Coming up on 8 years since diagnosis and still NED....seeing Jamie's post on fb reminded me that others need to see stories of survival to give hope, so here I am after taking a very long break. I have had no treatment since completing it in August 2004. Today I live with COPD which required adapting my lifetstyle, but it's a blessing to still be here to bounce my new grandson on my knee!

_________________
Lynnel
age 50 - 4/04 dx st I adenocarcinoma 3 cm
4/04 mediastinoscopy - benign
5/04 thorocotomy mid and lower right lobes
restage - IIa -hilar lymph involvement
6/04 begin 30 radiation
possible restage to IIIa? indeterminate area on
AP window on scan - can't tell
Quit radiation after 27 - side effects
6/04 begin carbo/taxol -6 - finished 8/2
healing now till follow-up CT scan 9/27
Scan shows clear - WAHOO!
Will have next scan 1/18/05
NED!!!
4/13/05 - still NED!
9/06 - Still NED! I am blessed
8/08 - Still all clear - Hope lives!
NED - 4 year survivor this month since completing treatment - wahoo!
Still NED - nearly 8 years now :)
...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

congrats! that is awesome!

_________________
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!!

Thank you for stopping in and providing that great inspiring story! And WOOOO WHOOO on 8 yrs.

_________________
My sister Kelly was diagnosed with 3b NSCLC in May of 2007. A nodule on her adrenal gland has at times been thought to also be involved, but I, her surgeon, her radiation oncologist, and many oncologists I work with don't think it is. So we're going with that. She completed 5 rounds of carbo/taxol on a weekly schedule with concurrent radiation for 37 days. CT and PET showed nodes were clean but still residual activity in the tumor, which was reduced in size from 8x5 cm to 3x2cm. She attempted a lobectomy on 22 January 08 but the tumor resides a bit in the lower lobe in addition to the upper lobe, and the surgeon would not remove the entire left lung. She started Tarceva on 27 February 08. Her first scan showed decreased activity in the tumor and yet again, nothing new outside of that tumor. Her Dr. and I were actually kind of shocked! June '08 she had a total of 48 Gy of radiation via cyberknife. Her PET from 10 Sept '08 showed nothing new, the tumor size not really changed, but the SUV went down again, from 3.9 in May to 3.1, down from about 19 when this all started. She took a bit of a Tarceva holiday as we had some electrolyte issues due to not eating anything. She is currently back on it and taking 50 mg with tolerable toxicity. December '08 scan showed stable disease and yet again, less activity than before. April '09 scan actually said "area of hypermetabolic activity previously noted is not visualized today"! I could hardly believe my eyes and read it over and over. August and December '09 scans nearly identical! Now the June 2010 scan is just like the last ones - no uptake in the tumor, no new sites! Scan in January 2011 showed something on a rib on the contralateral side. Everyone in agreement that she broke a rib when she took a really bad fall a couple months ago. No one seems to think it is cancer, since the PET showed nothing in the lung or lymph nodes! Not moving to yearly scans yet though, so back in July! Our family really needed that good news as a month before we buried our 26 yr old nephew and are all still reeling from the shock and pain. July 2011 scan showed nothing new and she and the dr agreed to give her a drug break, so she went off Tarceva and so he wants to scan again in 3 months. There was a 3 mm nodule in the other lung and he didn't want to wait too long to scan given that and the no drug status. Scan in October of 2011 again showed nothing new, no growth, all is stable. The nodule in the other lung still listed as 2-3 mm. February 2012 scan was same as it ever was. :) Next scan is in August and she'll have gone one year without any treatment at that point. On May 19th it was 5 yrs from the day we heard she had lung cancer and we marked the occasion with a big party full of family and friends! She had a scan on Aug 24th and the results were more of the same, and marching orders from her oncologist that he doesn't need to see her for another year!

Thanks for coming back to lift our spirits. Congratulations on that 8 yr mark coming up!

