Isunique

I have had 3 rounds with cancer. My first was in 1992, I was diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer. No symptoms, just one gallbladder attack. For whatever reason, the doctor decided not to wait but to remove it. I had surgery two weeks later. The strange thing was that when I went back for the follow up, I came to a complete stop when we were walking into the building. I can still  remember it so clearly. I had such a feeling of dread pass through me. I told my husband that I had a bad feeling that they found something bad, of course he thought I was being silly. They had, the pathology report came back ,found cancer. Now, it is very rare and they didn't know how to handle. Some research was done and another surgery to clean up and take samples. It was contained to the gallbladder and no further treatment was needed. Then in 2008, I had a routine appointment with my PCP, normal yearly chest x-ray was done. They found a small spot in my left lung. So, tests and more tests. They removed my upper left lobe in April 2008, stage 1B, N0, M0. I started feeling very sorry for myself, moping around the house and eating and gaining so much weight that I could hardly move. One night I decided that I had survived cancer twice but I was going to let the weight kill me. So, I started working out and watching what I ate. I lost the weight and started running. I have done countless 5k's, 10k's and 2 1/2 marathons.  There was still a place inside me that felt guilty for surviving without having to go through treatment.   I was hesitant to tell anyone that I was a lung cancer survivor, still such a strong stigma  attached to it. Fast forward to 2017. Routine blood work, except my PCP ordered a different one that my oncologist didn't order. The numbers were on the high side, wait a couple of months and repeat, higher yet. OK, the start of all the tests again. Small nodule in my upper right lung. Saw a new oncologist (mine had retired), he said let's wait and see, next day it went in front of the tumor board, change of plans, lets get rid of this now. June 20th they removed my upper right lung, stage 1A, N0, no  further treatment need just monitor for the next 5 years. I am walking more and getting ready for my first 5k post surgery. I have decided that I can become a voice for early detection. I have lost family and friends because they waited until it was too late. Former smokers and people with a family history of cancers should get regular check ups so anything can be caught early in the game.I want to let people know that you can have life after lung cancer, it is not always a death sentence. My first 5k is on September 10th and it is for cancer patients, all money raised goes to support the patients in need. I have had a special shirt made up just for my runs.
I can't attach a picture of the shirt, but the back reads:
Early detection works
1992- gallbladder cancer
2008 Lung cancer - upper left lobe
2017 Lung cancer - upper right lobe. 
The front simply states that there is always hope.
 
Thank  you for letting me share.

My first 5k, post surgery. Felt great, scared, nervous, excited all at the same time.Didn't do too shabby, Finished 10th out of 26 in my age group. Main goal was to start upright and finish upright. Love this race, cheerleaders at the start and finish line. Time 49:07 for a pace of 15:51, so happy. I am in the white shirt headed for the finish line. Thanks to everyone for the kind words of support.

My first 5k, post surgery. Felt great, scared, nervous, excited all at the same time.Didn't do too shabby, Finished 10th out of 26 in my age group. Main goal was to start upright and finish upright. Love this race, cheerleaders at the start and finish line. Time 49:07 for a pace of 15:51, so happy. I am in the white shirt headed for the finish line. Thanks to everyone for the kind words of support.

Lauren 
My 5k is in Livonia Michigan. This is such a great event for all cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. I just started back adding some running in today. I should be ready for the run in September. It might be more walking, but I'll take it any day. 

Lauren 
My 5k is in Livonia Michigan. This is such a great event for all cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. I just started back adding some running in today. I should be ready for the run in September. It might be more walking, but I'll take it any day. 

Lauren 
My 5k is in Livonia Michigan. This is such a great event for all cancer patients, caregivers and survivors. I just started back adding some running in today. I should be ready for the run in September. It might be more walking, but I'll take it any day. 

