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Debi

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    Are you being watched for other kinds of cancers?

    in NSCLC GROUP

    Posted

    Hi Cindy!

    I'm a bit late... :shock:

    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! :)

    Shout out ...

    in NSCLC GROUP

    Posted

    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!

    Another year flew away!-Update!

    in HOPE

    Posted

    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.

    Time for Surgery!

    in NSCLC GROUP

    Posted

    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!! :D

    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?

    Blowing away statistics -

    in MEMBER UPDATES

    Posted

    Becky,

    I know I already congratulated you but wanted to get it on record here also, the place it all began.....

    I am SO glad that you have been part of my life these past 7 years and that we both have been able to keep living. Your support and friendship has been such a help throughout this entire journey.

    Congrats...

    Scan question

    in NSCLC GROUP

    Posted

    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. 8)

    Good to hear it all worked out for you!! Keep asking those questions g/f!

    First appointment with surgeon!

    in NSCLC GROUP

    Posted

    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!

    Wet Behind the Ears

    in NSCLC GROUP

    Posted

    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!!!

    Richard Kaufman ~ dadstimeon

    in GRIEF

    Posted

    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.

    H1N1...should I get it...

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    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.

    :-)

    Just a couple of Hours

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    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. 8):wink:

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