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Just scared: Cancer and scared leaving my daughter behind

Posted by hnreinhart12 @hnreinhart12, Feb 24, 2025

My name is Heather, I am 38 years old. I had surgery/diagnosed on 10/9/24 with NSCLC adenoidcarcinoma EGFR 19. Non smoker. I have had multiple lung nodules for 15 years. We followed them for a few years, but due to how young I was and no smoking history, I was told they were benign, and follow up was stopped, unless I started having symptoms. I had bad chest pain before my surgery, which is how we found the cancer. During my surgery my largest nodule was 2.3cm with Visceral Pleural Invasion. I also had 3 tiny tumors around it, but all considered primary tumors. Therefore stage2b multifocal, I did not have lymph node involvement, no lymphovascular invasion, or airspace invasion. They believe the other nodules that have been stable for 15years are atypical adenomatous Hyperplasia. I am scared beyond belief. I have a 8year old daughter who is beautiful and she is autistic that I am scared of leaving behind. Chemo was not recommended. I went straight to Tagrisso. I don’t know what I am looking for my writing this.

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slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jun 28, 2025

Oh, and I have a sister who had pretty bad case breast cancer at age 29. She had a mastectomy without reconstruction and she is now 73.

When the going gets tough, the tough keep going.

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slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jun 28, 2025
In reply to @cmcguire10 "Heather- First of all, I will pray for you! Second, the fear of our Cancer returning..." + (show)
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Heather- First of all, I will pray for you! Second, the fear of our Cancer returning is natural. I had lung cancer surgery for adenocarcinoma 2 years ago. March 24, 2023. After recovering from a lung surgery, I felt fantastic that they got it out. But then started understanding that Cancer can rear its ugly head again. Every time I have my 6 month check up CT scan, I get scared. NO ONE wants it again! I have decided, first of all, to give my worries to God. Second, instead of concentrating on the “what if” I decided to make plans. More or less, get things in order. Figure out who will care for your daughter if needed. Don’t just talk about it, actually set it up. That’s one thing taken care of and off your worry list. Go down the list of worries and try to set things up that will then give you the freedom to know everything will be okay and you will see that you won’t worry about those things and you can start enjoying living in the present. Eat a Healthy diet so you will start feeling good about that. (If you don’t already) But definitely make yourself some “Me” time! I have found that to be very mentally beneficial! I have raised 6 children, one is high functioning Autistic. Now that they are all 21+, I realize how worn down I was worrying about them and caring for them, just being Mom. It’s like the airplane oxygen mask. Put yours on first or you wont be able to help anyone else. I pray that you will come to peace with your situation and I pray that God will put his healing hands on you! All my best, Cindy

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Beautiful post and my prayers are with you for continued positive outlook and your faith in God.

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aprilradek | @aprilradek | Jul 1, 2025
In reply to @hnreinhart12 "Thank you so much. I’m struggling mentally. I work full time as a nurse and just..." + (show)
Profile picture for hnreinhart12 @hnreinhart12

Thank you so much. I’m struggling mentally. I work full time as a nurse and just exhausted. Scared the cancer will come back. Frequent thought.

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Hello,

I also have lung cancer ALK- I take alectinib. I hope you are feeling better and less scared about living with cancer.

So much of this is controlled by our thinking. I had some free sessions with a local non-profit called Healing Partners. Is there anything like this where you live? It was very helpful. Checking in with someone who listens, sharing fears, etc., and then doing some light bodywork?

Hope you are doing okay.

april

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beachlvr | @beachlvr | 22 hours ago

Cancer just sucks. I am praying for you and your daughter. Everyone is right, there are a lot of options available now that weren’t years ago. I know it doesn’t make any of this easier. It’s such a mental health struggle. Every day it’s ups and downs and just okays. Truly an emotional rollarcoaster. Thinking of you and praying for health and peace.

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denzie | @denzie | 8 hours ago

If you are anywhere near a Gilda's Club or Cancer Support Center, they have programs for children whose parent has cancer. The programs are age appropriate and the children learn they are not alone in this.
https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/find-location-near-you

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lycisca | @lycisca | 5 hours ago

Cancer and chemo are scary whatever age you are, and the fear of leaving loved ones behind is overwhelming. Look for different options to bolster your inner strength: friends and family, reading about your cancer and he prescribed meds, prayer. Do whatever works for you. Don't be afraid to question your doctors. Get a second opinion if necessary. There's a lot of help out there for cancer patients including support services, financial aid, etc.
Good luck and you're in my prayers.
Lycisca

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