Okay my friends, this is a CALL for ALL LUNG CANCER SURVIVORS to PLEASE COME OUT COME OUT WHERE EVER YOU ARE!!

I know we have more Lung Cancer Survivors on this board then just the few of us who post all the time. I think it would be so wonderful to see more lung cancer survivors here so we can offer strength and hope to all the NEW SURVIVORS that will sadly have to join us one day.

How many of you sit here and gain strength from reading other lung cancer survivor posts? I know I do!

I don't know what to say to bring more Lung Cancer Survivors to the surface, but I know we need each other and we need to share with others that there are a LOT MORE SURVIVORS in this world then just a hand full of us. Please click onto the Reply button and say hello and share a little about your journey with us.


THANK YOU ALL.
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

That's right Connie and we need all lung cancer surviors responding.

_________________
Fay A. age 44 at diagnosis
NSCLC Adeno W/ BAC Features
Rt. Lung Upper and lower lobe segmentectomies 6-99, 4-00
Rt anterior thoracoscopy 11-00
Iressa 5-02 to 1-03
Pneumonectomy Rt. Lung and all Nodes right side of chest 5-03
Carbo-Taxotere 9/03-12/03
Recurrent Disease on Rt. Bronchial Stump/Subcarinal Node (missed one!)paratrachea 1/04
33 Radiation Treatments/Daily Amifostine Injections 8/2004
Mets to Right Axilla 8/04
12-26-04 Tarceva
1-17-05 Scans show NERD!
4-05 Scans show NERD!
6-22-05 Clear Chest Xray
7-22-05 1.7cm Tumor Left Lung, possible 1.5cm to right shoulder.
7-27-05 3mm to 1mm CT shows 1.7 cm lesion confirmed. Bummer.
8-17-05 Botched FNAB with bleeding into both lobes of left lung and botched insertion of 1st chest tube requiring insertion of second chest tube, and pathology inconclusive as to malignant or not.
9-7-05 Left Lung Wedge Resection to remove tumor (cancerous after all and a different type of Adenocarcinoma than previous tumors in right lung. Surgeon used standard thoracotomy incision on left side. One broken rib (he says greenstick fracture). More pain with this surgery than any of the previous 3 big thoracotomies on the right side. Still in a significant amount of pain as of 9-27-05.
12-1-05 Coughing spell breaks left rib; 12-9-05 CT scan shows mass in left pleura; 1-3-06 FNAB of Pleural mass shows Malignant. Left side ribs continue to break. 1-6-06 start Gemzar alone. Add in Tarceva as soon as stomach can tolerate it.
-----------------------
Lost my Mother, My Maternal Aunt and Uncles, Maternal Great Aunts, numerous cousins to Adenocarcinoma with BAC or BAC only Lung Cancers. I am the third "...biopsy proven..." generation with Adeno with BAC. Not all family members afflicted with this disease were smokers or exposed to tobacco smoke. Paternal side of family remarkable for Pancreatic Cancer or Chronic and acute Pancreatitis as cause of death in everyone. BAC is also primary in the Pancreas, the only other organ besides Lung known to be a primary locus for Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma (BAC).
Researchers are looking into BAC as a possible bone cancer! Exciting news as I have had removal of Giant Cell Bone Tumors off and on since I was a young child. We were always told that my bone tumors were considered 'benign' because they were a very slow growing tumor and could take 20 or more years before they spread to other areas. I am paying special attention to the work out of the University of Ohio in Cleveland and hope that my children will keep up with the work being done there when I am gone. Their lives may depend upon what those folks learn over the next few years. These are the same researchers who found the location of the defective genes involved in the development of Lung Cancer in Non Smokers which are also the same genes involved in the development of some forms of Polycystic Kidney Disease, which I also have.
------------------------
Some other health issues I face:
Polycystic Kidney Disease with Multiple Organ Involvement; Benign Meningioma, Benign Left Adrenal Tumor, Giant Cell Tumors of the tendons and bone, Bilateral Mastectomies for pre-malignant Breast Tumors, many other benign tumors and cysts in the skin, veins, muscles and other organs; Sjogren's Syndrome, Crohn's-IBD with Hiatal Hernia and GERD, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Ehlers-Danlos type connective tissue disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease of Spine. Heart Murmur.
Praying for One Smart Cookie and an Armadillo!

That's right Fay, we DO need ALL the LUNG CANCER SURVIVORS to respond. I hope they will!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

ALRIGHT, CONNIE!
I have been tempted to ask the MANY lurkers to come out, but just haven't done it. I agree, we want ALL of you to be here! I know how much it helped me! Don't EVEN make be stalk you !!!!

Kasey

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Kasey ~ 8 year survivor ~ Stage IIIb 'inoperable' (yea, right!) lung cancer
9/20/04 Dx lc
9/24/04 Bronchoscopy
10/08/04 CT guided needle biopsy
10/14/04 Dx Pancoast tumor - NSCLC 111a(?) - inoperable - incurable
11/02/04 2nd opinion - Sloan-Kettering - concurs with local dx and tx
11/03/04-12/02/04 Radiation x22 chemo x5 taxol/carboplatin
11/04 - 3rd opinion - FoxChase -turned away
11/04 FOUND LCSC & HOPE
11/04 4th opinion NIH - surgery possible
1/04/05 Successful surgery - RU lobectomy - all margins, nodes, and path reports are NEGATIVE
2/05 chemo x2 taxol/carboplatin
3/05 Esophagus stretched twice
4/06/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, NED
5/05 2 more esophagus stretches
7/13/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, brain MRI, NED
10/05/05 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
1/11/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
4/05/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
6/10/06 emergency appendectomy
7/12/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
9/26/06 bloodwork, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
1/10/07 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, CT, PET/CT scan, arm CT, brain MRI, NED
7/11/07 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
1/9/08 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT w/contrast.....mm 'spot' lower right lobe - watch and wait 3 months
4/8/08 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, NED
10/14/08 bloodwork, urinaysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
4/15/09 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, NED
10/13/09 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT/contrast, NED
4/13-4/15/10 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET/CT scan, brain MRI, CT/contrast, PFT, echocardiogram, EKG, stress test, NED
4/11-4/13/2011 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan w/contrast, brain MRI, NED
4/16-4/18/2012 bloodwork, urinalysis, chest x-ray, PET scan, CT scan w/contrast, brain MRI, NED

Good Morning Connie and all. I survived! Donna G

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NSCLC, 4 cm Pancoast tumor, diag. 12/3/97 Cisplatin and VP 16, Radiation, R upper lobectomy, more Cisplatin and VP 16. Celebrating 16 yrs of survival ! Click here and read MY STORY

http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?f47&t=9092

As Connie and Fay have requested, and Kasey and DonnaG seconded, I will stand up and be counted.
Stage 3A/B lung cancer, NSCLC, 17 hour surgery, removed 13 1/2 pound tumor; four rounds cisplatin and VP16, two rounds before surgery concomitant with 25 rounds of radiation, and two rounds after.
Chemo postponed a month when I collapsed/perforated my large intestine and had to go in for a colostomy.

I am a 5 year 11 month survivor.
Thank you all my dear friends@@!!!

_________________
dx 4/00 age 44, pancoast nsclc IIIa, 14 cm x 9 cm. 6-7/00, chemo 6 daysx2 (cisplatin/VP-16), 25 days radiation 6-7/00, removal of left upper lobe, 13# tumor, (loss of 5 ribs) w/ rebuilt goretex chest wall 8/00, chemo x2 9-10/00;
Clean Brain, neck, chest, ab, pelvic scans 2/04 Some pleural effusion along prosthetic chest wall. Keep an optimistic eye on it all...
April 2004, 4 year survivor w/NED...
8/11/2004 Scans clear, NED, pleural effusion stable and small. 4 year 4 month survivor
Avatar "HAPPY" , a gift from Rick Brown, is as close as I can come right now to owning a dog again. 9/24/2007 Scans NED, = 8 year survivor !!

Hey Connie,I'm still here.It sure would be nice if more of us guys posted as well.

Attention All Men,It is OK for us to participate here too.

_________________
dianosed 04/29/2003 nsclc***left lung removed 06/18/2003***two checkups NED *** cancer back 10/10/03 mets to right lung *** 7 rounds chemo carboplatin & taxol at same time with 7 weeks of daily radiation***01/04/04 shrinkage***04/04/ still stable***07/04/04 stable***10/04/04 no change***03/04/05 cancer spread to windpipe blocking 80% of airway and also bottom r. lung and stump where l.lung was removed***03/24/05 had laser surgery to open windpipe & stent put in***03/24/05 chemo and radiation again same type and amount***07/20/05 tumors shrunk but not gone and new tumor in top r.lung***remaining lung in bad shape with lots of scar tissue***10/20/05 no evidence of more spreading***01/31/2006 scans stable***03/13/06 increased cancer in middle of chest and airway***06/22/06 no change***06/05/06 prostate trouble and catheter from 06/06/06 until 09/14/06 when surgery on prostate (no cancer)***10/08/06 spread again 3.5cm tumor on brain and 6.5 cm tumor back in middle of chest again***have done 14 WBR tx's and waiting for 1 x-knife tx upcoming***more chemo upcoming***12/20/06 no more chemo or radiation to chest area***placed on pallitive care***they will do as possible as anything arises***follow up mri in late january for brain tumors***also may need stent in esophogus for severe reflux and restricted size of esophogus***only two options left,treat and be very ill with almost no chance of getting or feeling better or maintain maximum quality of life as long as possible and be treated for comfort as problems occur.I am at the stage of this where I CHOOSE QUALITY.

I have a great wife,3 daughters and son-in-laws,5 grand daughters,1 grandson,and 1 great grand son.My goal in life is my 100th birthday as it always has been.

----------------------------------

picture is of me and my great grand son.

