Two Kinds Lung Cancer and dealing with other issues

Posted by shortshot80 @shortshot80, Apr 22, 2017

Hello out there! I have been here before: Need to catch up here, I have two kinds of Lung Cancer. Right Lung is plain old cancer/Left Lung is mesothelioma. I also have Macular Degeneration. Was really sick the whole month of March. Coughing all the time. Day trip to hospital, Received a Zpac, to take, helped some. EMT checked my throat. Thankfully no cancer there. Another Zpac to take. Feel somewhat better but still fill like I have a cold. Having a Pet Scan on May 3rd.Results May 10. May 4 a big blood test. Results May 11 at Kidney Doc. Just feel "Down. I also have a book to write, no energy for that right now. Maybe it's too much rain, not much sun! Don't know what, why or???. I seem to be sleeping ok, but still tired. any idea's? I just turned 84 and dealing with all this stuff. I was diagnosis January 2016. No treatment of any kind yet. and also no pain. Am fortunate for several t(hings.
(shortshot80) Nancy

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@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: Thank you for taking the difficult step of posting us when you were at a low point. That took great courage and I admire that! I can understand how devastating this diagnosis can be. I've had 3 cancer surgeries and each one has carried with it the thought, "I just can't believe this is happening again." Sharing your disappointment with others is wise and healthy. I agree with Linda's suggestion of getting a second opinion from a specialized research center like Mayo. It can make all the difference in the world! As I live in SE Michigan I went to Univ. of Michigan Hospital for my 3rd surgery and it was a much better experience. Best wishes and please keep in touch with us. We are all in your corner and routing for you. Teresa

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merrilee, Thanks, I am just very emotional with hearing "radiation" Guess it's the stories of radiation days gone by. Used to be a nono.
I have the appt with the radiation doc on Thursday. Will see what happens with that. Thanks for your feedback.... Nancy (shortshot80)

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@llwortman

Hi Nancy:
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life.
If you trust your doctors and their teams. Be brave. We are fortunate we
live in an era where the medical technology is so advanced. Everyday
researchers who are dedicating their lives to cancer are finding amazing
cures. I'm an example of great follow up and the best care.
My husband loves telling people I'm in better shape now than before VATS
surgery to remove most of my left lung. I have learned how to be resilient
and practice taking care of 'me' with diet, exercise, practice breathing and
letting go of stress with meditation every day.
And now there is connect, with amazing people to share and support you.
Let's keep connected! I'm thinking of you.
You deserve a cyber hug,
linda

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Linda, So thankful for your reply. I have a great lady oncologist, her partner I will meet on Thursday. The surgeon who operated on me and diagnosis me told me about my oncologist so I trust her, sooo her partner I think he is from Japan or China. I have to Trust someone.. I am a old lady, perhaps I am in the "old" days as information regarding stuff I know nothing about. It's hard. Will keep you posted. Nancy

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@llwortman

Hi Nancy:
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life.
If you trust your doctors and their teams. Be brave. We are fortunate we
live in an era where the medical technology is so advanced. Everyday
researchers who are dedicating their lives to cancer are finding amazing
cures. I'm an example of great follow up and the best care.
My husband loves telling people I'm in better shape now than before VATS
surgery to remove most of my left lung. I have learned how to be resilient
and practice taking care of 'me' with diet, exercise, practice breathing and
letting go of stress with meditation every day.
And now there is connect, with amazing people to share and support you.
Let's keep connected! I'm thinking of you.
You deserve a cyber hug,
linda

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Dear Nancy:
You will continue to be in my thoughts. I understand "old" and I laugh at myself. Age is just a number, right?
Take care and let's stay connected, ok?Linda

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@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: Thank you for taking the difficult step of posting us when you were at a low point. That took great courage and I admire that! I can understand how devastating this diagnosis can be. I've had 3 cancer surgeries and each one has carried with it the thought, "I just can't believe this is happening again." Sharing your disappointment with others is wise and healthy. I agree with Linda's suggestion of getting a second opinion from a specialized research center like Mayo. It can make all the difference in the world! As I live in SE Michigan I went to Univ. of Michigan Hospital for my 3rd surgery and it was a much better experience. Best wishes and please keep in touch with us. We are all in your corner and routing for you. Teresa

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Merrilee:
Thinking of you and sending you many blessings.
Hugs, Linda

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@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: I'm sorry to hear that you have not been well. It sounds like you have had a very difficult time. Do you have friends and family nearby for support? I so appreciate your comment, "No treatment of any kind yet, and also no pain. Am fortunate for several things." You appear to be taking a positive outlook and that is great. It looks like you have a lot of tests coming up. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Teresa