I have had 3 rounds with cancer. My first was in 1992, I was diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer. No symptoms, just one gallbladder attack. For whatever reason, the doctor decided not to wait but to remove it. I had surgery two weeks later. The strange thing was that when I went back for the follow up, I came to a complete stop when we were walking into the building. I can still  remember it so clearly. I had such a feeling of dread pass through me. I told my husband that I had a bad feeling that they found something bad, of course he thought I was being silly. They had, the pathology report came back ,found cancer. Now, it is very rare and they didn't know how to handle. Some research was done and another surgery to clean up and take samples. It was contained to the gallbladder and no further treatment was needed. Then in 2008, I had a routine appointment with my PCP, normal yearly chest x-ray was done. They found a small spot in my left lung. So, tests and more tests. They removed my upper left lobe in April 2008, stage 1B, N0, M0. I started feeling very sorry for myself, moping around the house and eating and gaining so much weight that I could hardly move. One night I decided that I had survived cancer twice but I was going to let the weight kill me. So, I started working out and watching what I ate. I lost the weight and started running. I have done countless 5k's, 10k's and 2 1/2 marathons.  There was still a place inside me that felt guilty for surviving without having to go through treatment.   I was hesitant to tell anyone that I was a lung cancer survivor, still such a strong stigma  attached to it. Fast forward to 2017. Routine blood work, except my PCP ordered a different one that my oncologist didn't order. The numbers were on the high side, wait a couple of months and repeat, higher yet. OK, the start of all the tests again. Small nodule in my upper right lung. Saw a new oncologist (mine had retired), he said let's wait and see, next day it went in front of the tumor board, change of plans, lets get rid of this now. June 20th they removed my upper right lung, stage 1A, N0, no  further treatment need just monitor for the next 5 years. I am walking more and getting ready for my first 5k post surgery. I have decided that I can become a voice for early detection. I have lost family and friends because they waited until it was too late. Former smokers and people with a family history of cancers should get regular check ups so anything can be caught early in the game.I want to let people know that you can have life after lung cancer, it is not always a death sentence. My first 5k is on September 10th and it is for cancer patients, all money raised goes to support the patients in need. I have had a special shirt made up just for my runs.
I can't attach a picture of the shirt, but the back reads:
Early detection works
1992- gallbladder cancer
2008 Lung cancer - upper left lobe
2017 Lung cancer - upper right lobe. 
The front simply states that there is always hope.
 
Thank  you for letting me share.

I have had 3 rounds with cancer. My first was in 1992, I was diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer. No symptoms, just one gallbladder attack. For whatever reason, the doctor decided not to wait but to remove it. I had surgery two weeks later. The strange thing was that when I went back for the follow up, I came to a complete stop when we were walking into the building. I can still  remember it so clearly. I had such a feeling of dread pass through me. I told my husband that I had a bad feeling that they found something bad, of course he thought I was being silly. They had, the pathology report came back ,found cancer. Now, it is very rare and they didn't know how to handle. Some research was done and another surgery to clean up and take samples. It was contained to the gallbladder and no further treatment was needed. Then in 2008, I had a routine appointment with my PCP, normal yearly chest x-ray was done. They found a small spot in my left lung. So, tests and more tests. They removed my upper left lobe in April 2008, stage 1B, N0, M0. I started feeling very sorry for myself, moping around the house and eating and gaining so much weight that I could hardly move. One night I decided that I had survived cancer twice but I was going to let the weight kill me. So, I started working out and watching what I ate. I lost the weight and started running. I have done countless 5k's, 10k's and 2 1/2 marathons.  There was still a place inside me that felt guilty for surviving without having to go through treatment.   I was hesitant to tell anyone that I was a lung cancer survivor, still such a strong stigma  attached to it. Fast forward to 2017. Routine blood work, except my PCP ordered a different one that my oncologist didn't order. The numbers were on the high side, wait a couple of months and repeat, higher yet. OK, the start of all the tests again. Small nodule in my upper right lung. Saw a new oncologist (mine had retired), he said let's wait and see, next day it went in front of the tumor board, change of plans, lets get rid of this now. June 20th they removed my upper right lung, stage 1A, N0, no  further treatment need just monitor for the next 5 years. I am walking more and getting ready for my first 5k post surgery. I have decided that I can become a voice for early detection. I have lost family and friends because they waited until it was too late. Former smokers and people with a family history of cancers should get regular check ups so anything can be caught early in the game.I want to let people know that you can have life after lung cancer, it is not always a death sentence. My first 5k is on September 10th and it is for cancer patients, all money raised goes to support the patients in need. I have had a special shirt made up just for my runs.
I can't attach a picture of the shirt, but the back reads:
Early detection works
1992- gallbladder cancer
2008 Lung cancer - upper left lobe
2017 Lung cancer - upper right lobe. 
The front simply states that there is always hope.
 