Survivin in Miami!

Trish

_________________
48yr. old, married, 12 yr. old daughter.
8-15-05 - Took myself to the ER. X-Ray shows mass on right lung. Hospitalized 4 days - broncoscopy, pet scan, MRI, CT, port-a-cath. Dx NSCLC Stage IIIB,adeno with squamous characteristics. Quit smoking after 30 yrs.
Radiation x 25.
Chemo - Taxol, Carboplatin x 2; reaction to Taxol 2nd infusion.
Taxotere, Carboplatin x 4 - reaction to Carbo on 6th infusion.
Taxotere weekly.
Mediastinoscopy shows lymph node with cancer, hilar region. Pneumonectomy not possible. Good news is cancer is confined to right side.
Radiation x 10 - right hilar boost.
Taxotere weekly x 3 then every 3 weeks x 2. Last treatment scheduled for Feb. 3.
Pet scan scheduled for Feb. 17.

Mar. 1, 2006 - Hilar lymph node is completely clear! Lung tumor has shrunk more than 50%. Will do 3 rounds (every 3 weeks) of Taxotere to knock the remaining tumor into oblivion. After that, will probably begin Tarceva.

4/25/06 - New PET/CT scans.
4/28/06 - Onc. declares the tumor "virtually dead". Although some residual tumor remains, little to no activity is seen. Began Tarceva 4/29. Not NED but real darn close!

6/27/06 - Onc. visit -- all tumor markers are NORMAL!!!
PET scan July 27 - Stable - Residual disease cannot be excluded. Again, not NED but I'll take it.
Next onc. visit is August 27. Continue on Tarceva. Moving right along...
9/25/06 - Celebrated my 49th (yikes!) birthday. Next PET scan on 10/26.
10/31/06 - PET Scan - Stable! Next onc. visit Jan. '07

Nov. '07 - Tarceva stopped working. Tumor growth detected. Back on chemo -- Gemzar/Navelbine this time.
Feb. '08 - Thoracentesis.
March '08 - Finish chemo. Thoracentesis.
April '08 - Hospitalized 9 days for pleurodesis and broncoscopy. Results show malignant cells in bronchus. Begin 4 weekly brachytherapy treatments. Hospitalized after 1st treatment due to reaction to Dilaudid.
June '08 - 2 more brachytherapy treatments to reach back-end of tumor.
Pet Scan scheduled 7/15/08.
Feeling great, working full-time, hoping for the best for all of us.

Surviving in Memphis!!

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]

Surviving in New Jersey! (yes, one can survive in New Jersey, although I was never sick when I lived in Pennsylvania!)

2 months shy of 5 years thank you very much. Credit my husband, my therapist, my anti-depressents, this website, and yes my 20 year old who refused to let me give up the mothering job.

gail

_________________
NSCLC BAC 4/01 Stage 1A
non-smoker for 17 years
breast cancer 1997: mastectomy/chemo
breast cancer 1993: lumpectomy/radiation
Both stage 1

Avatar picture - my guys at my 50th

Surviving in Illinois.

_________________
Diagnosed 3A NSCLC 12/04
37 rounds of radiation
Carbo/Taxol six weeks
Gemzar/Carboplatin four rounds
Stable so far!!!!
Well, so much for that, missed an adrenal mass on CT 12/05
Started Carbo, Taxol and Avastin 1/06.
Here we go again.

This is AWESOME! Come on Survivors, Come out, Come out where ever you are! We would love to meet more survivors.

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

California Survivor here...

March 2003 3a-b NO surgery chemo and radiation only. TWO BRAIN MET SURGERIES.

Karen

_________________

God Bless and Praying for a "Cure" for all of us.
<*}}}><
By His stripes, I am healed, I claim His healing
I believe in "Miracles"
Dx'd 3-03, nsclc 3a-b
Radiation 3-25-03 to 5-15-03 (38) treatments
Taxol/carbo 4-1-03 to 5-20-03
Taxol/carbo 7-23-03 to 10-27-03 (every 3 wks)
Pneumonia 9-16-03 in Hosp 4 days
Bronc 10-16 - Pulm Doc can't find tumor & NED
Biopsy 10-16 - test back "NEGATIVE"
Last chemo 10-27-03, PET looks good
CEA <.5 Nov .6 in Jan .9 in March.6 April .7 July
CT & MRI March 04, one 1" tumor brain. Surgery 4-6-04 remove brain tumor successful, cured - Rad Stereotactic 4-04 - NOT WBR
Possible radiation Necrosis 11-05
PET/CT Cking for Necrosis
New pic is Bob & I @ X-mas party 12-13-03

I am an early stage survivor, but a survivor nonetheless.

Don M

_________________
10-31-03 CT. My profile was getting too long so I moved it to my story.

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=37417

Surviving in So California
6 years this month NSCLC
2 years (in April) SCLC

_________________
6-Year Survivor, Stage 1B NSCLC Adenocarcinoma/2 Year Survivor, Limited SCLC.
Upper left lobectomy February 2000,no further treatment.
Completed 2 half-marathons in 2003 to raise money for cancer support.
All of you have been a tremendous help to me.
Thank You!
APRIL 2004, 3 month check up shows 1 cm nodule in what is left of my left lung. Too deep in the lung and close to my heart for needle biopsy. Looking at surgery to biopsy it. PET scan on 5-7-04 to rule out cancer elsewhere that has met to the lung. All clear so going to surgery.
6-2-04 Wedge resection of left lower lobe.
Limited SCLC - Carboplatin and VP16 started 6-29-04. PCI to follow chemo and possible lung radiation. Finished chemo 9-8-04. Started PCI 10-19-04 - 20 treatments. Now in the "wait and watch" mode.
3-2-05 lung scan - all clear. Next scan in 3 months.
6-05: Lung, abdomen,pelvic scan and brain mri - all clear.
7-05: Pain in spine area, bone scan, all clear. Next scans end of August.
9-1-05: Scans clear. Brain MRI soon.
5-25-06 Enlarged lymph node seen in latest ct scan. Lights up on PET. It is right on the bronchial stump where the lung attaches. Brain MRI on 6-23-06 to rule out brain mets and pulmonary function test scheduled for 6-27. If all ok will then go to surgery (3rd time) to remove the rest of my left lung (completion pneumonectomy).
Surgery on July 10, 06. Did not remove the rest of my lung, turns out to be sc again so they left the lung. Cleaned out some scar tissue and glued it shut. Left lung was leaking so was in hospital 6 days.
Off pain meds and back to work on the following Thursday. Had port installed and they discovered a blood clot in the jugular so 10 daily shots of Lovenox and a couple of months on Coumadin.
First chemo (Cisplatin)and first radiation on 8-3-06. Chemo every Thursday and radiation every day for 6 weeks, then 4 weeks off and another 4 months of chemo (not sure what kind yet). I am still limited sc, so that is good. I will beat this!
August 2007-routine 3 month CT scan, bones in pelvic area lit up on PET. Now extensive sc - will start chemo 9-17-07. Having Topotecan for 5 days, 3 weeks off for 4 months then will do another PET. Here we go again!
1-20-08 Update: Insurance denied a PET scan so had bone scan and CT. They showed some growth and a new spot on a rib. Had a PICC line put in on 1-14 (tried for a port in my arm - didn't work). Veins are junk. Started Taxol on 1-15. Will have once a week for 4 months. May have to pay for PET out of my own pocket. Picture of son Sean, 24, me and husband, Gregg with our race car.

Massachusetts--Stage IV, 45 months and going no where soon!

_________________
TO READ ABOUT MY PROFILE (MY JOURNEY WITH LUNG CANCER - AS THE CHEMO DRIPS!) WITH STAGE IV LUNG (BAC) CANCER, DIAGNOSED MAY, 2002 / PROGNOSES TWO YEARS AND MY STORY PLEASE CLICK LINK BELOW.
http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewto ... 2155#72155

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR / HELPFUL LINKS:
http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewto ... 585#163585

You must, on your own, make the commitment that you will do everything in your power to fight your disease. -Advanced stage lung cancer survivor RA Block-

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
-Buddhist Quote On Gratitude-

It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.
-Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross-

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. -Author Unknown-

Top Ten Reasons Why I’m A Lung Cancer Survivor

10. Not going into funeral mode the day I was diagnosed. I never once thought this was it, that life was over or why bother. Lung Cancer is not a death sentence and one can be cured of it or still have a life living with it for many years.
9. Not dwelling on it. How I got it, why me, what if I did this/that or the blame game etc. It’s counter productive and wasted energy.
8. RESEARCH, RESEARCH and more RESEARCH. Knowledge is the key! The more one knows the better one can make decision with their doctor and better fight. Keeping it simple, does not really matter to me every little word on a report. Try to get down to the chase of what is going on and what needs to be done.
7. Living life to the fullest by making the best of it every day and by keeping busy. Life is short enough so why let a day go by.
6. I appreciate everything my family/friends do for me. I let them (especially Kathy and Tina) know how much it means to me and how much I love them.
5. Not making my disease about me. It affects my family/friends just as much if not more. My life has changed and I have to learn to adjust to the new normal. If I can’t do things or go places does not mean they can’t. It’s very important they have a life and go about it.
4. Keeping an open mind about treatments. Don’t know unless you try. Laughter, it’s the best medicine, does not have to be all doom and gloom. Exercise, it’s good for overall health and a great stress reliever. Healthy (common sense) diet, this one I need to improve on. I can eat in a coma.
3. Staying positive and having a good attitude. YES it does make a difference regardless of what adversity one faces. Have my days like anyone else but they are few and far in between.
2. All my doctors/nurses. I’m very blessed/fortunate to have a great medical team and great health coverage.
1. My wife.my daughter and my closest friend I love them the most and they mean the most to me. I owe it to them, there the ones who have stood by my no matter what and showed me the true meaning of family, life and love is all about. You can lead a horse to water but can’t get it to drink. Bottom line it’s up to me to be pro-active, to keep trying and to never never never give up!