Judy in KW

_________________
Cytology report on fluid removed from lung after pleural effusion and pneumonia Sep 07 showed adenocarcinoma cells. Dx IIIb NSCLC Oct '07 at MDACC, Orlando. Fol 6 rounds Taxol/Carboplatin/Avastin and 2 Avastin, CT/PET 4/1/08 pleural thickening gone and no active cancer cells. 11/3/08 STILL NEVD. CT/PET/MRI 5/4/09 Cancer back, still in the pleura and chest wall, small amt of fluid, all in left lung.
5/11/09 Start on Alimta every three weeks.
7/13/10 Had Alimta on road in Corning NY.
8/24/09 Scans show some improvement. Continue on Alimta.
9/14/09 Chemo on road in Mt Holly NJ.
10/6/09 Started regular Alimta infusions in Key West.
11/3/09 CT and PET scans showed significant improvement. Some issues already resolved.
2/3/2010 No evidence of residual or recurrent disease. NED! Stay on Alimta.
5/6/10 Am considering myself still NED until/unless proven otherwise in July. Rabid radiologist thinks he sees something suggestive of similar to some abdominal cancer. No light up on the PET. Am hoping for the best. Stay on Alimta and scan in 9 wks instead of 3 mos.
7/8/10 Chest CT unchanged (NED Feb '10). Infiltration in the region of the omentum is probably slightly more prominent than before. Diverticulosis requiring antibiotics.
Jul, Aug, Sep, continued Alimta in Corning NY, Portsmouth OH and Mt Holly NJ.
10/14/10 Chest CT unchanged from Feb '10. Findings likely representing progressive nodular peritonal carcinomatosis in the midabdomen. Treatment changed to Tarceva started in Nov.
12/15/10 Chest CT unchanged. Abdomen changes compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis again identified with mild progression noted.
3/16/11 CT chest unchanged. CT abdomen progression ascites (fluid). Progression of soft tissues nodularity on the peritoneal surface anteriorly with diffuse omental involvement.
4/13-15/11 Hospitalized at MDA. Removed 4 1/2 litres (8-9 lbs) of fluid from abdomen 4/14. Started on taxotere before release on 4/15.
5/16/11 Hospitalized for fever, neutropenic. Treated with intravenous antibiotic and antiviral. Given blood transfusion. Note that KW Cancer Center did not give me my Neulasta shot after my chemo on May 6. Onc had me cancel my 5/26 chemo until after my scan on Jun 6. Was discharged on oxygen. Test w/Dr Gerth 5/26 indicated I could go off sitting and sleeping O. Will do walking test 6/2.
6/2 Did not get requisite numbers on walking test. Left for Orlando 6/5 still on oxygen.
6/6/11 MRI normal; CT stable. Taxotere and Neulasta at MDA 6/7 and 6/8.
6/13/11 Appointment with Dr Olham in KW. Off oxygen week of 6/16.
8/8/11 CT scan showed stable with perhaps some lessening of fluid. Stay on Taxotere.
10/10/11 CT chest still clear, CT abdominal lining stable. Stay on taxotere.
12/19/11 CT chest clear, CT abdominal lining stable, MRI clear. Stay on taxotere.

You are so right,sharing such a success story does give everyone a boost,congratulations on your 8 years.My buddy Robert Lowe,was dxd with SCLC in1993,NSCLC in 2007,now aged 72,has more zest for life than people half his age.He is now the UKs longest surviving duel LC patient,this is now his 19th year of survival.Lets all do a Robert,what do you think?.

_________________
Regards,
Eric Byrne

To read my story, please follow the link : http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=43268

WOOOOHOOOO! Congrats to an awesome 8 years!!! Here's to many, many more!!!!

You are a cancer butt kicker!!! Get it girl!!!


Jamie

_________________
We are not dealt a situation we cannot handle. It is how we handle these situations, that defines who we are, and who we'll become.
Age 35 at diagnosis
[size=75]Dx December 2004 Stage IIIB
Started Tarceva June 2005(working)
Stable scans (8/2005)
Stable scans (10/2005)
Stable scans (11/2005)
Celebrating 1 year since diagnosis
1/16/06 NED--just scar tissue and/or fibrosis
4/16/06 NED--just scar tissue and/or fibrosis
7/19/06 Stability again--Thank you Lord Jesus!!
11/19/06 NED
1/19/07 NED Again!!!
4/19/07 NED Again!! God is Good!
7/21/07 NED AGAIN!! Pet was clear!!
10/25/07 NED AGAIN!!! God is Good!
01/2008 Cancer free and thanking God!!
06/2008 NED AGAIN!! Thank you God!!
10/2008 NED AGAIN!! Thank you God!!
2/2009 NED AGAIN!! Thank you God!!
6/2009 NED AGAIN! Thank you God!!
12/2009 NED AGAIN!! Thanks be to GOD!!
6/2010 NED AGAIN!!! Thanks be to GOD!!
5 1/2 Year Survivor
http://www.caringbridge.org/tn/jamie
www.memphislungcancerconnections.com
www.lungevity.org/playingforacure

[/size]

Your post most certainly lift my spirits.

