chloesmom

I've learned that if you have your health, you have everything. And that in an instant, that can be taken away. I try to appreciate my good fortune in surviving this hideous disease and not let petty annoyances bother me. I don't always succeed, but I'm tryin'! Cindy

Good news Stephanie! I hope things continue to go well for you! Cindy

Fantastic news! Cindy

Great news Judy-great news! Cindy

Wow! Thanks for the replies-I didn't realize I was in an unusual situation here-I thought everyone was still seeing their surgeon! I sure do hate making that trip every year, but at the same time, I like the fact that my surgeon is the guy who has been looking at those films for all of this time-since he would be noticing any little difference from one year to the next. I guess I have a while to think about it - will see what the next couple of years brings! Cindy

Wow-that really stinks-recovering from surgery only to find out the biopsy was positive. I understand your anxiety about waiting to see and monitoring with scans, etc. That's a tough call, I would check with Dr. West. Also need to consider your mom's recovery and getting strength back after this surgery. Could be a while before she's ready for another procedure. I hope everything works out ok for her! Cindy

Early stagers, Have any of you ever been released by your surgeon? My surgeon alluded to that possibly happening over the next two years for me. He said sometimes 10 years is enough follow-up for early stage patients and that we should be talking along those lines. Although relief is my major emotion, I have a nagging in the back of my mind that says, "Well, how then will I know if everything continues to be ok?" My question is this-Have any of you been released by your surgeon, and if so, do you have a scan or xray every year by your internist or oncologist so that you at least know that nothing has changed? Cindy

I am happy to report that I visited my surgeon-had a chest xray-no change since last year-all clear! Of course, the whole ordeal was not without it's usual drama-lots of anxiety leading up to it-I don't know if that will ever go away, but for now, I'm all good for another year! Cindy

Hi Jacques, What a great story you have! Welcome to LCSC-so happy you are winning the battle Cindy

Alisa, Congratulations! That is fantastic! Cindy

Yes to all of our Lions of LCSC men! I remember them all-and loved every one of them. Cindy

Wow! I remember you both and am so happy to know that everything is going well! Here's to many more good years! Cindy

Great story Becky! I'm sure you made his year! Cindy

I remember them all too, Becky! Feel sad for the losses, but you give so many people hope! Cindy

And here she is, watching her bulbs bloom again! I love this great news-thanks Fred for sharing it. Best wishes for a clean mammogram too! Cindy

Lisa, I hope they get her all straightened out soon, and, in the meantime, try not to worry too much. (I know that's easier said than done!) Cindy

Hi there! I am also from the class of 2003! It's good to see you again and I'm glad to see you are doing well! Cindy

Hi Judy, I think anxiety and doubt and being put through the wringer numerous times are par for the course with this disease. I hate that you are going through tough times and I certainly understand, as does anybody who has waslked this path as we have. Please know that I am always thinking of you. Cindy

Happy Anniversary! I am so glad you found this place of comfort and hope! Cindy

I'm thrilled too Carol! Six years coming up! Awesome! Cindy

For me, spring is both a sad and a happy time. I've had both of my cancer diagnoses in the spring, so when things start blooming again and the weather starts getting warm, I am reminded of the terrifying spring days I've had in the past. Of course, since I have had springtime diagnoses, I have my mammogram, chest xray and lung surgeon annual visit in the spring, which always manages to put me into some kind of panic before it's all over. We do usually take a vacation just before all of that though, so I can focus on something fun for a while rather than all the anxiety leading up to these doctor's appointments, so that's a good thing. But, overall, I think of spring as such a time of hope and good days to come. I am an outdoors person, and spring means that I can get out there again and enjoy the beautiful warm days, green grass, and flowers again for another six months. I also love baseball, and here we are now, less than one week until opening day! To have the baseball game on in the evening, and to go to a few White Sox games means summer to me as well. I have tulips coming up and the daffodils are just waiting for a few nice days to burst open, so, despite a couple of weeks of trepidation for me, I find spring to be such a wonderful time of the year. I totally understand the seasonal memories that are connected wtih losing loved ones-my sister died on Dec 30, so /New Years Eve is a hard time for me and my family, even 21 years later. I will say that time passing helps some, but I do get it. Cindy

Hi Sarah, I am glad that you found the LCSC-and Lungevity. LCSC is a wonderful place to find support - and Lungevity does all kinds of things to raise awareness. I understand how you feel-I lost a sister to cancer many years ago-it wasn't lung cancer, but leukemia, and I still miss her every day. But, time does ease the pain, and you have to think they are in a better place. I hope you spend some time looking around on the message board and I am sure that Lungevity would love for you to get involved in any way you can to raise awareness. Cindy

What a great story! I admire your accomplishments! Cindy

Hi Dave, Early detection is such a step up on the whole mess! I hope things continue to go well for you-keep us posted. Everybody here loves a story that turns out well. Cindy

Ned, Hate to hear this, but I'm sending all my positive thoughts your way. I am happy that your treatment is going well and I'm confident it will do it's job! Cindy