lizard Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 My name is liz and my life has been shaken upside down. my mom has non small cell lung cancer and iam heartbroken all i want to do is ball my eyes out. The docter told us that she had 6 months to a year to live. We have taken her for a second opinion and it is still the same conclusion. I want to know if there are people who have been told this and have proven the docters wrong. I cant lose her she is my angel. Please please give me some hope it hurts so bad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richinsdakota Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hi Liz, sorry to hear of the diagnosis. But you found a great site for info and support...many here have outlasted a similar outlook, so keep asking , posting...sure some will be along to confirm this. take care...Rich B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hi Liz. I am sorry your mom got lung cancer. There are a quite a few late stage cancer survivors who have been around for 3 or 4 years or more and are still kicking. Where did your mom go for a second opinion? I think she should go to a major cancer center where they have a team approach and the latest techniques and drugs to fight cancer. It is like one stop shopping for cancer treatment and consultation. Your mom could see all the relevant specialists probably within a space of 3 days or less. Places like this have an impressive array of specialists , experts in their fields, who communicate very well with one another and with the patient. The smart doctors are the ones who say they don't really know how much longer one has to live or are reluctant to make predictions. If your mom is in otherwise good health so that she could undergo the rigors of treatment, she could be around for many years to come. I wish the best for your and your mom. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hi Liz, I can remember an oncologist visiting me in my hospital room with a grim expression on his face. To tell you the truth, I don't even know what he said, I was pretty numb with a fresh diagnosis. I knew I didn't like him. Fortunately, I came home with my hospital records in tow and was able to pour through them. What this oncologist said was the chances of my survival being "grim". I thought about that for not too long. It took me about a split second to realize that this doctor wasn't for me. Needless to say, I dug and dug for names of recommended doctors. I didn't want to hang around that grim doctor. Here it is 3 1/2 years later and I am still here because I am my own best advocate. Liz, get out there and pound the pavement and find some help from someone who offers a decent treatment plan that includes hope. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missyk Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Liz... Welcome! As you can see already...statistics and prognosis hold little water on this board My mom was told, at diagnosis, that she had 3 months to a year AT THE MOST...we're now 13 months since her diagnosis. I remember the feelings after she was diagnosed...and this is truely a rollercoaster you've climbed onto. The good news is that there are many, many wonderful people riding right along with you! Please, keep us up to date, vent to us, and let us help you (and her) through this journey. Many prayers for you and Mom... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hi Liz, Welcome, as you can see the statistics are something to be ignored. What you need s a doctor with a better attitude and a game plan in order that makes sense. Don had some great advice..... Take a few minutes and read through some of the profiles on this site. The amount of late stagers that are here and doing very well is amazing. It will give hope and understanding that a late stage is not always a death sentence, look at Cindi. I'm sooo sorry you and your mother have to go through this, know that you are not alone. You can come here for advice, support, venting or anything else you can think of. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 I am so sorry to hear the news about your mom. but please...DO NOT LISTEN TO STASTICTS!! So many hear have heard the same as your mom and they have beaten the odds. What part of the country do you live? You have to tell us more about her. Her stage, what they are doing for her now. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie55 Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hi Liz, I too was given that "grim" diagnosis almost 14 months ago. I know that doesn't sound that long, but when you've been told "nothing we can do", or 3-6 months, Wow, it's a lifetime. I also feel great and plan to continue doing so for a long time. Best wishes and get your fighting gloves on!!! Joan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizard Posted June 19, 2006 Author Share Posted June 19, 2006 Thank you for your nice words of encouragement. I feel a little better knowing theres someone i can talk to you all have been wonderful. Knowing people have survived gives me great hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastLadi Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Liz, First I am sorry to hear about your mom. Secondly like others have said, your mom isn't a statistic, every one is unique, so don't give up, your mom, you and your family definitely have alot ahead of you. The LCSC here is awesome, and don't hesitate to vent, ask ?'s, chat..you will always be welcome here. Grace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Sorry about the news -- it's always a real stunner to hear someone you love has cancer, especially lung cancer. With that said, I echo whole-heartedly the sentiments already expressed. I would have gone crazy had I just reviewed the statistics and not found this wonderful board of support. The prior messages are quite correct, roam about and read the bios as there are many Stage III - IV folks still cruising along. If your Mom can handle it, demand aggressive treatment. It's not for everyone, but it can extend life-spans quite a bit. God bless you as you and your family begin this really crummy journey. Life is forever changed, but a new way of living isn't so bad -- it is LIVING! There will be ups and downs, but everyone is here for you for both situations. Regards, Welthy (who is becoming more philosophical by the day. ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Hi, Liz, and welcome. As many have said, we don't pay much attention to statistics here. No one can really tell you how long your mom will live except God. Each person is individual, and statistics are averages, and old averages at that. My wife, Lucie, was given 9 months and she is fast approaching 4 years (Oct.). She has nsclc, Stage IV. Let us know how we may support you, and keepus posted. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Liz- It would be helpful to know what area you live in and what your mom's exact diagnosis is. My husband was told about 4 months- we just passed 4 years. Let us know her treatment plan. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Miss Lizard, One thing that you will most certainly find here is that noone knows time...we didn't know how much time we have prior to diagnosis, and we still don't know how much time we have after. Don't be set on this time thing....you could check the postings under Good News (read one titled Listen to This Miracle)...so many things can happen. God bless you Liz, and please, keep your chin up. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted June 19, 2006 Share Posted June 19, 2006 Oh, I know it's such a scary thing to hear that someone you love has this dreaded disease but please remember that no one really knows *how long* any of us has!!!!! Try not to pay any attention to the stats and focus instead on the treatment plan and that it will have a positive outcome. My mom was had a biopsy one year ago this month and the docs really were not all that hopeful..she was 82 at the time and it's one yr later and she has completed chemo/radiation and is back to playing golf. She doesn't play as often or have as much energy but at least she is doing things she loves. Her three month scans have been *ok* and we keep our fingers and toes crossed that they continue to be. We all try and take one day at a time and enjoy her good days. Many prayers for you and your family and please keep us updated on how she is doing. Blessings, Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizard Posted June 20, 2006 Author Share Posted June 20, 2006 Hi its me liz my mom is feeling pretty good today considering her situation. We live in Waverly a really tiny town in southern Ohio. Mom is having radiation and then chemotherapy I think im kind of confused about her traetments. Im pretty sure thats how it is going to go. I thank you for all your kind notes it has helped me so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meredith Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 I'm sorry about your mother. However, do not listen to grim statistics. None of my doctors ever told me how much time I had, but in the research I did, I saw that women with my type of cancer at my stage live an average of 10-14 months! Well, I'm already close to 16 months out with no evidence of cancer. No, and I mean NO doctor can truly predict how long someone will live after a cancer diagnosis. They make guesses, but that's all. Do not despair, even with late stage cancer. There are treatments that WORK and there are ALWAYS survivors. DO research, and get with some oncologists who are willing to help your mother fight this beast. Best wishes Meredith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrell Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 My doctor told me I had 6-8 months. I bet him a steak dinner that I'll prove him wrong. I'm already at month 6 and I feel utterly fantastic! I have to go see him today at 3:30 for my latest staging results and I'm expecting to hear NED. If I don't, then I'm going to fight even harder until I do! Don't listen to the 'experts' on that timeframe. Prove them wrong!! it's fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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