Maryanne Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 COME OUT COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE... I am just trying this as I know there are sooooo many luckers out there. I just want to invite you to introduce yourself and let us know a little about what is going on. I know you must have questions or need support. That is what we are here for, but we can't help you if we don't know you exist. So I'm posting this in hopes that we can get our friends who are in hiding to come out and join us. ALL ARE WELCOME!!! Really hope to hear from you. Heck I will by you a drink and Kaseys & Fred's Pub! Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Maryanne, you are a dear, sweet lady. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 In the last 2 weeks I have chatted until well past my bedtime on the East coast with so many wonderful new people. Please come for more than a once a week chat. We have so much help, love, and support, to offer everyone.. But if you do not post you will never fully appreciate what we have to offer. Tusday is only one Day. There are 6 more days in the week. Please come forward at this calling out.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyka69 Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Maryanne, you are wonderful! I have been reading here since September 2006. There are so many warm, compassionate, well-spoken members of this community. It keeps me coming back every day. I have cheered for you all when you had successes. I have laughed heartily at your anecdotes. And I have cried a river of tears when things turn for the worst. Honestly, I think what has held me back the most from posting is all the HOPE here! I know that must sound strange. But given that my husband has refractory sclc, I understand what his chances are. I guess I have more fear than hope. And I feel like I don't want to 'infect' other members of this board with these feelings. I have learned so much from all of you - about this disease, its treatments, and how to get by each day. I'm grateful that there are so many people that are NOT like me, that post freely and openly. Keeping you all in my thoughts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanchez1747 Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Hi everyone, I don't know if I'm ready to post, but with the warm offer how could I refuse. I've been lurking for about a two weeks now and I am so grateful to find this site. My Dad (stepdad) went to urgent care on 7/23 because he was coughing up blood the entire weekend before. A chest x-ray showed a 6 x 7 cm mass on his right lung. His biopsy (ct guided/needle) was 8/7 and we are yet to know what we are dealing with. My mom is in complete denial and feels everything is going to be fine. My dad and I have tried to discuss a few things, but she always interrupts and changes the subject. I understand her feelings and have decided to just be a support for both of them in anyway I can. The biopsy went very well for him, he didn't even take the pain medication they offered. He said the site where the IV was located was more sensitive than where they did the biopsy. The radiologist said they were able to get 3 samples and we should hear within the week. The dreaded waiting game. I'm so grateful for everyone here. You don't know how much you've already made an impact in my world. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Look to the top fo teh page and click on the profile button. Square box in middle of page for med info and can add as you go along. We can help more when we know entire history and you will not have to retype each time posting. Can update after each visit to Dr. Welcome to the boards here. We have a vast wealth of info to share... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanchez1747 Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Dad emailed me as soon as I made my first post on LCSC. He talked to the Doc and it doesn't look good. They can tell what type of cancer it is from the biopsy right? What should be the next step? It just seems everything is in slow-motion. I'm sorry to ramble, my mind is racing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Welcome Sanchez. Sorry you have reason to be here, but I'm sure you'll will get a lot of information and support from LCSC. My wild guess is that the next steps will be a visit to an oncologist and, perhaps, a pulmonary specialist. He might have a pulmonary function test- this is really no big deal and takes about 10 - 20 min. Yes, the biopsy should tell what kind of lung cancer he is dealing with. That info. is necessary to develop a treatment plan. Depending on the location and size of the tumor and the type of cancer he might have surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. If he has SCLC (small cell) you want to know if it's limited or extensive. If it's NSCLC (non-small cell)then you want to know the stage. Even though your Dad said "it doesn't look good," remember there are lots of things that can be done. Some people here have survived for a long, long time with advanced lung cancer. Please let us know how he is doing, what his treatment plan will be, and how we can help you. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyr Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Welcome Sanchez: we're here to help you, answer questions and offer support. Let us know how we can help you. Good Luck & God Bless wendyr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Welcome Sanchez nyka69....The members of this board are here for ALL posters, if you are feeling down or afraid please don't hesitate to post. We all know the feeling of fear, desperation and need for hope. There are many wives here who are trying to cope with what this horrible stuff has done to their husbands and families kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Nyka if you keep it bottled up inside........ You will go nuts!!! Lelt it out any time. Prayers go up and Blesings come down. Don't be afraid to post ever. Prayers and Hugs for both of you tonite.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanchez1747 Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Thanks everyone for your warm greetings. I just got home from visiting my parents and the initial biopsy results are melanoma. Believe me my eyebrow went up and I went silent when I heard this. I thought isn't that skin cancer? He said the doctor says it is rare, but a very aggressive cancer. Has anyone heard of this? The samples were sent to different locations and we are still waiting on results from one out of town. He is getting PET scan next week on Wednesday. I have already mentioned a 2nd opinion and he agrees. This is so hard, but I want you all to know the strength you gave me just reading you interact with one another and share stories whether great news or not so great. It has really helped me to open my eyes and see things differently. