Small Cell Lung Cancer: Let's connect

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Jan 12, 2019

Most of the discussions about lung cancer has been about Non-small cell lung cancers. There are many sub-types of this that are included. But there is another type of lung cancer that needs to be discussed and that is Small Cell Lung Cancer. This aggressive form of lung cancer most commonly occurs in smokers. It usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi) and grows very quickly, creating large tumors and spreading (metastasizing) throughout the body.
Symptoms include bloody phlegm, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Treatment includes surgery (for small tumors) as well as chemotherapy, sometimes in combination with radiation therapy.
Lung cancers cells are sometimes classified by where they tend to grow.
There have been huge breakthroughs in lung cancer research of late.
Please join @margot69 and I in this new disussion.

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

@lady1lake - what wonderful news. You must feel so relieved! I hope that the radiation is successful as a preventive measure.

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Today I received good news from my radiology oncologist about a Brain MRI that was performed last Tuesday. There are no metastatic signs. Thank God! Now scheduled for whole brain radiation starting next Monday. This was recommended by the oncologists at Mayo Clinic for preventative purposes. I will have 1 session each day for 10 days.

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@margot69

Hi Merry,
I might check on that but it has been years of this, many tests and many meds, there about 14 now that I can't take (why my doctor and myself are concerned about the Chemo). Can't take Nexium or Omeprazole. I have been in Ranitidine twice a day. I actually get up around 5-5:30, take two and go back to bed to try and settle my stomach before I get up. My GI Doctor at Stanford suggested Intry Iberogast, which is an herbal liquid I order on Amazon. That has seemed to help me the most and I now take it as needed. I have read the GI community is starting to prescribe it now. My GI Doctor here has given it to some of his patients. I have been on Gabapentin for years for my stomach. They actually prescribe it for neuropathy, which I developed and was on the ned, only me. Actually, had to see a Neurologist at Stanford because they couldn't figure that out either. Did punch biopsies and I have small fiber neuropathy, idiopathic, of course. I will make note of the FD Gard but kind of hate to rock the boat right now.

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Margot, how are you today? Have you found out any more about your chemo?

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yay @bluelagoon! That's just wonderful that your doctor was so receptive to making you feel so comfortable, answering all of your questions. When you get your tests results would you mind sharing them?

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@merpreb

@bluelagoon - best of luck. Please keep me updated! You've got this!

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Thanks, Merry! Everything was stable and we came out with a better understanding of the whole check up process. Between some of the comments here and some of the things that have popped in our head the last few months I had my list of questions and she was great with answering everything. Looking forward to next trip in hopefully warmer weather!

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@bluelagoon

Merry, I've referred to clearing the cobwebs for years! We're at Mayo now for my 6 month check and the cobwebs would freeze if I took a walk outside right now. First time we're making the subway route our first choice- usually I prefer fresh air.

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@bluelagoon - best of luck. Please keep me updated! You've got this!

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@merpreb

@margot69- Good morning- Radiation is different for each type of cancer so I don't think that they can do multiple ones. I know that you are worn out. Adjusting to an illness like cancer can be very draining, both physically and emotionally. I suggest that when possible, step outside and take a walk, any length of time that you are able to do is fine. This will "clear the cob webs" as my mom use to say. I don't know what these next few months will bring for you but life is only a day at a time, a moment if need be and one decision at a time.

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Merry, I've referred to clearing the cobwebs for years! We're at Mayo now for my 6 month check and the cobwebs would freeze if I took a walk outside right now. First time we're making the subway route our first choice- usually I prefer fresh air.

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@margot69- I know just what you mean right now. I'm at a stable place with everything! So, don't rock the boat, save it for a rainy day.

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@merpreb

@margot69- I'm sorry that you have this problem. Late last year I was introduced to a relatively new otc for indigestion, FD Gard. This is for upper belly- It calms everything down. Bd Gard is, lower belly, helps with IBS symptoms. See if they will help. I take them along with Omeprazole. Check with your doctor to make sure they are ok for you to take.

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Hi Merry,
I might check on that but it has been years of this, many tests and many meds, there about 14 now that I can't take (why my doctor and myself are concerned about the Chemo). Can't take Nexium or Omeprazole. I have been in Ranitidine twice a day. I actually get up around 5-5:30, take two and go back to bed to try and settle my stomach before I get up. My GI Doctor at Stanford suggested Intry Iberogast, which is an herbal liquid I order on Amazon. That has seemed to help me the most and I now take it as needed. I have read the GI community is starting to prescribe it now. My GI Doctor here has given it to some of his patients. I have been on Gabapentin for years for my stomach. They actually prescribe it for neuropathy, which I developed and was on the ned, only me. Actually, had to see a Neurologist at Stanford because they couldn't figure that out either. Did punch biopsies and I have small fiber neuropathy, idiopathic, of course. I will make note of the FD Gard but kind of hate to rock the boat right now.

REPLY
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