nodawgs Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 I'm not a newby to cancer, only to this site. My only reason for registering is to demonstrate what is possible. Perhaps my experience will provide a little encouragement to others affected by this wretched disease. I was diagnosed with Stage IV, adenocarcinoma NSCLC in July of 2002. The primary was in the upper lobe of the left lung and metastases were spread to central chest lymph nodes and the brain. I first had neurosurgery to remove the brain metastases because the edema was causing respiratory difficulties, a seizure-prone condition, blurred vision, loss of certain motor functions, balance, blurred vision, and general incoherence. After a very short recuperative period (too darn short), the upper, left lobe was resectioned (ouch) and a cluster of 6 lymph nodes were removed (2 of the 6 were cancerous). I had no post-op chemo and no rads...nuttin, zilch, zip-zero, nada. On-going monitoring via scans/MRIs was initially every 3-months...clear, clear, clear...later every 6-months...clear, clear, clear, and I was declared "NED" in late 2004. I high-fived a surgeon, hugged a chubby nurse, and had a double martini as an investigative nutritional supplement. My point to all this: ignore stats. Their best use is for actuarial calculations. Stats are based on years prior historical events that may not apply to today's more advanced medical technology of diagnostics and treatment. Though the odds can look pretty bad on the surface, this stuff can be beaten. I'm living proof because I'm still vertical and above ground. If you every peruse http://www.acscsn.org, my handle is "nodawgs." Come see me, anytime. By the way, I also have Stage IV prostate cancer with mets to the bones and recently completed (fall of 2006) cisplatin chemo and rads for Stage III squamous cell carcinoma of the epiglottis, now "NED." I suppose I'm an over-achiever. Thank you, M.D. Anderson-Houston. Best to you all and havagoodun! Perry aka "nodawgs" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myrnalu Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Loved reading this.Way to go!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Way to Go Perry! I'm a stage IIIB Andeo 12 lung cancer survivor. I have friends that are long term over 6 years and are stage IV lung cancer survivors and still going strong and still NED to this day! Those of us that are long term survivors know all to well that STATS are totally outdated and something NO ONE should read! But it's always good to make mention of that to all the wonderful new folks here at LCSC that come here talking about statistics. Okay, I'm sitting here thinking this, so I'm going to toss it out at ya. Do you THINK your a breeding ground for cancer???? HOLY CRAP my friend! Lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc.etc. ENOUGH ALREADY! Glad you decided to stop by and offer some very much needed HOPE to those that are in the middle of there fight. Not to mention it's very nice to meet you. I'm so glad you have survivied it ALL! What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. Come back and visit from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 GReat story Perry.Gives others hope. RIDE ON. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernrol Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Perry, I saw your log in a couple of months ago. I am glad you came back. I think you will enjoy this site. I still go back to others sites every day. There are old friends back there like you and Don. I really have started that email. going to go work on it now. Ride that HOG! Stay positive, Ernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowergirlie Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Nice to have a random success story! Thanks for being an encouragement to others. Cheers...Flowergirlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiredmom959 Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 I like your suggestion for a nutritional supplement. Come to think of it, I guess I'm a walking experiment for using that (extra dirty) and red wine as a preventative tool ... so far so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Hi Perry and Welcome~ Thanks so much for sharing your success stories. It is always so wonderful, not only for the newbies but for all of us to know that there truly are winners in this battle. Best, Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littlegirl Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Wow! You are one tough cookie! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lc46 Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Thanks for posting!! This is inspiring. Dar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 What a great way to start the morning! Thanks for the inspiration and you go get 'em, Perry. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystleshoe Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Wow you are awesome. Its great to hear of someone kickin cancer in the butt. Way to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbvh Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Hi Perry, Thanks for your post. You are one fiesty fighter and do us all proud. Thanks for sharing your story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Parry--I LOVE your story! Thanks for posting. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy-OK Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 NODAWGS, it was good to chat with you last night in the chat room. Even better to see you come share a success story with everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtay Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 You are truly an amazing person - and give hope and inspiration - thank you Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyslittlegirl Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 welcome and thank your for sharing your story and so much hope! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 Thank you for taking the time to share your story. We all love to hear stories that defy the statistics we are faced with. I choose to ignore the outdated stats as well. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missyk Posted May 30, 2007 Share Posted May 30, 2007 I really needed to read this today...so thank you, Perry, for posting it! I LOVE a story with a happy ending!! Now...I'm patiently waiting to be able to test out that martini philosophy myself (and agrees that extra dirty is the way to go!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jang Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 I love to read these stories! Congratulations!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kaylei Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 You are awesome! What an amazing journey you have had! If you ever travel through Oklahoma City area on that bike can you take me for a "survivor" ride on the back of your bike???? Congrats on beating the beast!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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