Hello

[Slaw1961]

My name is Suzy and I was officially diagnosed with lung cancer in August.

In 2022, a few long nodules were found inadvertently after getting a cardiac CT. Since I live in Minnesota, I went to see a Pulmonologist at the Mayo. After a PET scan, it was suggested the best road to take was surveillance. I also had some enlarged lymph nodes that appeared to be granular in nature. As someone who has health anxiety, I was unusually calm about this after reading about how often nodules are benign. I had a few more scans with no changes.

In December of 2023, both my husband and I caught a nasty respiratory infection (not COVID or RSV). I ended up with bronchitis and a sinus infection. It lasted for weeks and I ended up having a wheeze that would not go away so I went to see the Pulmonologist in April. I had a CT of my lungs during my illness to rule out pneumonia and it did show my nodule had grown a bit.

Long story short, had a Bronchoscopy to get biopsies of my nodule and lymph nodes…nodule came back positive for mucinous adenocarcinoma and lymph nodes clear. VATS lobectomy surgery was scheduled for September 12. Unfortunately, due to many calcified lymph nodes and location by pulmonary artery, they had to convert to open thoracotomy. I was in the hospital for 6 days with two chest tubes. 

The good news is that the final pathology report came back as clear margins, lymph nodes clear and cancer was Stage 1A so no further treatment, just surveillance. Testing of bio markers showed no mutations. I did end up with a Seroma between my two incisions under my armpit that I’m binding and hoping goes away by the time I go to my follow-up appointment later this month.

My pain is fairly well controlled now. I decided I’d rather have some pain than worry about the side effects of Lyrica so I’ve weaned off that. I am still taking 5mg of oxycodene at night but hope to quit that by next week. My biggest difficulty now is mental…I’m not feeling great overall physically so I am catastrophizing every ache and pain. I probably need a good therapist.

What has carried me through this stressful time is my absolutely wonderful husband. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without him. After 34 years of marriage, I’m still in awe that I get to share my life with this gem of a man. I need to focus on our future and try to be as good to him as he has been to me.

That’s my story. Thanks to everyone who posts on this site as it is nice to see others’ journeys and to get more, info, advice and perspectives.
 

 

 

 

[Tom Galli]

Suzy,

Welcome here. Despite your surgical complication and post-surgery pain, I'm glad to know you staged at IA. 

I would encourage you to see a therapist. I also have an open thoracotomy as my 2nd line treatment and unfortunately had complications from that procedure that started a surgery marathon. Then, I had 3 recurrences after surgery. I ignored the symptoms of depression for quite some time and spun down to a very low place before I started therapy. Therapy helped immensely.

Stay the course.

Tom

[edivebuddy]

Sorry you find yourself among us.  You do have an excellent prognosis.   Fear terror anxiety all are normal and cancer centers can refer you if they don't have the professionals on staff.

At stage 4b I actually may have an advantage on that front.  You come to grips with prognosis then everything is easier to see as a bonus. 

 

[LouT]

Suzy,

Tom's advice is worthy of consideration and action.  You're in a better position than most as your diagnosis was done "early stage" and that increases the probability for a positive outcome.  But I can appreciate that all of the positive news at all isn't going to make you feel better if you're riddled with anxiety.  Yes, this disease can be recurrent but it is no longer the certain death sentence that it once was.  Earlier diagnosis plays a large role in that picture and you have had good news (Stage 1a, no spread).  I think that getting someone you can talk to can help you to deal better with the "new normal" you'll be living.  But the good news is that you'll be LIVING.  Along with good counseling I would also recommend doing healthy things; eat healthy and well, move, get plenty of rest, take time to consider what you have to be grateful for in your life (you'll be surprised the effect it can have on you), and make it a point to live fully each day.  Do your best not to have joy, serenity, and experiencing life stolen from you.  You are officially a survivor and that is worthy of some celebration.  
Please keep us updated on any progress you make or ask any questions you may have.  

Lou

[Slaw1961]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. I think I will seek out a therapist. ❤️