cathyr Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Hi Friends, Well, I now have surgery scheduled to remove the remaining lobe of my left lung. A new tumor has been discovered. Thank God for second opinions. One surgeon who has been "watching" this for a year was wrong in thinking that it was "nothing." We are praying that the lymph node is not involved. It is swollen on the CT scan, but did not light up on the PET scan. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I go on Nov. 25 for pre-op work-up and then Dec. 2nd for surgery. I will have to follow up with chemo for 4 cycles. Wonderful timing for the holidays, huh? I hate this damn disease. It took my husband 3 1/2 years ago and now I'm fighting for my life as well. I think the worst part for me is putting my family and friends through this. I put on as positive a face as possible because I think that will help them get through this - particularly my mom. But, sometimes, when I'm on this board and reading these messages, it breaks my heart that there is so much suffering in this. I look forward to the day when nobody has to sign up for the "New to this Board" section or when the "Good News" section is longer than this section. I remain very grateful to all of you for listening, praying with me, and just being there. I will try to update you all after my surgery when I am able. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berisa Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy, good luck and definitely keep the fingers crossed. no worries !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy, wishing you the best of luck here too. I'm here to tell you cancer sucks!!!! DavidA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna D Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy, Wishing you the best, my prayers are with you. Dona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Dear Cathy, You're right about the timing. They will come and go and before you know it will be Jan 1 and this year will be behind you. I'm looking forward to the new year as well. You beat it once you can do it again. I wont say I know what you are going through because I dont, just know you are thought of and I hope for a smooth and quick recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy, I will hold you in prayer as you go through this surgery. I hope for a speedy and complete recovery and will be watching for your post telling us of the success! Blessings, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Dear Cathy, I will pray for a successful surgery and for a speedy, pain free recovery. Ginny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy, I wish you well and pray the same. Have a good holiday. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MO_Sugar Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Prayers and good wishes sent your way. God Bless, MO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DaveG Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy: That hand you just felt holding yours is mine. We'll hold hands together as both of us begin yet another journey of treatment for this ugly disease. I expect that I will be starting my treatment for liver mets the same day as your surgery. I will be praying for you as I get my treatment and will also say a prayer for all the others we share lung cancer with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Best wishes for an uneventful surgical recovery, Cathy. You've been there before, and that gives you an advantage. Remember to do those breathing exercises, use the pillow, get up and out of bed, and take the pain med's. Looking forward to seeing you here once you feel better, Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebayou Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Dear Cathy, Just to echo all of the good wishes that have been sent your way. You will be and are in my prayers. God Bless us All!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted November 24, 2003 Share Posted November 24, 2003 Cathy, I will be thinking of you on the 2nd. Hurry and get back on the boards...we will be here waiting for you!! Wishing you the best of luck... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Gods Speed Cathy~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam'swifeShirley Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 May God be with you on this new leg of the journey. We all are behind you. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Cathy- This development really sucks, but I'm so glad you had the second opinion and that you are eligible for surgery once again. Everything is crossed and prayers are being offered that all goes the very best for you that it can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 Hi Cathy, Good luck and definitely praying for you. Peace take care and God Bless. Rich ************************************************************* The Power Of People Helping People / The Power Of Knowledge / The Power Of God / The Power Of Believing / The Power Of Positive Thinking / The Power Of Never Taking No For An Answer / That’s The Key ************************************************************* Questions To Ask The Doctor About Lung Cancer http://www.plwc.org/plwc/MainConstructo ... 08,00.html With Every Breath A Lung Cancer Guidebook / From ALCASE / A Wealth Of Information / Free http://www.alcase.org/education/publica ... reath.html The Cancer Survival Toolbox / Free / From NCCS http://www.cancersurvivaltoolbox.org Clinical Trails Listing Service / Center Watch http://www.centerwatch.com Lung Cancer In The News / GOOGLE http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&editi ... ung+cancer The Wellness Community / National Cancer Support, Education And Support / Free http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/pro ... /guide.asp Drug Information Online http://www.drugs.com ALCASE / Alliance For Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, Education http://www.alcase.org Unites States / National Library Of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov Health Information / Medical Encyclopedia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html Google / Great Search Engine http://www.google.com R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc. / Please read: A Letter to all newly diagnosed cancer patients http://blochcancer.org American Cancer Society / No Matter Who You Are, We Can Help http://www.cancer.org Cancer Information Service / NCI http://www.cancer.gov Cancer Research Center / A Cure For Cancer... http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org American Institute for Cancer Research; Nutrition Hotline / AICR http://www.aicr.org Cancer Hope Network / Cancer? http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org Association of Cancer Online Resources / Free Online Lifeline For Everyone Affected By Cancer & Related Disorders http://www.acor.org Lung Cancer Information Library / Electronic Library Of Comprehensive Educational Materials On Cancer For Healthcare Professionals And Patients. http://www.meds.com/lung/lunginfo.html ************************************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted November 25, 2003 Share Posted November 25, 2003 God bless and keep you, Cathy, through your preliminary workup the 25th and through your surgery the 2nd. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know when you're back online. Warmly, MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anniemac Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 Cathy, thank God for 2nd opinions!! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers on the 2nd. It's my neice's birthday, so I won't forget!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyr Posted November 26, 2003 Author Share Posted November 26, 2003 How do I begin to thank you for all the good wishes and encouragement? It means more than I can express. I had the pre-op today which went fine. For those out there that have never had a lobectomy, I had my first one 2 years and 3 months ago. I now have 90% lung capacity. Not bad at all for having a missing upper left lobe. I am known as the karaoke queen of Culver City, Ca. so I think all that crooning helped! I'm set for a 7:00 a.m. surgery Dec. 2, and I am going to just hope for the best. I have wonderful support, a strong will, and "warrior" mentality. Just had to come back on the boards to thank you all. By the way, the first surgeon whose office dismissed my last scans as "probably still nothing" called me Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. to apologize and let me know that his associate who saw me never alerted him to the importance of looking at my scans. At least he called back and apologized. I suppose thats more than some would do. Or, do you think he's hoping to avert a law suit? Anyway, my friends, love and good wishes to you all. I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving! God Bless you all! CathyR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted November 26, 2003 Share Posted November 26, 2003 Cathy, Glad you followed your "gut" and sought a second opinion. May you have SMALL pains during recovery - just enough to remind you to TAKE IT EASY! Hope all your IVs are warm! Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted November 27, 2003 Share Posted November 27, 2003 Cathy, Best wishes and prayers for your upcoming surgery. I had total left lung removed 2/02 and despite fact that I only had 30% lung function I have managed well using oxygen only at night and when I exercise. I walk 2 mi at rate of 2 1/2 mi per hour. That won't set break a speed record but is better than nothing to keep in shape. Also bowm 3 games in senior league weekly. You are starting out with more capacity so should manage fine. Determination is what it takes and it sounds like you have plenty of that. God Bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie Posted December 1, 2003 Share Posted December 1, 2003 My thoughts and wishes are with you. You'll be up and about in time for the holidays and just think, you have a good excuse for not shopping. I know it's hard, but try to keep your spirits up. It will help in a quick recovery. I'll be thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted December 1, 2003 Share Posted December 1, 2003 Cathy, Thoughts and prayers are with you go into surgery. You are a survivor and God be with you at all times. Stay strong and believe. By his stripes you are healed.... God Bless Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gina D. Posted December 2, 2003 Share Posted December 2, 2003 Wishing you the best! Since you have done this once before..will you be giving instructions pre op? You will do fine! I know it's hard to not be nervous about this, but you know it can work out great..and with your strength, i know it will! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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