1. < Lung Cancer

Two Kinds Lung Cancer and dealing with other issues

Posted by shortshot80 @shortshot80, Apr 22, 2017

Hello out there! I have been here before: Need to catch up here, I have two kinds of Lung Cancer. Right Lung is plain old cancer/Left Lung is mesothelioma. I also have Macular Degeneration. Was really sick the whole month of March. Coughing all the time. Day trip to hospital, Received a Zpac, to take, helped some. EMT checked my throat. Thankfully no cancer there. Another Zpac to take. Feel somewhat better but still fill like I have a cold. Having a Pet Scan on May 3rd.Results May 10. May 4 a big blood test. Results May 11 at Kidney Doc. Just feel "Down. I also have a book to write, no energy for that right now. Maybe it's too much rain, not much sun! Don't know what, why or???. I seem to be sleeping ok, but still tired. any idea's? I just turned 84 and dealing with all this stuff. I was diagnosis January 2016. No treatment of any kind yet. and also no pain. Am fortunate for several t(hings.
(shortshot80) Nancy

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 24, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Hi Nancy: Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life. If..." + (show)
@llwortman

Hi Nancy:
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life.
If you trust your doctors and their teams. Be brave. We are fortunate we
live in an era where the medical technology is so advanced. Everyday
researchers who are dedicating their lives to cancer are finding amazing
cures. I'm an example of great follow up and the best care.
My husband loves telling people I'm in better shape now than before VATS
surgery to remove most of my left lung. I have learned how to be resilient
and practice taking care of 'me' with diet, exercise, practice breathing and
letting go of stress with meditation every day.
And now there is connect, with amazing people to share and support you.
Let's keep connected! I'm thinking of you.
You deserve a cyber hug,
linda

Jump to this post

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: I'll be thinking about you next week and wish you well with your radiation treatment. You are a real trooper to come home from a day like that and still have company over for dinner. Bravo! Praying for peace and strength over the next few weeks. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Teresa

REPLY
shortshot80 | @shortshot80 | May 24, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Hi Nancy: Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life. If..." + (show)
@llwortman

Hi Nancy:
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life.
If you trust your doctors and their teams. Be brave. We are fortunate we
live in an era where the medical technology is so advanced. Everyday
researchers who are dedicating their lives to cancer are finding amazing
cures. I'm an example of great follow up and the best care.
My husband loves telling people I'm in better shape now than before VATS
surgery to remove most of my left lung. I have learned how to be resilient
and practice taking care of 'me' with diet, exercise, practice breathing and
letting go of stress with meditation every day.
And now there is connect, with amazing people to share and support you.
Let's keep connected! I'm thinking of you.
You deserve a cyber hug,
linda

Jump to this post

Teresa, I had scheduled the dinner before I knew about the simulation day" I could not "unschedule" the dinner. I do not as a rule have dinner/lunch guests and as this was special I could not change the date in one day. I sure slept great last night though. As now the emotions are right at the top of my 5ft frame. I start the radiation on June 2, hopefully I can get control of myself by then. I go to bible study Wed. evening and share with the group, that helps too. I just seem to be so tired, I suppose part or most of the tiredness is emotions. I wouldn't be so tired/emotion...after a surgery//at least I haven't been in the past. Now surgery is just too dangerous according to the doc. Guess I'll have to go with the flow... Nancy

REPLY
shortshot80 | @shortshot80 | May 24, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something..." + (show)
@llwortman

Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something similar for another cancer. for lung cancer. She was a bit nervous. I went with her to every treatment...we had lunch and she laughed after each treatment because lunch was a lot longer than her quick treatments. So targeting is very important. Sounds like you did remarkable. Good thing you were not in the "wreck"! Do you think we all need to do a little weight training with our arms? I have been thinking about carrying one pound weights while I walk. Spring is a welcome change and I am happy to get out and move outdoors, look at the blue sky, watch birds and flowers bud out! It's all good for our brain, right? Keep up the great work, and think about scheduling a lung break after your treatments. You may be amazed at how time will fly by:-) You deserve a cyber hug! Linda

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Hi Linda, one pound weights would be a good thing, but with a cane I would be lopsided, cause I would put both one pounder's in my left hand. That would strengthen my left wrist that I broke last November. Still kinda painful. But I use it anyway. computer,, load dishes,
washing clothes & folding them and what ever else is to be done. Nancy

