Hello everyone,

My surgeon just called me this morning. I finally have the date for my surgery.

Pre-op assessment will be this Thursday, Feb.4th and my surgery is booked for this Monday, Feb. the 8th.

I'm so excited. A little anxious, but feel very blessed to have it this soon.

Please keep me in your prayers. I will not be having VATS so I should be in there for about a week.

Sincerely, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

Best wishes for a great surgery outcome! I'm betting your youth will serve you well, when it comes to recovering from surgery.

_________________
Bud

Long distance cyclist and lung cancer survivor
56 years old at time of diagnosis in 2007, now live in Crowley, Tx
Nov 2007 - Tentatively diagnosed as NSCLC stage I from CT scan
Dec 2007 - Upper left lobectomy, biopsy showed one cancerous lymph node, changing the diagnosis to stage II (squamous cell)
Feb to Apr 2008 - Three rounds of cisplatin and gemcitabine
Apr 2008 - chest x-ray, NED
May 2008 - brain mri, clear
Jul 2008 - CT scan, NED
Dec 2008 - CT scan, NED
June 2009 - CT scan, NED
Jan 2010 - CT scan, NED
July 2010 - CT scan, NED
June 2011 - CT scan, NED
May 2012 - CT scan, NED
December 2012 - CT scan, NED. I am now a 5 year survivor!

June 2009 - Wife Rose diagnosed with breast cancer
Stage III IDC
Sept 2009 - Finished 4 rounds of chemo (AC)
Nov 2009 - Surgery
March 2010 - Finished 12 weeks of weekly Taxol
August 2010 - CT scan, NED
August 2011 - Checkup, NED
August 2012 - Checkup, NED
The rest of my story is at:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=38841

My blog - uneasy-rider.com

Prayers for total success and a quick recovery. Hugs
((melanie))

Melanie,

Am glad to hear that this is happening soon... not only do you want to get that thing out but it gives you less 'waiting' time!

Someone told me once that having surgery feels like an entire fleet of trucks hit you, but every day after that there is one less truck!!! That sounds extreme, I know, but the analogy really helped me- if I felt bad, I knew the next day I would feel one truck better. And you know what? I always did- sometimes 2 trucks better!!

Like I said before, I am the worst chicken in the world but the recovery wasn't as bad as I imagined. Keep hitting the pain meds!!

I am wishing you tons of luck but I don't even think you need it -You are going to totally kick a**!!!

Will be thinking of you - have someone post how you are doing, okay?

_________________
Debi
50 years old
Stage 1a-nsclc,1.3 centimeter, adenocarcinoma
Surgery June 16, 2003-upper & mid lobe removed
17 lymph nodes removed - all clear
No chemo or radiation

I'm really glad you will be having your surgery so soon.

I had surgery just a couple weeks after Debi in June 2003. Then I did it again 18 mo. later. Altho. my experiences with the two surgeries weren't identical, they were pretty similar. Most important, pain meds help alot. You need to take them before the pain starts for them to be most effective. Don't hold back until you just can't bear the pain anymore. You'll feel better and recover faster with the pain controlled. The breathing exercises are important. The staff who encourage you to do them may be annoying, but try to put up with them.

Best wishes for a great outcome. We'll be looking forward to hearing from you after you get home.

Muriel

_________________
Dx NSCLC 5/03. Surgery UR lobe. Staged as 1B. Chemo (taxol & Carbo)9/15/03 - 11/13/03. Wonderful CTs until Nov 04. Surgery 11/27/04, again staged as 1B. Chemo (Cisplatin and Gemzar) 2/05 to 6/05. Good CTs and PET since chemo.

Yeahhh Love to hear tat news and that recovery is swift and painless!!!

_________________
April/03 My Wife Deborah, age 46, diagnosed adenocarcinoma NSCLC
1/20/2006 Admitted to hospital Respiratory distress
1/23/2006 Ran to the light and is waiting for us to be rejoined in the Kingdom Of Heaven Her journey is Over but mine lingers on for Now!!!
4/23/07 DEb is joined in Peace by her Puppy Dawg Daisy from Cancer
8/30/07 Got new Pup named Mocha!!

