Hello

[Van55]

I seem to get a bronchial cough every winter. This winter was no exception. I thought it would clear up on its own, but finally went to the doctor early this month. Advair was prescribed and I was sent for a precautionary xray.

Xray was mildly suspicious, I was told, so I was sent for a CT Scan on March 10.

CT Scan was abnormal and I was sent to a pulmonary specialist. He showed me the films and my left lung was virtually collapsed and casing filled with fluid. Thoracentesis was done the next day, March 18.

Yesterday I was advised that the fluid contained cancer cells consistent with primary lung tumor. The repeat CT Scan showed the fluid had built up again, and no tumor can be visualized as a result.

Next appointments are with an oncologist (April 1) and a thoracic surgeon (no date set).

Needless to say, I am alarmed. No cancer in my family ever.

I've looked at some of the great survivor stories on these pages, and I hope someday to tell another of them.

I'm 63 years old and communicated with my 25 and 22 year old kids today. I had to comfort them and insist that we all keep a positive outlook.

[LovesLife]

Hi Van55 - I am sorry that you have need to be here, but I welcome you to this family.

I remember all too well the beginning when the testing was just starting - it is gut wrenching and difficult to be patient waiting for results. It sounds, though, that things are moving fairly quickly for you and soon you will have a plan in place.

There is hope - lung cancer can be beaten! There are many who have done just that on these boards ... yes, your story can be one of hope to someone else who is new someday. Most importantly ... don't listen to statistics - you are not a statistic - you are a human being and there is no expiration date on your foot.

It is good you have your kids to help you through the process - take all the help you can get - both emotionally and physically.

Keep us posted - we care.

Linda

[Bud Baker]

Welcome, Van. Glad you found us. This time just after diagnosis is tough. Let us know what you find out. There is lots of great support here.

[recce101]

Hi, Van, welcome to the group. After you see the oncologist, let us know what treatment is planned so those of us who have been through the same routine can give you some tips. Your attitude is great, and that will be a big part of your arsenal over the next few months. Aloha,

Ned

[Donna G]

HI Van. I too am glad you found us. I am about your age now but I was just 50 when I was told I had lung cancer. I will never forget how shocking and upseting it was and how stressful all the Dr. visits and tests were. I am so glad that your Dr. followed up and got the xrays and CT done. We are waiting to hear from you what else is planned and what the plan for treatment is. Best wishes.

Donna G

[chloesmom]

Hi Van,

I was 47 when I had a chest xray that showed a mass that led to a CT and surgery, etc. It's so terrifying when you're first given that kind of news, and those days are hard to get through, but, 7 years later, I'm feeling better than I have in years.

Stay in touch with us, let us know what we can do for you, and know that others have walked this path and made it through.

Cindy

[jstdzy]

Van,

Welcome! Glad you found us so early in this journey. This is a great place to ask question, scream, yell, laugh. Good luck to you, we are here and we hear you!

Dana

[Van55]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the kind words.

Waiting for these doctors' appointments is difficult. I want an action plan and to begin executing it NOW. LOL.

[Bud Baker]

Yes, and you'll have less anxiety once you have a plan, even if you're not particularly happy with the plan. Good luck, and let us know what you find out.

[jaminkw]

The repeat CT Scan showed the fluid had built up again, and no tumor can be visualized as a result.

Van, they found my cancer in the cells from the chest fluid also but never did find a tumor. I suppose only time will tell with you since they indicate the fluid could be obstructing the view. It's amazing that they can pinpoint the type of cancer and the origin just from analyzing the cells.

I say over and over over that waiting is the worst. So check in as often as you'd like. We're good at waiting with our members.

Judy

[fillise]

Welcome Van--although it stinks that you had to find us, I'm glad you did. As you have seen already, folks here are willing to share their experiences and tips for coping with everything from treatments to scananxiety. Most of us were very frustrated in the beginning because it takes so dadgum long to figure out what is going on and get a treatment plan into place.

We will wait with you and int he meantime try to answer any questions you may have.

Susan

[barbvh]

Hi Van,

Welcome. Glad that you found us. Waiting can be the worse for some people. For me, the known is easier to handle than the unknown. Hope you get your plan soon. Please keep us posted. Wishing you peace as you find your way on this journey. Everyone will be here for you whenever you need.

[eric byrne]

Hi Van 55,

Great you found LCSC so quickly,took me over a year,the support here is absolutely brilliant,youll certainly never bear your burden alone, the caring sharing buddies are here for you 24/7,we are all rooting for you,best of luck on April 1st,looking forward to getting to know you.

Kind Regards,

Eric Byrne.

[Muriel]

Welcome to our group, Van. I'm glad that you found us so quickly. I think you'll find lots of support and information here. Do let us know your treatment plan after that is determined. We're good at trying to answer questions, so come back soon.

Muriel