New York survivor here

_________________
[size=9]non-smoker for 19 years, with a slight relapse in between of a year. developed lower back pain
and thought I pulled something.
dx 05/05 nsclc, age 54 stage IV with mets to spine and hips
05/05 - 6 rounds of chemo and avastin
primary tumor is shrinking
11/05 - finished chemo and continuing with avastin 1x month
mri - stable
11/05 some pain in legs - will speak to dr. on friday
11/05 pain is much better. Dr. set up MRIs and CT for end of Dec. and early Jan.
12/05 Dr. is concerned and pushed MRIs up.
So happy and lucky...everything is status quo. now just to get through CT scan in January.
1/06 - CT stable
3/06 - CT stable (yea!)
4/06 - MRI shoulder - been having pain - no evidence of disease - arthritic changes
4/25/06 - first Grandchild born
4/28/06 - hospitalized for dehydration - did MRI brain - empty
5/06 - CT scan - Stable (one year)
6/06 - MRI - spine
7/06 - results not good. growth of tumor on sacrum and slight growth on spine. 10 days of radiation and then probably chemo or clinical trial
7/07 - 7/09/06 - hospitalized - severe vomiting from ??? radiation or food poisoning or pain med reaction
8/06 - STABLE
9/06 - hospitalized again for start of dehydration
9/06 - Brain CT - empty
9/06 - Docs have concluded that my symptoms
are being caused by "stress". Wedding
perhaps
10/31 CT, chest, abdomen and hips - STABLE
12/2006 - WBR - 10 days worth - cancer cells surrounding brain. (we'll get em!)
1/2007 - WBR - all done - still feeling well.
2/2007 - finished new 5 pill a month Temodar chemo treatment. Feeling great, considering...just a little tired.
picture of my husband, my daughter Dana and me. Oct 22nd 2006.

I'm not a lurker, I just take a break ocassionally. Three years in Michigan.

_________________
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

Carol here-reporting for duty as requested. I was scared senseless when I found this board. I am now here to help anyone that I can and to share what I have learned from my own experience and what I have learned from this wonderful board.

Prayers

_________________
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

Still here by the grace of God. Will be a grandmother in two months so am anticipating that with great eagerness and joy. Am planning my 50th birthday in June and hot pink is the color of the day of celebration. Love all of you and your notes. So much helpful information and encouragement here. you are all blessings to me. love pammie

_________________
48 yr. old female non smoker diagnosed with stage IIIB adenocarcenoma in plueral lining of left lung on June 29, 2004. Mets to pericardium. Anaphylatic shock to zosyn in emergency room. ICU for three days. Drained almost 2 liters of fluid out of left lung from the pleural effusion. Radiation or surgery not an option. Have had 8 chemo treatments since 7-2-04. No noticeable effect but am stable. Asthma since 1961 and diagnosed with MS in 1995. Started Iressa in Jan of 2005. Very good response in tumor markers. As of 7/29/05 in remission.A brain met was found in occiptal part of brain so they did rads on it on 11/15/05. Have switched to Tarceva since the FDA says no more Iressa. Also am taking Temador every other week. Quit tarceva due to horrible burning skin rash. 2 more tumors found in April, 2006. Ster radiation. Too much swelling around Nov 2005 tumor so had a craniotomy May, 2006. Have lost the lower left quadrant of my vision from the first tumor. LC seems stable at this point. Got off decadron in August 2006. Have had lots of pain in various parts of my body and heart pain since then. Extensive testing on heart and no problems. Attribute pain to getting off decadron.

2 months short of 4 years clean here in Vermont..........I not only survived in VT, I got CURED!!!

_________________
Diagnosed limited sclc Nov 2001
Clean PET scan May 2002
June 2004 Clear CT scan and brain MRI
Good for another 6 months!
Dec 2004, another clean bill of health. next check w/scans may be my last!
June 2005, another good check up, next appt in a year and then I'm finished!!!
Sept 2005, Pericardial effusion, window cut, no cancer found, thought to be viral in origin.
Back to 3 month check with oncolgist. but NED is still my best friend.
Jan 2006, everything still clean, this cancer officially cured. Next check up in a year. NED still in residence.
Jan 2007 clean bill of health again!
April 2007 dx breast cancer, surgery in May and June. Lymph node involvement
August 2007, started chemo, radiation will follow
Dec 2007 Chose no radiation, risks high for small benefit because of lc radiation. Chemo causing shortness of breath.
Jan 2008 Talc procedure done after needle aspiration doesn't work for long (2 days). Now using oxygen most of time.
Feb/Mar 2008 One month hospital stay due to congestive heart failure, low blood pressure and high heart rate. Permanant valve damage.
Mar/Aug 2008 fighting for breath and energy.
Aug 2008 started breast cancer adjunct therapy, life was miserable with side effects
Oct 2008 changed medications and life was even more miserable. This one lasted another month.
Dec 2008, feel better than in last 2 years, finally I am myself again and no bc treatments!
Jan 2009 PET shows no sign of malignancy ANYWHERE! Echocardiograms are now more regular for me than cancer screens.
I now take pills that conteract pills that conteract pills that conteract pills...............and on and on, but I'm still entertaining NED and life is good.
August 2009, CT still clear, back in 6 months for another CT. NED still lives here!
Dec 2009 More congestive heart failure looming.
Feb 2010 Heart block - code blue but eventually brought back, pace maker installed, new birthday Feb 6th - I came back!!!!
March 2010 Heart damaged beyond repair,only a couple of months left to live. Not a transplant candidate (2 cancers) so LVAD implanted. I'm still on the green side of the sod but now as the bionic woman and my future is still as long as it would have been before lc..........expiration date unknown (or long as I remember to change my batteries) !

I am cruising here in Minnesota. 38 months without a recurrence @ stage lllB.

Training for the 2010 Winter Olympics in the couch luge. Got a first place ribbon in the mail from J.C. as well as a gold trophy. (Thanks, J.C. for your confidence in me.)

Looking for some good competition.

Cindi o'h

_________________
Cindi NSCLC lllB Dx:11/02 at age 47
squamous cell carcinoma. T4N3M0 poorly differentiated (grade 3)

Aggressive, Curative Treatment:
Chemo (carboplatin/taxol weekly) and 8 weeks of daily radiation.
then taxotere 3 cycles
tx ended 6/03

NED every 3 months
Moderate Asthma
11/03 heart attack and stent
transient pleural/pericardial effusions
hypothyroidism
significant radiation pneumonitis
1/05 pneumonia
interstitial fibrosis
9/05 pleurodesis (talc procedure)VATS procedure to resolve chylothorax and effusions. Now loculated effusions.
ll/05 PET/CT clear/NED
10/06 CT Clear again!
12/06 heart/lung troubles
Biggest problem remains shortness of breath. (SOB)


Celebrating FOUR years since diagnosis: 11/02
2 brothers lost to lung Ca. Dick died at 37 from nsclc. John died at 42 from sclc

Cindi,

How about remote clicking competition. Good to see you back online and posting...

Blessings,prayers and hugs,
Karen

_________________

God Bless and Praying for a "Cure" for all of us.
<*}}}><
By His stripes, I am healed, I claim His healing
I believe in "Miracles"
Dx'd 3-03, nsclc 3a-b
Radiation 3-25-03 to 5-15-03 (38) treatments
Taxol/carbo 4-1-03 to 5-20-03
Taxol/carbo 7-23-03 to 10-27-03 (every 3 wks)
Pneumonia 9-16-03 in Hosp 4 days
Bronc 10-16 - Pulm Doc can't find tumor & NED
Biopsy 10-16 - test back "NEGATIVE"
Last chemo 10-27-03, PET looks good
CEA <.5 Nov .6 in Jan .9 in March.6 April .7 July
CT & MRI March 04, one 1" tumor brain. Surgery 4-6-04 remove brain tumor successful, cured - Rad Stereotactic 4-04 - NOT WBR
Possible radiation Necrosis 11-05
PET/CT Cking for Necrosis
New pic is Bob & I @ X-mas party 12-13-03

2years and 8 1/2 months. Since first dx; 15 mo. since second one. Stage 1B, Stage 1B OR State 1B, Stage IV. I like the first approach better. It's unclear if the second tumor was a new primary or not. My VA oncologist said yes; the ones here don't know.
Muriel

_________________
Dx 5-27-03. Surgery 6-26-03 remove upper lobe, Rt lung. NSCLC, Stage 1B
Chemo 9/16 - 11/15.
Good CTs every 3 mo. until 11/1/04. Only 1 spot on upper lobe, Lt. lung lit up on PET. Surgery 11/26/04. NSCLC, Stage 1B. Surgeon considered it a new primary.
Moved from VA to FL on 12/16/04. Chemo 2/11 - 6/1. Cisplatin and Gemzar. Good CTs since chemo.

Hey Guys, I love all of the responses but M hutch, thanks for reminding me that big is OK, and Nancy B 6 years is so great, and Cindi O'h...whatever it is you're taking (besides chocolate), I want some. Barb in Weed, CA.

_________________
BAC dx'd Oct 2000, age 46, Stage IB?
upper&middle right lobes resected
12.5 cm tumor with 0.1 mm hilar margin
Carboplatin Nov&Dec 2000
Radiation to lower right lobe Nov&Dec 2000
All CT/PET OK since resection
May 06, 2 stents to right coronary artery

Hey Barb,

How about 17CM.. We are all survivors.