"No matter hnow much it hurts, No matter how alone you feel, Your friends will help you get through anything!!"
Scrubs!!!!Yes the comedy show!!!

The Reason I advocate
If you would like to see our family photos Click on this link!
http://deborah-wallin.memory-of.com/

My memory-of Link is good to go now if you want to see it!!

I'm excited for you!!!!!!

Melanie,

I posted this ages ago, and I don't remember who posted about the fleet of trucks, but it really is a good descriptor. Find the humor in the situation, no matter how bad you hurt, there is humor. For example, after having this extensive surgery, spending the night in cardiac ICU "just in case", I was wheeled to my room in an ancient wheelchair that lost a big wheel when we turned into the door of the room. I didn't fall, happened to have a burly male nurse who supported the chair while someone else fixed the "flat", but it was funny and had I not been catheterized, I may have peed...

http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewto ... hlight=abc

Good luck to you!

_________________
Courage is being scared to death - and saddling up anyway. ~John Wayne

Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant. ~ Maya Angelou

Keep your fears for yourself, but share your courage with others. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

*Picture was drawn by son at age six (he's now NINETEEN) - see the little blonde knight in the corner? That's him...my "Dragon Slayer"

34 y/o (on diagnosis) NON-SMOKER
1/28/03: DX NSCLC Adenocarcinoma-Stage I or II
2/10/03: surgery to remove lower 2 lobes of rt. lung w/7 nodes (3 +)
2/12/03: new DX: Stage IIIa (T2N2M0)
3/11/03: MD Anderson - not impressed
4/1/03: Began 5 1/2 wks rad
5/9/03: Began Iressa (1 yr)
7/23/03: Ended Iressa - too many side effects
10/04/04: Turned 36 and still NED!
12/28/04: Clear CT scan
1/28/05: Two year anniversary of diagnosis
3/28/05: Clear
6/27/05: Clear
8/26/05: Clear
12/07/05: Clear
12/16/05: Brain CT - clear
1/28/06: Three year anniversary of diagnosis
4/17/06: Clear
8/21/06: Clear
9/27/06: Brain MRI - clear
1/28/07: Four year anniversary of diagnosis
2/21/07: Clear
08/22/07: Clear
02/10/08: Technically, five years cancer free.
02/27/08: All clear! Could it be "cured?"
02/25/09: Clear
01/25/10: X-ray and blood work
01/29/10: Clear (7 years!)
05/26/10: Son graduates from high school - never thought I'd see it!
10/16/10: Married Mr. Right
1/24/11: Clear (8 years)
Currently watching...and wondering.

My story: viewtopic.php?f=47&t=8192

I know how scared you must be right now - but with your attitude you will do great. I can't wait to see your posts after surgery - you keep us updated at how fast you get to feeling better!!!

Annette

_________________
5/5/09 Bad Cough - sent for xray
5/6/09 CAT SCAN
5/8/09 Pulmonologist - not good ordered bronch
5/14/09 Bronc 5/19/09 Breathing test & Results - NSCLC (Adenocarcinoma 3cm)
5/22/09 PET Scan - 5/27 referred to surg & onc
6/2/09-met with surg & onc. They say there are two spots. One small on left lung and one larger one on right lung 3.6 x 3.2 cm - they are pretty sure and approaching it as if it were two separate cancers staging the right at II and the left at I.
June 15 - RML removed - Pathology - margins clear and nodes clear. June 25 follow up with surgeon - doc agreed to stage I since it appears he got it all - June 30 return to work
July 7 Oncologist says Stage 1A - we don't recommend chemo for this stage
Aug 17 - surgery - again took ULL and some nodes -
Sep 8 to onc - Both sides IA - no chemo just watch closely
Dec 15, 2009 - CT Results - NED
March 10th, 2010 - CT Scan - Results - NED
June 15th, 2010 - XRay - Results - NED
Sep 15th 2010 CT Scan - Results - NED
Dec 2010 XRay Only - Results - NED
Dec 2010 MRI - Results - Clear
March 2011 - CT Scan - NED
June 2011 - XRay Only - NED
Sept 2011 - Scan & Vampires - Scared to death!!!!

