Celebrating 25 years of lung cancer

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Sep 25, 2022

Hello to all of you.

I think that a lot of you know my story. I was diagnosed with lung cancer 25 years ago. My first cancer was a different type of lung cancer that I have now. It was a single NSCLC lesion that grew very quickly.

My second lung cancer was 10 years later and it was called multifocal adenocarcinoma lung cancer. Briefly, it is an NSCLC but grows at a very very slow pace and there can be more than one lesion at a time and/or in more than one lobe at a time.

A week from now I will be going to Mass General Hospital to be treated for my 6th lung cancer. It includes 2 lesions and one is very close to my heart. I will be treated with SBRT- a type of targeted radiation that is a lifesaver for people who can not have more surgery. With multifocal adenocarcinomas, each lesion begins as ground glass and is not considered a metastasis but a primary lesion.

On October 3rd I will also be celebrating my 25th anniversary of lung cancer. I started a blog. You will see a 5-year absence from writing due to my time mentoring for Mayo and Covid and other life interruptions. But it is time to return now and to do both-mentor for Mayo and write.

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My blog is https://my20yearscancer.com/

I will have approximately 40 minutes of radiation a day for 5 days. I worked out a schedule with my radiologist that is best for me. I selected 5 straight days so I wouldn't have to go back and forth from my state to MA.

I feel that in being the Mentor for this brave and wonderful group I also need to share my journey. I don't know if these will be my last lesions or if there will be more. I hope that you will come along with me as I fight my 6th battle with Lung Cancer.

Thank you
Merry

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

franciekid | @franciekid | Feb 26, 2023

Thank you for your encouragement. I fear it has metastasized to my brain which is what sent me to the ER Friday. I’m probably reading too much on line, but feel I will have a difficult decision to make re: quality v quantity of life. Next step is a biopsy to confirm diagnosis and Stage - which I fear is 4 with a short life expectancy. It is all quite overwhelming and terrifying. You are so kind to reach out.

franciekid | @franciekid | Feb 26, 2023

Merry, do you anyone in this group who has lung cancer that has metastasized to the brain?

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Feb 27, 2023

In reply to @franciekid "Thank you for this hopeful message. I was in the ER for a presumed TIA and..." + (show)

Don’t be afraid to ask for help in dealing with the weight and reality of the diagnosis. It’s a lot to process for anyone, and there are resources to help with the emotional side of the disease.
There are many different types of lung cancer with a variety of treatments. Today’s cancer treatment is not the same as it was even 10 years ago.
Wishing you the best, take care, Lisa

franciekid | @franciekid | Feb 27, 2023

In reply to @lls8000 "Don’t be afraid to ask for help in dealing with the weight and reality of the..." + (show)

Thank you, Lisa. The caring expressed in this group is really comforting and very helpful.

franciekid | @franciekid | Feb 27, 2023

In reply to @franciekid "Thank you, Lisa. The caring expressed in this group is really comforting and very helpful." + (show)

PET/CT scan scheduled for Mar 6.

franciekid | @franciekid | Feb 27, 2023

In reply to @lls8000 "Don’t be afraid to ask for help in dealing with the weight and reality of the..." + (show)

Do you know anyone who is being treated for metastatic lung cancer?

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Feb 28, 2023

In reply to @franciekid "Do you know anyone who is being treated for metastatic lung cancer?" + (show)

Yes, I am stage IV, almost three years post diagnosis.
Treatment for metastatic lung cancers can look very different depending on what’s driving the cancer. There are many types of lung cancer.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 28, 2023

In reply to @franciekid "Thank you for your encouragement. I fear it has metastasized to my brain which is what..." + (show)

franciekid- The internet is a two-edged sword. Maybe, just maybe wait until after your biopsy and your talk with your doctor to decide about your life. You can just drive yourself nuts by doing what you are doing. Take a break. Watch movies instead. There is nothing that you can do until the biopsy so stay healthy until then by remaining in the here and now. I don't think that you have enough information to make any informed decisions at this point.

When and if the time comes to make life decisions you will make the right one for you. I guarantee it. But right now you have a lesion that needs to be biopsied and that is all. Most people select quality over quantity, or cancer itself makes that decision. But it's way too early for you too.

Yes, there are people in this group who have had lung cancer metastasized to their brain, but also to every other part of their bodies too. Do you really want people to tell you?

Prior to my confirmed cancer news, I enjoyed a glass or two of wine at night. Have you tried this or something else that you like to drink, eat or smoke? ('im thinking of CBD or medical pot)?