CaroleHammett Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed back in 01/07--my only symptom a mild intermittant cough--only days after having been snowboarding at Eldora with my grandchildren. I quickly became aware of how dismal the survival rates for lung cancer are, but launched myself on a "time-buying" program in which quality of life has always been my top consideration. I opted for the most aggressive "time buyer" out there (concurrent chemo and radiation) and quickly came to learn the truth of the saying: "If the cancer doesn't kill you, the cure will!" Nevertheless, despite a number of knockdowns, I have managed to bounce back every time and, for the most part, my quality of life has remained high (for example, in between hospitalizations last year, I managed two trips to California: one a "memory" trip with my grandkids to Disneyland, et al; and the other a Mexican cruise with 12 female family members and friends). In other words, this journey I have undertaken, despite its ups and downs, has been extremely rewarding and I find that I'm generally in a good and optimistic mood, knowing that no matter how or when I go, in the meantime, I've had one hell of a ride for the money! In the meantime--from Boulder, Colorado--a giant thanks to all for having me here! Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hi Carole, Yep, this journey is full of ups and downs. Get in, hang on tight and away we go! I too am a Stage IIIB. Read my profile below. I have a dear friend who doesn't have computer who is the same stage & kind of cancer as you are. He is a 14 year survivor. This can be beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hello Carole. Welcome to the site. I am glad you have joined us and shared your story. Please keep posting! Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Hi Carol and welcome. I am a 3b as well. So nice to hear about all the "life" you have enjoyed since your diagnosis. Take care Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 "CaroleHammett" ...a giant thanks to all for having me here! And thank YOU for BEING here -- love your attitude. Best wishes and Aloha from another IIIb, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Carole- Welcome to our site. I am glad you found us. I hope that the Tarceva holds your cancer stable. My husband was also a stage IIIb and Tarceva was a great time buyer. You should ask about Avastin with the Tarceva, it is also doing great things for lung cancer. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Welcome Carol,Sorry about your diagnosis but happy you found your way here.I hope and pray the best for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Welcome Carol! I'm so glad that you are here!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hi ya Carole and welcome. don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Carole- Welcome!!! Glad you found us!! Your great attitude probably has a lot to do with your continued success - keep up the good work!!! Hugs - Patti B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hello Again, Carole, I am soooo glad to see you here. Your attitude is fantastic, and I hope it is contagious. Please keep posting. People with your zest for life give us a bolstering. Sending you a warm welcome, Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hi Carole, Another IIIB wishing you a very warm welcome to survivorship!!!! God Bless!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaroleHammett Posted April 8, 2008 Author Share Posted April 8, 2008 Hi, Rochelle. Thanks to you and everyone else for the warm welcome. As to Avastin, it is not recommended for those of us who have squamous cell type NSCLC (the same has recently become true of Nexavar). I do still have Alimta as another fall back, although statistically, it only has a 25% chance of working. The good news is that I'm not a statistic! Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrahDawg Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 Welcome glad you joined and shared your story. I know it's not easy some times but try and keep your great attitude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted April 8, 2008 Share Posted April 8, 2008 Welcome Carole, Luv your super positive attitude. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 Welcome Carole, Love your great attitude! Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judy-OK Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 Glad you found us. Sorry you had to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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