I want to assure everyone that my condition is stable!
I am a 52 year old women that had been in perfect health prior to this diagnosis. I was diagnosed November 8th, 2012 with NSCLC Adenocarinoma Stage IV in right lung. I had pericardial fluid drained during my one week stay in the hospital. I had numerous tests, CT scans, MRI's, biopseys and had my port put in. The week after I left the hospital, I went in for a PET scan. The results of the PET showed affected Lymph nodes as well but no other signs of cancer. Radiation and Surgery was out so I had not other choice. I started chemo November 18th with Cysplatin and Alimta. After my second round of chemo I had another CT scan and showed 25% shrinkage of tumor. The chemo made me very sick and just when I would start to feel better, I would have to go in again for another round and I would start feeling bad again. I went to chemo every 3 weeks for a total of 6.
After my 4th round I wanted to quit and I almost did but continued. In February I went to MD Anderson to get a second opinion but they were not recommending anything further since the treatment I was doing was working. I've been in good health since I was diagnosed other than the LC. My blood work has stayed great. My hair thinned out but I still have hair. I feel really good since I've been off the chemo. Instead of the maintenance Alimta which my oncologist was recommending indefinetly, I decided to go the alternative method. If I were to progress, I would certainly consider another round. I am praying and hoping that there is no more progression of the cancer and I can continue on with a better quality of life than what I had while being on chemo. I think I have many good years of life ahead of me. I could use any advice. Thanks for all the replies I have gotten so far. Marty
