Melanie86 Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Hello Reader, I just found out the night befor Christmas Eve that I have lung cancer. I'm 23, never smoked, hardly ever drink, and live a healthy and active life style. It's a rare tumour called (pardon my spelling) a neuroendocrine carcinoid tumour... it's rare, usually found in the stomache area, and usually in people ages 50 - 60. Slow growing, produces hormones, and does not respond well to chemo/radiation. Usually spreads to the liver first. I'm getting my blood work done tomorrow, when the results are in, I'll be getting my first CT, then meet with my surgeon for the first time to discuss the plan of action. Doctor said she'll probably remove my RML if not half of the lung. Anyone out there who's just starting out? or who has had a similar thing happen? Sincerely, Melanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 I cant relate as to the type but can help you get started in understanding!! http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/conte ... mor_56.asp Treatment from John Hopkins University! http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/liver_tu ... umors.html Now we are sorry we have to meet You but we are glad we have met!! This site does have a volunteer oncologist< Dr. West of the Swedish institute In Seattle Washington! He donates his time to helping our members. Many of us are also over there as well with same screen names.. Here is the link. We can give you the support you need here and Dr West is able to provide medical info as well!! http://cancergrace.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melanie86 Posted December 29, 2009 Author Share Posted December 29, 2009 Thanks very much for the information! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ts Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 I hope you have a bad sense of humor - perhaps you are too new and too young? But here is the line a friend gave me last year - "If cancer is a gift, please forget me at Christmas!" Seems truly applicable for you. Your intro sounds so calm - you must have a good support system? How was this detected? I don't know about your type of cancer either - I hope you have a great team of doctors who can kick butt and give you another chance at a full and happy life. Please come back and let us know how you are doing and what the plan is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Hi Melanie So sorry to hear you have to be dealing with this terrible disease. You will find members here very supportive and a great source of information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Hi Melanie, Welcome aboard, sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. I was dx'd with sclc, not your type, but I had an ull which is about 60 to 70 percent of your left lung. You only have 2 lobes in your left lung, but 3 in your right, your a lucky girl! LOL! It helps to have a sick sense of humor. Thank heavens it is slow growing. This is a great site, scream, yell, cry, laugh glad your here! Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Melanie, Welcome to our little corner of the internet. I'm so sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us since you do. Most of us found that we were in shock for a little while right after Dx. It helps to take someone with you to appointments to help you listen and to ask questions. You will need an advocate in this process because sometimes you will hear things that you can't or don't want to process. I also second Randy's suggestion to go over to www.cancergrace.org. it is a physician mediated site and the Drs there are fabulous about answering questions and helping you to understand treatment options. We will be here to try to answer any questions you have and to offer general support. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Hi, Melanie, welcome to LCSC! Several members have suggested that you visit cancergrace.org (GRACE — Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education). To get you started, here's a post on a number of the less common lung cancer subtypes: http://cancergrace.org/lung/2007/03/22/lcnec-tumors/ The article gets rather involved, and when I read it I kept trying to confuse "carcinoid" with "carcinoma" (they're NOT the same), so I've extracted the most pertinent passage for your situation: On one end of the spectrum are carcinoids, which have such a favorable prognosis as tumors that they aren’t historically considered a carcinoma. The term carcinoid suggests just a similarity to carcinomas. In fact, they are on the most favorable end of the neuroendocrine tumor spectrum. Let us know what plan your doctors come up with. Lung surgery sounds drastic, I know, but believe me, for someone who is eligible, it's the surest route to a cure! Best wishes and Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted December 29, 2009 Share Posted December 29, 2009 Melanie... Only here at LCSC will you hear us say that it is a good thing when they talk surgery. Surgery means your doctors have a very definitive plan for you and your recovery. I've seen some amazing procedures, one doctor who performs the VATS lobechtomy said his patients basically take tylenol for a few days after. This is a great group, we have LOTS of survivors here and we'll be with you on the journey. Please keep us posted on all the details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melanie86 Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 Thank you everyone for your welcome! It's amazing to see so many people who think of others. You are all so supportive and are blessings to so many people who get the chance to talk to you. I will keep you posted. Sincerely, Melanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 Check this out!!! http://www.orlive.com/index.cfm?furl=/e ... ng-cancer- Not for the squeamish! This is shows actual surgery being done and explains a the hows and whys of VATS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMLV Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 You are young and that is a BIG advantage in your battle. If I may suggest, a good sense of humor accompanied by your healthy lifestyle and your calm approach to your cancer can contribute to a successful recovery. I wish you the best and please keep all of us informed with regards to your progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melanie86 Posted January 4, 2010 Author Share Posted January 4, 2010 Thank you for your advice! I just had my first CT on Saturday, i'll let you guys know the results when i find out! Sincerely, Melanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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