4 wonderful days at the house we have rented for family gatherings in Coventry for the past few years. 18 of us Gather around the meal table in Coventry and thank God for bringing us all together to meet as a family and celebrate LIFE. Although Jen, Jerome and the girls did not make it back this year, the rest of us carried on the tradition of each couple cooking a dinner for all, games, walks to the stables and the tree house on the river in and most importantly spending time together. It was a wonderful memorable time. Christmas gifts were shared and most important we all brought back to our homes special memories of time spent together yet again at this special location. The kids love these outings and we are all so sad to go home at the end of our stay together. It is now the end of the day of this special birthday. I was able to share a special lunch celebration at one of my favorite restaurants called Relish. I love there food and staff. My daughter Lindsey arranges my special occasion ceebrations here and brings special cakes and cupcakes. Peter was able to attend this one as was Gui my daughter n law. A great meal with them made my day. Full family celebration Will take place Sunday. So fortunate to continue to have these special moments with my family as my fight against cancer continues. Trust in God as he remains in charge.