Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

The first cancer was in another part of my body. As I said, it is surprisingly common that people get cancer at least twice in different parts of their bodies.

Yes, the larger tumors were all in my right lung. Directed surgery was successful for the two in the lung but the surgeon couldn't get all of the other tumor adjacent to my heart. For that, they tried intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a radiation which is targeted at the cancer cells.

I was supposed to do this every weekday for six weeks but I had some complications midway through the treatment. Bottom line, they know it is still there but because it is so small, it won't show up on a CT. Protocol now for me is CT every three months. So far, it is good news because if they can see it, that means it is growing.

If that happens, I will deal with it just as I have in the past. It is so important to remain as positive as possible. I admit I had some days where it got the best of me but most of the time, I worked hard to stay positive. I am also blessed that I have a very supportive wife who has been my caretaker through all of this. On those days where I was falling down, she was always there to help pick me up. I can't say enough how helpful it is to have someone by your side as you go through this.

Thirty year survivor is quite encouraging. Have your tumors all been within your lungs and did they perform a lobectomy? How are they going to treat the tumor up against your heart? Thank you for sharing your experiences and I wish you all the best!

Good morning- Multifocal is an adenocarcinoma. I was surprised when I found out about all the different types of lung cancers. Being self-absorbed when I found out that I did have lung cancer I didn't think of anything other than "my type". Actually, adenocarcinoma in situ, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, and invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung have replaced the now-defunct term bronchoalveolar carcinoma (BAC). Then 10 years later my second cancer was what I have now.

Since then my recurrences have been 6 years, 3 years, and 5 years (now).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3369269/
I know the negative stuff about lung cancers, shortness of breath, pain, depression and so many more. And I do address them with people who need or want to know about them. I also address death. But to harp on those doesn't get on with life. As survivors (either someone in remission, cured, or still fighting cancer) I feel that it is our mission to help others. I would have loved to have had my own Mentor.

Thank you for your compliment. I'm honored to help in any way that I can. And just by being part of this group, I thank you for your support and help. This isn't a one-way road!

Merry

Thirty years ago, I had my first cancer. When Mayo-Jax told me that I had cancer again, I said that was impossible because people don't get cancer again and certainly not in a different part of their body. I little research told me that it is quite common for people to develop more tumors in another part of the body.

You mentioned that you have a 4mm in your upper right lobe that looks like scar tissue. I had two masses in my right lung that also looked like scar tissue but the biopsy proved that they were active tumors. Surgery took care of that for me with followup radiation/chemo but I still have a sub-microscopic metatastic tumor that is butting up against my heart.

Of course, your situation may be different.

Hi Merry,
Thank you and yes, I do think positively and am fortunate enough to be planning on traveling soon. Is your cancer adenocarcinoma also? And, it seems your recurrences are all within the lungs, is that correct? I also have a 4mm in upper right lobe (looks like may be scar tissue) and 6mm in center right lobe, to be scanned at 6 mth post surgery appointment. Curious as to people's experiences in how quickly or not so quickly, their recurrences happened and in what area of the body. I enjoy your posts as you are always so positive and also appreciate others' experiences. Take good care!

Welcome! Anyone who has had cancer fears recurrences. It seems to come with the territory. Please don't read statistics because there is really no way to tell who will have one and who won't.

I am a 24+ survivor. I have had many recurrences and I'm here to answer your question. You will drive yourself nuts thinking about it. Think about what you are going to do tomorrow or next week!

What do you think?

Hi,
I have stage 1 lung cancer, lobectomy of lower left lobe in March. Had pluerul effusion and pneumonia following surgery and a chest tube for two weeks. Other than that have recovered well but can't help thinking about the possibility of recurrence. The thought of recurrence to liver, brain or bones is frightening. I am 62 years old and feel fortunate that it was caught early however everything I read points to 30% recurrence rate. Any of you 5 year survivors without recurrence. I wish everyone the very best with their own situations.

Thanks all. Talked to Mayo last week, they downloaded the records, and I'm now in analysis by the Oncology team where they will assign me to the right Doctor. Was hoping to get that assignment Friday, but nothing yet. Saw a Merck trial in the news today, where 100% of participants had their tumors melt away. 1st time ever they said.

@kamoto, I hope you have heard from Mayo Clinic since you last posted. If not, I encourage to contact them to find out the status of your request for an appointment.

How are you doing?

Hi kamato, just wanted you to know you are not alone. Mayo found two large tumors in my right lung and another butting up against my heart. Like almost everyone else, I thought this was fatal.

But it's not. We are all similar but we are also all different. Each patient has a very specific program for their specific need. Your treatment will be different than mine, for sure.

I think the biggest complaint from patients is the long time it takes for treatment. I know that was my case and the same with @rlogan. For me, it was diagnosis in July, surgery in November, finally began chemo and radiation in January. I felt that every day delayed was only helping these tumors to grow larger.

You have an awesome support group here. I read these comments every morning and they do help to give me strength. Mayo has outstanding videos for cancer that I highly recommend. The one for lung cancer covers virtually everything a patient needs to know, from treatment to social assistance. Please feel free to post all your questions here. I guarantee that you will get a prompt response.