Marianne Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Hi....just found this site. I have NSCLC. I was diagnosed in Aug. of 2004. I had been complaining of pain in my shoulder blade for awhile and nothing showed up on x-ray. So, he had a CT scan done. Friday night at 5 pm he calls me at home and says "you have lung cancer"...as most (or probably) all of you know those are the most heart wrenching words anybody can hear. I had a needle biopsy that confirmed andiocarcinoma in my upper right lung. After having every test in the world (or so it seemed), I had surgery on October 20, 2004. My right upper lobe was removed along with parts of ribs that the cancer had eroded in to. I have a huge scar running all the way down my back and around to the front under my right breast. I guess I was doing okay for two days (I don't remember a thing), when they called my family to come in. My lung had collapsed and I had pneumonia. I was not doing well on ventilator I am told, so they eventually had to do a tracheostomy. I was in the ICU for 45 days and spent 2 weeks in rehab. My surgeon said he got it all and no need for chemo. I did not have a very good Onc., because no one from his office contacted me. What did I know about cancer? I just went by what my surgeon said. So, when I went for 6 month CT scan, it had mets to my adrenal gland. I now had stage IV. Had I gone to my Onc. I would probably had received chemo before it got that far. To make a long story short, I got a second Oncologist that is very well known in our area and he has taken excellent care of me. I had chemo once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. This past July I had a PET and I am currently in remission. Thank God. I go back for another PET next month. I like talking to others who have been through this, and help where I can, and get much needed advice when I need it. Take care and God bless you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Welcome, Marianne, and congratulations on your 2-year survivorship. May you have many, many more years. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Welcome Marianne Glad you have joined us. You will find a lot of great people and advice here. Let us know how we can help. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Welcome Marianne! Glad you are in good hands now.....hope you remain in remission for a very LONG time. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Welcome Marianne, Its so good to read you are doing well.. There are many here in the same situation as you so needless to say you have come to the right place..There is so much knowledge and tons of support as well.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Welcome Marianne, I am so glad to hear that you are in remission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raindog Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Hi and welcome Marianne, Wonderful to hear that you are in remission. Stories such as yours are a huge inspiration too so many. Continued good health and best wishes, -Rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted September 26, 2006 Share Posted September 26, 2006 Welcome Marianne. Sorry you have reason to be here, but you will find lots of help. Glad you are in remission now. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Welcome to our online family. I am also in Michigan. What area do you live in? Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Welcome Marianne! Sorry you had reason to find us, but glad you did. Like RY above me, I'm also from Michigan. Maybe you're from my area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Marianne, I would like to add my welcome to all of those above. This is a great place to ask questions, share, whine or just plain talk about anything on your mind. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Welcome Marianne! So glad you are in remission. Your story gives a lot of hope and encouragement. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Welcome. Wow, you really had a rough post-op course! So glad you found us. Can I ask where your tumor was in your right upper lobe? You mentioned having pain on your shoulder blade. Was it near the surface of the lung or was it up in the apex under your collar bone? Kasey above and I bothe had pain that sent us to the doctor, ours was because up in the apex of the lung nerves were being pressed on by the tumor. Glad you are in remission now. Keep us posted. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Hi Marianne, Welcome here from one Maryanne to another. Wow you certainly went through so much, I can't imagine being in ICU for 45 days. So glad that is well behind you and you are in remission I hope the newbies read this as Chemo is so important if you are staged 1B and up. What an idiot you Onochologist was. I am so glad you found one that is more knowledgeable and certainly has helped you. Again welcome and congrats on your good news. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted September 27, 2006 Share Posted September 27, 2006 Welcome Marianne, It sounds like you are on the right track now. I had stage IV and now like you I am cancer free. I say cancer free because I like the sound of it better than remission and I don't expect it to come back. There are a lot of friends heare for you to talk to. Keep us posted. Stay positive Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marianne Posted September 28, 2006 Author Share Posted September 28, 2006 Wow... so many nice replys to my very first post here. I was told I would meet lots of nice people that would be so helpful and supportive. When I have the extra time I will go back and read all the signature lines. Today I spent at the hospital with my husband who was getting radiation seed implants in his prostate. It has been a long day and we are both tuckered out. He is doing well right now thankfully. To the two Michiganders who asked where I live in Michigan, I am in Southwest Lower Michigan, 10 miles from the great University of Notre Dame and the Indiana State border. Where in Mi do you both live? Maybe we are neighbors Thanks to all for the very warm welcome...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Wow! Amazing story. I am so, so glad you shared it. Cancer is such a rollercoaster ride. Welcome to the boards, and may you be granted continued peace, and strength! God bless! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharonjo Posted September 28, 2006 Share Posted September 28, 2006 Welcome Marianne, Sounds like you have really been through some rough times. Glad to hear that you are now in remission and good luck on your next PET. I will be praying for a great report. Keep us posted. God Bless, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Greetings Marianne, Your story of recovery is remarkable. You are a walking inspiration and I'm glad you came here to tell your story of survival. I think we have matching scars. Barb (formerly of Big Rapids) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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