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

WONDERFUL WONDERFUL news!

_________________
- Katie Brown, Co-Founder and Director of LCSC-

15 yr cancer survivor.

"Any of us who have experienced the cancer journey- and survived it-
have an obligation to make the path clearer and aid those that come after us."
- Lance Armstrong

In memory of Jessee Dewey, SCLC
December 29, 1938 - September 6, 2003
Lisa Dewey- Jan. 22, 2007
my parents are together in heaven


facebook www.facebook.com/lungevity

Hearing these stories is what keeps me fighting once I decided to fight ☼ Thanks

_________________
2/2011- diagnosed BAC
4/2011- lower rt lobectomy
6/2112- 2 'spots' middle and upper rt lobes, will wait to see if they change, recheck in the fall (will wait to see if they 'do a trick'-phrase my own)
11/2012-spots growing, biopsy schedualed
12/2012-biopsy unconfirmed, dr wanted to wait another 2 months, patient refused to play the waiting game
12/2012-began complementary therapies in the form of supplements
1/2013-began chemo
2/2013-nurse friend started me on balanced PH water to support PH balance as cancer can not exist in an alkaline envoirnment, moving me up from acidic to alkaline PH reading
2/2013-most recent CT shows one 'nodule' disappeared, one a 'dead shell' and the 'thickening tissue around the heart' noticeably smaller-PTL!
2/1013-last chemo treatment cause such severe sickness had to discontinue supplements, then discovered I felt overall worse. Upon restarting supplements, I did feel better, proving that they are helping ☺

CURRENT SUPPLEMENTS:

Morning
Ibuprofen -200x3
Tylenol- 500x3
Atenolol- 50MG 1x
Black Cumin Seed- (essential oils) -2x
Trametes versicolor- 2x (polysaccharopeptide)
Curcumin (turmeric) 1x

Late Afternoon/Early Evening
Ibuprofen -200x3
Tylenol- 500x3
Black Cumin Seed- (essential oils) -2x (autoimmune and hypertension)
Trametes versicolor- 2x (polysaccharopeptide)
Curcumin (turmeric) 1x


Late Evening/Before Bed
Melatonin- 5g x4
Folic Acid-(prescribed) 1MG 1x
Atenolol- (prescribed) 50MG 1x

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=C ... ung+Cancer
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151314/ (Advanced Drug-Delivery Systems of Curcumin for Cancer Chemoprevention
http://www.cancer-therapy.org/CT/v6/A/1 ... 17-130.pdf polysaccharopeptide
http://www.naturalnews.com/030800_cumin ... ealth.html (Black seed oil)

take some time to also check out the good news forums also for more inspiration!!!

_________________
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!!

_________________

Jan 1964 Born ornery with a wicked & wry sense of humor and an incurable addiction to the color purple. "If it's purple, it MUST be mine" LOL

Dec 2003 Dx Melanoma In Situ
Jan 2004 Wide Excision, clean margins ~ No further treatment required. Annual follow-ups all NED

March 2011 Dx Squamous Cell Carcinoma NSCLC Stage IIB Pan-coast Tumor
April 2011 PET scan, Mediastinoscopy, Brain MRI, RTT (resp threshold test)
May & June 2011 Chemo (Cisplatin & Etoposide) and Radiation
August 2011 Re-staging incl Brain MRI, RTT, CT scans and meeting the Neurosurgeon who would decide if the vertebrae could be operated on. Surgery set 8/15/11
Surgery Right Upper Lobectomy, Chest wall resection 3 ribs and hemivertebrectomy C3 Stabilized with Rod & Screws C2-C4
August 16 2012 Surgery re-stabilize vertebrae bi-lateral rods C2 - T6? due to angulation of vertebrae below original surgical rod - radiation damaged bone not behaving well
Jan 2013 Found this site and became hopeful about peer conversation
Oct 2011 - CT scan = NED
March 2012 - CT scan = NED
June 2012 - CT scan = NED but given Aug date so Fellow could see me 1 more time before she moves on ~ or so I thought ~ was led to believe
Aug 2012 - CT scan = small spot they barely saw in June got bigger. Not mentioned to me cuz it was so tiny they didn't want me to worry - return in 2 months again
Oct 2012 - CT scan = no change
Jan 24 2013 - Full body PET scan = no size change, but not "glowing" so NED