Living with lung cancer - Introduce yourself & come say hi

Hello all, I just joined this group. I am a breast cancer survivor of four years total (Stage 0 and Stage 1). Just as I got back on my feet my husband was diagnosed with COPD and we are now going through the tests to determine his exact lung cancer status. The support I have received as part of the breast cancer group on this site has been invaluable and now I'm hoping to find support and information as a caregiver for my husband. My husband has been part of an on-going lung cancer study (CT scans) for four years. He is an ex-smoker. His last scan in January showed a mass that they've been watching for a year that during the last six months doubled. His biopsy showed a cancer from the upper GI tract (not lung cancer specifically). However, with some research I discovered a lung cancer that shows as upper GI in the pathology called Pulmonary Enteric Adenocarcinoma. Our doctors are considering this but also requesting additional tests. His PET scan and brain MRI show no cancer elsewhere in his body but there is a lymph node in the lung that showed possible cancer in the center of his lung, near the tumor but also near the esophagus. Our next step is an Endoscopy next week. The biopsy of that lymph node will give us and the doctors more information. Once we have those results we'll meet with his oncologist to discuss the test results and treatment options. So far they are only saying Chemotherapy, which my husband is very hesitant to do. Support, thoughts, encouragement welcome. I look forward to reading your posts and gaining some understanding and insight into treatments and outcomes on this. We are finding this process much more complicated than my breast cancer journey. Best to everyone.

Hello Lindsay:
Welcome to Mayo Connect. I have met many amazing care givers and survivors in this wonderful and supportative community.
I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer 10 years ago when there was little printed information and little hope for lung cancer patients. Now, there are over 1100 therapies. With proper diagnosis and proper treatment there is hope!
My quality of life was greatly improved after my left lung VATS surgery at Mayo Clinic along with a Paced Breathing Research Study, lead by Dr Amit Sood.
The research at Mayo Clnic is remarkable and the support is the best in the world as well. So let’s stay Connected, ok?
A warm welcome,
linda

Lindsay keep the faith!
What type do u have? Small Cell or Non Small cell?
My wife was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer in April, 2015...stage 3a...dr removed 2/3 of her right lung in May...re-staged her to stage 4 in July 2016...she had a genomics study done in the fall of 2016 and from that study, Mayo determined she had a breast cancer mutation in the lungs.
She has been on a clinical trial immunotherapy since Dec, 2016 and today she has a great quality of life. Infusions every three weeks, but very little side effects!
Be sure to ask the dr about a genomics study!
Best of luck!

I am so sorry that you received this news. What will be your treatment?

I’m Lindsay Raymond and I found out on 2/8/18 that I have advanced lung cancer.

Colleen: Great information !
Thank you
linda

Hi @scrapper, welcome to Connect.
"Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for your lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, you become progressively more short of breath." Pulmonary fibrosis with no known cause is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. You can read more here https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690

I recommend that you follow the Lung Health group and take part in the discussion about IPF
- Pulmonary Fibrosis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pulmonary-fibrosis/

Hello
My father has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis. How is this different from lung cancer? Thanks.

Thanks, Colleen for checking up on me. My surgery was successful. The lung partially collapsed and I developed ‘rice krispie’ skin so I ended up being in the hospital 6 days instead of 2. And, I have some nerve damage. But, in the scheme of life that is very minor! I’m feeling well, just still short of stamina. I’ll have my first follow up CT in December, Mayo doctors, hospital staff all take great care of me.

Hi @lorinusbaum - I'm thinking about you today. How are you doing?