Thank  you for letting me share.

I have had 3 rounds with cancer. My first was in 1992, I was diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer. No symptoms, just one gallbladder attack. For whatever reason, the doctor decided not to wait but to remove it. I had surgery two weeks later. The strange thing was that when I went back for the follow up, I came to a complete stop when we were walking into the building. I can still  remember it so clearly. I had such a feeling of dread pass through me. I told my husband that I had a bad feeling that they found something bad, of course he thought I was being silly. They had, the pathology report came back ,found cancer. Now, it is very rare and they didn't know how to handle. Some research was done and another surgery to clean up and take samples. It was contained to the gallbladder and no further treatment was needed. Then in 2008, I had a routine appointment with my PCP, normal yearly chest x-ray was done. They found a small spot in my left lung. So, tests and more tests. They removed my upper left lobe in April 2008, stage 1B, N0, M0. I started feeling very sorry for myself, moping around the house and eating and gaining so much weight that I could hardly move. One night I decided that I had survived cancer twice but I was going to let the weight kill me. So, I started working out and watching what I ate. I lost the weight and started running. I have done countless 5k's, 10k's and 2 1/2 marathons.  There was still a place inside me that felt guilty for surviving without having to go through treatment.   I was hesitant to tell anyone that I was a lung cancer survivor, still such a strong stigma  attached to it. Fast forward to 2017. Routine blood work, except my PCP ordered a different one that my oncologist didn't order. The numbers were on the high side, wait a couple of months and repeat, higher yet. OK, the start of all the tests again. Small nodule in my upper right lung. Saw a new oncologist (mine had retired), he said let's wait and see, next day it went in front of the tumor board, change of plans, lets get rid of this now. June 20th they removed my upper right lung, stage 1A, N0, no  further treatment need just monitor for the next 5 years. I am walking more and getting ready for my first 5k post surgery. I have decided that I can become a voice for early detection. I have lost family and friends because they waited until it was too late. Former smokers and people with a family history of cancers should get regular check ups so anything can be caught early in the game.I want to let people know that you can have life after lung cancer, it is not always a death sentence. My first 5k is on September 10th and it is for cancer patients, all money raised goes to support the patients in need. I have had a special shirt made up just for my runs.
I can't attach a picture of the shirt, but the back reads:
Early detection works
1992- gallbladder cancer
2008 Lung cancer - upper left lobe
2017 Lung cancer - upper right lobe. 
The front simply states that there is always hope.
 
Thank  you for letting me share.

I have had 3 rounds with cancer. My first was in 1992, I was diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer. No symptoms, just one gallbladder attack. For whatever reason, the doctor decided not to wait but to remove it. I had surgery two weeks later. The strange thing was that when I went back for the follow up, I came to a complete stop when we were walking into the building. I can still  remember it so clearly. I had such a feeling of dread pass through me. I told my husband that I had a bad feeling that they found something bad, of course he thought I was being silly. They had, the pathology report came back ,found cancer. Now, it is very rare and they didn't know how to handle. Some research was done and another surgery to clean up and take samples. It was contained to the gallbladder and no further treatment was needed. Then in 2008, I had a routine appointment with my PCP, normal yearly chest x-ray was done. They found a small spot in my left lung. So, tests and more tests. They removed my upper left lobe in April 2008, stage 1B, N0, M0. I started feeling very sorry for myself, moping around the house and eating and gaining so much weight that I could hardly move. One night I decided that I had survived cancer twice but I was going to let the weight kill me. So, I started working out and watching what I ate. I lost the weight and started running. I have done countless 5k's, 10k's and 2 1/2 marathons.  There was still a place inside me that felt guilty for surviving without having to go through treatment.   I was hesitant to tell anyone that I was a lung cancer survivor, still such a strong stigma  attached to it. Fast forward to 2017. Routine blood work, except my PCP ordered a different one that my oncologist didn't order. The numbers were on the high side, wait a couple of months and repeat, higher yet. OK, the start of all the tests again. Small nodule in my upper right lung. Saw a new oncologist (mine had retired), he said let's wait and see, next day it went in front of the tumor board, change of plans, lets get rid of this now. June 20th they removed my upper right lung, stage 1A, N0, no  further treatment need just monitor for the next 5 years. I am walking more and getting ready for my first 5k post surgery. I have decided that I can become a voice for early detection. I have lost family and friends because they waited until it was too late. Former smokers and people with a family history of cancers should get regular check ups so anything can be caught early in the game.I want to let people know that you can have life after lung cancer, it is not always a death sentence. My first 5k is on September 10th and it is for cancer patients, all money raised goes to support the patients in need. I have had a special shirt made up just for my runs.
I can't attach a picture of the shirt, but the back reads:
Early detection works
1992- gallbladder cancer
2008 Lung cancer - upper left lobe
2017 Lung cancer - upper right lobe. 
The front simply states that there is always hope.
 