Karen

_________________

God Bless and Praying for a "Cure" for all of us.
<*}}}><
By His stripes, I am healed, I claim His healing
I believe in "Miracles"
Dx'd 3-03, nsclc 3a-b
Radiation 3-25-03 to 5-15-03 (38) treatments
Taxol/carbo 4-1-03 to 5-20-03
Taxol/carbo 7-23-03 to 10-27-03 (every 3 wks)
Pneumonia 9-16-03 in Hosp 4 days
Bronc 10-16 - Pulm Doc can't find tumor & NED
Biopsy 10-16 - test back "NEGATIVE"
Last chemo 10-27-03, PET looks good
CEA <.5 Nov .6 in Jan .9 in March.6 April .7 July
CT & MRI March 04, one 1" tumor brain. Surgery 4-6-04 remove brain tumor successful, cured - Rad Stereotactic 4-04 - NOT WBR
Possible radiation Necrosis 11-05
PET/CT Cking for Necrosis
New pic is Bob & I @ X-mas party 12-13-03

survivng in MN....Next week go to Mayo Clinic for 6 year check up, wish me luck!!:)

_________________
Mesothelioma Survivor 7 years
Age 26 when diagnosed
Left pleural Mesothelioma, epithelioid type
left thoracotomy; radical extrapleural pneumonectomy with on-block excision of pericardium and diaphragm; replacement of diaphragm with Gore-Tex patch. (left inside of chest all gone) February 2000
Chemo: one round only
Radiation: 3 weeks, twice a day

Surviving in Michigan, thanks to my beautiful and caring wife.

I felt I had to check in on this one. I have been dragging my boat anchor and the lake is still frozen.

Better days are ahead.
John.

_________________
NSCLC Stage 3B radiation/chemo, 3 rounds of chemo, Iressa, and now on Tarceva doing great.
PET scan 3/7/05 stable
1/06 CT slight increase (.2cm x .1cm) off Tarceva and start Alimta
3/06 CT Slight increase-stable.
Alimta every three weeks.
5/06 Alimta & Avastin
6/06 CT Stable Avastin only
8/06 CT Stable
1/07 some shrinkage Continue Avastin
"We cannot change the direction of the wind but we can adjust our sails." unknown

Picture is Rochelle & me at a lung cancer walk 2004.

Nice to see you Mr. Ry, hope your doing well.

Hey all you Survivors, so far 25 wonderful Survivors have replied to this post. Now I'm as happy as a lark that we have 25 Survivors here, but, we have 2783 Registered on LCSC and there just HAS to BE more then 25 of us Active Lung Cancer Survivors that POST on this Board?

Come on lets have a Group Hug from all us Lung Cancer Survivors. ((((((GROUP)))))))

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Cindy checking in as a survivor here tonight.

Two years 8 months survivor of Stage 1B NSCLC. Had surgery, adjuvant chemo, good follow-ups ever since.

I'm also 2 months shy of being a five year survivor of early stage breast cancer....had surgery and radiation and will be wrapping up a five year course of tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy at the end of June.....

Happy to see all the rest of the survivors here.....

Cindy

_________________
age 56
surgery 6/20/03, stage 1B, upper left lobectomy
started adjuvant chemo on 08/14/03
3 cycles--cisplatin/gemzar
finished chemo 11/6/03
now 9 years post-lobectomy, annual x-ray and follow-up with surgeon
follow-up with oncologist every year/bloodwork and clinical exam

2001 early stage breast cancer/surgery and radiation only, no chemo needed. Mammograms once a year,

Just passed 11 year mark for the breast cancer and 9 year mark for the lung

Ok Connie...here I is...reporting for duty....

PamS. here from Bel Air,Md
Right lobectomy staged 1A and surviving 17 months...Thank you Jesus...

Pet test tomorrow...<gulp>...a litle prayer will help...thanks

Connie....you are a honey...get em going kiddo...you got the spunko to get em on their toes...I mean the keyboard....ha

Love you guys and love this message board....really has taught me to fear less and have more faith...and deal with whatever has to be dealt with...The Lord is on our side..

xoxoxoxo...PamS.

_________________
[size=9] dx 8/04 with LC...surgery on Sept 14,2004...removed right upper lobe...stage 1a nsclc..BAC with no other involvments and no furthur treatments...thank God
2/05 developed a bad cough...doc recommeds Pet
2/05 Pet/Scan clear..yay!
3/05 Chest exray ..clear
7/05 Chest exray ....clear..yearly ct/scan on 11/05
11/05...CAT done today....waiting and praying....
11/05 results from CT/Scan...doc say's
ABSOLUTELY OK...thank you Jesus....
11/17/05...oncoligist appointment....NED everything Ok ..going back in one year instead of 6 months..and then another Ct/scan
11/21/05...surgeon appointment...OK..se me in 4 months with a chest exray..
2/06 pins and needles back again...GP orders Pet/Ct scan...very nervous....
2/06 Pet/Ct negative...seeing surgeon in Mar...cancelled chest exray because of clean Pet..yahh!!
3/06 came down with the flu
3/06 doc orders chest exray...shows pneumonia...
7/06 chest exray..NED but still suggests CT/Scan soon
9/06 CT/Scan..results no change..I'll take it

Dec 06...back pain..doc orders exrays and MRI...both were normal..so why does my back hurt..I ain't asking?
2/07 chest exray...NED
8/07 chest exray..NED
8/07..having rib pain..doc orders 2 MRI's and Ct/scan..praying hard
9/07 Ct/scan shows 'possible lymph node enlargement...doc orders another Pet..
9/07..Pet shows ' unremarkable ..no malignancy...Praise God!!!
2/08 6 month chest exray...Normal

Hey I'm a 1 year survivor in Indiana/Michigan. Just got a new granddaughter yesterday, so now I am in Mi with the family.
Love this board,
Patty

_________________

10/15/04 Turned 51 yrs old
11/03/04 Dr dx "bronchitis"
12/01/04 Chest X-ray hazy
12/09/04 Chest CT Scan
12/13/04 Dr phones me, while home
alone that it looks like lung
cancer & refers me to Oncologist.
12/15/04 Onc. informs us that I
have lc in both lungs & in
between lungs, it is inoperable,
incurable, but treatable with rad
& chemo, orders Pelvic CT Scan,
PET Scan & Bronchoscopy.
Prescribes Xanax for me.
12/23/04 Onc has new dx: nsclc,
PET Scan shows 8cm mass in rt
lung only, possibly operable
thus, curable, refers me to
surgeon. Merry Xmas!
1/06/05 Surgeon is optimistic, it
can be removed by taking out one
lobe, upper right.
1/10/05 Upper right lobectomy,
cancerous mass was 6.5cm,31 lymph
nodes removed & no cancer found
in them.
Stage IB!!!!
I've a good chance of being cured!
2/05 to 5/05, Chemo's(12) of
Carbo & Gemzar.
Check-ups have been good,thus far
Now I have a appt w/Onc on
1/26/06 to find results of Chest
CT Scan & MRI of Thoracic Spine
done yesterday & PET Scan I will
have on Monday. I have been
having back pain way inside,
a cough & can't remember the last
time I felt good. I probably
need prayers. Thanks.
1/26/06 Results of above tests
are okay, except PET Scan shows
"something" at surgical
(mass removal site),
Onc says not cancer, but
needs to be checked in 2-1/2 mo
Refers me to Pulmonary Dr-
Appt with him on:
Feb 1, 2006

Almost a year for me in Maryland!

_________________
Jan

46 years old at diagnosis
2/20/05 - ER CT scan for unrelated pain - detected small "mass" in upper left lung
2/28/05 - PETSCAN - confirmed mass in lung
3/21/05 - PFT - Normal
3/22/05 - CT Needle Biopsy - dx nsclc Stage 1a
4/6/05 - Bronchoscopy/Mediascopy - lymph nodes all clear
4/20/05 - Lobectomy (upper left lobe)- Still Stage 1A - lymph nodes clear
5/20/05 - Dr. says no chemo needed
8/22/05 - Follow up visit to surgeon - NED
12/23/05 - Follow up visit to surgeon - Still NED
4/25/06 - Follow up with surgeon - Still NED!!!!
11/10/06 - Follow up visit to surgeon - Still Cancer FREE
4/07 - Still Cancer Free!!
4/08 - Still Cancer Free!!
4/09 - Dr. found a nodule on left lung and many very small areas on right lung. Went for a lung biopsy and the nodule had shrunk by 90% so they don't think it is cancer. Have to go back in 4 months for another CT scan to be sure.
8/09 - CT scan normal, back to NED
4/10 - Follow up with surgeon - Still Cancer Free!
4/11 - Follow up with surgeon - Still Cancer Free!!
4/12 - Follow up with surgeon - Still Cancer Free!!!

Lost cousin/friend Kathi to SCLC (1957-2003)

Picture is of me with my cousin Kathi at her wedding in August 2003, four months before she passed away.

OOPS ....

I must have missed this post when you first put it up, Connie.

18 months and still going; me and the energizer bunny.

Not planning on going anywhere ... except the Bahamas next week for a golf outing with the guys.

Thank you all for your messages of hope, courage, perseverance, and faith. My prayers are with us all.

Oliver

_________________
Male 55
09/04 - dx Stage IIIb nsclc
11/04 - 01/05 37 sessions radiation
09/04 - 03/05 6 sessions Chemo (carboplatin/taxol)
12/04 - CT scan; "significant improvement" (whatever that means)
04/05 - CT scan; improvement in lympth nodes, "interval change - either fluid or mass in right upper lobe and left upper lobe.
05/13 - appt. with new oncologist Blood work, PET scan 5/24, echocardiagram then meet again 6/3 - results show blood in 'normal' levels, PET shows cancer to be 'stable'
8/17 - CT, PET scans
8/26 - met with onc. - Stable
9/8 - brain MRI
9/23 - still a member of the empty headed club
1/3/06 - CT scan
1/11 - onc appt. the stability continues!! next appt. in May

I am SOOOOO HAPPY to see all you wonderful Lung Cancer Survivors! This is awesome to see all the LC Survivors Post. I hope we can get more of you Lung Cancer Survivors that post on the Board To Please Post here, so we can offer HOPE and SUPPORT TO ALL THE LC SURVIVORS that are fighting this beast. We need to let others know this can be BEAT and WE'RE LIVING PROOF.

