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Small Cell Lung Cancer: Let's connect
Most of the discussions about lung cancer has been about Non-small cell lung cancers. There are many sub-types of this that are included. But there is another type of lung cancer that needs to be discussed and that is Small Cell Lung Cancer. This aggressive form of lung cancer most commonly occurs in smokers. It usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi) and grows very quickly, creating large tumors and spreading (metastasizing) throughout the body.
Symptoms include bloody phlegm, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Treatment includes surgery (for small tumors) as well as chemotherapy, sometimes in combination with radiation therapy.
Lung cancers cells are sometimes classified by where they tend to grow.
There have been huge breakthroughs in lung cancer research of late.
Please join @margot69 and I in this new disussion.
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@margot69 mine was diagnosed as stage 4 metastatic extended (whatever THAT means) sclc 2 days before my 69th birthday. I've been in treatment nearly continuously for 2.5 years and I'm now 71. & a half, lol
@deekaysss, thanks for sharing your story of hope! I’m sure it hasn’t been easy, it never is, but it’s nice to hear that you are living your life.
What type of treatment are you receiving? Did you have a surgery too?
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1 Reaction@margot69 Hi, I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in Okeechobee, FL. I had gone into urgent care for a cough! Treated for pneumonia as a cough was going around lasting for a month. Third time I went to the ER. They did a cat scan and discovered a mass i my left lung near my heart. All my family for help was in MN. I grew up Rochester, MN. Once back in MN I was able to get pet scan and a biopsy of the mass and determined it was small cell. My Dr. said there was really only 2 stages. Limited stage and extensive stage. Limited stage contained to the lung and extensive stage which means has spread outside the lung. He told me he could cure it in 6 weeks or I could die in 6-8 weeks without treatment. I decided to try it with 4 chemo and 6 weeks of radiation starting with the 2nd treatment. Then he said, he could cure it but it is a sneaky cancer and will most likely come back somewhere else in 18 months - 5 years but only about 2% ever made it to 5 year. I have had one Chemo treatment without getting nausea or losing my hair so far. I will not go through this Twice. I believe if God wants me to stay here on Earth the cancer will be gone. If Jesus calls me home then the cancer will be back. To me Heaven will be the better place to be!
@lady1lake I also have had one treatment of Chemo and not been sick. The steroids they give you during Chemo helps with tat and they have anti nausea pills. I have my second treatment in 6 days and my first Radiation starts then.
Welcome @cindythomas108, I'm glad that you found our group. I was first diagnosed through an Urgent Care visit also. I'm thankful that the doctor there took the time to order the chest x-ray, and he was very careful in presenting what he saw.
It sounds like your doctor has given you a frank and candid outlook. Some people like that approach, others just don't want to know the timelines. They are all estimates and may or may not apply to everyone. I hope your treatments continue to go well. Do you have help if/when you need it? Have you moved back to MN permanently?
I have moved back to my daughters through the treatment process.. I have had 3 Chemo treatments and will start my 2nd set of 3 chemo along with radiation on Tuesday April 28. Do you know if anyone has used Iverectin along with their treatments as well as other non drug products such as dandelion tea ect. And if they used throughout their treatments.
Hi Cindy, @cindythomas108, I don't have firsthand experience with either ivermectin or dandelion tea. I think by now we have all heard from people that have taken a holistic approach to their care. From my observations, the best outcomes come when this is done alongside traditional treatments. It's always hard to know what the right thing for you might be. We're all a bit different, and our cancers are different too. Keeping your doctors informed of any supplements or alternate treatments that you are taking/doing is important too.
I hope you are managing ok through the chemo sessions. Here are some links to information that may be helpful.
- Natural vs. safe: Why the two aren't the same:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complementary-alternative-medicine/in-depth/natural-vs-safe-health-remedies/art-20587690
- Some info from Mayo Clinic specific to ivermectin and cancer:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/mayo-clinic-on-use-of-ivermectin-or-other-dewormers-to-treat-cancer/
- Integrative Oncology is getting more attention in recent years. Recognizing the need to treat the whole person, not just the cancer:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-oncology/overview/ovc-20542190
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