Tony Casson Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 I'm 66 years old and lived a very reckless life that should have ended in death many times before now. That doesn't mean I am going to lay down without a fight. Still trying to put it all together and perhaps find others nearby working their way through it as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 Hi Tony, Welcome to the group, glad you found us. This isn’t a party anyone wants to be invited to however you’ll find lots of good friends here. First things first, no need to theorize about lifestyle and lung cancer. It can happen to anyone with lungs. Most of the time it’s a result of a freak gene mutation. The last five years have seen astronomical leaps of new treatments that make lung cancer a chronic condition. The early days of hurry up and wait are the worst part, it gets easier. There’s lots of sub types of LC so let us know what has been shared with you so we can jump in to help. Michelle Tom Galli and LouT 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Casson Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Hi, Michelle. Thanks for reaching out. Adenocarcinoma, stage 3. Due to C-Virus, have not even met my oncologist face to face yet. I am scheduled to have a port installed on the 17th with radiation and chemo to start shortly thereafter, followed by immunotherapy. I did smoke quite heavily for 43 years. Ironically, quit almost 10 years to the day of receiving my diagnosis after a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node in my chest discovered as part of a 'routine' cancer screening during the first physical I've had since I was....well, in forever. You're right. The early waiting is difficult. I just want to get on with it. But I also want some dialogue with the Dr about alternatives and clinical trials. It's all new, of course, and I am still just getting used to using the word 'cancer' in reference to myself. Nut I remain confident and optimistic and my faith is strong. Don't know what else to say at this point. The road stretches long ahead of me, but I can see I will not be traveling it alone. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 Yep, the C-virus is definitely hampering our community in one way or another. A word of optimism here: Stage III LC is treated with curative intent. Beatable. It’s also very rare as LC has no symptoms and is primarily diagnosed at Stage IV. I read some stats in the beginning that 87% of people with LC were non smokers at the time of diagnosis AND only 1 in 10 smokers actually had LC. I was a health nut, did everything right and here I am. Adenocarcinoma has many sub types. When you meet your oncologist ask for something called comprehensive biomarker testing. It determines if you should take a pill therapy after chemo/radiation for maintenance treatment. Keep us posted and ask away. There’s several folks here you’ll really enjoy meeting. Michelle BridgetO, RonH, Tom Galli and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Casson Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 I passed on the question to my doctor. Kaiser's messaging center is great and he has responded quickly so far to all I have asked. I do appreciate the information, the help, and the quick responses. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Hi Tony and welcome. Michelle's input on biomarker testing is spot on. And I wouldn't worry a whole lot about not meeting in person with your medical oncologist. Those guys (and mine have all been women) are not very hands on. Are you able to get phone appoinments, or better yet video? Staying out of medical offices as much as possible is a good idea these days. best of luck and keep posting. Bridget O Rower Michelle, Tom Galli and RonH 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Casson Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 Thanks for the welcome, Bridget. Not really worried at all about not meeting my doctor. As it happens, someone I work with had him and really liked him, and I felt good about him over the phone. I'll meet him soon enough. Thanks again, and stay safe. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Hi Tony. I just want to welcome you to the family here. My LC was treated with surgery so if/when you reach that point I can share my experiences and answer questions for you, but many others here can help with chemo and other forms of treatment. Stay strong and you can get through this. Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Casson Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 Hi, Lou - Thanks for the encouragement. I have been told that surgery is not an option, but I do appreciate everyone's welcoming and encouraging words. I have a tremendous amount of support around me in friends and co-workers, and although my family is scattered around the country, we have found ways to come together. I am certain the journey will be unlike anything I can imagine, but I feel well equipped to embark on it. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LUNGevityKristin Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 Hi, Tony. Welcome to LCSC. You have received great advice so far. I just wanted to share Lung Cancer 101 with you. It is a great resource for learning terms, the different steps of the process, etc. https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/lung-cancer-101 Also, if you ever need additional resources, the Lung Cancer HELPLine is a complimentary service available. https://lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services/lung-cancer-helpline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Ann Torrone Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 Hi Tony, you are not alone in your journey. I too was recently diagnosed with lung cancer that they have yet to stage. Staging will take place next week when I undergo surgery on my lymph nodes. I am also 66 years old and am not sure what to expect next. My cancer is in both lungs. I am with you Tony! Mary Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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