They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?

Hello Merry,
do you have lung cancer if you don't mind me asking and for how long ? I think my doctor is on top of my type of cancer and your right other people with this kind of cancer may not cough up blood just something else I have learned. have you ever heard of PDT treatment I believe they do this at Roswell Park, done with some kind of lighting, there is so much to read online I would rather have people like you and others that have went through the same thing fill me in on it, it makes more sense to me. and I don't feel so alone.

Keep in touch
Cynde

Hi Cynde.. I like your “timex” analogy!! I was also told I was incurable, but that does not mean life is over. When told I was incurable the Dr told me, in the same breath, I had 6 month to a year, if I was lucky. Seven months later a PET scan came back cancer free, the Dr called me a miracle. No, I’m not “cured” nor will I ever be but I’m determined not to let this run my life or determine how or when my time is up. Hope you can sleep while taking the steroids, it’s a bugger. I had the same problem sleeping but my neighbors were very understanding when I was mowing their driveways at 2am, “Oh, never mind, it’s just that crazy neighbor on steroids”, LOL.. Never give up, your doing fine..

@loula- Yes, I do have lung cancer. I am the mentor for the Lung Cancer and Lung Disease groups for Connect. My first cancer was in 1997. I had a lobe removed and no treatments. Yes, I had follow-up CT scans. 10 years later my second type of cancer showed up. It's called Multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lungs. Briefly, I get primary cancers that are NCSLC in both my lungs. They are not considered metastases. The treatment for these right now is SBRT. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy is a specialized type of external beam radiation that allows highly precise delivery of high doses of radiation to small targets.

I have had 2 lobectomies and chemo and SBRT for treatments. I have had, including my first lung cancer 6 tumors removed. So this is a total of 23+ years.

No, I have never had PDT. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that involves light-sensitive medicine and a light source to destroy abnormal cells. It can be used to treat some skin and eye conditions, as well as certain types of cancer.

I know that there is a lot to read online, however, you can limit your searches using simple words. It's always great to hear from people who have experienced the same thing as you. But there is nothing like doing your own searches. I always feel that I am more powerful because it is something that I did to further understand myself, what I have and how I can adjust to things.

you are one strong lady, and have made it through all this for 23 yrs is amazing. I do agree with informing myself as much as I can I have been reading sense Feb. But I also don't mind other people assuring me they went through the same thing I maybe going through and giving me wonderful advise. If mine would of not shown on on my liver I would of been in a better place, my cat is so sweet he knows that something is not right and stays by my side day and night.

thank you for always being there
Cynde

OH Dutch you made my day I laughed so hard. you ever seen that crazy movie lawnmower man this guy travels all over on his riding lawnmower! No I will never let this determine my life I will fight like a tiger.

Thanks for making my day!
Cynde

No, I haven’t seen the movie but I’m thinking the riding lawnmower would serve as a good substitute since I gave up my motorcycle.. I wonder if they come with a buddy seat? Stay strong, you got this girl.. Dutch

Hello Becky,
Just checking how your day was yesterday with your infusions ? hope all went well and your home feeling good today.

Had my 1st chemo session yesterday, All went well had 6 injections, 3 of them were anti nausea and steroids, then came the Keytruda, Taxol, Carbo, all took a total of 6 hrs.
drinking lots of water and feel pretty good today, tomorrow I go have the port put in and the biopsy done, yes I will be glad to have the port in. they told me I would feel pretty good but come Saturday could become more tired and ache a lot feel more like flu symptoms could last a week. Not looking forward to that but they said if it gets bad they can give me a steroid shot, hopeful I can tolerate it and just sleep and lay around. Next Wed. I go have labs taken to see if all blood counts are doing well. only 3 more chemo. sessions to go! then I will stay on Keytruda. Thank goodness for my sister she is my rock. not looking forward to losing all my hair. but I am alive and will survive this . Have a nice day today and be outside winter is over and feels nice to have windows open. keep fingers crossed it don't get to sick.
Cynde

@loula. Well I got your posting just as my infusion ended! What a nice thought! Now I’m going to head home and maybe take a walk before the blizzard comes. And how are you doing? Do you feel a little calmer? Sending good wishes and thanks for thinking of me! Becky

Blizzard thought those days would be over! are your infusions like chemo? you always know I am thinking about you and stay strong.
Cynde