Thank  you for letting me share.

Just got home from the hospital. So fortunate that they were able to do the VATS surgery. Still, hard but doable. Had to come home with a portable device for the chest tube. I have a small air leak that is taking time to close up. Glad to be home and out of the hospital. Now, it will take time to get used to being down 2 sections of lung. Will work on my breathing and losing the extra weight so it will be easy to breathe. I won't know what they staged it at for a few more days. I can wait. Thanks for all of the kind thoughts and prayers. You were all with me. 
Sarah

Just got home from the hospital. So fortunate that they were able to do the VATS surgery. Still, hard but doable. Had to come home with a portable device for the chest tube. I have a small air leak that is taking time to close up. Glad to be home and out of the hospital. Now, it will take time to get used to being down 2 sections of lung. Will work on my breathing and losing the extra weight so it will be easy to breathe. I won't know what they staged it at for a few more days. I can wait. Thanks for all of the kind thoughts and prayers. You were all with me. 
Sarah

Just got home from the hospital. So fortunate that they were able to do the VATS surgery. Still, hard but doable. Had to come home with a portable device for the chest tube. I have a small air leak that is taking time to close up. Glad to be home and out of the hospital. Now, it will take time to get used to being down 2 sections of lung. Will work on my breathing and losing the extra weight so it will be easy to breathe. I won't know what they staged it at for a few more days. I can wait. Thanks for all of the kind thoughts and prayers. You were all with me. 
Sarah

Thanks guys. I decided today that I have cancer, it doesn't have me. This might sound corny, but each time that I was told I had cancer, while a punch in the gut, also was a blessing in disguise. I have been dx with cancer 3 times in the last 25 years. Each time it was  a fluke.
1. 1992,  I had 1 gall bladder attack. 2 weeks later I am in surgery for the removal of bad gall bladder. That in itself was unusual, they like you to try to control it with diet first.  Path report came back, cancer. Very rare and not often found out until after death. Back for more surgery, clean up detail and targeting clips put in place. After research my oncologist decides no further treatment is needed. Good until:
2.  2008, routine check up for rx renewal. My PCP did yearly chest x-rays on his patients that smoke(d). A very talented radiologist found a spot in my upper left lung. More tests, cancer. Upper left lung removed April, 2008. No further treatment needed.
3. 2017 PCP ordered a different blood test by mistake, numbers are a bit high. Re-check in 4 months, numbers are higher. CT scans and more bloodwork. Not good, PET scan ordered, cancer. 
With each occurrence there were no symptoms, no indications of anything wrong. I felt very guilty for years, since I have only needed surgery for my cancer's. Hard to explain. This time I was totally floored, Since 2008, I have been very active, trying to be more responsible for my well being. running, watching my diet. I have run over 50 5k's 10 10k's and even 2 1/2 marathon's. Now, I feel guilty because what I am thinking is the impact it will have on my races this year.  I believe I have 3 options, Laser knife, VATS or the removal of the upper right lung. 
I still am very fortunate that it was found early, and I am working for a company that provides company paid health insurance and seems to actually care about my well being. their statement to me was do whatever you need to do for you. 
Thanks again for the encouraging words, they mean a lot to me. I am singing Gloria Gaynor's song n my head.
 