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Sanchez, http://moffitt.org/moffittapps/ccj/v2n5/article3.html Click on the above link and You will understand what has happened here in this case I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanchez1747 Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Thank you RandyW, That's what I'm afraid of. After my dad smoking for 40+ years I never expected this. Please pray that the local lab was wrong. I'm more scared now than before. Thanks, Maggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted August 10, 2007 Author Share Posted August 10, 2007 Hi Nyka, ( I knew it was American Bandstand) Welcome here. Reading your husbands profile I see he has started taxotere. My husband had that and they really have to watch his white blood count. There is a needle they can give him if that becomes a problem. I wish him luck! I know how scared you must be. But please know there is always hope and so many different treatments out there, that if one does not work then they will try something else. NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!!! Thats not an option. His profile did not mention what kind of LC he has and what his stage is. Please let us know this as this could be helpful for some of our members who may have the same kind and stage as his. Please keep a positive attitude and know we are always here for you, 24/7. So glad you were able to go on that cruise. I just know it was a magical trip filled with wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Keep us posted on his progress. I am sure you will hear from people who has his particular LC. So glad you joined us. Hang strong sweetie. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted August 10, 2007 Author Share Posted August 10, 2007 Welcome Sanchez, So glad you joined us. First of all, it seems a little confusing exactly what you dad has. I know after he gets his PET scan they will have more answers. Not knowing is a major bummer. Whatever they find that he has, they will start a treatment that will make him feel better. I understand your moms feelings as she is in denial right now. She has reason to feel that way as it is easier to think it is nothing and it will go away then to to face the fact that her soulmate may have to face some hard, challenging times ahead. Let's wait until the results of the Pet comes back. Then we will go from there. Now your stuck with us! ha, as we will not let you go through this alone. That's what you get for coming out and sharing your feelings. You get a group of people who care and besides support and information if you need prayers or just to vent, we are here to help you carry the burden. I know you will keep us posted. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 Thank you for posting this Maryanne. Please come out everyone Posting and chatting with others will ease your journey a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyka69 Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 Kathy, Randy, and Maryanne - What can I say? You guys are the best! Thank you for helping me feel more comfortable about posting. Although I've barely said a peep in all this time, you guys have been a tremendous support to me. I hope each of you understands the benefit that is derived by other members of this community through your sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 I hope each of you understands the benefit that is derived by other members of this community through your sharing. nyka69, Remember, we were ALL new posters at one time.. This web site and it's members were a God send for me when I was diagnosed. I learned more here than I did from all of my doctors combined. I could come here and post my feelings of anger or fear knowing full well there were sooo many members who had those same feelings and understood exactly what I was saying, but I didn't get that feeling from people at home. How could they? They've never felt it so they can't be blamed. I didn't understand until it happened to me. It also helped me to be able to talk to my kids and mother about other things without dwelling on this topic, without these great people they would have been stuck listening to me and trying to deal with all of my fears and frustrations. That would have been so hard for them since I lost my father to lung cancer four years prior It was hard enough for my mother just going to my chemo sessions and doctor appointments, she didn't need the long talks. Please continue to post whatever feelings you may have that you need help with and anger venting is most definitely a big part of dealing with this ^$&*&+& stuff. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted September 9, 2007 Author Share Posted September 9, 2007 ----bump---- Just thought I would bump this back up. Maybe we can get some more lurkers out of the shadows so we could help them through this. Please post we know how scared you are. We are here to help you. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 "sanchez1747" Dad...talked to the Doc and it doesn't look good. Maggie, they must teach that line in medical school. As I was waking up from my exploratory thoracotomy a year ago, the surgeon came in and said "you do have lung cancer, adenocarcinoma, and it doesn't look very good." Within an hour the pulmonologist came in and said "I talked to Dr. X -- did he tell you it doesn't look very good?" Well, that little bit of "information" was not helpful. Our family physician was more upbeat, and he gave my wife a list of 4 oncologists he described as "caring physicians who are up-to-date on the latest treatments." We picked one on the personal recommendation of friends, had a very positive meeting, and I'm still here. Your Dad can be too. Best wishes and Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbara5452 Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Welcome, you have already received some wonderful advise and opinions, when feeling discouraged come back and read them over and over that is what I do when I post negative and get such a tremendous uplifting comments from these wonderful people. Again welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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