LMLV

You are young and that is a BIG advantage in your battle. If I may suggest, a good sense of humor accompanied by your healthy lifestyle and your calm approach to your cancer can contribute to a successful recovery. I wish you the best and please keep all of us informed with regards to your progress.

Annette I'm glad that you were able to have surgery. I've always felt that keeping a positive attude is one of your best weapons against this disease. And by joining this site, you will find a LOT of support. Welcome and Good Luck. Lenny

I'm sorry to hear about your wife, if it wasn't for my wife's positive attitude and loving care I don't know if I could have made it. I'm sure there were many times she cried and felt frightened about my cancer when she was alone, but she never let on. I'm not saying that we didn't take it seriously but a positive attutude is just as much a part of the battle against cancer as surgery, chemo/radiation, exercise, diet and prayer. Keep up the good work, and be sure the entire family stays involved with her fight. Lenny

I can't wait to join ya !!! Lenny

Manifest You'll find many brave and strong individuals on this site. As yourself, I was very depressed when I found out I had cancer but soon realized that a positive attitude coupled with my medical treatments can prove to be a very strong combination. Welcome to the fight. Lenny

Bruce Welcome to the site. For what it's worth, I was originally diagnosed with Stage Ib in 2004 and was initially scheduled for chemo and/or radiation following my lobectomy. But after the operation, in which they had to remove my entire lung, I was bumped up to IIb. At that point it was a no brainer. I'm happy you are a candidate for surgery. Good luck. Lenny

Unknowingly at the time, my life was going to dramatically change the day I picked out a 9 week old german shepherd to share my home. I was immediately in love with him and named him Jack (he was a Christmas gift to myself, so Jack was from "Jack Frost"). About a year later I was awakened by a large thump. Jack, who slept on my bed, had fallen onto the floor and was shaking uncontrolably. I rushed him to the emergency animal hospital and he was eventually diagnosed with grand mal seizures. From this time on, he would have anywhere from 8-12 seizures in 3 days every 4-5 weeks (like clockwork). He was put on phenolbarbital and potassium bromide which needed to be administered every 12 hours. This helped control his seizures as much as possible (I would give him a shot of vallium if the seizures were too close together). Well, as you can imagine, my life centered around his medication times and I would stay with him as much as possible during his episodes. I got married a few years later and my wife was a big help taking care of him (she was in love with him as much as I was). We even built him a special room in a walkin closet (with a half door) so he couldn't hurt himself if he had a seizure while we were at work. In August, 2004, while walking behind him going up the stairs to put him in his room, he had a seizure. I caught him and carried a shaking 92 lb. dog up the stairs, almost falling backwards in the process. By the time I got to the top, I was out of breath and very lightheaded. I called my wife and told her what happened and how I thought I was out of shape. She suggested going to the doctor before jumping on the treadmill. Well, to make a long story short, that's when they discovered my lung cancer (at an early stage). On March 28, 2007, I noticed a change in Jack's breathing. He died in his sleep less than 24 hours later. He was twelve and a half years old, quite a full life for a german shepherd (especially considering the toll on his body from the medicines and seizures). I took care of Jack his whole life and he paid me back a million fold. If it wasn't for him, I would never have found my cancer so early and would not be alive today (3 years and counting). There's not a day that passes that I don't think of him. God led us to each other for a reason and I'm a living testiment to Jack. The picture you see was taken about 20 days before my doctors found my cancer. Jack is the greatest dog I've ever known, and everyone who met him fell in love with him immediately. I just wanted to share Jack's story with everyone on this site (as tears are running down my face as I type this). I love you Jack. Lenny

Trudy, I'm also new to this sight, but not to cancer. I never cried alot, but I lost a lot of sleep. After my surgery and chemo treatments, I drove myself crazy reading things online. Be careful about what you read. The best advice is to remember that you are an individual not a statistic. I kept my spirits up by telling jokes and surrounding myself with family and friends as often as possible. Having a good attitude is one of the best medicines for you during your fight with cancer. By the way, my hair came back curly and slightly thicker (I liked it), but within 6-9 months it went back to the same old hair (bummer). Wishing you the best.

To begin with, I've visited this forum before but this is the first time I've posted. First, I'd like to say that I'm proud to be a member of such a unique group of individuals. I am in awe of the courage displayed by so many of the forum's members in the face of such adversity. There are so many truely compasionate people out there who reach out to so many others that need understanding and hope. Secondly, I just celebrated my three year anniversay (9/29) of having my entire right lung removed due to stage IIB cancer. I'm still clean as of 7/23/07. I keep telling my wife that she's not getting rid of me so easily (honestly, I couldn't have made it without her -- I found true love). Lastly, although I still suffer from shortness of breath, have physical limitations and easily fatigued, I found out today my disabity company is trying to give me a difficult time with benefits. Initially, I was really bummed. But after giving it some thought, I realized that I faced a much bigger problem three years ago and I came out of it smelling like a rose. I'm sure I will this time too. Well, I just thought I'd share some thoughts with everyone tonite. I wish you all well.