I WELCOME THE LUNG CANCER SURVIVOR LURKERS TO JOIN IN PLEASE! We would LOVE to hear from you!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Gee, can't believe I missed this thread. I have been under the weather tho. I am a 3 year survivor here in Tennessee mountains. Scans show NED as of now. Come on out SURVIVORS. With 3000 plus members I know there are inspiring stories out there.

_________________
Bruce
-------

03/03 CT Scan showed a 7 cm mass on left lung as well as a spot less than 1cm on 2 lymph nodes. Biopsy was done and was Dx with NSCLC Squamous Type.
03/03 Bone, PET, Pelvis and CT of Brain showed no Mets outside of Left Lung (except on the lymph nodes).Surgeon said he did not know if he could get it once he got in there. After 25 Radiation treaments and 5 weeks of Carbo/Taxol. Surgeon took another look at CT and was well pleased with results. I was never given a Stage
6/03 Complete Pneumonectomy of left lung.
CT and Chest x-ray ever 3 months (rotated each 3 months).
12/03 CT showed small cysts on liver. Onc is not worried about them.
3/04 CT shows cysts are the same. Also a hiatel hernia. Onc is very pleased with my progress.
12/04 to Present
Scans continue to show show NED.
11/05 PFT shows some improvement as compared to 12/04 PFT
1/06 Small nodule (1 mm) on right lung
5/06 Nodule is gone from CT
8/06 Still NED
12/06 Still NED
12/07 Still NED. Doctor says he will discharge me in 6 months if I remain clear
6/2008 Doctor released me and said he considers me cured
6/2009 Pneumonia. WBC elevated
7/2009 Dx with Chronic Leukemia (CLL)

SCLC survivor here. Almost one year, 12th of this month. Still trying to find a chemo to stop it in Liver BUT am NEVER giving up.

Going for CT on Monday the 6th, wish me luck, just hope it's not still spreading. Then on the 7th I'm flying up to Chicago to go to the Cancer Treatment center of America for another opinion. Wish me luck there to.

Keep up the good work, you guys are GREAT support.


Warren

_________________
**3/12/05 - My wife and sister took me to ER, Diagnosed with Pneumonia. ER Dr. sent me up for a CAT to check fluid in lungs, she came back and informed me of the cancer she found. No idea what kind at this time.

**Referred to Respiratory doctor ordered a PET scan, cancer there, what kind – unknown at this time

**Referred to Thoracic Surgeon

**4/05 Surgery on left lung- Pathology showed SCLC, limited in the left lung but invading the Lymph Nodes. Met with Radiation doctor, I wanted to try Chemo 1st before radiation, since Chemo is supposed to be the treatment for SCLC.

**5/11/05 thru 8/25/05 Started Chemo – Etoposide and Carboplatin, 7 Treatments

**8/05 Did a CT and to our amazement, it did NOTHING, tumors the same, cancer not reduced or stopped anywhere. This is the point where I was under the impression it would be reduced or gone altogether, on the way to that “CUREâ€

It will be two years next month since my original diagnosis. Taking life one day at a time and trying to stop and smell the roses along the way.

_________________
Dx: 4/04 Stage IIA
Turned 40 on 5/30/04
Upper Lobe Rt. Lung Surgically Removed 4/30/04
Cisplatin & Gemsar 6-9/04 (4 rounds)
12/8/04 First Scan Clear NED
2/1/05 Brain MRI clear
3/3/05 PET shows an active lymph node. Biopsy scheduled for 3/10/05 Hoping for the best
Mediastinoscopy on 3/10/05. All tissued biopsied is negative for cancer. Still NED!
6/8/05 Spoke too soon. Pet scan shows that lymph node is still hot.
8/19/05 Its back. Biopsy confirms lymph node is cancer.
8/23/05 Thoracotomy No. 2. Surgeon removes all lympn nodes in mediastinum. All negative for cancer except the one showing up on Pet.
10-11/05 Seven weeks of Taxotere and Radiation
1/31/06 CT - All Clear
2/26/06 Brain MRI - All Clear

Picture taken on post-surgery trip with the loves of my life: My wife Christine and son Zachary

I love you guys. Don't know what has kept me away so long, except feeling overwhelmed and down and out, but you would think that would make me talk to all of you more.


Love to all of you,
Barb

_________________
Picture is of me and my 5 WONDERFUL sons.
June 29,03: Dx'd with Melanoma.
Aug.8,03:Clarks level IV Melanoma removed from heel. No Mets.
June 26,04: Chest Xray. Found large mass on lower lobe of right lung. CT and PET confirmed cancer.
Aug/3/04: Surgeon dx'd either mets melanoma or stage 1 primary lung cancer.
Aug/5/04:Lobectomy of lower right lobe. Tumor = 6.0X5.0X3.5 cm primary NSCLC, carcinoma with features of squamous differentiation.Found Mets to lymph node, now stage IIIA.
Sept.04: began 33 radiation treatments and 6 weekly Taxol and Carboplatin chemo. Followed by 2 larger doses of Taxol and Carboplatin, 4 weeks apart.
Waiting for February 9th to have scans and MRI of brain.
Feb. 9,05:Ct and MRI done. Doc says all is stable!
May 4,05:CT.done Still NED
Praying!!!!

OK OK - I am coming back out of the shadows.

Two years this March, Stage IIIA - left lung removed, Chemo, radiation - ned for 23 months.

Mets found in spine and pelvic bones. Started Avistan every 3 weeks and tarceva daily.

Thanks for reminding me that we are all survivors!

Wendy

_________________
3/2004 Stage 3a-adeno @ 39yrs
3/2004 Left Lung removed, 21 nodes +, paralyzed left vocal cord
3/2006 - New Mets - Spine T12 & Right ischium bone
1/2008 - New Met Spine t10, Possible thyroid

CHEMO
May-Jun 2004 Cisplatin/VP16, 6 days straight every 3 wks, 3 cycles
Jul-Aug 2004 Taxotere 1X every 3 wks, 3 cycles
Sep-April 05 Iressa trial daily
Jan 06-Jan 07 Avastin ev 3 weeks, tarceva daily, zometa ev 6 weeks
Feb 07-Jan 08 Tarceva daily
Jan 08-Present Avastin ev 3 wks + Tarceva Daily

Radiation May-Jun 04 chest 28 days
Feb 06 Spot radiation X 10 days to spine t12 and pelvis (ischium bone)

Four years since lobectomy still clean. Just found you guys today. Congrats to everyone. Merrilee

So sorry to see the new members having to join us, but I'm so happy to see you found us. We're here to help and compare notes.

We're here to Beat this Beast and being a Survivor is How we Beat it!

I'm also very pleased to see some old faces/friends that haven't posted to the board in a while. Welcome Back! It's nice to hear that you are a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10+ year Lung Cancer Survivor.

I know we have more on this board that are Lung Cancer Survivors, and I hope they will join us here on this thread.

CLINK CLINK (lets drink) goes my glass for ALL OF US LUNG CANCER SURVIVORS! YAHOOOOO!!!!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

I'm a 6 year survivor!!!!

_________________
Alisa
single mother of twin boys
diagnosed at 43 yrs. old
NSCLC dx. July 2000, Stage IIIa
lobectomy; 6 cycles taxol/carboplatin
followup w/traditional chinese medicine
(consisting of chinese herbs and many supplements/vitamins)
Celebrex 200 mg 2x/day
OPC and ORAC (2 top super antioxidants)
No Evidence of Disease since January, 2001
Lost Mother/Grandfather/Aunts and Uncles all to nsclc
Lost Father to prostate ca.that spread to lungs

Hey, we have survivors out West, too! Reporting from Washington State, I just passed my 4-year mark and am loving every blessed day I'm alloted.

Ain't this group just the MOSTEST? !!!!!

_________________
"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." Lance Armstrong

"Every moment is a breath-taking, transitory experience, never to be repeated again." - Don Juan Matus

Tiny
Age 58 at dx; lifelong non-smoker
12/01 dx NSCLC bronchoalveolar-type adenocarcinoma (BAC), Stage IIA
2/02 Lobectomy RLL; no chemo or rad
6/03 MRI = "empty"
3/05 Bone Scan = negative
2/08 CT = "No Evidence for Metastases or Recurrence"
Enjoyed 6+ years of NED
1/09 CT/PET:Recurrent disease: multiple new nodules in both lungs, mediastinal lymph nodes, and spot on liver.
2/3/09 Bone Scan: Degenerative arthritis (hooray!)
2/4/09 Started Tarceva
~~ picture: Temple of Poseidon, Greece 4/08 ~~

Hi everyone, four and a half years here in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

_________________
Marie, 65 yr old ex-smoker, DX: 7/16/01, NSCLC, Adeno, stage 1A, left upper lobe removed, no Rad or Chemo as yet.

surviving in Walden,NY,I agree we need to see more survivors speak up.Its encouragement we need.Love hearing good news.Thank You Connie.
Marie

_________________
[size=75]aug 29,05 tumor on lung found in er chest xray
sept6 05 primary dr sent me for cat scan
sept 20 went to oncologist,sent to pulmonary dr
sept 21,saw dr sent for cat scan pet scan
broncoscopy sept 28
saw surgeon twice for consultation
went for upper right lobectomy nov 9 05
checked lymph nodes,cancer found
surgery stopped
have to see oncologist nov 14 to set up chemo and radiation.going to fight this monster
photo is of me and my son.He found this site for me
started chemo and radiation.bad reaction to taxol.something different next week.
8weeks of taxotere and carbo,also radiation.
ct scan feb 1 shows 50%shrinkaage on to more taxotere every 3 weeks and then possible surgery.
7/06 more scans,still no surgery,Lymph nodes still lit up.No growth tho.no further treatment for now.Another ct scan next month.Seeking 2nd opinion Aug 06 still stable[/size]
nov.06 stable, hooray!!!!!!!
March 07 Still stable.Thank You Jesus!!!!!
Aug.07 Stable. Love that word
Dec 07 STABLE Scans again in three months
march 08.STABLEEEEEEEEEEE ty Lord Jesus
july 08 STABLE Thank You Jesus
nov 08 Bone and cat scans STABLE TY LORD
march 09 STABLEEEEEEE
aug 09 Stable scans every 6 months instead of 3. Thank You God
jan 2010 STILL STABLE Jesus is watching over me
July 2010 Stableeeeee Thank You Jesus
jan 2011 scans showing growth in nodule go for pet scan,Help me Jesus

This is GREAT hearing from all you Wonderful Lung Cancer Survivors. I sure hope we can get more of them to join in.

