nctcancer14 Posted April 13, 2014 Share Posted April 13, 2014 I am 68 year old grandmother and quit smoking 4 years ago. Now I have lung cancer in the lymph nodes and after weeks of poking and prodding we start tomorrow on our 5 week regimen. It will be radiation and chemo every Monday and radiation Tuesday through Friday of the 5 weeks. I am praying that I can be strong enough to beat this but also not embarrass myself to my friends and family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianew Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I am so sorry you are going through this, but glad that you found us. I think the scariest part of this is the beginning. No one is ever sure what to expect with chemo and radiation. You don't say what kind of lung cancer, or what particular chemo drug you may be having, but many of us have been on a very similar treatment path. Today they have so many medications that help with the side effects. While not a fun thing to go through, most find it doable. The main thing is to take good care of yourself. If there was ever a time to pamper yourself - and let others pamper you - this is it. And drink as much water as you can - very important. This is a great place to come for support. Everyone here is either a patient or a caregiver, and understands what you are going through. This is also a good place to come just to vent - when you don't want to complain to family or friends. Here you can vent away anytime! Please come back often and let us know how treatment is going and how you are doing. You can do this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Most of us know what you are going through. My treatment started with daily radiation and chemo. Glad you found us. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyA Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Hello nctcancer14, My name is Cindy, welcome to the Lung Cancer Support Community. I will send you positive thoughts for today as you begin your treatment plan. Please come back and let us know how you are feeling. There are many friends on this board who have gone through (or still are experiencing) similar & maybe the exact same treatments. We are here to support you. If you are interested in personal one on one support, please don't hesitate to let us know. Support@LUNGevity.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I too am so glad you found us here at LCSC. There are so many wonderful members with a wealth of information and support. I hope you return soon to let us know how you're doing! Hang in there ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 some of oldschool caregivers can help with a lot of things also if you need them.. let us know how your doing and what we can do to help in this fight!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nctcancer14 Posted April 15, 2014 Author Share Posted April 15, 2014 Thank you for all of the warm welcomes. I completed my first chemo and radiation yesterday and managed to complete my day as usual. Had a horrible night of sleep with some flushing on face and upper chest so may be having an allergic reaction. Radiation again today may answer that question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 I don't have any information about flushing from radiation but I'm sure others here have some for you. Hoping your treatments go smoothly for you. Please let us know how you're doing ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianew Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Hopefully you've mentioned the flushing to your doctor. Most people get steroids when they have chemo and if that's the case, some people do have an allergic reaction. I'm glad to hear that it has been a good start otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nctcancer14 Posted April 15, 2014 Author Share Posted April 15, 2014 Thank you for the responses...I did check with the Doc and sure enough it is her belief its a reaction to the steroids and should work its way out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 Glad you'll be able to get some relief from the flushing. Treatment side effects are no fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyA Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I've experienced flushing from steroids before and I found that cool rags, or non plastic ice bags were very helpful. I hope it clears up real soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nctcancer14 Posted May 10, 2014 Author Share Posted May 10, 2014 Back again to share my progress. I have completed 4 out of 5 weeks of treatment and have been amazingly well during this time. I have experienced the stomach issues of diarrhea and constipation on a weekly basis. I also have esophagitis which means everything is now liquid. That started in my 3rd week. No hair loss and some fatigue. I have been to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and apparently during the surgery to remove the cancerous lymph nodes my left vocal cord was paralyzed and I now have a freaky voice. Celebrating Mother's day with my family on Sunday with Broccoli Cheese soup. Yes bless their hearts they are eating soup with me. They have been so wonderful to me during this process and I am so appreciative to them and all of my friends. One more week which includes one chemo and five radiation treatments. After that I will be resting and preparing for the lobectomy on June 9th. Happy Mother's Day to all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted May 10, 2014 Share Posted May 10, 2014 What a great family you have Happy Mother's Day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jde512 Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 I never had to have radiation, but the steroids with my chemo treatments always caused my skin to be flush for several days. I can totally relate to the digestive issues also. Praying for your comfort and strength! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyA Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 nctcancer14, I hope you had a lovely Mothers Day! Broccoli and cheese soup sounds great! Have your symptoms eased up a bit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nctcancer14 Posted May 16, 2014 Author Share Posted May 16, 2014 Not yet CindyA. My last chemo was Monday and today was my last radiation treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nctcancer14 Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Thank you for the good thoughts. I know it has been a while since I have updated but had sciatica start in my right leg to the screaming level the first of May and just had an epidural done this morning...sure hope it helps. All treatments are done and I have begun to taste and be able to swallow since last week. Surgery is Monday to remove the top lobe of the right lung and I hope all is well with that. I'm ready to be done.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nctcancer14 Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 I have improved pain level and feel that I can now cruise into the surgery with a better attitude. Thank you for your support. Jun 9th at 5:30 am comes early when you are 2 hours from the hospital so I will stay in a nearby hotel the night before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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