Thanks guys. I decided today that I have cancer, it doesn't have me. This might sound corny, but each time that I was told I had cancer, while a punch in the gut, also was a blessing in disguise. I have been dx with cancer 3 times in the last 25 years. Each time it was  a fluke.
1. 1992,  I had 1 gall bladder attack. 2 weeks later I am in surgery for the removal of bad gall bladder. That in itself was unusual, they like you to try to control it with diet first.  Path report came back, cancer. Very rare and not often found out until after death. Back for more surgery, clean up detail and targeting clips put in place. After research my oncologist decides no further treatment is needed. Good until:
2.  2008, routine check up for rx renewal. My PCP did yearly chest x-rays on his patients that smoke(d). A very talented radiologist found a spot in my upper left lung. More tests, cancer. Upper left lung removed April, 2008. No further treatment needed.
3. 2017 PCP ordered a different blood test by mistake, numbers are a bit high. Re-check in 4 months, numbers are higher. CT scans and more bloodwork. Not good, PET scan ordered, cancer. 
With each occurrence there were no symptoms, no indications of anything wrong. I felt very guilty for years, since I have only needed surgery for my cancer's. Hard to explain. This time I was totally floored, Since 2008, I have been very active, trying to be more responsible for my well being. running, watching my diet. I have run over 50 5k's 10 10k's and even 2 1/2 marathon's. Now, I feel guilty because what I am thinking is the impact it will have on my races this year.  I believe I have 3 options, Laser knife, VATS or the removal of the upper right lung. 
I still am very fortunate that it was found early, and I am working for a company that provides company paid health insurance and seems to actually care about my well being. their statement to me was do whatever you need to do for you. 
Thanks again for the encouraging words, they mean a lot to me. I am singing Gloria Gaynor's song n my head.
 

Thanks guys. I decided today that I have cancer, it doesn't have me. This might sound corny, but each time that I was told I had cancer, while a punch in the gut, also was a blessing in disguise. I have been dx with cancer 3 times in the last 25 years. Each time it was  a fluke.
1. 1992,  I had 1 gall bladder attack. 2 weeks later I am in surgery for the removal of bad gall bladder. That in itself was unusual, they like you to try to control it with diet first.  Path report came back, cancer. Very rare and not often found out until after death. Back for more surgery, clean up detail and targeting clips put in place. After research my oncologist decides no further treatment is needed. Good until:
2.  2008, routine check up for rx renewal. My PCP did yearly chest x-rays on his patients that smoke(d). A very talented radiologist found a spot in my upper left lung. More tests, cancer. Upper left lung removed April, 2008. No further treatment needed.
3. 2017 PCP ordered a different blood test by mistake, numbers are a bit high. Re-check in 4 months, numbers are higher. CT scans and more bloodwork. Not good, PET scan ordered, cancer. 
With each occurrence there were no symptoms, no indications of anything wrong. I felt very guilty for years, since I have only needed surgery for my cancer's. Hard to explain. This time I was totally floored, Since 2008, I have been very active, trying to be more responsible for my well being. running, watching my diet. I have run over 50 5k's 10 10k's and even 2 1/2 marathon's. Now, I feel guilty because what I am thinking is the impact it will have on my races this year.  I believe I have 3 options, Laser knife, VATS or the removal of the upper right lung. 
I still am very fortunate that it was found early, and I am working for a company that provides company paid health insurance and seems to actually care about my well being. their statement to me was do whatever you need to do for you. 
Thanks again for the encouraging words, they mean a lot to me. I am singing Gloria Gaynor's song n my head.
 

Sarah,
 
I had a recurrence after eleven years just three years ago. I just shook it off and continued my usual life...
 