I'm seeing some new members and some memebers that haven't posted in a while, and there's those of us who post as often as we can. This is just Great!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

I have just completed another 3 month pet and ct scans. Do not have any results back yet. I am feeling great, so I am trying not to worry. I should know by the end of the week the results. If all is still clear I will think about getting my port removed. Doc says if all is clear I will go to 4month cts and 6 month pet scans. Doc. says that if clean for 3 years I can consider myself cured.But feels that I am 80% there. I'll let you know how I do on my recent test. And I also need to update my profile. Talk to you soon. Bev

_________________
Age at diagnosis 48 years.
2001-2004 During this period,I started getting annual CTScans, at my request, as an early detection measure. Thank God!
07/04 CTScan showed suspicious area
08/04 PETScan showed 1.5 cm. mass in upper right lobe
09/04 Upper right lobectomy. Diagnosed as carcinoid tumor.
09/04 Follow-up visit two weeks later. Re-diagnosed as limited SCLC.
2 lymph nodes positive.
09/04 Brain MRI clear.
09/04 Started chemo. Carboplatin/ VP16. 6 cycles.
10/04 Started radiation to chest. 35 rounds.
12/04 Lifeport installed. Left lung punctured during Lifeport installation
In hospital for 11 days!
01/05 Chemo completed.
02/05 Brain MRI, CTScan, PETScan-NED
02/05 Started 15 rounds of PCI brain radiation
03/05 Completed PCI
03/08 NED through 09/08

Beverly

Avatar: Aug./04- Aug./08

Going on 4 years in April since I was diagnosed with Limited SCLC. Have had my ups and downs but have been dancing with NED for quite a while now! I won't give up no matter how achey and cranky I am sometimes.
Joanie

_________________
Joanie C SIX YEAR Survivor
[size=9]Diagnosed Limited SCLC, April 2002
Concurrent Radiation
(16 Doses twice daily)
And
4 Rounds Cisplatin/Etopside Chemo
All therapy completed June, 2002
Back to Work July, 2002
Diagnosed Hypothyroid, Nov. 2004
(due to radiation)
Evidence of healing on each CAT scan.
All scans Clear
Last Check Up Sep. 2005 - NED
Dec.12, 2005 Uncontrolled bleeding from tumor cavity. Emergency surgery performed which closed the hole permanently. Healing continues and I look forward to a bright future.
June, 2006 - NED on CAT SCAN. Scan shows IMPROVEMENT from December. Hurray! Experienced fevers through summer. Took antibiotics.
July, 2006 six month Oncologist visit. All is well! Go back in December. Hurray!
August 8,2006 Sudden,uncontrolled bleeding from surgery site. The tumor site was repatched with my own aumentim. All looks successful and I was released from the hospital after 33 long days.
Oct.19, 2006 bleeding returns.Tests reveal hospital-acquired germ has eaten away at tumor repair sight. Results in 2 more operarations and 13 days in hospital.
Recuperating at home. Daily nurse visits to change bandages on incision site.
March, 2007 - NED CAT Scan. Incision healing nicely.
April, 2007 - 5 year anniversary! Still bandaging the incision daily.
July CAT Scan - NED once again.
July 2007, operation to open surgical incision to promote healing. Still bandaging daily.
July, 2007 - was called a "walking miracle" by four doctors at the hospital. They were truly amazed to hear my story.
1/14/08: Lost my best pal, Dagwood, to old age at 14 years on . He helped me thru this struggle and I will miss him forever. I still consider myself to be "Daggiesmom."
Feb. 25, 2008: Finally had the repair surgery (9 hours and 7 days in the hospital) to close hole in my bronchus and to close surgical packing hole in back which has been open for 16 months. I expect to be healing for a few months.
January 2009 - I've healed nicely from the February operation and the CAT scan today showed NED once again!
March 11, 2009. Hemoptosys again and admitted to hospital. Due to bacterial infection. Bleeding stopped and I'm on antibiotics. Seems I am prone to these bleeds?

Just saw this post.

Surviving 3 years and 8 months and still counting. Feel great.

Best Wishes,
Dee

_________________
[size=9]Age 43, Pluerisy and Phenomena 6/19/02,
Quit smoking 6/21/02
Bronchoscopy 7/22/02,
NSCLC Squamous Cell 7/25/02
Pet scan 9/5/02,Mediastinoscopy 9/17/02
Stage 111B 9/25/02 inoperable
Radiation and carbo and taxol
Last chemo treatment 7/02/03
CT scan 4/30/03 stable,
PET scan10/03/03 stable
Chest x-ray 1/04 stable, Chest x-ray 4/12/04 stable, CT 7/04 stable,chest x-ray stable 11/04,
CT 2/05 There is increased consolidation, now affecting a greater portion of the superior segment of the right lower lobe. PET 3/05 unsure of results, Bronchoscopy 5/4/05 Neg. Drs. confused, 6/2/05 CT Drs. still confused, 9/7/05 CT Stable, 12/05 Stable, 3/06 Stable, 6/06 Stable,9/06 Stable, Stable for last 5 years no other medical treatment. CT scan 6/08 changes, PET scan 7/10/08 Pleurel thickening in the right upper lobe. There is a rim of heterogenous increased activity with maximal SUV anteromdially of 11.7.New mass in right lower lobe 2X2X3.5cm. 2 lymph nodes with lower grade activity between the liver and the heart. 2 other lymph nodes with increased activity anterior to the right crus of the diaphragm between the meidal aspect of the IVC and inferolateral aspect of the aorta. They measure maximal SUV 6.0 and 10.3. They have given me a smorgasbord of options. I am confused?

( 41 )

Wonderful, Courageous, Strong, Powerful, Kind, Caring, Supportive, Sensitive and Fun Loving

LUNG CANCER SURVIVORS HERE ON LCSC!



Thank you to all My Dear and Wonderful Lung Cancer Survivor Friends that have posts for the world to see. We CAN make a difference in the life of a lung cancer survivor.

If YOU are a Lung Cancer Survivor, PLEASE take a minute and share your story with the rest of us. We would love to hear from you. By doing this, you offer HOPE and INSPIRATION to all those that are thrown into this journey, smokers and non-smokers alike.

Besides, we don't care if you were a smoker or not, we're not here to JUDGE YOU. We offer Support with Open Arms. ((((((GROUP HUG)))))))

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Suviving in CT. NSCLC-1a. Its been 5 years since my surgery and amlooking forward to many more years.

Still alive in Downers Grove, IL. 5 years next month. one day at a time.

_________________
nsclc stage IIIA, two upper lobes of right lung and lymph nodes removed in June 2001. One node closest to tumor (6cm) tested positive and nine others very angry looking. No chemo or radiation.

Nancy J and Nancy O bring our total of Lung Cancer Survivors that post to LCSC up to 43 !

Nancy O, it's been a while that we have heard from you. So glad to see your doing well and even more glad to hear your going to be a 5 YEAR LC SURVIVOR!

I want to say a big HOORAY for ALL the Lung Cancer Survivors here at LCSC.

Also Congratultions to EVERYONE here that is Celebrating a month, 6 months, a year or two years or six years, etc., etc., etc., of being a Lung Cancer Survivor.

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

I had a long drawn out reply to post and lost it somehow ...that's ok
just want all to know I'm with you 150% we have to hang in there... everyday someone gives THAT LOOK "how are you ?" I just tell them not dead yet - I'll call them first !! I was feeling sorry for myself earlier - then after writing that first reply that was all boohoo- I was glad I lost it ... I don't want to be that kind of person -- I want to stay upbeat and positive ( although we all know that's not the easiest sometimes )
Don't know about the rest of you but I COUNT ON ALL OF YOU TO HELP ME DO THAT !! AND THANK YOU SOOOOOOO VERY MUCH.(':D')(':lol:')(':)')
love ya guys
sue

_________________
[size=9]15+ year survivor - cervical cancer
ex-smoker for 16 years
56Yr old wife and mother of 3 adult children ***
made it to 56 !! and 4 beautiful grandbabies

