Nancy B

Hi There, I can really appreciate what you are saying and feeling. I was diagnosed by means of a needle biopsy in December 2000 and had an upper left lobectomy on February 10, 2000. I was staged 1B as my tumor was quite large (size of a tennis ball) but it was all contained in the lobe and they were able to remove it. Just don't be afraid to ask questions and as someone else said, take someone with you to appointments to take notes. Make a list of questions before you go. The surgery is painful but certainly doable. I was told to always take the pain meds before the pain hit - I did and it worked. I was off the meds in about 2 weeks and back to work (a desk job) after 3 weeks. My prayers will be with you. Please keep in touch. Nancy B

Welcome Becky, I live in La Canada and work in Sunland - a 4 year survivor - let me know if you would like to get together sometime. I don't post too often here but I read the posts and everyone is always in my prayers. Nancy

Dear Friend, please don't ever stop trying to quit. It took me many tries but I finally did it. I chewed the Nicorette gum for a year and have been smoke free for 15 years now. It was the hardest thing I have ever done - I was soooooo hooked. If I can do it, you can. I am 57 years old and almost 4 years cancer free. Stay strong and I will pray for you. Nancy B

Hi Don, so glad your surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery. I had an upper left lobectomy in February 2000, Stage 1B (tumor 6cm). I consulted two oncologists and they both said chemo was not necessary as no lymph nodes were involved. Now, I am reading that chemo is really being recommended for Stage 1 and 2. Makes me alittle nervous that I didn't do it but I just have to keep moving forward. I think now I would insist on it. I am doing fine and have even completed two half marathons (one to raise money for cancer support). I just try to stay on top of things, chest xray every 6 mos and ct scan once a year and lots of praying. Sounds like you have really recovered quickly from the surgery - walking is great and you are doing it so soon after surgery....wow! Take care and you and your family are in my prayers. Nancy

Hi Bruce, I can understand your concern. I had an appointment with my pulmonologist today - everything looks good but my concern is that they are missing something from just taking x-rays. If you are very concerned insist on something earlier than January - I have learned to be very pro-active about my health care and have found that the docs will accomodate if insurance covers it. Take care and I will be praying for you. Nancy

Hi BLT, I am a 3 1/2 year survivor of nsclc adenocarcinoma, 56 years old and still going strong. You mentioned Kansas City - I was born and raised in Grandview, MO and my parents are Lee's Summit - are you anywhere near there? I am praying for you and would like to keep in touch. Take care, Nancy

Hi, I too had one oncologist tell me that I didn't need chemo and if the cancer can back it would be fatel anyway. Needless to say I didn't go back to him. I had another lung cancer specialist oncologist tell me that I didn't need chemo and to get on with my life. That was 3 1/2 years ago and I am doing great. I even completed a half marathon last May to raise money for a cancer support group. I also experienced back pain and finally realized I was standing in such a way to compensate for the pain from my incision and everything was crooked. Once I tried to stand right it seemed to lessen - just a thought. Take care, Nancy

Cheryl, I am praying for good results of your tests and that God will give you the strength to get through your surgery. Take care. Nancy B

Yea Debi!!! So glad to hear your good news. They delayed my surgery to have all those scans - all negative - but I so wanted to get on with the surgery and get the tumor out. Just get on with things - preschool - that sure brings back memories - my son just turned 21. Just keep your positive attitude and be sure to take good care of yourself. Hugs, Nancy

Janice, you and your husband are in my prayers. I don't know how extensive your husband's surgery is going to be but I had an upper left lobectomy and was back to work in 2 1/2 weeks (desk job). I am sure he is just trying to protect you so you won't worry. Easier said than done I'm sure. Take care of each other and I will be praying for both of you. Hugs, Nancy B

Is it possible to get a copy of the article that you are talking about? - I would really like to get more information on this. Where would I look for this? Thanks for your help. Nancy B

Oh Connie, you are such an inspiration to all of us and we need you. Fight hard and keep your positive attitude. I am praying that God is holding you in His arms as you are going through this really rough time and that you will come out a winner again. Hugs, Nancy B

Hi Muriel, I had my upper left lobe removed 3 1/2 years ago - stage 1B (tumor was 6 cm.). I consulted with two "highly regarded" oncologists specialing in lung cancer. I was told chemo was not necessary and they really wouldn't recommend it. I still wonder if I made the right decision. Sounds like the newest reports say chemo is the way to go. I guess it is too late for me now BUT I feel great. However, if I had it to do over, I think I would go for it (hindsight being 20-20......). Take good care of yourself and you will be in my prayers. Nancy B

Janet, I am 3 1/2 years from a lobectomy, Stage 1B Anenocarcinoma and I only get x-rays every 6 months and CT Scan once a year. It doesn't seem like enough compared to others on here. I don't have an oncologist as I didn't have chemo or rad and my surgeon moved - I do see a Pulmonologist every 6 months. I have never had a PET Scan - he doesn't think it is necessary - I wonder if I am doing all that is possible to catch a recurrence early. I am open to any comments or suggestions from anyone. And Janet, I will praying for a good result from your scan. Take care, Nancy

Hi shirleyb, Welcome to this site - I am fairly new also, but from everything I have seen here, you will find friendship, support, comfort, love and if someone doesn't have an answer to your questions they will let you know where to look. I am a 3 year survivor. Keep us posted as to how you guys are doing and both of you will be in my prayers. Take care, Nancy

Hi Bruce, my tumor was 6cm and they removed most of my left lung. It does get easier - everyone heals at different speeds. My surgery was three years ago and I just recently completed a half marathon (13.1 miles) in under 4 hours. I use an inhaler twice daily and that really helps - especially since I live in smoggy southern CA. Keep a positive attitude and expect the best. Take care. God Bless us all. Nancy

Dona, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. My prayers are with you and your family. Please stay in touch.

Hello Everyone, Thanks so much for all the sharing and caring. I am a 3 1/2 year survivor and am very optimistic but also still have the fear of reoccurrence. I am involved with The Wellness Community (a support organization for cancer patients and caregivers). I recently completed a Half Marathon in Vancouver to raise money for them and plan on doing it again next year. I was diagnosed with nsclc adenocarcinoma - stage 1B (tumor 6 cm) in February 2000. I had an upper left lobectomy but fortunately no chemo or radiation. I am 56 years old and have a 21 year old son. I appreciate everything about this site - there is so much educating to be done about lung cancer. Thanks for being there.