Nancy B Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 I met with my surgeon this morning. They will have to do a completion pneumonectomy to get to the cancer to determine the type. He said this will be much riskier than the first two surgeries as the cancer is right where the lung attaches to the bronchi. There is a much greater risk of bleeding and airway collapse. I am so afraid. I am not afraid of more treatment, I just don't want to do more surgery. I just pray that I survive the surgery. He said they discussed me at their tumor board and both lung surgeons looked at each other and just shook their heads. Guys, I really need you now. My husband is having a real hard time. Our son is in Bowling Green, KY racing, so I just told him more surgery but none of the details. I only found this out acouple of hours ago so haven't completely processed everything yet. Prayers please, Nancy B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastLadi Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Nancy, No! this is not fair, I can't blame you for being so afraid, please know that I am sending out my prayers and good positive thoughts for you right now. God Bless you. Grace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Nancy, Many prayers and positive thoughts for you and your family. Hugs, Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Nancy, Words are not enough, I know. Praying for you and your family and the surgeons. This is doable. We can and will pray you through this and back to recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Nancy, I can't add much to what Katie just said. All I can do is tell you that I understand how you must feel. And like Katie said, your spirit is strong, your physical condition is good - you CAN get through this Nancy - one foot in front of the other. We're with you, in spirit at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted June 16, 2006 Share Posted June 16, 2006 Nancy dear............... Hope you read the PM I sent and consider it an option. This is just about the most devastating news there has been. I am so sorry and hopeful there is an answer for you. Love, kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy you are in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 This is NOT fair Any idea when the surgery will be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 You are in my prayers, Nancy. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 We are right here for you, Racing friend. Right here. My prayers are fervent and faithful. I am sending support, love and strength. Catch your breath...and then just one step at a time. Much love much love much love Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy, You have my prayers. You are a very strong person. Find a surgeon that has done hundreds of these type things. Ask yours if they are confident. Then all you can do is turn it over. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyCW Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear this news, and I know you're still processing it yourself. Please keep me posted and let me know if there's anything at all I can do... You have my prayers and all good thoughts in the meantime! ((((hugs)))) BeckyCW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy, wow, I really don't have any words. I am sure you are a nervous wreck. Did they offer any other treatment options besides surgery? Could they radiate that spot? We are all standing behind you Nancy and sending prayers for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 If there is a plan there is hope. I pray all goes well for you during the surgery and that God Helps you and your family throught this difficult time This is so not fair to all of you. There is hope there is a plan. Sending prayers and energy and Hugs for ya'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Ginny has a point, are you sure that new directed radiation (whatever the technical name is) isn't an option? I know you're scared, hang in there, we're all here for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy, I know how scared you must feel. Give yourself a little time to process and find a spot of calm. It will come to you. You will know what to do when the presentation is right. Two doctors shaking their heads only leaves one with pessimism. Who needs that??? Love and many hugs. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelley Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 sending prayers....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 I have lots of words, but I will give you a call and we can chat. I'll call you tomorrow night. ((((((((((((((((((((NANCY)))))))))))))))))))) Love & Hugs, Con Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Prayers Nancy. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy, I am sad to read this news. I lift you up in special prayer each and every day!!! God Bless and hugs, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted June 17, 2006 Share Posted June 17, 2006 Nancy, You've held in there this long, you have a strong mind and body, you can beat this My prayers are headed your way, I'm so very sorry you have to go through this again Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted June 18, 2006 Share Posted June 18, 2006 Nancy, It's not fair that you should have to go through this so many times. But, this is a fight you know how to handle, and I believe you will prevail. It sounds to me like those surgeons were shaking their heads in disbelief that they have to put you through this again. Please keep us posted and as always, you will be in my thoughts. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted June 18, 2006 Share Posted June 18, 2006 Hi Nancy: I have been trying to think of alternatives for you. I am not sure I understand the risks, but when you say the air way may collapse, does that include the bronchus? And, I thought the lungs were deflated during surgery anyway and they used a breathing machine to keep you going...not sure. Maybe the biggest risk is bleeding. Anyway, it sounds like the surgery is more of a crapshoot than a typical thoracotomoy. If it is a big risk, I think why not take a different risk. Just treat the malignancy only with a targeted radiation that will kill it. The risk is, that you would not do a followup chemo and hope it does not comeback, or assume it is secondary NSCLC and do alimta. Alternatively, you could assume it is SCLC and treat it accordingly with chemo. The idea is to transfer the risk of surgery to risk of a recurrence. You may get a recurrence anyway, even if you have surgery. Boy, if I were contemplating a surgery where the surgeons look at each other and shake their heads, I would look for other alternatives. So, here is one possibility. Cyberknife the malignancy. There is a possibility that placement of the fiducials around the bronchial area could be problematic. Here are some links: http://www.cyberknifesupport.org/forum/default.aspx?c=4 The above link is to a message board that is run by radiation oncologists. They respond within 24 hours. They are very helpful. http://www.accuray.com/SiteLocations/index.aspx The above link takes you to the manufacturer's web page. The page shown, allows you to type in a state to find available cyberknife centers. There are 5 in California. There is another method of targeted radiation called image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The most advanced system is run by centers that have the Electa Synergy machine. It does not require the placement of fiducials. It is nearly as accurate as cyberknife and if there is not much breathing motion, can be just as accurate. Most of the motion is at the bottom of the lung, so IGRT could work very well for you. The biggest disadvantage of IGRT is that it requires up to 33 treatments. Cyberknife can usually be done in 3 sessions. Here is a link to a medical center in California that has the Electa Synergy machine. I think it is the only place in California that has the machine. http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/cancer/Spe ... racic.html So, by using one of the above targeted therapys, you can be sure that the current malignancy would be gone. But, you would be unsure about what chemo to use. One other consideration is that either of the above therapys can be used numerous times, whenever a met pops up, as long as they are not too many. Whatever you decide, you have my prayers. Don M P.S. I had IGRT at Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle. I have just one lung left, and the risk of pneumothorax was considered too great to have cyberknife or to do a biopsy. So, they killed it whatever it was. It is probably more adenocarcinoma and it is further assumed that it is secondary. So, I am going to start alimta in 10 days or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted June 18, 2006 Share Posted June 18, 2006 (((Nancy))) I am very sorry to hear this update. continue prayers for you. I wish I had more to offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pammie Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Will certainly be praying for you Nancy and your family. surgery is always scary. God bless. pammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.