TracyD Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi, my name is Tracy. I recently found your site and have found it to be so positive and helpful, not like some of the other stuff that't out there. I decided that today was the day to join in. I was diagnosed with Stage IV nsclc a few weeks ago. I'm a 39 year old nonsmoker, married with three children. I was told for weeks that I had a bit of pneumonia due to a nagging cough. 3 chest x-rays, a CT scan, a PET scan and one bronchoscopy later, here I am. My family is still reeling from the news, and I wonder if our children will ever be the same again, they are so angry. Anyhow, for now I just wanted to say hi, and thank you. I've read many of your stories and they give me the strength to go out and fight this thing. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi Tracy! So glad that you found us! We are all very glad to help. You will have to help others out too with your experiences too, ya know...! Sorry about your diagnosis. It is frightening at first, no doubt. The fears will come and go. Your kids are angry because they are scared. Can you talk to them about their fears? I think when they come to terms with their fears that they won't be as mad. Can they be involved in your treatments to make them feel a part of the solution? This is helpful too. What are your treatments. Or what is your treatment plan? We have many members from your part of the country. Good folks who can give you good pointers for docs, hospitals, treatment centers, second/third opinions and such. Again. Big big welcome to you. Cindi o'h oh! you are "our" Kasey's niece! Well, now I know who you are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myrnalu Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Welcome Tracy,so glad you found this site.There are so many caring and helpful people here.I dont know what id do without them.I know its a scary journey,but dont give up hope as there are really good treatments now.No this is not just a smokers disease,tho im a 40yr smoker.Remember they have come along way with cancer treatments,its not a death sentence any more. As far as getting angry,get angry at those cancer cells and fight them back into a corner,you can do it girl and well help all we can. Marie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Tracy I am so glad you joined us. You wouldn't by any chance have an aunt Kasey would you? I feel like I know you already as Kasey has been very worried about you. I know your diagnosis has hit you like a kick in the stomach. We will help you get through this. We're all this together. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Oh Tracey, I am so sorry you had the need to find us. But glad you did as you will find we are very informative and supportive. I am so sorry for your diagnosis expecially being a non smoker it must have been a total shock that you have this. There are many people on here who are non smokers (mostly women) so you are not alone here. Please keep us posted as to how you are doing and what is being done to help you. I know how scared you must be finding out your stage is IV but don't discourage. Keep a positive attitude and put on those boxing gloves as you have quite a fight ahead of you. We are always here, if you have any questions, or if you need to vent or want support or prayers. I am sorry you have to go through this. Maryane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopeandstrength Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi Tracy, Are you Kasey's niece? We have been sending lots of good thoughts your way through her. I'm so very sorry that you have to deal with this, but am glad you found this group. Cathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi Tracy, So sorry to hear about your lung cancer, but I'm glad you found us. Lots of sharing, caring, support and hope here. You have a great Aunt Kasey, she has been going all out for you and is very worried to say the least. We met last year. Stay positive and focused. Take it one step and one day at a time. Lots to take in at first for sure, will get better as you go along. I'm also in Massachusetts just north of Boston. Anything I can do for you just let me know. There is also a great place for support (in Newton) for people with lung cancer and there families @ http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/pro ... /guide.asp (The Wellness Community / National Cancer Support, Education And Support / Free) Stay with us and keep us posted please. Hope this helps, prayers for the best. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi, Tracy, and welcome. My wife has Stage IV NSCLC and she has lasted 3 1/2 years so far, so take heart and take hope. Keep us posted on your progress. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melindasue37 Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi Tracy, It is nice to see your post. As you know....hearing the words lung cancer can be extremely tough and it helps to have somewhere to go with questions and support. I'm so sorry that you are going through this.....it has to be so difficult with your children's anger of the unknown. You have a wonderful Aunt and I'm sure you are just as much a fighter. Stay strong and never give up!!!! Warm Hugs, Melinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hello Tracy, Welcome, Sorry you have to be here but it is the best place to get information and support. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalouDP Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi Tracy Welcome, and will be praying for your good treatment plans. Hang in there. You might as well ask your husband to join in, it might help him deal with this as well. God Bless. Malou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 (((Tracy))), Welcome and so glad you are here......although I SO wish you didn't have to be. You and I will beat this together.........you gotta believe we will! Can't wait to talk to you tonight to see what's up. You know I love ya! Aunt Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda661 Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Tracy: Just wanted to say "hi" and welcome you here. Wish you didn't have to be here, but glad you came aboard. I too feel like I have begun to know you, as your aunt Kasey has posted her worry about you -- we'll do everything we can to help you in your journey. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelepal Posted April 17, 2006 Share Posted April 17, 2006 Oh Tracy, I'm so sorry do here of your DX! Please know that you can win this battle, treatment for LC came a very long way. Stay Strong and FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!! Praying for a quick recovery!! I HATE CANCER so freakin much!!! ((((HUGS))) Love, Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy B Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Hi Tracy, welcome. You are on my prayer list and I will continue to pray for good results from your treatments and for comfort for your children. I am sure they are so scared. Just stay with us and let us know what we can do to help. Your Aunt Kasey is a sweetheart. Take care and if you have any questions about different treatments, there is bound to be someone here that has "been there, done that". Hugs and Prayers, Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Tracy,welcome to our support family.There are many knowing and caring people here that can help you thru all this. In addition to your wonderful Aunt Kasey there are a whole bunch of us here that are surviving this poopy disease.You Can Too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyD Posted April 18, 2006 Author Share Posted April 18, 2006 You are all wonderful. Thank you all for your support, your stories, your strength. my Aunt Kasey is a truly wonderful person, I'm ashamed to say that I didn't appreciate just how strong and beautiful she is until my own diagnosis. I'll post later with details of my treatment. For now I just want to say thank you all... and I love you Kasey. Tracy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Welcome TracyD. I wish you best of luck with your treatment plans. I'm wondering what kind of lc you have? Wishing you Gods love and mercy, Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger C Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Hi Tracy, glad to found us and decided to post. I lot of good information and help here. I know how your children fell. It's a very frightening thing for them and for us as well. Keep a good attitude and a high spirit. I am sure you will get much support here. God Bless and keeps us informed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Hi Tracy, I feel like I know you already because of Kasey. Her love for you has come through her posts loud and clear. I, too, am sorry you have this diagnosis, and I'm sure you and your kids and all your family are upset and scared. I don't know how old your children are, but our son was 26 when my husband was diagnosed. Since you are only 39, your kids are probably a lot younger than our son. He was extremely angry - exceedingly angry, and it took him a very long time to get better, so be patient with the kids - it might take quite a while. I think unless we are old, gray, feeble, wobbly, and very wrinkled, our kids never even consider the fact that we (parents) could get a life-threatening disease. For that reason, it kicks them hard. You have a lot of support here, Tracy, and so much information and helpful advice that you will just be overwhelmed with the love and caring. Hang in there, hon, we (and especially your Aunt Kasey) will take good care of you. Love and hugs, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Hi Tracy; welcome to this site. I am sorry you have to deal with the C and I hope things even out for you soon. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Welcome Tracy, I have been praying for your ever since Kasey first told us about you. I will continue to keep you in my prayers that you overcome this disease. Prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyanne Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Welcome Tracy! This is the place for support, love, information and just general encouragement. I am sorry you have to be here. It isn't fair, I know. How old are your kids? What is your treatment plan. You will be added to my list of people to pray for. Thinking of you tonight, Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Sorry you are here, but glad to see you posting. I shared my story with your Aunt Kasey--I was 37 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, with a 7 year old, and I felt the world collapsing around me. It is scary, no doubt, but here are some things I have found helpful in my 13 year journey with cancers --Any books, tapes, mediation tapes by Dr Bernie Siegel. Through the worst periods I meditated every day. --Anitdepressents and anti anxiety drugs. I was not given these drugs until the 3rd cancer, and I should have been on anti depressents way before then. I went through the first cancer with nothing but my own wits which were very shaken at that time. It is a joke with my friends, but I don't leave home without my ativan in my purse. Rarely use it, but I need to know it is there. --With the drugs and the lung cancer came therapy with a psychologist who specializes in women's cancers. That is the important part--a specialist who focuses on this. For 6 months all I did was cry. It was a safe place to fall. --And as a parent and a 3rd grade teacher, I know the importance of letting the teachers know what my kid was going through at home. That is so important and can be handled delicately. I tell my parents that if I see your child drifting off and I know the reason, I will certainly handle it with care. Without knowing the situation could make it worse. Didn't plan on writing a book, but I feel your pain. gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted April 18, 2006 Share Posted April 18, 2006 Dear Tracy, I first want to say how sorry I am you have the need to be here. Next I want to say, I agree with you on how wonderful your Aunt Kasey is! Third I want to share with you that I have a dear friend who is a 6 year stage IV lung cancer SURVIVOR, and she is doing WONDERFUL. I will keep you in my prayers along with all of us Survivors/Caregivers. Holler when you have questions, and know this, there are no such things as a stupid question. Your not in this alone kiddo, there is a whole world of us right here supporting you. ((((TRACY))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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