May 10,2005 spot on L lung seen on xray
May 11, 2005 chest xray-belly ct- confirmed 2.4cm on L upper lobe -w/ lymph nodes enlarged
May 12, 2005 needle biopsy of spot.
May 13, 2005 Dx Adenocarcinoma w/ lymph nodes involved -NSCLC
May 14- head ct
May17,2005 pet scan- - told stage IV adenocarcenoma NSCLC- lymph nodes involved -also mets to brain (1 inch )
May 18,2005 another ct -w/ radiation oncologist- confirmed Dx -no surgery -radiation and chemo ..
planning stereotactic radiosurgery next week on the brain.
May 20th another ct scan and a stealth MRI
fitted for my "gear " for the SRS on Tues..
May 24th - SRS today -no results for 30 days..what a long time to wait !
May 31st to set up radiation and chemo schedule- first radiation tx - 7 weeks scheduled
June 1st - start carbo - taxol (1x weekly x7weeks )
June 17th - June 23rd - hospitalized for blood clot right arm from jugular to wrist. put on Coumadin.
June 26 -June 28th - hospitalized for blood clots to the lungs - put on Lovenox injections - 2X daily
7/8 - MRI - won't get results till the 12th
7/11 - back in the hospital - thought another PE - 2 units of blood - ct showed the clots in the lungs are DECREASING in size. DR put me on chemo vacation till the 16th of Aug . Just SO tired all the time.
7/12 - YEA ! the original brain tumor shows is just about gone !! The other "small spot" they saw in May is now larger - so - we go after that now . we'll do another MRI 8/5 they set up for another SRS.
7/22/05 - finished radiation - 38 rounds
8/5 - another MRI to set up for SRS next week.
8/16 ct scan - no new cancer sites from the neck down - no sign of blood clots in the lungs now - other than original tumor - all healthy tissue is seen in lungs - continuing chemo for 5 hour sessions instead of 2 1/2 hr sessions. every 3 weeks. SRS being scheduled for middle of next week.
8/21 back in the hospital !! severe dehydration
onc to change chemo - severe reaction to chemo this time
8/23 set up for next SRS -ct scan to be sure of area
8/24 released from hospital - had 2nd SRS to tumor in the brain - radiation dr said tumor is small and has not grown much in 3 months - he has very positive outlook for this SRS.
10/24 MRI - to brain - results are good - original met is gone 2nd one is shrinking- next MRI in 3 months.
11/3-8th back in hospital -pneominia- both lungs
11/29 CT scan - primary tumor 20 % smaller !! no new cancers found. chest xray in 3 weeks.
1/28/06 - had started tarceva in oct- nov - doing very well -skin rash - diaharea - tollerable-
MRI on 1/23/06 to brain - almost all mets gone - very little left of 2nd met- first is GONE !
felt lump in neck - rad oncologist said that he could take care of that one -no problem - but recommend the med oncologist and I discuss how we wanted to go about it. Saw med oncologist 1/24 he recommended to start chemo of Gemzar. Had Ct scan of entire neck and abdomen. Results with next appointment 1/31. Had first chemo thurs 1/26. During chemo got call from son and d-in-law -new grandson being born ! Have next chemo on Tues 1/31/06.
2/2/06 back in hosp w/ severe infection
next MRI 5/1/06 - 9 days short of 1 year anniversary of dx
5/1/06
well it's BACK !! the original met to the brain is back and doubled in size - waiting to talk to group of specialists to get recomendations.. so far it's do nothing or WBR - the side effects is what I don't want ( I have them now )
5/10/06 1 YEAR TODAY - I GOT MY DX ! I'M STILL HERE -AND PLAN ON STAYING FOR A LONG TIME MORE - there's just too many people I still need to bother - told I was to have 20 treatments (40) 2 each time. Bald AGAIN !!
3 treatments just on the tumor (again 2 each time)
6/7/06 should be LAST TREATMENT !!
still have to wait for CT in 3 weeks -hate waiting
7/18 MRI of brain mets STABLE !!
9/25/06 - back to radiation for lymph nodes to sides of neck - start 9/27/06 for 20 treatments
10/02/06 - told there will be 25 tx's just to right side of neck NO involvement on left side
12/7/06 MRI to check tumor in brain.. Bad news it's still growing - don't think the WBR did anything.. 3 options - do nothing - find a surgeon that may do some high risk surgery -or try SRS again. Since it's been 7 months since my last radiation, we can do SRS again. I guess I really do want to live.. I have chosen to do the SRS again.. there are always chances of problems - but this is the least invasive..when Hospice heard I was going to do the SRS again they dropped me...said because I chose to try to get better I was not ready for them - I thanked them for all they have done so far and told them that when I AM READY for them I'll give them a call.. They really are nice people- I'm just not ready to die yet..
My kids say that hospice kicked me out because I'm not dying fast enough !!
Start the SRS on the 18th of DEC -5 treatments !!!
whoo hoo- here we go again !
12/20/06 3rd srs today - if I make it through tomorrow - I'll be 57 !!! And they told me I only had 3 months to live ! HA -
2 more tx's them go home and wait for 30 days before I see the doc again..
having 2 grand daughters over for a sleep over tomorrow night - wish me luck !!


brother died of colon cancer @35
another brother died of thyroid cancer @55
sister died of kidney cancer @ 48
late husband died of lc @54


picture of my son finishing off my stuble

Thank you so much ConnieB for posting this topic. I am just starting on my journey and I read all the post here. It certainly encouraged me and lifted my spirits a lot. I truly hope I can do the same of others someday. God Bless

_________________
Age 62 smoker for over 40 yrs.
2/06 dx with stage IIIA NSCLC adenocarcinomas, by pet scan. Also dx same time with renal cell carcinoma both kidneys. Three separate cancers. Doctors taking care of lung first.
3/06 Started chemo carbo/taxol once a week for 8 weeks.
3/06 Started Radiation five days a week for 37 treatments.
3/11 Chemo and Radiation end. Scans in three weeks.
CT Scan showed 80% shrinkage.
Follow up two more Chemo, heavy dose carbo/taxol.Ending 6/21/06
8/17/06 Pet & CT scan. Everything stable. Next Pet & CT scans on 11/16/06
Results of 11/16, everything stable, no change from last scans. Next scans in three months.
02/22/07 New Scans
03/01/07 Everything Stable!!
4/17/07 A week in the hospital with Bi-lateral pneumonia.
6/7/07 & 6/11/07 Pet & ct scans.
Lung cancer in remission. Kidney tumors growing.
6/21/07 Laparoscopic cryoablation surgery of both kidney to freeze tumors.
10/16/07 Cat Scan
10/22/07 Still in Remission, tumors in kidneys shrunk.
10/31/07 Urologist tells me tumors in kidneys are dead.

Roger,

You just keep a positive attitude, stay active and keep the faith and you will beat this disease. Our Lord doesn't give us any more than we can handle. Just give it to Him and keep up the good fight. We are all here to root you on and support you...

God Bless and prayers,
Karen

_________________

God Bless and Praying for a "Cure" for all of us.
<*}}}><
By His stripes, I am healed, I claim His healing
I believe in "Miracles"
Dx'd 3-03, nsclc 3a-b
Radiation 3-25-03 to 5-15-03 (38) treatments
Taxol/carbo 4-1-03 to 5-20-03
Taxol/carbo 7-23-03 to 10-27-03 (every 3 wks)
Pneumonia 9-16-03 in Hosp 4 days
Bronc 10-16 - Pulm Doc can't find tumor & NED
Biopsy 10-16 - test back "NEGATIVE"
Last chemo 10-27-03, PET looks good
CEA <.5 Nov .6 in Jan .9 in March.6 April .7 July
CT & MRI March 04, one 1" tumor brain. Surgery 4-6-04 remove brain tumor successful, cured - Rad Stereotactic 4-04 - NOT WBR
Possible radiation Necrosis 11-05
PET/CT Cking for Necrosis
New pic is Bob & I @ X-mas party 12-13-03

Hi All.....
I am rounding the bend to 5 years on July 23! And counting everyday! As a friend of mine would say..."just another great day to be alive"

Rhonda, 5 years , great news. Are you going to have something to celebrate that weekend up in Forest Lake! Hope to see you there ( or sooner).
Donna G

_________________
NSCLC, 4 cm Pancoast tumor, diag. 12/3/97 Cisplatin and VP 16, Radiation, R upper lobectomy, more Cisplatin and VP 16. Celebrating 16 yrs of survival ! Click here and read MY STORY

http://lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?f47&t=9092

i was diagnosed dec 2004 with lung cancer. sugrery and chemo from january to may 2005.
I just found this site yesterday. right now i'm just reading and feeling so profoundly happy to find a place where i can talk to other people.
jule

i am a lurker
dont mean to be
february was 2 years from surgery/diagnosis for me
so far so good
i check in on all of you often
without this site i would be very lonley
its the best and i feel like i know many of you
i still cant figure out how to get a photo posted!!!!!
as long as this site is running i will be visiting!!!!

_________________
Age 47 - quit smoking as soon as i knew
stage 2A
2/9/04 left lower lobe removed
lots of pain management problems
chemo to start 4/1/04 carboplatin & taxol
compleated 6/23/04
CT scan 8/04 NED!!!!!
3/5/05 NED!!!
9/05 NED!!!!
live every day as if it were your last
never say I wish I had

( 48 )
WONDERFUL, LUNG CANCER SURVIVORS HAVE POSTED TO THIS THREAD!

I want you all to know how Grateful I am that SOON I will be an 11 Year Lung Cancer Survivor come July. My prayer for everyone is, I hope you ALL can follow in my footsteps of being an 11 year LC SURVIVOR!

It's so nice to see our wonderful lurkers post a message.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF US!! GROUP ((((HUG)))))

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Bless your heart for starting this thread, Connie.

I'm in Portland, Oregon and this July will be my two year anniversary since my surgery
This board has helped me tremendously, don't know if I'd have made it without all of you

Kathy

_________________
Kathy, 56
7/16/2004 Vats lower left lobectomy
dx 1A T1N0M0 NSCLC
7/31 Returned to hospital with plural effusion
and empyema, chest tube.
Four chemo treatments completed Dec 2004
carbo/taxol
Ned as of Dec 15 2004
Still NED as of mid March 2005
Still NED as of September 15 2005
NED as of mid April 2006

Blessed to say still NED as of
October 2006
Still blessed to have NED on my 3 year anniversary...July, 2007
YEAH.....July, 2008 4 years NED
Thank you God!