Yeah, right. I curled up in a ball and cried for a week straight. Then, I found out not only was there a tumor behind my clavicle, but that it had a friend in my brain. Ugh. I am STILL fighting depression/anxiety over this new detour. I can function, I am taking happy pills to drag myself out of a sobbing mass.
On the bright side, stage IV is immediate approval for Disability, there's just that first six months of no income. I can nap any time I want to, no job to go off to. 
 
I'm in the middle of the mitten and my hospital is affiliated with U of M. I had genetic testing and have the ALK mutation so have been on Xalkori since radiation ended. I am glad my trusted oncologist has this resource and am happy to share that there have been many improvements since my last trip in 2003.
Hang in there, big girls DO cry, but they also take care of business and get extra help when needed. Better Living through chemistry.
Good luck,
Becky 

Sarah,
A recurrence hits hard; your's is particularly disconcerting. 
I didn't have 8 years of NED but perhaps 8 months of NED for each of my 3 recurrences. So, I can't begin to tell you I understand. You were able to buy life insurance and no longer qualified for a pre-existing condition!
A simple blood test and back in the stew!  I've been thinking of your situation because I have a scheduled CT and oncology consult in June. My oncologist is near retired and I can't imagine auditioning a new one. 
I wish I had a magic wand!
Stay the course. 
Tom

Hi, Sarah.  Recurrences suck, but there's always a silver lining: you are ALIVE to even have a recurrence.  You've beaten cancer twice so let's do it again.  I'm fighting a recurrence in a lymph node that couldn't be removed because of its proximity to the aortic arch.  Let us know how you're doing and, if you feel comfortable, share your plan of attack.  

Sarah,
I do absolutely understand. I had 4 recurrences after treatments. Each one felt like an emotional punch in the gut. 
I wish I had a magic pill that would wipe away this madness.  You know the drill.  A treatment plan will emerge and you'll need to suite up for the beat lung cancer game.  
Welcome back and stay the course.
Tom
 

My name is Sarah. I was first dx with Stage 1b nsclc  in 2008. I had an upper left lobectomy on April 8th 2008. No chemo. I have been clean for the last 8 years, then this year it came back. My PCP ordered a blood test that my oncologist didn't order. I had stopped going to my regular oncologist by this time and just having my PCP run the needed tests. Well, the CEA levels were a little high, so he said lets repeat again in 4 months. Higher again, CT scan next, small spot on right lung. PET scan came back positive. Small tumor located near right pulmonary artery. Had to find a new oncologist, since the one I had been seeing for over 25 years was finally retiring (had gall bladder cancer in 1992). Met with new oncologist at he U of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Tumor's small, lets just wait and  watch it. Come back in August. Still had to go to the tumor board. Call the next day, board disagrees, more tests and have to meet with a surgeon. They can't biopsy the tumor because it is so close to the artery. So, I went from relief to dread in less than 24 hours. I am an emotional wreck. For whatever reason, it is so much harder this time. I'm scared. Everyone keeps telling me how strong I am, when all I want to do is sit down and cry. I know that you will understand. Thanks for letting me vent. 

My name is Sarah. I was first dx with Stage 1b nsclc  in 2008. I had an upper left lobectomy on April 8th 2008. No chemo. I have been clean for the last 8 years, then this year it came back. My PCP ordered a blood test that my oncologist didn't order. I had stopped going to my regular oncologist by this time and just having my PCP run the needed tests. Well, the CEA levels were a little high, so he said lets repeat again in 4 months. Higher again, CT scan next, small spot on right lung. PET scan came back positive. Small tumor located near right pulmonary artery. Had to find a new oncologist, since the one I had been seeing for over 25 years was finally retiring (had gall bladder cancer in 1992). Met with new oncologist at he U of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Tumor's small, lets just wait and  watch it. Come back in August. Still had to go to the tumor board. Call the next day, board disagrees, more tests and have to meet with a surgeon. They can't biopsy the tumor because it is so close to the artery. So, I went from relief to dread in less than 24 hours. I am an emotional wreck. For whatever reason, it is so much harder this time. I'm scared. Everyone keeps telling me how strong I am, when all I want to do is sit down and cry. I know that you will understand. Thanks for letting me vent.