[Does the doctor ever call you with good or bad news??]

I think it depends on the Dr. When I was first diagnosised, my Doctor called me into his office.

After my surgery, they didn't really lay it all out until I met with the Oncologist. My Surgeon told me what he found, but didn't go into staging etc with me, not that I caould have asked any questions, at that point anyway.

Good Luck.

[Question For Those Who Have Had Surgery]

Sharon- I had surgery on 06/01/04, lower left lobe removed. I have had no swelling, drainage or leaks. The only redness I had was from a reaction to the steriods. You don't say what kind of treatment you are receiving. Show the incision to your Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist or make another appt with the surgeon (even better).

Although it's probably nothing (just irritation from sleeping) have someone address it specifically to make YOU feel better!

I just went through my first chemo and first 1 1/2 weeks of radiation. Anything or reaction that could have happened, happened to me. It took three telephone calls (to on call Dr's) and two office visits with me finally becoming hysterical to get someone to notice me. Be pushy and take someone with you!

[HELP]

Finally got some more information today. Seems that when you have Rad and Chemo you can develop yeast infections in the throat that are very painful. I am now being treated for this, should see relief in 24-48 hours. Rad Dr says it's too early for throat problems so it has to be yeast. Only way to be sure is to put me to sleep and send a camera down there. We decided we would trust her education instead, NO more surgery! Please.

Go figure, if there is a side affect out there or a problem....it appears that I will get it. Trying to keep it together. Thanks everyone!

[HELP]

Thanks everybody! I saw the Oncologist today, seems like I'm one of those unlucky people that just doesn't get one or two side affects. I get them all, they are trying to figure out what to do. Taking so many pills It's rediculous.

Also, on my 7th radiation treatment, and the throat problems have started already, go figure. Trying hard to keep it together! Thanks for all the stories, it helps to see what everyone else has been through.

Saw new Pulomanary Dr today, he couldn't believe me age. Nice to know there are other's out there too! I have heard some pretty amazing stories and pray that several years from now I can help someone and encourage them!

[HELP]

Had first chemo treatment this past Friday. So sick! Headache, rash, cold, thirsty, sore throat, neck pain, jittery, nausua, confusion, tired. Taking taxol/carbo along with radiation, chemo is once a week. Please tell me it gets better then this. I was perfectly healthy on Friday now I can barely walk to the bathroom alone.

Any support/advise?

[Muscle Aches -- does this go with chemo????]

My Doctors told me that taxol can cause this kind of pain and some people need to take narcotic's to control pain. Call the Dr tell them about the pain and get some medication! It's not necessary to suffer through this without help!

[New here...]

Rich - I never questioned surgery. The Dr told me there was a tumor, I told him to get it out immediately! Went is as Stage I!, came out Stage IIIA, what a change (3 out of 17 lymph nodes are infected, only one outside the lung). My Radiation Oncologist told me she felt I was curable. My Oncologist could only tell me bad things and nothing positive, got rid of him pretty quick! My feeling is that if you can handle surgery, GET IT OUT! I won't kid you, it hurts BUT it is well worth it! Get out of bed as soon as you can after surgery and start walking the hospital halls, even with your chest drain tube still inserted, put it in a wheel chair and push it in front of you. I was walking loops around the Nurses station the day after surgery and my night in ICU. It really helped recovery!