REPLY
Linda | @llwortman | May 24, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something..." + (show)
@llwortman

Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something similar for another cancer. for lung cancer. She was a bit nervous. I went with her to every treatment...we had lunch and she laughed after each treatment because lunch was a lot longer than her quick treatments. So targeting is very important. Sounds like you did remarkable. Good thing you were not in the "wreck"! Do you think we all need to do a little weight training with our arms? I have been thinking about carrying one pound weights while I walk. Spring is a welcome change and I am happy to get out and move outdoors, look at the blue sky, watch birds and flowers bud out! It's all good for our brain, right? Keep up the great work, and think about scheduling a lung break after your treatments. You may be amazed at how time will fly by:-) You deserve a cyber hug! Linda

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Dearest Nancy:I understand. I commend you for using the wrist. Eleven months after lung surgery, I broke my right wrist and now have a titanium plate and 9 screws in my bionic wrist! I laugh, I had to give up golf. Years ago I broke the other wrist shattering both bones. It is a great excuse not to golf! Ha
Does this make us both lung and wrist sistOrs?  Keep moving forward, ok! Let&apos;s stay connected;-) Big hug!Linda 

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 25, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something..." + (show)
@llwortman

Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something similar for another cancer. for lung cancer. She was a bit nervous. I went with her to every treatment...we had lunch and she laughed after each treatment because lunch was a lot longer than her quick treatments. So targeting is very important. Sounds like you did remarkable. Good thing you were not in the "wreck"! Do you think we all need to do a little weight training with our arms? I have been thinking about carrying one pound weights while I walk. Spring is a welcome change and I am happy to get out and move outdoors, look at the blue sky, watch birds and flowers bud out! It's all good for our brain, right? Keep up the great work, and think about scheduling a lung break after your treatments. You may be amazed at how time will fly by:-) You deserve a cyber hug! Linda

Jump to this post

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy, Yes we all have to "go with the flow at times." I'm so glad that you have a Bible study/support group. I know how much that means to me as well. I recently began a group at my church for people who deal with chronic illnesses, we call our group, Living and Thriving. I can tell that you are also "living and thriving" in the middle of your situation. Best wishes and hugs! Teresa

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 25, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Hi Nancy: Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life. If..." + (show)
@llwortman

Hi Nancy:
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life.
If you trust your doctors and their teams. Be brave. We are fortunate we
live in an era where the medical technology is so advanced. Everyday
researchers who are dedicating their lives to cancer are finding amazing
cures. I'm an example of great follow up and the best care.
My husband loves telling people I'm in better shape now than before VATS
surgery to remove most of my left lung. I have learned how to be resilient
and practice taking care of 'me' with diet, exercise, practice breathing and
letting go of stress with meditation every day.
And now there is connect, with amazing people to share and support you.
Let's keep connected! I'm thinking of you.
You deserve a cyber hug,
linda

Jump to this post

@shortshot80 Nancy: You are certainly "young" in heart and spirit! Teresa

REPLY
shortshot80 | @shortshot80 | May 26, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something..." + (show)
@llwortman

Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something similar for another cancer. for lung cancer. She was a bit nervous. I went with her to every treatment...we had lunch and she laughed after each treatment because lunch was a lot longer than her quick treatments. So targeting is very important. Sounds like you did remarkable. Good thing you were not in the "wreck"! Do you think we all need to do a little weight training with our arms? I have been thinking about carrying one pound weights while I walk. Spring is a welcome change and I am happy to get out and move outdoors, look at the blue sky, watch birds and flowers bud out! It's all good for our brain, right? Keep up the great work, and think about scheduling a lung break after your treatments. You may be amazed at how time will fly by:-) You deserve a cyber hug! Linda

Jump to this post

(shortshot80) Today/Friday, I'm still having trouble lifting my arms above my head. Can't get the dishes up there, son Richard helped with that tonight. Arms are still really sore, NOT going to lift my arms above my head again no matter what! Us older people can't have any pain pills to speak of, because I might get addicted. Oh My! Been there done that and I'm still here and could use a occasional pill to help at times. Not all the time, bad for kidneys. I start my radiation on June 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, for a total of five sessions. Really hope and pray it all works. I'm really emotional and my doc wants me to go see the (what ever 'ologist he is) I have a appt I think, next week.
I've never been a person to cry, now I can do it at the drop of a hat. Still try to hold it back, as I don't want anyone to see me. Don't have a answer for why at all. Thanks for listening! Nancy

