chloesmom

Judy--about the never having surgery and still having scar tissue--on my initial x-ray prior to my cancer diagnosis, scarring was mentioned. I had radiation for breast cancer that obviously affected my lung to a certain extent, and I wondered if that was the reason for the scarring. Or, does scarring come from smoking damage? I've never asked anyone, but I also wonder how your lungs were scarred. Maybe Dr. West would know? Cindy

Sandra, All my best thoughts are with you. Cindy

Pam, I still do, and it takes my breath away. Just yesterday, when I was bending over to put my socks on, it happened. I asked my surgeon about it and he said that since all the structures in my chest are altered now because of surgery and removal of lung tissue, that will happen. And I feel a bruiselike pain from my zings for several days. I guess it's normal for us. (sigh) Cindy

Beth, I am absolutely thrilled to read this update! I think about you often and wonder how you are getting along, and now, when I think of you, I will know that you are happy. I am certain not even death can take away the loves in our life, but during life we need to live, and I am very excited to know that you've found happiness again. Congratulations, Cindy

Regarding that radiation letter, I got one of those a couple of mammograms ago, and having had breast cancer in 2001, I almost went nuts. Turns out that they couldn't see part of the tissue due to densities in my breasts (very common) so they say it's probably benign because they can't see everything so they can't pronounce it positively benign. My sister, also a breast cancer survivor, had the same letter once and it was the same situation, breast tissue too dense to see anything in places. I hope you have the same outcome. Cindy

Congratulations on your 5 year mark Joe! We all know that you are a fighter. I'm proud to 'know' you! Cindy

After I was through with treatment, I went to a complementary medicine clinic in the Chicago area. They believe in all the medical technology but think that there are other things you can do to maximize your chances of beating disease. I had extensive (and expensive) blood testing, sent all my medical records to them, and then spent the day there being seen by doctor, dietition, etc. Their recommendation was that I follow a vegan diet and take a lot of supplements. While I understand their theories behind the vegan diet, it was just not something I could sustain, having been born and rasied in the Midwest where beef, pork, and chicken were always on the table. They highly recommended that I eat berries of any kind as much as possible (I do that), and that I should eat a lot of vegetables and other kinds of fruit, always washing it really well. (I do that) I eat a lot less red meat than I used to, and I don't buy the sugar feeds cancer theory, but I find that sugar just increases my appetite, so I try to limit that. Actually, my best success at weight control has come from following the South Beach Diet, with lean protein and heavy emphasis on vegetables with some fruit and whole grains. I had energy, and wasn't hungry. I also lost a good amount of weight. I'm trying to get back to that after having a lapse in disipline this summer!!!! I also do supplements that I've chosen over the years and, for me, they're working out really well. I know not everyone is able to do this, with treatments and limitations, but any exercise I can get also makes me feel so much better. Those are just my thoughts, but I think the goal would be to get your mom on a plan that makes her feel good and gives her the energy to do the things she needs and wants to do. Cindy

Yeah!

Kasey, Many congratulations on your four year survivorship anniversary! I remember when you first started coming around too, and I'm so glad to know that things are going good for you! I'm afraid I don't have any words of wisdom on getting thru scan time without some craziness. I'm the queen of worry during the month preceding my scan, but having xanax handy (maybe not even taking it, just knowing it's there) does help me I guess. Doing non-stressful things to keep busy also helps me a lot. Other than than, nothing makes it better except passing by that day. Keep us posted and you will be in my thoughts throughout October. Cindy

Hi there, I am 5+ years out, but a NSCLC survivor. There are small cell survivors here, and I think your husband's general good health is a good sign that he can be one too. Good luck. Cindy

Barbara, I was 47 when I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was terrified and did not know which way to turn. By some stroke of luck, I found this board, a fantastic surgeon, and am here and feeling fantastic 5 years later. I hope for the same good fortune for you. Cindy

The emotional upheaval was the most difficult thing for me to deal with throughout all those initial months after diagnosis. I was already on a small dose of Effexor because I was taking tamoxifen to try to fend off a recurrence of breast cancer and, since it blocks estrogen to breast tissue, hormone imbalances were causing me hot flashes. Effexor actually helps alleviate hot flashes and mood swings associated with hormone imbalance. At the lung cancer diagnosis, I started seeing a therapist and took a higher dose of effexor along with an anti-anxiety medication. For about a year, I had regular visits with her and continued with the drugs. The anxiety was manageable for the most part, and I gradually reduced my dosage of the effexor until I wasn't taking any. I think the key is to gradually taper off because when I did that, I didn't suffer any ill effects. I still have a lot of anxiety around scan time, and I have xanax around for that. This time, though, I didn't actually take any. I just felt better knowing it was available. As for being spaced out, I really didn't have that feeling from effexor. I continued to work full time thoughout diagnosis and treatment. But, there are many, many effective anti-depressants out there, so if one doesn't work, give another one a try, with the help of your doctor. I certainly don't regret taking medication to help me though a totally understandably rough time. Cindy

Hi Bruce, What exciting news1 I am so happy fo you that you heard the cured word! Cindy

Sending all my best wishes for Rich to get better and home soon! Cindy

Linda, I don't know how I missed this post until now, but congratulations on your very important two year mark! I have had a lot of the same experiences as you, including your surgery date and mine are the same, except mine was June 20, 2003. It sounds like you're doing fantastic, and I hope you continue the good trend for many, many years, heck decades down the road! Cindy

I had that pain too, about two months after my lung surgery. It was a band from my back to my left breast that was very painful to the touch and burning all the time. Shingles was susupected by family members, just because of the recent stress, etc., but that wasn't what it turned out to be. The onc couldn't figure out what it was, but decided on a pulled muscle. I never thought that was what it was. Gave me muscle relaxers which I took, but didn't help. Finally it just faded away. I will always think it was an irritated nerve because that's what I think an irritated nerve would feel like, if that makes any sense! But, it was on my surgery side, and it makes sense to me. I hope this goes away for you. I still remember how badly that hurt. Cindy

Gail, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Cindy

I am very happy for you! Congratulations on your very important 3-year anniversary!!!!!! Cindy

Hi Sarah, Five years ago, I was in a similar situation as you are today. Previous cancer, during a follow-up visit for that dr recommended chest x-ray. Led to CT scan, PET, and eventual surgery for a stage 1B cancer in my upper left lung. Also had the spirometer thing and walking as an assigment to re-develop my pulmonary function. It worked, slowly but surely. My point is, this was all FIVE years ago! I hope you can enjoy the good fortune I've had. Cindy

I'm very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your mom. Cindy

Debbie, I am so sad to hear this news. My condolences. Cindy

My thoughts too, as always. Cindy

A beer sounds good about now, and geez, it's only 9 am where I am! Congratulations, Muriel! Cindy

A beer sounds good about now, and geez, it's only 9 am where I am! Congratulations, Muriel! Cindy

Very happy for you Dave! Cindy