Fay A. Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 I had the second fine needle aspiration biopsy using a larger needle. This time the results were postive for malignancy. It's a long story, but I was erroneously put at Stage I when I was actually Stage IV. Do you know that from the time I was diagnosed five years ago until my third Thoracotomy in May of last year-during that entire 4 year period-I was never without measurable cancer in my body? I didn't attain NED status until my post pneumonectomy scans done in August of 2003. It was short lived, but it was one of my goals to be one with NED. I was diagnosed with recurrent disease 5 months later. It is now my goal to be a NERD! (No Evidence of Recurrent Disease). I mention all of this now, because I am here, alive, five years later. I'm a Stage IV Lung Cancer Patient, and I am STILL ALIVE. During the first 3 years the only thing I had were surgeries. The next year I participated in a Clinical Trial using the drug Iressa. And the next year it was another surgery. I can't help but believe that even Stage IV Lung Cancer patients will have prolonged lives if surgery is an option. I have Moderately Differentiated Adnenocarcinoma with Bronchioloalveolar Features. It has both aggressive and indolent aspects. I know that histology factors into the survival equation, but still...... Oh....one more thing. You folks have helped me so many times over the past year. I just want to say "Thank You" to those who have posted and opened yourselves up to me. I want to say "Thank You" to those who haven't posted, but sent prayers and good wishes. What you have done matters.....and it is very much appreciated. Five years from now I'll do this again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, Five years from now, I hope you and NED the NERD are keeping company without all the surgeries and not-so-nice things you've had to go to attain that in the FIRST five years. Will be looking for your post! xxoo, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Thank you Fay!!!!!!!! From you #1 fan in Michigan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Five years and many more to come Fay! You are an inspiration to all of us. Peace, take care and God Bless. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 FAY, You are awesome,&thank you from your #1 fan in Pa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, This is an awesome accomplishment and I know attained through much blood, sweat and tears. You are an inspiration, not only for your success in battle with cancer, but also because of your fine spirit and intelligent consideration of many aspects of this disease/treatment. We all look forward to your next accomplishments, hanging on a bit to your hem in order to be carried along with your determination. Heartfelt congratulations, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave s Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Dear Fay, Thanks for posting this. For me your timing couldn't have been better. I'm 2 years into my stage 4 diagnosis and was getting a little discouraged because I just can't seem to eradicate the miserable beast. I needed a little encourgaement. I just want to thank you for sharing. Cangratulations, Dave S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Hooray We are so happy that you are with us. Praying for NERD Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanCarl Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, "Congratulations" and "way to go" are really WAY to inadaquit to express how I feel about this. But I think you know that. A prayer going out for 5 MORE years, and then 5 more and so on and so on. Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, You are doing it. Five years at stage 4 is really REALLY beating all these stupid statistics!!! Keep it UP girl! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginnyde Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Wow, 5 years is just amazing. But Fay, 10 years is going to be more amazing and by then your renovations will maybe be finished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Hi Fay, Congratulations on 5 years.I am praying for NERD status for you.Thanks so much for all your posts.You make this fight easier for me with you spirit and attitude.Praying for us all.Tbone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, You are a true warrior in this fight and a power of example. I'll repeat what everyone else has said, you inspire everyone on this board with your strength, wisdom and determination. I am so glad that you are here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 David cannot be your number 1 fan in Michigan because I am! You are absolutely amazing Fay. Keep kicking butt! Wishing you 5 more and then 5 more and more and more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerbil runner Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, it seems your inner strength always shines through in your posts. And I bet it's a big reason you've abandoned the stat pool. Wishing you many more 5-year milestones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Look at those two fighting over who is your number one fan in Michigan... Okay, just to set it straight, Fay, I'm NOT claiming to be your #1 fan in Michigan, I'll claim being your #1 supporter in Michigan! Keep on hangin' on, you're an inspiration and a shining star. Wish Ty Pennington were a personal friend of mine (oh yeah!) so I could line you up with a crew of 187! You'd be away on vacation and come home to more than you ever expected... We're all in this together, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, you are an inspiration, especially with Stage IV. Congratulations on your five-year survivorship. I wish you many, many more. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Daughter of Bill Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Dearest Fay You are such an inspiration! I hope that in five years I can post about my Dad and his five year anniversary of being a survivor!! You are awesome girl!! Congratulations! Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Phyllis Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay you are the one who does so much. You are the most admirable person. You never complain when you have every right to. You have a great sense of humor and are always there for whoever needs you despite your own problems. I second surgery and it should be more available as an option for Stage IV. I am now going on 3 1/2 years with no remission either. I would love to hear "NED". Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenb Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 How could anyone on this board not be inspired by your story and by your strength and positivity....it's infectious. Thanks for spurning some of us a little behind you in this race, on to victory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 May you have many more anniversaries! I do get confused, however. Are some of the tumors you recently said you had had for years, benign? Also how did you go about convincing your drs or insurance company to do the surgeries while you were stage IV or was it that they didn't think you were stage IV? Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Fay, Congratulations on your 5 years of fighting, Nerd is around and you will get there. Wishing you many more years. J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Dear Fay, I have to say for any newcomers just lurking here trying to find some hope they have certainly found it in your post... You are an inspiration to so many not only to those fighting this beast but to family members as well...Congratulations on your five years and I will be looking forward to seeing a NERD in your life too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KC Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 That's awesome, Fay! You're awesome! Much love, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted June 2, 2004 Share Posted June 2, 2004 YAY FAY!!! You are an inspiration to all of us. Looking forward to your next 5 years of posting where your determination and courage will continue to shine through. Gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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