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Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Sep 25 12:58pm | Replies (1044)Comment receiving replies
Hi everyone, I am a 65 year old woman Disabled Veteran who has just been diagnosed with andenocarcinoma in right lung, not deep and about the size of a pea. My only care since retired has been the VA. Apparently someone has seen two other spots, one lower left and somewhere in my right. I was first told by a retired oncologist, now with VA, little radiation, curable. Next thing I know a referral to a local surgeon. He said remove right lobe. I asked about the other spots, too small to biopsy, but if they are cancer then it metastatic, stage iv and all they could do is palliative care and should get six months to a year. I have mental health issues with PTSD, MST and assorted other that follow up.. Have asked for a second opinion, but that's difficult in Rapid City, SD. Been through too much in life to give up now. Want to get to Mayo for second opinion even if I have to pay for it and could be there next week. Sorry for being so long on, but I need some hope and people going through this to share with. Thanks for any encouragement and support. Terrified, but stubborn!!!
Replies to "Hi everyone, I am a 65 year old woman Disabled Veteran who has just been diagnosed..."
Hi Meka:
Thank you for your service. I volunteered and flew our amazing troups all over the world. You are truly amazing. I am honored that you shared your journey on Connect.
I somewhat understand your fear. I was diagnosed with lung cancer 1/11/2008 by an amazing team at Mayo Clinic Rochester.
I encourage you to reach out to Kristen or Karen in
Thorasic Dept and ask for Thorasic Surgeon
Dr Stephen Cassivi, a brilliant and kind human being who is dedicated to lung cancer.
Pulmonologist Dr David Midthun.
Oncologist Dr Julian Molina.
Of course there are other brilliant minds on this Mayo team...who can give you a through follow up and possibly more.
Since my diagnosis and surgery (that removed most of my left lung & 3cm tumor non smallcell BAC ).I have worked very hard to maintain a great quality of life. I run, I summitt Mt Kilimanjaro, & advocate for lung cancer awareness and support of the amazing doctors and Connect. I have given out hundreds of Mayo contacts. I feel they are leading in lung cancer.
New targeted therapies preceded detailed test. You must wait for results, ut therapies and results are remarkable.
I encourage you to read the book HAPPINESS by Dr Amit Sood. It helped me heal. I practice paced breathing and mindfulness daily. I was taught how to truly relax my mind, body & spirit and heal.
Earlier this year I drug a woman (65 years young)
to Mayo with Stage 4 triple neg BC and three tumors in three lung lobes.
We are thrilled she is now totally cancer free!!! I made her promise to see my team and continue to do so. And she is following thru to a life saving “T”.
Also, this crazy journey has taught me Lung Cancer is any body’s disease! I never smoked.
Research of recent is remarkable and you are too!
Let’s stay connected! Never give up! Thanks again! Cyber Hugs
Welcome @meka.
@llwortman gave you some great names at Mayo Clinic. Here is the contact information for all 3 Mayo Clinic campuses http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 You can self refer.
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Hugs fellow disabled Vet here. Also recovering from tumors on liver and diaphragm and have more in liver and ovaries. I too am now being cared for through VA, if you feel they are not doing enough for you or fast enough you can always call Veterans Crisis Line 18002738255 press 1. I too have PTSD MST and other stuff. Please reach out and get help. Do Not Give Up!! I called snd within a day my local VA called me and have me appt by the 2nd day.
Please feel to message me.