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 27, 2017
In reply to @llwortman "Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something..." + (show)
@llwortman

Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something similar for another cancer. for lung cancer. She was a bit nervous. I went with her to every treatment...we had lunch and she laughed after each treatment because lunch was a lot longer than her quick treatments. So targeting is very important. Sounds like you did remarkable. Good thing you were not in the "wreck"! Do you think we all need to do a little weight training with our arms? I have been thinking about carrying one pound weights while I walk. Spring is a welcome change and I am happy to get out and move outdoors, look at the blue sky, watch birds and flowers bud out! It's all good for our brain, right? Keep up the great work, and think about scheduling a lung break after your treatments. You may be amazed at how time will fly by:-) You deserve a cyber hug! Linda

Jump to this post

Hi Nancy,
I'm glad that you have an appointment to see a therapist about your anxiety. Good for you. It will help you put your fears into perspective and help you manage them. I'm confident you can do this.
I know that you have a lot of fear about radiation in particular, especially from things that you've heard from other people. But you and your team have carefully considered your options, and radiation was chosen as the best treatment option. Here's a crazy thought. Why don't you imagine radiation as your superhero? Make him as handsome as you want 🙂 Or maybe a super woman! In any case, imagine as you lay still, that superhero is going to zap those bad cells dead! Breathe deeply, calmly and let your superhero do all the work.

We're here, Nancy. And you can cry if you want to. We've got broad shoulders and tissues.

REPLY
shortshot80 | @shortshot80 | May 31, 2017
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: Thank you for taking the difficult step of posting us when you were..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: Thank you for taking the difficult step of posting us when you were at a low point. That took great courage and I admire that! I can understand how devastating this diagnosis can be. I've had 3 cancer surgeries and each one has carried with it the thought, "I just can't believe this is happening again." Sharing your disappointment with others is wise and healthy. I agree with Linda's suggestion of getting a second opinion from a specialized research center like Mayo. It can make all the difference in the world! As I live in SE Michigan I went to Univ. of Michigan Hospital for my 3rd surgery and it was a much better experience. Best wishes and please keep in touch with us. We are all in your corner and routing for you. Teresa

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(shortshot80) Nancy, Today is Wednesday, May 31, I an finally get my arms down enough to pick up dishes and put them in the cupboard,, takes a few minutes longer than it used to. They are still tender. ,my wrist too. Also I have somehow hurt my foot and now to go with my lovely apparel, I have a "boot" to wear. Kinda hard to match the colors as I am always wearing "colorful attire. My gosh I am having trouble spelling this morning. Tomorrow my day will be going to see the Doctor to help me deal with all this stuff. Should be interesting . Friday is my first session of Radiation. Then two more weeks, two times a week, for the radiation, total of five sessions. My oldest son lives with us, (he has been living here for two years to help both me and my husband of 66 years. He is our "chauffeur for any and all appointments. My number three son will be here by Saturday to drive me next week. Have to go to Salem for the radiation treatments. About 65- 70 miles away from home. Sometimes I take a book to read on the trip. Hey everyone thank you for your support! It is really nice to "talk" to other people. I am so fortunate not to have any pain this last year and half. Will see what will be coming next. Nancy

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | May 31, 2017
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: Thank you for taking the difficult step of posting us when you were..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: Thank you for taking the difficult step of posting us when you were at a low point. That took great courage and I admire that! I can understand how devastating this diagnosis can be. I've had 3 cancer surgeries and each one has carried with it the thought, "I just can't believe this is happening again." Sharing your disappointment with others is wise and healthy. I agree with Linda's suggestion of getting a second opinion from a specialized research center like Mayo. It can make all the difference in the world! As I live in SE Michigan I went to Univ. of Michigan Hospital for my 3rd surgery and it was a much better experience. Best wishes and please keep in touch with us. We are all in your corner and routing for you. Teresa

Jump to this post

@shortshot80 Thinking about you, Nancy. Thanks for the update. How nice that your sons are available to assist both you and your husband. Family is great, isn't it? Praying for you and wishing you well as you have your appointments and radiation treatments. Stay strong and keep up the great sense of humor (I'm sure that your colors match quite well!). Teresa

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