Symptoms of stage 4 lung cancer - diagnosed 1 month ago

Posted by stramont @stramont, Oct 21, 2023

I have Stage 4 lung cancer and A-Fib. I’ve been blaming SOB, fatigue, cough, balance issues on A-Fib. During tests at Mayo for Cardiac Ablation, a chest x-ray showed mass in lungs. Diagnosis Stage 4 Sept. after CT scan, PET scan, MRI Brain scan, Bronchoscopy Oct. 13. Scheduled consult 10/24 for treatment options. Since diagnosis I now have pressure in back and chest, no energy, shakiness, loss of balance, and loss of voice. I was hoarse 2 days b4 the bronchoscopy but it’s advanced to loss of voice. Is this a natural progression and does treatment relieve symptoms? Any suggestions to restore my voice? Thanks for any insights.

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@sksnow

Thanks for the information, I am so lost and confused. My results came back and its SCLC. I as worried about it being that one. I am being fast tracked for treatment and have port surgery scheduled for Tuesday already, brain MRI, and another needle biopsy all within the week. A whirlwind of activity for sure and i am thankful they’re all over it, but also scared to death. My total ignorance about managing my SIADH is a biggie for me. Mine always reads 125 sodium every time i have bloods done. Now I'm only having one cup of coffee and one 20oz Gatorade per day. Im scared to drink anything. Am I dehydrating myself? Guess ill see when i do labs again tuesday. Thanks again for talking with me, it helps alot.

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Oh @sksnow I do wish you would have received better news. It is expected that you feel swept up in the whirlwind. It’s a difficult time, and a good thing that your doctors are taking action. I hope you have been assigned an oncologist that will work well with your doctor(s) that manages your SIADH. Communication between care teams is important during this time when your body will be going through so much over the next few months.

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Starting chemo monday 😬😬😬

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@sksnow

Starting chemo monday 😬😬😬

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Hello @sksnow,
Good luck with your chemo treatments. If you will be receiving any of the platinum based drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin) they are probably going to be extra vigilant concerning your hydration status and kidney function. Because of the emesis and diarrhea that can sometimes occur with chemo treatments along with a general lack of interest in consuming fluids that can occur they will make sure you are fully hydrated during your infusion treatments. Chemo treatments can also adversely impact your kidneys so make sure they are keeping a close eye on all of your blood chemistries.
Good luck……you can do this!

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@sksnow

Starting chemo monday 😬😬😬

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@sksnow- Hello- It's nice to meet you. I was both excited and frightened about starting chemo. All I was thinking was that I was doing something about my lung CANCER!

What are the medications that they are giving you? I had cisplatin and navelbine. I did have some hair loss but did not lose all of my hair. My biggest problem was digestive acidity and nausea. Were you given an anti-nausea medication prior to today's treatment? If it's not enough ask your Oncologist for additional medication.

Please let us know how it went!

Merry

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@merpreb

@sksnow- Hello- It's nice to meet you. I was both excited and frightened about starting chemo. All I was thinking was that I was doing something about my lung CANCER!

What are the medications that they are giving you? I had cisplatin and navelbine. I did have some hair loss but did not lose all of my hair. My biggest problem was digestive acidity and nausea. Were you given an anti-nausea medication prior to today's treatment? If it's not enough ask your Oncologist for additional medication.

Please let us know how it went!

Merry

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Treatment starts Monday. Im getting Cisplatin and Etoposide. No anti nausea meds yet but i have a ‘supportive care team’ that’s supposed to make sure i get that kind of stuff. Radiation after chemo. Did you have radiation too? What’s your recovery status?

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@sksnow

Treatment starts Monday. Im getting Cisplatin and Etoposide. No anti nausea meds yet but i have a ‘supportive care team’ that’s supposed to make sure i get that kind of stuff. Radiation after chemo. Did you have radiation too? What’s your recovery status?

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Hello- Since your treatments begin on Monday, I would give a call to your supportive team and get those necessary drugs! You should be taking something prior to your treatment, as Cisplatin is known for tummy upsets!

I have no idea why your voice is hoarse. Did you ask your surgeon? Another doctor? It could also be another reason other than cancer. You didn't say whether you have large-cell or small-cell lung cancer.

Your best bet is to write all of these questions down and ask your surgeon or oncologist. Will you call your support group and make sure that you are prepared? Will someone be going with you to your treatment?

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@merpreb

Hello- Since your treatments begin on Monday, I would give a call to your supportive team and get those necessary drugs! You should be taking something prior to your treatment, as Cisplatin is known for tummy upsets!

I have no idea why your voice is hoarse. Did you ask your surgeon? Another doctor? It could also be another reason other than cancer. You didn't say whether you have large-cell or small-cell lung cancer.

Your best bet is to write all of these questions down and ask your surgeon or oncologist. Will you call your support group and make sure that you are prepared? Will someone be going with you to your treatment?

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I’ve gotten all the meds now. And I’ve got SCLC with chest nodes involved.
Some great news yesterday, after CT scan and neck node biopsy, i do not have metastatic involvement of my neck nodes!

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@sksnow

I’ve gotten all the meds now. And I’ve got SCLC with chest nodes involved.
Some great news yesterday, after CT scan and neck node biopsy, i do not have metastatic involvement of my neck nodes!

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@sksnow- Good morning! I'm always up for great news, and yours is the best!

I'm so glad that you and your team are on the ball in preparation for your treatments! I wish you the best!

Merry

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@sksnow

I’ve gotten all the meds now. And I’ve got SCLC with chest nodes involved.
Some great news yesterday, after CT scan and neck node biopsy, i do not have metastatic involvement of my neck nodes!

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Good luck to you @sksnow, I hope things go well. It sounds like you are ready to take this next step. Don't be shy about communicating with your team if you are uncomfortable or not feeling well. They'll be able to gauge what is expected versus what needs additional attention. That's great news about the nodes. It's nice to hear good news too! Keep us posted on how you are doing, and let the group know if you have any questions.

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Thank you! This group has been a godsend for me. I feel like I’m out wandering alone on a dirt road in the dark surrounded by all kinds of scary sounds lol. It’s comforting to know there are others out here with me.
I whimpered and you answered….thank you.
Will absolutely keep you posted and Im always praying for everyone.

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