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Hello everyone, (shortshot80) Well my day yesterday was very informative: I listened to the Doc who is charge of "radiataion" in my area. And with full support from my oncologist I will start radiation soon. I will have on the first trip a "trial radiation where they will be telling me just how to lay/stand and what ever else that is for me to do during the real thing. I will be having five sessions of radiation.
Two per week for three weeks, which includes the trial run. I don't have the dates yet, they will call with that soon. I really liked the doc,
hi is six foot /five and very kind, informative. Asked how anxious I was, and a whole lot of other questions. He did a exam on me. Listening to my heart, lungs,. We were at this meeting about two hours at least. So soon things will get done. I will keep you posted! Thanks guys/girls for all your input/caring/prayers. Nancy

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@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: I'm sorry to hear that you have not been well. It sounds like you have had a very difficult time. Do you have friends and family nearby for support? I so appreciate your comment, "No treatment of any kind yet, and also no pain. Am fortunate for several things." You appear to be taking a positive outlook and that is great. It looks like you have a lot of tests coming up. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Teresa

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Good luck to you..keeping you in my prayers..stay strong..you got this..Merilee

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@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: I'm sorry to hear that you have not been well. It sounds like you have had a very difficult time. Do you have friends and family nearby for support? I so appreciate your comment, "No treatment of any kind yet, and also no pain. Am fortunate for several things." You appear to be taking a positive outlook and that is great. It looks like you have a lot of tests coming up. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Teresa

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I love the fact that you had two hours with a doctor you like. I had the same experience and I am sure this great care helps our mind & body better "deal"! It is fun to hear he is 6'5" and kind;-) Did you takes photo together? I am continuing to think of you daily. So glad you will keep Connected! You deserve a big cyber hug!
All my best, linda w

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@hopeful33250

@shortshot80 Hi Nancy: I'm sorry to hear that you have not been well. It sounds like you have had a very difficult time. Do you have friends and family nearby for support? I so appreciate your comment, "No treatment of any kind yet, and also no pain. Am fortunate for several things." You appear to be taking a positive outlook and that is great. It looks like you have a lot of tests coming up. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Teresa

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Nancy,
I'm so glad that your doctor gave you explanations and time to answer your questions, address your fears and concerns and make you feel more confident in the treatment options. The "trial radiation" is called a simulation. This helps them get the machines lined up properly so they can target the area that needs to be radiated. The machines are noisy and big, but I like to imagine them as strong transformers fighting to do the job. The simulation takes a bit of time to get everything just right, but you'll see that the radiation treatments themselves are quite quick.

Do keep us posted. Knowing more about your experience will help others who are going something similar.

REPLY
@llwortman

Hi Nancy:
Proper diagnosis and proper treatment are key for a good quality of life.
If you trust your doctors and their teams. Be brave. We are fortunate we
live in an era where the medical technology is so advanced. Everyday
researchers who are dedicating their lives to cancer are finding amazing
cures. I'm an example of great follow up and the best care.
My husband loves telling people I'm in better shape now than before VATS
surgery to remove most of my left lung. I have learned how to be resilient
and practice taking care of 'me' with diet, exercise, practice breathing and
letting go of stress with meditation every day.
And now there is connect, with amazing people to share and support you.
Let's keep connected! I'm thinking of you.
You deserve a cyber hug,
linda

Jump to this post

Hi everyone, (shortshot80) Well yesterday I had to go to the hospital in Salem, The assistants put on a blue plastic sheet, then pumped it full of air and molded the stuff around me. I was in a cocoon with my arms above my head, while they did several cat scans, marked my tummy with ink. This was the simulation of what will happen next Tuesday (real thing). I had my arms up for about two hours. They still hurt. Can't lift or reach anything.We started home and had to stop for about half hour - 45 minutes for a "wreck". Arrived home, picked up the mail, stopped at the store, came home, boiled some eggs, cooked some macaroni for salad. Cooked pork chops, put some biscuits in the oven Company for dinner. She brought apple pie & ice cream for dessert. All in All the day was great. Now comes
the hard part for the next three weeks as the radiation starts on June 2 and then for the next two weeks. Total of five radiation therapy.
Nancy

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Dear Shortshot: I just read about your recent experience at the hospital My aunt underwent something similar for another cancer. for lung cancer. She was a bit nervous. I went with her to every treatment...we had lunch and she laughed after each treatment because lunch was a lot longer than her quick treatments. So targeting is very important. Sounds like you did remarkable. Good thing you were not in the "wreck"! Do you think we all need to do a little weight training with our arms? I have been thinking about carrying one pound weights while I walk. Spring is a welcome change and I am happy to get out and move outdoors, look at the blue sky, watch birds and flowers bud out! It's all good for our brain, right? Keep up the great work, and think about scheduling a lung break after your treatments. You may be amazed at how time will fly by:-) You deserve a cyber hug! Linda

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