Denise G Posted March 22, 2017 Share Posted March 22, 2017 Hi, I'm new to your group. I'm a 74 yr. old female with COPD. I've just been diagnosed with Stage 1A Squamous NSCLC. Because of the COPD and lung function tests, I'm not a candidate for lung surgery. Just had a brain MRI yesterday as a precaution; thank goodness no evidence of cancer anywhere but in my lung. My radiation oncologist has mapped out a method of treatment for me: radiation 3 days a week for 10 sessions. Hopefully this will help my situation. I've read everything I can on my condition and I'm hopeful for a good outcome. I've also read all the possible side effects from the radiation, and I just have to wait and see how it effects me personally. I remain optimistic about my cancer. Denise G (from NW Florida) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Cornett Posted March 22, 2017 Share Posted March 22, 2017 Welcome, Denise. I'm sorry about your diagnosis but it sounds like it was caught quite early which is wonderful. I have found this forum and its members to be incredibly helpful. Please keep us posted on your progress. I see you're from NW Florida - anywhere near Fort Walton? LaurenH 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise G Posted March 22, 2017 Author Share Posted March 22, 2017 Susan, thanks for your welcome. I'm 94 miles east of Ft. Walton Beach in a very small town called Clarksville. All of our major doctors are in Panama City about a 45 min. drive for us. I've lived here 10 years now, having spent most of my life in South Florida, Palm Beach County. Regards, Denise Susan Cornett 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted March 22, 2017 Share Posted March 22, 2017 Denise, Welcome here. I am very familiar with the Panhandle of Florida and in particular Panama City. I'm also unfortunately familiar with your recipe of NSCLC because I also have Squamous cell. The very good part of your diagnosis, if a lung cancer diagnosis has any goodness, is it is an early find. Radiation ought to fry it. I wouldn't be surprised if you get a series of chemotherapy infusions after radiation. That is pretty standard. Optimism is the secret for success. For me, the first and second week of radiation were a piece of cake. The third through the sixth week were difficult. I developed a bad sunburn-like skin burn and a raspy dry cough. Prescribed medication handled most of this problem but I started to feel drained of energy as the radiation progressed. My last week, I was bed-bound save for trips to the clinic. That I'm told is a usual condition. Stay the course. Tom LaurenH 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise G Posted March 22, 2017 Author Share Posted March 22, 2017 Hi Tom: Thanks for your reply. I do wonder about the side effects I will have with my radiation being done in 10 sessions instead of usual 5 days a week for 6-8 weeks. It seems to be a modified SBRT. So far I can't find anyone who's had radiation done this way but, even if I did, my reaction might be totally different. And I fully intend to "stay the course" and remain as positive and upbeat as I can. So far no mention of chemo but I'll cross that bridge as I come to it. I'm taking one day at a time right now and am very grateful for the support I'm receiving from my husband and family. Regards, Denise Tom Galli 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted March 23, 2017 Share Posted March 23, 2017 Denise, Perhaps a small localized tumor allows SBRT to be more focused thus fewer treatments. It is a great question to ask however. Even the radiology techs that administer your treatments ought to know. And....yes! Stay the course. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise G Posted March 23, 2017 Author Share Posted March 23, 2017 Yep, I'll be sure to ask him. BTY, I got a copy of your book "Scanziety" at Amazon and have downloaded it to my Kindle. I'm really looking forward to reading it. Regards, Denise Tom Galli 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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