Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi
Welcome to the Lung Cancer group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with lung cancer or caring for someone with lung cancer. Let's learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.
I'm Colleen, and I'm the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you'll to be greeted by volunteer patient Mentors and fellow members when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.
We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.
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Hi gen25. Don't be scared telling anyone I'm sure they will be shocked but you will have there full support it's a frightening experience. I was diagnosed in June and had op 16th July. Luckily it was early stage adenocarcinoma mucinous and hasn't spread so 6 monthly scans. I do have pain around the operation site as expected but this is controllable with pain meds once that's sorted I'm trying to get my life back on track I do have copd as well so inhalers for that... But really focus on the positives rather than negatives and don't worry I know it's hard but you will get there much. Love. X
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3 ReactionsChubby65
Thank you for your encouraging words
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1 Reaction@chubby55 "I do have copd as well " - I too have lung cancer. (four years now). I recently had a needle lung biopsy and I noted the warning for patients with COPD for the test. Be sure your treating physicians are aware of your added lung issue. I have pulmonary fibrosis (restrictive not obstructive like COPD) and it creates a problem for my cancer treatments.
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1 Reaction@vic83 thanks I did mention to the consultant
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1 ReactionHello everyone,
My name is Lynn Stevens, and I just received my diagnosis of small cell lung cancer the day before Christmas Eve. I was a 50-year smoker before I quit 4 months ago. I'm using nicotine replacement patches to help me get pass the worst of the cravings. I've been to so many appointments; had procedures and surgery done; tons of scans, etc. now we're down to placing the chemo port next. My mind is in a spin and my body is exhausted. I told my Oncologist that I didn't want him to drag his feet when it came to coming to a diagnosis and treatment. Well he didn't drag his feet! He hit the floor running and he hasn't stopped for a breath yet!
I just need to know does it slow down at some point or does it stay like this until you beat it or it beats you?
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1 Reaction@whitewolflpw
My story is identical. 55 year smoker, quit at age 70 for Mayo treatment.
I am now 90 carry the small, 2 lb oxygen, go to the gym 3xwk and am Catholic attending daily Mass and in love with my wife.
I have had 5 different cancers so besides the lung cancer, I have had my epiglottis removed so I eat and drink by a PEG (hose) in my stomach wall. Throat is closed.
Recently had lymphoma nodes removed from my left upper chest
All 5 of my cancers treated at Mayo
So my dear, stay strong, stay busy if you can and any exercise you can do…do it
For certain….love your doctors
Bill
Boca Taton
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4 ReactionsHi, I'm Karen. I'll be 72 next week and married for 45yrs.
I was born with asthma. I started smoking at the age of 28. I quit in 2010, only to be diagnosed with COPD 7mo. later.
I had an extremely bad experience where my world literally blew up in 2021 because of multiple infidelities. Of course, I started smoking again. I endured finding out more and more things over the next 4yrs. It's only been 6mo. since my last 2 discoveries. So I've been trying to process and make any sense of that. I now suffer with C-PTSD.
I was able to quit smoking again last February 1st.
On December 1st, not even a month ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer. I've had the CT SCAN last Friday and I'm waiting for an appointment for the PET/CT SCAN. I haven't yet met with anyone yet, to discuss a treatment plan. I'm overwhelmed and very scared!
Every day, there's a battle of disbelief and mental anguish going on in my head over these two life changing events. A lot of days, I just sit and cry, not knowing how or what to feel.
I'm so sorry this is so long and in great depth 😪
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1 Reaction@billcomiskey
You must be a very strong person to have gone through so much and still be so active and positive. I'm afraid I'm new at this game and like I said my head is spinning from everything that's going on it's hard to focus. It's a very emotional time and I want to be strong. I have great people being there for me supporting my new journey but I have to be strong for them or they worry so much.
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1 ReactionHello Lynn, @whitewolflpw, Your doctors made a lot happen during a holiday week, wow! Your head is rightfully spinning. The beginning of the diagnosis process is overwhelming for all of us, and I'm guessing that you haven't had a chance to begin processing the psychological side of what's happening. Be sure to ask your doctors and nurses all of your questions. No question is too small. Ask them what your appointment schedule will look like, it has to be less than what you've seen during this past week. Take a breath and deal with one day at a time.
Do you have support from family or friends during this time? Are they keeping up with your whirlwind?
@lls8000
I have a wonderful support group in my family and friends coming to stay with me for a while from 3 hours away I haven't seen her in 3 years and it's like we just talked yesterday.
My eldest daughter Lisa takes me to all my appointments even getting up at 4:00 in the morning to get me to surgery. We live an hour out from the hospital.
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2 Reactions