AdaW Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Dear Cherry, Welcome to the board. I know this has been an emotional roller coaster for you, but once you start treatment, things will calm down a bit. Your treatment plan seems very good. You know chemo can work to shrink tumors. That's something that never really sunk in for me when I was going through chemo and radiation. I don't know what I was thinking, but when I had a complete response to one of the chemo drugs, and my tumor became a scar, you could have knocked me over with a feather. You are just starting your journey. You will be amazed at what you can do. People always tell me, I couldn't do what you are doing and I say "yes you could." We face what we need to face, with courage and dignity, as the occasion arises. At least that's how it's been for me. I know that's how it will be for you too. I am thinking of you and wishing you well. Ada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Hi, Cherry! Thanks for bringing us the update and your thoughts and feelings. The protocol looks good. Waiting is the hardest part, I think. My prayers and with you. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocco Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Cherry- Most lung cancers are not found until stage IIIb or IV, so this is not unusual. there are many of us out here who are survivors that you can draw from. Statistics don't take everything into account. Your age, for one thing; my onc told me that beng so young was a tremendous advantage. Also, being asympomatic other than pain is a very good sign. I would tell you to be sure that you are at a facility which specializes in cancer and that yuour onc is a lung cancer specialist. if you are uncomfortable in any way with your onc-get a second opnion. They expect it, it is your illness and you have a right to the best treatment possible. I had carbo/taxol and had very few side effects....it's a mental thing-don't allow the side effects to interefere with your life. Good luck. Rocco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherry45 Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Jenny, Ada, Don & Rocco...THANKS! Your words of encouragement really made me smile, that's the type of messages that help us all. I really stay so inspired by hearing about you, as do so many, I am sure. Thanks...you all are in my thoughts. Cherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BETH Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Hi, Cherry, you and I are both 45 both stage 4 and both scared. But a least we know we are not alone. I have bone mets which are painful. the rad.12 x's helped but not enough to stop the pain meds. I start chemo Monday did I mention I was scared? but I read everyones post everyday sometimes more than once and i know others can do it so can i and so can you. My mother lost her fight with sclc on 9-10-01, another of my bigest worries. but i will fight . i have my age on my side as you do. and goodhealth other than this. right? that is important or so i have been told by my onc. please e-mail Bethyhoff@yahoo.com if you want to chat. God bless us all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherry45 Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 As of today, my adrenal gland biopsy had not been scheduled. grrrrrrrrrr I knew without these results the doctor would want to put my first chemo treatment off a week. I had my MRI of the brain today and I asked the technician about the results and she said she would not be able to say anything as to positive or negative.....Well, I survived the MRI with meds and a friend talking me thru it. After it was over I went to the screen with probably 14 pics of my brain, lookin very weird. I could have tried out for the "Alien" movies I'm sure. My brain looked bizarre. The tech moved them letting me see many angles...Finally I said, what would show up if it's in the brain?She said a bright white spot. I said, I don't see any white spots....I looked over at the technicican and she just smiled a big smile. I cried, hugged her and she said, it's not 100% but it looks good!!!!!! Not long after, I recieved a call from my doctors nurse telling me that I did not have to have the adrenal gland biopsy after all, as it was such a small spot it wasn't worth doing all the trouble it would be to get to it. She then said I could begin chemo therapy tomorrow!!!!!! :lol:I said, the chemo will work on the adrenal gland anyway, right? and she responded...Yes, it will. I am so happy...looks as if the brain is clear and chemo begins......Please think positively for me.....I feel truly blessed today! I'll keep you posted! Cherry45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny G. Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Oh Cherry, I'm so happy for you, what a great story. I know just how you felt. I couldn't get through the first brain MRI and had to reschedule a week later, it was agony. Then when they told me the results it was such an emotional experience, an unbelievable relief. So glad to hear you will be starting treatment right away. Hang in there. Jenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaMRG Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Cherry, I just found your post today and followed it through!! Im sooooo happy to read about your MRI and that you are starting chemo. I will feel better when my father starts treatment and stops this disease in its tracks!! Keep us posted!! Love, Linda daughter, Matthew, age 63 recently diagnosed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea B. Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Cherry, What great news, I am so happy for you!!! Good luck on the chemo tomorrow and I will be praying and sending you positive thoughts. All the best, Andrea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlon Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Great news Cherry. Wishing you great results with chemo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Hi Cherry; I'm sooooo glad you got some good news !!!! I'll be praying that the chemo shrinks the bugger and that they cut it out!! Keep up that positive attitude and share what your feeling. and know your not alone! God Bless and be well Bobmc - NSCLC - stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 "absolutely insist on enjoying life today!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherry45 Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Thanks for all the well wishes!! I survived my first time...I'm no longer a "chemo virgin" hahahaha... It really was easier than I expected...so far no sickness or tiredness. I have no idea what the night will bring on later, but I'm pleased so far. So this will be my routine for 9 weeks, chemo every Wednesday. I welcome each and every treatment..knowing it's killing this growing monster inside of me. I just pray for that and hope I can get thru it as easy as possible. I do realize it will get much tougher as time goes but I've got my bullet ready to bite and just deal with whatever comes my way. I'll keep you posted as the weird stuff begins...and you all are always in my prayers. You're the best support system I've found and feel lucky that I did and am ever so happy and grateful. Hugssssssss to all of you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DaveG Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Cherry: Welcome to the world of chemo I get my next chemo this Tuesday, May 27. I hope I won't go down this time. I will drink, and drink, and drink, and drink and...... until I slooooooooosch You and I started this chemo thing at almost the same time. I think I just found my chemo buddy. My email is dgrant@merr.com. Let's email each other every day to let each of us know how the other is doing. How about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherry45 Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 What a wonderful, idea...I would love to be your chemo buddy!! We can cheer each other on and every Tuesday I will have you in my thoughts. I'll update you tomorrow of my night...I can't imagine what it will bring... Thanks for a great idea!! Talk soon! Cherry45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocco Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Way to go Cherry! I remember having my brain MRI and how I felt on hearing the good news myself. I saw that as the crack of daylight I needed to beat cancer. What terrific news! Sending positive thoughts and healing angels your way. Rocco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted May 22, 2003 Share Posted May 22, 2003 Dear Cherry45 I just wanted to share with you that I went through my chemo with FLYING COLORS, and I know a LOT of people that did and are doing the same. I Hope for you that this will be a CAKE WALK TOO!!!! It CAN HAPPEN!! When I did my chemo, I walked in that room saying OVER AND OVER AND OVER ETC....... "I can do this, I WON'T GET SICK!!" And by GOD I didn't! Had a few bumps in the road, but nothing I couldn't handle!! GOD BLESS and GOOD LUCK, you can DO THIS!!!! Warm and Gentle Hugs, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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