Debi

Hi Cindy! I'm a bit late... I think I watch myself for other kinds of cancers more than my doctor does. I remember a couple of years after my surgery, I went for a bone scan because I had a big bump on the bone under my knee. The Orthopedic doctor told me that it was fine after the scan, and I apologized for taKing his time confessing that I was afraid I had become a bit of a hypochondriac. He said to me -- Deb, I read your file, and with your history of lung cancer, you NEED to be a hypochondriac. After that I had no apologies, ever, for anything I thought needed to be looked at. On my Facebook account, I recently shared that I went for a PET scan. What I didn't share is the reason that I had it was because both my doctor and myself felt I needed to be checked - I have been feeling fatigued quite often, and that was the main symptom of how I found my cancer the first time around- I haven't felt this way in almost 8 years so it has been pretty scary. The bloodwork was fine so then we went for the PET. My PET came back clean, and NOW we can look at alternate reasons why I am so tired. But, of course, other cancers had to be ruled out first although I'm not sure my doctor would have suggested the PET, if I didn't mention the possibility of it to her first. That's why I think that I am more watchful than my doctor... she tends to not consider cancer related causes first and tends to keep my lung cancer in the past. I know better. I still am of the mentality that my cancer surprised me once --- I'm going to be proactive in finding it if it comes back and catching it early again. This is life and death and procrastination doesn't give second chances. Great topic Cindy!

Hey Linda - so good to see you!! I have been so busy and with the 'invention' of Facebook, find it hard to 'fit' everything in sometimes! This last June was 7 years from surgery and I am doing wonderful. I know that every day is a gift and try to make sure that I remember that each morning when I wake up! Will make an attempt to stop by more often!

Now THAT's what I'm talkin' about! ))) Wasn't David all about the blonde jokes?

LOL - I LOVE it Becky!!! )))) I think we need some BLONDE jokes up in here... anyone have any????

Cindy, My twin - you are one of those people that I don't talk to often, but it gives me so much comfort that you're there with me out in this world. Congrats on the 7 years - we have made it girlfriend - next time I'm in Chicago I am going to MAKE time for lunch and dinner and we will celebrate together. Maybe I'll even drag you out for a tattoo. So glad to read this.

Melanie, So glad to hear that you are cancer free!!!

so..... any updates on Melanie?

So good to hear Linda!!! I have been thinking about Melanie and am glad she did well!

Wooooo Hoooooo Muriel!!!!!!

Melanie, Am glad to hear that this is happening soon... not only do you want to get that thing out but it gives you less 'waiting' time! Someone told me once that having surgery feels like an entire fleet of trucks hit you, but every day after that there is one less truck!!! That sounds extreme, I know, but the analogy really helped me- if I felt bad, I knew the next day I would feel one truck better. And you know what? I always did- sometimes 2 trucks better!! Like I said before, I am the worst chicken in the world but the recovery wasn't as bad as I imagined. Keep hitting the pain meds!! I am wishing you tons of luck but I don't even think you need it -You are going to totally kick a**!!! Will be thinking of you - have someone post how you are doing, okay?

There is late and then there is WAY late..... Congrats Jamie---- so happy for you!!!!!!

Linda - Sorry, just read this post and I know its resolved but I had to say I'm proud of you - question question question!!!!!!!! Just to add--- I always get my CTs without contrast as I had an allergic reaction to the dye years ago and although I eat shellfish now, I don't want it intraveneously pumped into my body. However, I can't tell you how many times a Tech got annoyed with me because I told them no contrast. A few of them have told me "well, we're at a hospital in case you have a reaction, we'll have help". I have asked several doctors and radiologists if I am hurting myself by not having the contrast and have been told that I'm not. Although the dye makes the CT clearer, the Radiologist can see the same thing without the dye- he just has to spend a little more time examining the scan. I'm not sure but I think what the Radiologist charges more than covers the few more minutes he spends scanning my scan. Good to hear it all worked out for you!! Keep asking those questions g/f!

Crap Val, I missed it!! Hope it was wonderful and filled with warm memories!!

