JanIverson Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 My name is Jan and I was just diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer with mets to my liver (approximately 30% involvement). I started Chemotherapy last week, I'm told this is the only available treatment for me but I'm currently seeking a second opinion. I was basically diagnosed by accident when a Cat Scan was of my chest and upper GI was done for what my doctor thought was recurrent indigestion. My primay care physician was as shocked as I by what it revealed - he told me to go home and pray. The doctors have given me a very poor prognosis so I'm amazed at how very well I feel, is this common? Except for a bit of tireness, I nap an hour or so each day, I feel quite well and go about my day pretty much as I always have. My liver is quite swollen so I look and feel about 6 months pregnant. I've also been startled by my high CEA readings, I don't really understand the implications of the CEA test, if anyone can enlighten me I surely would appreciate it. I've chosen to stop working to spend time with my family and focus on my health. I'm delighted to find this support site and have been encouraged by the brave people who fight this disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Welcome to the board! You find great support here. There are several survivors here so don't give up hope. I think getting a second opinion is a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Welcome Sandy, Best place with the best people. I agree with Millie, never hurts to get a second/third opinion. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 First of all Jan, welcome here. I know how scared you are when you hear a diagnosis like that. But please know that LC it is not necessarly a death sentence. You just have to find the right doctors and the right treatment to help you battle this disease. So many people were told to go home and clean house, but with the right treatment they are doing fine and have beaten the odds. NEVER GIVE UP.. you must fight this!! There are many cancer centers that may be able to help you, you have to seek them out in your area. Never let anyone tell you they can't do anything to help you. You can read so many stories on here (Read Kasey's under MY STORY) what an inspiration that was, as she seeked out a doctor who helped her after so many said it was hopeless. I would run not walk to get a 2nd or third opinion, there is help for you, but you have to seek it out. Keep us posted... Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Jan.welcome to our support family.You will find many knowing and caring people here.Just about anything that comes up someone here has been there and done it and will be able to help. There are many of us here that were told only a few months to live,and we are still here (fighting mabe) but still here none the less years later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Welcome, Jan! Let us know how we may support you. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Hi Jan, I so totally understand everything you're going through right now. I was diagnosed in May, 2005 with a pretty grim prognosis, but I continue to feel well and just take one day at a time. Like Maryann said, this is not necessarily a death sentence. People here are great and we're here to help you. I'm totally convinced a cure is coming and I plan on being around when it does. Joan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Jan, I'm another that was told to go home and die. My cancer was inoperable, terminal etc. (I was diagnosed with NSCLC rather than SCLC) but I finally found a surgeon that was able to take it out. I've been hanging in there ever since. What I'm trying to say is think about a 2nd or 3rd opinion and FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! Don't believe everything they tell you. You will find a wealth of information here. These folks have been a life line for me so many times. I'm sorry you need us but happy you have found us. keep us posted.. Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Jan, do not accept 'go home and die'. Only accept, 'hey kiddo, I'm here with you and we are going to fight this together'. So I agree, get a 2nd opinion. And, let us help you as you need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Hi, Jan, What a great smile! We are here with you and we care. Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tatlyn Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Welcome Jan. I'm sorry for what you are dealing with right now. You've found a wonderful place though for support, love and information. God Bless you and keep you strong. Lynda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Try to think of this as a chronic disease, remember when diabetes or heart problems were terminal conditions? My advice would be to get a second opinion and have your new "chronic condition" treated. Doctors only give guestimates on survival and they aren't always accurate. Most people on this site wouldn't be here posting if they were. You feel good that's the main thing, keep that smile - attitude goes a long way. Good luck Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Hi Jan and Welcome! I have a very dear friend who also had the same dx.s as you do. She is now a soon to be 7 year survivor and is STILL CANCER FREE! There really are many of us survivors out here. I wish we had MORE of them on this board. Hang in there, and hope your stay with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Welcome to the site-- I am glad you found us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 Welcome and glad you found us. SCLC is very susceptable to chemo . Also many have radiation to the brain as a preventative measure because it tends to spred there. Those friends of Connie's are also friends of mine , they had radiation and like Connie says they are NED ( no evidence of disease) and enjoying life. Keep us posted. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 A BIG welcome to you, Jan. I am impressed by you right off the bat....you got a pic posted ALREADY!!!!!!! That is a WOW for me ! Sorry you got the dx you did, BUT......take some deep breaths, get yourself braced for a WILD ride, and join all of us on it! Many will have offers of their expertise regarding your dx and tx. Stay with us for loads of support. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted February 20, 2006 Share Posted February 20, 2006 HI Jan, Welcome !!! I too live in the Inland Empire, Corona. This disease is beatable. NEVER ~ NEVER give up. As the others have said, SCLC is very responsive to chemo. I have had chemo, readiation and two brain surgeries, (one just last Monday at Riverside Community Hospital.) Just keep a POSITIVE attitude and fight the good fight. If you want to talk, just PM me and we can share info. and support... Prayers and hugs, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanIverson Posted February 21, 2006 Author Share Posted February 21, 2006 Thank you all for the encouragement and warm welcome that you've extended to me. I am definitely following through with a second opinion and perhaps a third, I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jodi Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 Hi Jan, Your attitude is right on! My mom has the same positive outlook, and just as important, so do her 5 daughters (me included)! At first, it seems like, hey, okay, with such a grim diagnosis, just give in and give up hope! Then a reversal of emotions occur (for the lucky ones, who allow this), that enables people to want to fight and live! Noone, EXCEPT God (or whatever higher power one believes in) knows when a person is going to die. I've learned to never let a Dr., no matter how fancy and extensive his/her credentials are, tell anyone, that they are going to die, by such and such a time....Go with the flow, don't overthink the negative aspects, prepare for different possibilities, but never, ever give up hope....you are alive. There is hope! Big Hugs, Jodi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 Welcome Jan Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 Jan, I am sorry you need us, but glad you found us. You have a fight on your hands, but with the wonderful smile and fighting attitude you're winning already. My husband has had a big battle himself, but is doing remarkable well, in fact he just enjoyed the birth of his 5th grandchild this past thursday. Please keep us up to date an all that is going on with you and your treatments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethluvswill13 Posted February 21, 2006 Share Posted February 21, 2006 Welcome-Jan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Welcome. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I'm very impressed by your terrific attitude! Hope treatment goes well for you. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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