Melanie-

I never had surgery so I cannot relate to that or give you any advice on it but I do know that your outlook is wonderful and I know you will come through none the worse for wear. Keep up that positive attitude - you will learn how important that is.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Hugs - Patti B.

_________________
My personal war against cancer:
Stage IV at diagnosis 9/29/06- told 12 months tops.......yeah, right!!!
5 rounds of radiation R hip
15 Whole brain radiation txs 7/20 - 8/7/09
8 weeks on oral Tarceva
To date, 80 IV chemo sessions and still counting
Chemos have consisted of:
Carbo/Taxol/Avastin
Avastin alone
Alimta
weekly Navalbine
weekly Gemzar, now on Gemzar every other week due to blood counts
All my veins have become inaccessible - port installed 12/30/09
Put on Alimta/Avastin as a combo
Currently on Taxotere, on 3 weeks off one

Melanie,

I'm wishing you all the best on your surgery. Someone else said to use the pain medications before you hurt too bad and they are absolutely right. My surgeon told me that you recover much faster when you don't have the pain so I listened to him. And like someone else said - the breathing exercises are important. Good luck and can't wait to hear from you afterwards.

Paulette

_________________
04/02/09 family doctor found spot on upper left lung on chest x-ray.
04/03/09 CT scan with contrast - shows 5cm tumor in left upper lobe.
04/08/09 Met with thoracic surgeon.
04/14/09 PET scan - cancer only in tumor. Echo stress test. Cartiod ultrasound
05/01/09 Vats surgery - Upper left lobe and wedge of bottom lobe. Clean margins and no spread to lymph nodes. Staged 1b because of size of tumor. In hospital 7 days due to fluid in remainder of left lung.
06/09/09 Met with oncologist - because of size of tumor adjuvant chemo recommended. Cisplatin/Navelbine, 4 rounds. Some problems 1st round but minor ones after that. Finished chemo August 24.
09/02/09 CT scan of chest with contrast - NED
03/02/10 CT scan of chest and abdoman with contrast - NED
08/25/10 CT scan of chest and brain with contrast - NED
03/01/11 CT scan of chest and abdoman with contrast - NED
09/19/11 CT scan of chest with contrast - NED
02/24/12 CT scan of chest and brain with contrast - NED
08/21/12 CT scan of chest with contrast - NED
02/22/13 CT scan of chest with contrast - NED
_______________________________________
10/13/86 Daddy died of lung cancer after a 8 month fight. Diagnosed 2/86.

Melanie - so glad you have a date and can get on with getting it out! I know you will do just fine, but the pre-surgery jitters are totally to be expected. If you want I can send you my e-mail via pm and if you have a family member let me know, I can let everyone else know how things are going for you. If you'd prefer not, that is totally understandable too.

Wishing you the best and keeping you firmly in my prayers!

Luv,

Linda

_________________
46 years old at diagnosis
Lucky mom of a 16 year old boy and 15 year old girl

Mar-May 2006-3 CXR's performed; eagle eyed radiologist caught something not quite right-F/U done
May 24, 2006-CT scan-suspicious for lung cancer
June 1, 2006-Went to Vancouver for private PET scan-SUV 1.4; ? bronchioalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid
June 5, 2006-Met with surgeon-thinks 1A-surgery soon
June 20, 2006-Left lower lobectomy via VATS
July 5, 2006-Pathology back-stage 1A, pure non-mucinous bronchioalveolar carcinoma, 1.8 cm, well differentiated
Oct 13, 2006-CXR, good
Jan 16, 2007-CXR, good
April 17, 2007-CXR, good
May 4, 2007-CT scan-good
Sept 18, 2007-CXR, good
Dec 18, 2007-CXR, good
March 18, 2008-CXR, good
May 30, 2008-CT scan-good
Oct 21, 2008-CXR, good-graduated to 6 month visits!
June 5th, 2009-CT scan-good!!!
December 3rd, 2009-CXR-good
May 27, 2010-CT scan-good-moved to once/year CT scan & visit!

