I'm a newbie here too - Just joined yesterday. I was dx with stage 4 NSCLC adenocarcinoma last summer. for a month I thought I was a dead man walking. I then realized that the best chance I had to see my kids grow up was to take control of everything I could. I can not control the past. I cannot control the diagnosis. I can control the fact that there is no advocate for people like us than us ourselves. You need to feel comfortable with the doctors. The oncologist is your new health team quarterback. DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO RESEARCH ON LIFE EXPECTANCY. Thats for OTHER people. If what I read was true, I'd have been dead a year ago. As crazy as this sounds, be glad he was diagnosed not and not 40 years ago. There are so many tools in the bag of tricks. I'm off to my chemo session ant PET/CT scan results in an hour. It's just another day. Wednesday through Saturday will suck, but then it's about feeling better (whatever that means to him) again.
About control: The thing most under control for you guys is a POSITIVE attitude. I keep saying things like "This is just not my time". Get genetic tests on biopsies (if you have one) for any mutation that has a targeted therapy associated.
I did 6 months of Taxol, Carboplatin,Avastin and Zometa after a risky hip surgery on a Met Hip Tumor. The combo sent me to the deepest lowest point in my life. The outpouring support of family friends and looking at my kids each day were key to surviving that experience. The mind is the post powerful fighting weapon you have. I found accupuncture helped a bit with fatigue and nasua.
I am not religious, but I have become an equal opportunity prayer receiver. I would be happy to speak online or offline with you or hour husband. I am him 16 months out and even though today may bring more bad news, I AM READY to fight with every last breath. This is not my time and not your husbands.
Best of luck to you both.
