wenna Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 I'd just like to write to say.. I'm still alive and kicking! LOL It's been over 2 years since I was diagnosed with SCLC limited.. wow, seems like forever! I've been reading the board but haven't been replying and for that I am sorry! I've been on a "pity party" for a long time now, it's time I stopped that and started the "I'm alive" party! I've been trying to think if I have any words of wisdom to add, sorry.. I don't. What I do have to share, are my experiences. I was lucky. Plain and simple; God was looking out for me, as always. I was diagnosed after open-heart surgery when they found a lump under the surgery site. Kept telling them it was still hurting but finally my doctor took a real close look at other possiblities other than the obvious. Found it.. wasn't very big but causing alot of problems and pain. He set me up an appt. the next day with the lung dr. He ran alot of tests and had to wait out the weekend for results. Came for the results on the following Monday, found out the bad news.. He sent us to the Cancer Dr. right after that appt. and after a talk with him, he started me chemo. They didn't waste a moment. I was relieved they were treating it agressively! As far as the chemo treatment, I tolerated it well with few side-effects. Mostly no energy and that sick to the stomach feeling. Didn't lose my hair.. at the same time I was undergoing Chest radiation. Then came the good news.. finally. I was NED! Then came the decision of PCI or not. I know this is a personal decision and very hard to advise on. For me, it was the worst one I ever made. or the best.. you just can't tell if it saved you from getting brain cancer or not. The side-effects for me were terrible. I lost my hair.. well so much of it that I had my hubby shave my head. After 2 years only the part that I didn't lose has come back. The rest is thin and feels like I had a bad perm.. fried to say the least. I lost alot of memory. I work alot on the computer and had to re-learn almost everything. I use to have a very good memory. I've have other health concerns that keeps me from being active. But I am getting around still.. so that is good news. I don't mean to be down about this.. I really do feel lucky to be alive! I have complete support from my husband who works at home so he can take care of me. Four children and nine grandchildren who are constantly calling (they all live out-of-state). I was able to attend my son's wedding in Boston. Proud moment! So I hope this brings someone the knowledge that yes, you can fight and win! (Sorry for a long message) Love ya all, Marilyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmm17 Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Thanks for such a positive message. I'm glad you're done with the "pity" party, now you just need to start the "party" party! My mom was recently diagnosed and you have given me inspiration to stay positive and keep on fightin'. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 So good to see you around these parts again and even better to hear that you're doing so well. I'm glad you tolerated the treatments well and are NED!!! Yahoo!!! As for the memory...join the club! I haven't been through anything near what you've been through and I have CRS syndrome almost every day! Now that you're back, please hang around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Good to see you back. Congratulations on the more than two years as a survivor. Lucie's hair also did not come back as full, and her memory has suffered from all the treatments. But, hey, she is here and enjoying life. Take care, and let us hear from you more often. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Marilyn, so thankful you are able to do all the things you are involved in and that you are enjoying grandchildren. Sounds like you are counting your blessings. praying for you and thankful to hear from you. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Do hope you are feeling well, Marilyn. Don't know you, but was glad to hear you are enjoying life! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorja Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 I am so happy for you! I am glad you posted. You bring so much hope for so many!!! love, jorja Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 Marilyn- I was so glad to see your post. It has been along time. I am glad you are doing well. Hope to see you post more often Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Marilyn, it was nice to see you post again. I'm glad that things seem to be going well for you and you sound like you're enjoying life again. Glad to hear it. gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wenna Posted September 30, 2005 Author Share Posted September 30, 2005 Thanks so much guys for the good cheer! I'm crotcheting a blanket to help ends meet, so I'm keeping occupied.. and I find it calming. It seems that it's taking me longer, but at least I'm still doing something! My prayers are with each and everyone here! Marilyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 Congratulations. It is always wonderful to hear from a survivor. I had been wondering if you were ok. Glad you posted and gave us an update. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted September 30, 2005 Share Posted September 30, 2005 I've been on a "pity party" for a long time now, it's time I stopped that and started the "I'm alive" party! words of wisdom if I ever heard 'em!! I am so glad to hear you're doing well, living life. nice to "meet" you and I hope you'll keep us posted. xoxo bunny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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