4 1/2 years from surgery-so happy to be here!!!

Wishing you the best when you go into surgery and as you begin recovery. Once I got home I would take the Alleve over the counter pain pills because the prescription pain pills made me loopy and constipated. The trick was to learn to take them before the pain set in and you are okay. Be patient with yourself because each day does get better.
Prayers,
Carol

_________________
Carol
64 Year old former smoker
1/4/05 at age 56 DX NSCLC, upper right lobe.
Staged IIA by PET Scan.
Restaged to IIIA by surgeon prior to surgery, after he examined PET and CT Scan results.
4/7/05 Completed 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy (taxol/carboplatin).
4/29/05 CT Scan.
5/21/05 PET Scan.
5/31/05 Met with surgeon, PET Scan showed nodule in left lung lit up that never lit up before.
6/9/05 Biopsy=OK nodule is scar tissue.
7/1/05 BRONCHOSCOPY,
MEDIASTINOSCOPY, THORACOTOMY SURGERY=ALL MARGINS CLEAN, 20 LYMPH NODES REMOVED. PLUS ONE RIB BONE. ALL NEGATIVE FOR CANCER.
8/9/05 & 9/1/05 ADJUVANT CHEMO. 10/4/05 1ST CT SCAN="Defined patchy density at the superior segment of the right lower lobe. Findings are most likely related to recent surgery and/or posttreatment change, however, this should be followed on subsequent studies".
1/3/06 Brain CT=Clear;Chest CT=Scar Tissue.
1/4/06 ONE YEAR SINCE DIAGNOSIS
4/1/06 Brain & Chest CT=NED. 6/13/06 XRAY=NERD.
7/1/06 ONE YEAR SINCE SURGERY.
10/25/06 CT=NED.
1/4/07 TWO YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
5/3/07 CT=NED.
7/1/07 TWO YEARS SINCE SURGERY.
11/6/07 CT=NED
PLEASE continue to keep me in your prayers.WHEN PRAISES GO UP, BLESSINGS COME DOWN.[/size]
1/4/08 THREE YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
3/20/08 CT=NED
6/20/08 X-RAY=NED
7/1/08 THREE YEARS SINCE SURGERY.
10/27/08 CT=NED
1/4/09 FOUR YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
3/26/09 X-RAY=NED
7/1/09 FOUR YEARS SINCE SURGERY.
9/17/09 CHEST X-RAY CEA BLOOD TEST=NED
1/4/10 FIVE YEARS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
3/29/10 X-RAY=NED
10/5/10 CT=NED
4/1/11 X-RAY=NED
7/1/11 SIX YEARS SINCE SURGERY
10/10/11 X-RAY=NED
4/15/12 CT/PET=NED
4/18/13 CT=NEW 3MM NODULE FOUND ON UPPER LEFT LOBE

Melanie, here is hoping for a successful operation and an easy recovery. Only one word - PILLOW - get one to hold against your incision if you have to cough or sneeze or ride in a car on a bumpy road.

_________________
Ginny
Please use gdecoursey@aol.com for email.

Earl born 1/28/42 - dx 9/21/02 - died 8/18/04. He was the sunshine of my life.

New word, sports bra - in a month or two. Right now, roll a towel into a tube and put a "shelf" under the girls, a bra will about freakin' kill you, I promise... It took almost a year before I could wear underwires again, and they still can get in that tender rib space and bring me to tears...terrible to be beaten up by your undergarments!

You all are the best!!

Let me see here... Everyday look forward to one less truck, pillow for cough/sneeze/car rides, pain meds before pain gets bad, breathing exercises, and sports bra! Hahaha, you guys are a hoot, but thank you sooo much for all of your helpful tips at how to get through this smoothly!! I look forward to using all of these tips, and thinking of all of your support!!