Melanie, Glad to see everything is moving along for you... The epidural and catheter are not bad - when they insert the epidural into your spine, you feel a sharp tingle - sort of like a small electric shock - at least I did, and then you feel nothing. The catheter doesn't hurt at all - although I have to admit, I couldn't wait to get that out most of all, even more than the chest tubes. I just wanted to pee again. Not sure if I mentioned this before but think pillows - lots and lots of pillows. I got home from the hospital and had my daughter and friend go out and buy me 4 more pillows, it just helps to lay propped up on a mountain of pillows! Keep putting one foot in front of the other, you'll get there and be through everything soon enough!

Thrilled for you Carol... Congrats!!

Melanie - I'll be looking for your update after you visit your surgeon!

Melanie - I just wanted to add my 2 cents about the surgery.. I ended up with my upper and middle right lobe removed, and it was my first surgery ever- I was terrified!! However, it certainly is doable, the pain isn't that bad since you have pain meds, and although its certainly not on my top ten list of things to do again --- it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Wishing you the best- keep posting!!!

I'm a little late Mike with the congrats, but it's never too late for a big WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!! So happy to hear....

So sorry to see that Rich is gone. I almost feel like this post should be in Inspirational because that's what I think of when I think of Rich. I remember talking with him about the Boston Walk and he was just so nice. He was just a quiet, non-assuming man who was truly inspirational without ever even trying to be. He was a true hero. Rest in peace Rich.

Hey Pam! I'm going through the same thing - not sure whether to get it or not. I would like to think it can't hurt but still not sure if I need to. I know I'm not a help, but wanted to let you know that you are not alone (as always) in your indecision.

lily, Just came on here and saw this. To let you know- I have been posting a fact a day on FB about lung cancer- thought I would forego my status updates for the month and instead post lc facts and occasional tributes. I'm sure by the end of the month I'll be 'unfriended' by some since I'm like a broken record but of course, they would not truly be my friends then anyway, so good riddance.

I was going to write down Oprah and saw that Becky already has... I'm not an Oprah fan, but it seems everyone else is and when Oprah talks... people listen.

Cindy, Happy Birthday to you!!! I am so glad that I can say that to you! Congrats on the retirement - I know what you mean about going from 0-100 - My site was closed down in June and I opted for the severance package - not really the same as retirement, but the same, 'what do I do now?' type of thud when all of a sudden you don't have to wake up and shower... I spent the whole summer shopping and emotionally trying to adjust. PS - the company hired me back as a consultant for one of its brands and now I am collecting severance AND a salary- go figure!!! I'll be back on my butt in no time of course and probably collecting a $450 employment check every week but for now things are good!! Well enough about me LOL - its YOUR birthday- the retirement comment got me started! By the way, are you near Lake Forest at all? I am traveling back and forth to Chicago area for the consulting job and would love to meet up if its doable! Talk to you soon my sister!

Geri - you can jump on any bandwagon you want!!!! Cindy - YES! I still get that thingy under my ribcage but haven't for awhile now - months actually - and I even go to the gym. I had to laugh about the weight loss - I did the same thing, I told the story at work! I lost 6 pounds and felt cold terror - went and got thick shakes, fettucini alfredo, anything to put the weight back on because i was convinced it was the cancer back. Meanwhile - I was on a diet!!! I did that about 3 times before I psychologically processed that it was okay. So now I am down to 70 pounds lost since last November. In answer to your earlier question Cindy, in simple form, I just stopped eating like I had been. Also, I work out 3/4 times a week with weights and cardio- in the first 6 weeks I lost 1 3/4" off my upper arms! I still have a way to go, but at least I'm going. Cancer did many things to all of us - to me it brought fear into my life and crippled me for longer than it should have. Coming here to the board brought me much needed support, but it also brought alot of pain and loss. I retreated inside myself, and with my job transfer, no family around, no friends - it was easy to just work and come home and watch TV. I thought I was okay, but I really wasn't. Last year, my pause button finally went off, and I started getting involved with people again, and with life. I come here when I can, sometimes more than other times, and try to balance what I feel is my obligation to lung cancer and my obligation toward myself and my son and living a close to normal life that for some reason, I am fortunate enough to now have. I guess I do what I can and then take a break when I need to.

Great news Bruce!