Love, Melanie

_________________
*23 years old
*Dec. 23, 2009 - Biopsy results show
Neuro-endocrine carcinoid tumour (RML). Does not respond to chemo/radiation.
*Jan. 2, 2010 - first CT
*Jan. 11, 2010 - met surgeon, RML collapsed, found questionable lymphnode RUL.
*Jan. 22, 2010 - 2nd bronchoscopy shows only middle lobe needs to come out with all lymphnodes.
*Feb. 4, 2010 - Pre-op assessment and tests
*Feb. 8, 2010 - Thoracic surgery to remove right middle lobe and all lymphnodes in lung.
*Feb. 12, 2010 - Home and recovering!
*Feb. 19, 2010 - drain tube stitches come out
*Feb. 26, 2010 - xray and follow up appointment with surgeon:

10 lymphnodes out: 0 with cancer!
Margins: cancer free!
Follow up and scan every 6 months!

And lots of good ice cream.
Really, whatever makes you happy.
Lots of good company, even if you are sleeping through the visits.
We will all be there virtually.

I'm not so sure about even the sports bra for a good long while - I had VATS and even though I tried doing the bra thing I am back to teeshirts under regular shirts. Recover at your own pace - and look back on "yesterday" and you will say "wow - I really do feel better today". Most importantly we are all there with you in spirit and support.
Annette

_________________
5/5/09 Bad Cough - sent for xray
5/6/09 CAT SCAN
5/8/09 Pulmonologist - not good ordered bronch
5/14/09 Bronc 5/19/09 Breathing test & Results - NSCLC (Adenocarcinoma 3cm)
5/22/09 PET Scan - 5/27 referred to surg & onc
6/2/09-met with surg & onc. They say there are two spots. One small on left lung and one larger one on right lung 3.6 x 3.2 cm - they are pretty sure and approaching it as if it were two separate cancers staging the right at II and the left at I.
June 15 - RML removed - Pathology - margins clear and nodes clear. June 25 follow up with surgeon - doc agreed to stage I since it appears he got it all - June 30 return to work
July 7 Oncologist says Stage 1A - we don't recommend chemo for this stage
Aug 17 - surgery - again took ULL and some nodes -
Sep 8 to onc - Both sides IA - no chemo just watch closely
Dec 15, 2009 - CT Results - NED
March 10th, 2010 - CT Scan - Results - NED
June 15th, 2010 - XRay - Results - NED
Sep 15th 2010 CT Scan - Results - NED
Dec 2010 XRay Only - Results - NED
Dec 2010 MRI - Results - Clear
March 2011 - CT Scan - NED
June 2011 - XRay Only - NED
Sept 2011 - Scan & Vampires - Scared to death!!!!

Melanie,
So more stuff for your list! A good stool softner, you don't even want to get constipated when you get home!
MOST IMPORTANT!! Make sure you are having bowel movements in the hospital if you are raise heck! Very dangerous!
Oh yes, the gave me a pain killer button, so before you try and move hit the button then give yourself about 10 minutes! Yeee Haw!
If you get scared let us know, we are right here for you. You really are going to do great you have everything on your side, plus tons of good wishes and prayers!

((hugs))
Dana

_________________
Mar. '08-Routine xray found Spot tip of upper left lung.
Dr orders CAT. growth confirmed.
Sent to Pulmonolgist who orders PET.
Pet results-my spot lights up like a Christmas tree.
Can't reach spot for biopsy referred to surgeon.
Surgical Biopsy scheduled for Apr. 28th '08
Apr. '08-Surgeon found SCLC, removed upper left lobe and surronding lymph nodes.
Everything biopsied no other cancer found, declaired NED by surgeon on Apr.28th '08
ONC wants me to start adjuvant therapy.
June '08-MRI brain scan and CAT NED
Chemo cisplatin/vp16 3 days every 3 weeks 4 sessions ended Aug. '08
Partial hearing loss due to Cisplatin
Sept. '08 1st CAT after treatment NED
Dec. '08-2nd CAT after treatment NED
Apr. '09-MRI (brain) and CAT NED
Aug. '09-CAT NED
Dec. '09-CAT and MRI NED
Apr. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Oct. '10-CAT and MRI NED
Jan. '11-XRay NED
Oct. '11-CAT NED

Melanie,
Glad you have the surgery date. Sending prayers for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. I agree about what others have said about the pain meds, pillows and meds for constipation.
Good Luck:)

_________________
GOD is good all the time,

Barb

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" For in the end, it's not the years in your life, but the life in your years" Abraham Lincoln

1/5/07 Had cough for a few months, given antibiotics
1/19/07 abnormal CT
2/07 2nd round antibiotics
3/07 2nd CT shows growth changed, now highly suspicious for malignancy
3/27/07 fine needle biopsy fails to get target tissue
4/6/07 PET-CT negative for malignancy
4/07 2nd opinion at Karmanos Cancer Institute, tumor board recommends surgery to remove nodule.
5/16/07 Lobectomy RLL- NSCLC, adenocarcinoma with BAC features, Stage 1a, no further treatment
needed.
8/24/07 CT - NED
9/14/07 Dx with pleural friction rub, need NSAIDS for the inflammation.
12/17/07 CT showed 2 new small nodules, 6 & 8 mm. Enlarged lymph nodes.
2/28/08 CT & PET Scans, more nodules, SUV between 2 & 8. Report says most likely recurrence and metastases.
3/6/08 Needle biopsy; benign, no fungus or TB.
3/19/08 Bronchoscopy; benign, no cancer, tumors, infections, fungus, virus or TB. Most likely inflammation.
5/3/08 PET/CT and CT-most nodules decreased in size by 50%, diagnosis; inflammation possibly from ruptured silicone breast implants which were removed 9/05.
7/18/08 CT nodules stable from May, 2 lymph nodes slightly increased, will rescan mid-Oct
10/10/08 PET/CT and CT show lymph nodes of concern decreased in size. Still have several nodules, but they are either stable, reduced in size. There are now 2 new enlarged lymph nodes. They believe they may be part of my ongoing inflammation, will rescan in 3 months.
1/09 scans show progression of larger nodule. Biopsy 2/5/09 benign, will rescan in 3 months.
4/24/09 "scans show progression of disease". Have had horrible cough and increased SOB. Will treat with 30mg prednisone for 6 weeks, then new PET.
PET/CT 6-5-09 suspicious mass decreased in size indicating no recurrence, probably sarcoidosis or inflammation, will rescan in a few months.
9/09 All inflammtion is back. Put back on prednisone, rescan in Dec
12/09 Most inflammation gone. Start predinsone taper rescan 3/10
1/10 Seek treatment for increased pain from 5/07 thoracotomy.
3/15/10 CT shows slight increase in 2 nodules and lymph node, continue prednisone 4 week more, rescan in June
4/16/10 back on higher dose prednisone due to increased cough during taper. Will taper to inhaled steroid and have CT 6/11/10
6/17/10 CT nodules & lymph nodes stable, stay on inhaled steroid rescan 12/10
12/16/10 CT Stable, recan 6/11
2/11 Start Lyrica for post thoracotmy syndrome pain. Now haivng regular epidurals for ongoing lumbar herniated disc with bilateral leg pain

To Success! Prayers are definitely with you

_________________
Janette

Jan '08, spouse sick all thru holidays finally went to the doctor Jan 5, diagnosed with lung cancer Jan 23/08
. Up to that point he was a smoker.

Stage IIIB, initially told curable but after more testing mid-Feb advised no longer curable but treatable. 5cm x 7cm tumor, according to docs in a very bad spot on right lung.

12 straight days of radiation, CT Scan after radiation shows tumor reduced 50% - one week of -, chemo started March 17, lucky St. Patty's Day.

June16, CT scan shows a little reduction - doc says he can have extra 2 rounds of cisplatin/navelbine. Did 5th round, opted not to do 6th.

July 28, confirmed tumor back with a vengence, 10 days of radiation.

Aug 17, 2008; thru 7 days radiation, but he had to go, it just didn't work.