Lost my wonderful father to lc 9/27/2000

I to have NSCLC. They found it a second time in Dec. of 2004. I'm still here but, in hospic. I went through 3 rounds of cemo with no results. So, now I'm just trying to live.

_________________
I have NSCCLC and my Wife died on Oct,27,2004 of NSCLC.
I quit smooking in Jan. 1992

Welcome to you Denny! I'm sorry you have to be here, and I'm very sorry to hear you also lost your wonderful wife to this horrible beast. I don't have to tell you how awful this disease is.

I am glad to see your amoung the SURVIVORS!

I'm going to send you a Warm and Friendly Hug from One Survivor to Another! (((((DENNY))))))

We're here for you if you need an ear, just holler!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Hello all from Arkansas
I took my last Chemo on April 4th 2006 and was told to come back for a cat scan in August. I have an appointment with the medical oncologist the first week in September. He said regardless of what the cat scan says there will be no more treatment. As far as he is concerned all has been done that can be done. My last cat scan showed the cancer to be gone except for a small trace which could be dead cells.
I'm 73 years old and also have emphysema. My lungs now are functioning at less than 40%
A bout with pneumonia a month ago did nothing to help. I followed that with a hernia operation 10 days after getting out of the hospital for the pneumonia.
Wondering if I'll ever get my strength back?

_________________
Age 73
10/03/05 Chest x-ray mass found upper lobe left lung
10/05/05 CAT scan. Mass confirmed cancer
10/12/05 visit to Pulmonologist, breathing test (not good) also have empysema Lungs working at 40%
10/13/05 Broncoscopy. Cancer confrimed again. Dr says the size of a lemon
diagnosis. Squanous cancer
10/17/05 PET scan. Showed some hot spots
10/19/05 consult with throacic surgeon
10/21/05 Lung scan (nuclear) not good surgery ruled out.
10/26/05 biopsy of lymph nodes. Showed cancerous
Visit with Surgeon, Didn't get any real new info. except he said it was stage 3 Squamous cancer
11/14/05 Started both radiation and Chemo today. Cisplatin and etopeside.
11/15/05 continued both radiation and chemo for the rest of the week.
11/20/05 They had me come in for radiation today because of the upcoming thanksgivine.
11/21/05 had radiation and last chemo for this cycle. Cisplatin only. Contiuing radiation
finished radiation (34) on Jan 3/06
CAT scan on Jan 30/06 Showed cancer greatly reduced but not completely gone.
Started Chemo again on Feb. 7/06 Taxotere. One treatment every 3 weeks is scheduled for a total of 3 treatments. Then we plan to wait 5 months fot CAT scan.
Last Chemo on 4/4/06
7 days of neupogen
Cancer treatment ended 4/12/06
Hospitalized for Pneumonia 4/22/06 for 5 days
CT scan for cancer 7/28/06 results good but not conclusive
Exam by Oncologist,blood test and x-ray 12/1/06 Doctor said I was good to go. Wants me back in 6 months. He said there was no sign of the cancer.
6/1/07 Went back to oncologist and got a clean bill of health. Thank the Lord God almighty

Welcome to you Bluemax14,

Glad to hear your doing so well! Sorry you had the need to look us up, but I'm very glad you did. Lots of wonderful people here at LCSC.

Yes, you'll get your strength back. That chemo can and does knock us on our butts! To say the least!
You'll notice in a few months that you should be starting to perk up some. It's a slow road to recovery, so sit back, hang on, and just take it easy.

Holler if you have questions or if we can be of any help to you. We're more then willing to lend a helping hand.

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Bluemax,Connie is right .It sometimes takes a pretty good while to get feeling better but it slowly but surely gets there.

Please keep us posted as to how you are doing.

_________________
dianosed 04/29/2003 nsclc***left lung removed 06/18/2003***two checkups NED *** cancer back 10/10/03 mets to right lung *** 7 rounds chemo carboplatin & taxol at same time with 7 weeks of daily radiation***01/04/04 shrinkage***04/04/ still stable***07/04/04 stable***10/04/04 no change***03/04/05 cancer spread to windpipe blocking 80% of airway and also bottom r. lung and stump where l.lung was removed***03/24/05 had laser surgery to open windpipe & stent put in***03/24/05 chemo and radiation again same type and amount***07/20/05 tumors shrunk but not gone and new tumor in top r.lung***remaining lung in bad shape with lots of scar tissue***10/20/05 no evidence of more spreading***01/31/2006 scans stable***03/13/06 increased cancer in middle of chest and airway***06/22/06 no change***06/05/06 prostate trouble and catheter from 06/06/06 until 09/14/06 when surgery on prostate (no cancer)***10/08/06 spread again 3.5cm tumor on brain and 6.5 cm tumor back in middle of chest again***have done 14 WBR tx's and waiting for 1 x-knife tx upcoming***more chemo upcoming***12/20/06 no more chemo or radiation to chest area***placed on pallitive care***they will do as possible as anything arises***follow up mri in late january for brain tumors***also may need stent in esophogus for severe reflux and restricted size of esophogus***only two options left,treat and be very ill with almost no chance of getting or feeling better or maintain maximum quality of life as long as possible and be treated for comfort as problems occur.I am at the stage of this where I CHOOSE QUALITY.

I have a great wife,3 daughters and son-in-laws,5 grand daughters,1 grandson,and 1 great grand son.My goal in life is my 100th birthday as it always has been.

----------------------------------

picture is of me and my great grand son.

surviving in new jersey
over 2 years

_________________
dx march 2004 nsclc
tx 6months carbo\taxol
cat scan shrinkage
june 2004 pet scan no activity
cat scan more shrinkage
october 2004 pet scan still no activity
november 2004 starting radiation
35 radiation tx
feb 2005 ct chest abdomen pelvis ned
june 2005 radiation infiltrate
7 weeks of predisone
oct 2005 ct still ned
jan 2006 ct stable
april 2006 still ned.
i have had cat scans every 3 months and i am still ned, I just had a pet scan in april 2008 and there is no evidence of cancer, how ever i have had 2 heart attacks do to radiation to my chest. I will be having a bypass and value replacement soon

HAPPY 2+ years Sandy! Hope you'll stop in and say hi now and again, and let us know how your doing.

It's always soooooo GOOD to hear from LC SURVIVORS!

We need to hear from the LC SURIVORS! If your reading this message and your a LC SURVIVOR, please stop in and say HI and tell us how long you have been a LC Survivor! We look forward to hearing from all the LC SURVIVORS!

Rumor has it that there isn't many of us LC SURVIVOR'S out here, and I would sure like to prove that rumor wrong!!!

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

I wanted to reiterate Connie's message to all LC survivors that quietly are part of the board to come out and say hello. I am new to lung cancer and have not started my treatments yet. Chemo and radiation planned for July 10th. The first two weeks before official diagnosis when my pulmonologist told me something did not look right on my CT scan and sent me for a PET then Biopsy, I was absolutely sure I was going to die quickly. All I could think about was Peter Jennings and Dana Reeve. As a mother of 3 kids that I still need to raise, I was falling apart and my family along with me. Luckily I have always loved my computer and the internet and started looking up "lung cancer" and I found this site and posted a message. The most wonderful people on this board must have noticed the despair in my post and I had so many messages of encouragement that I said to my husband a few days later "Maybe I won't die" and my attitude started changing. I am know ready for treatment and ready to fight this with my entire sicilian clan behind me to help me get through this. Anyhow, I couldn't feel as good as I do right now without the folks on this site who are willing to share their survival experience. Just knowing that each of you is here and alive gives me hope every day that I will see another day. Thank you to all of you that have come forward. I hope five years from now, that I will be helping someone else on this site who just was diagnosed and not sure what to expect.

Hugs to all

Lilly

_________________
[size=9] Lillian (43 years old)
Smoked for 27 years (Quit at diagnosis)
mom of 3 (15, 9 and 3)
Officially diagnosed 6/9/06
NSCLC Stage IIIA
Primary tumor right lower lobe and mediastinum lymph node #7 positive. Paclitaxol and Carbo plus 35 radiation treatments to chest then 10/2/06-Muscle Sparring Thoracotomy-removed lower right lobe and mediastinum lymph nodes 11/14/06-Paclitaxol/Carboplatin First of two rounds scheduled to begin,11/18/06-Serious vomiting and stomach pain, admitted to hospital. CT Scan reveals potential issue with Adrenal Gland. 11/28/06 PET Scan Scheduled Adrenal Gland lit up on PET scan, thoracic team fairly certain it is a lung cancer met. Brain MRI shows two lesions in Brain. Dec 14, 2006: GammaKnife Radiostatic Surgery to Brain performed, Agressive Chemo to begin Thursday 12/28 (Cisplatin & Gemcitibine) Administered together first week. Second and third week Gemcitibine alone. Fourth week off chemo then cycle starts again. Brain MRI results: no new lesions, previous two lesions: one completely gone the other a faint blush that is expected to be no more at next scan scheduled for March 9th. Feb. 8, 2007, PET Scan: Results Adrenal gland hotter..Feb. 20, 2007, Memorial Sloan opinion: Disease Stable, they suggest monitoring only
Mar. 9th: Brain MRI: Nothing new, Mar. 16th: CT Scan: Nothing new, Mar. 19th: PET Scan
Mar. 20th: Begin new chemo cycle Abraxane and Rapamycin phase I trial. May 2007: PET Scan shows Adrenal gland SUV lower Cycle 2 Chemo scheduled
May 21st: CT Scan shows new tiny nodule on right Pleura. Some Pleura thickening. Dr. and radiologist are not certain if infection or cancer. Getting tested for infections. May 25th PET Scan: No difference from previous PET scan. Dr.'s unclear if nodule and thickening is disease or not. Will continue treatment 6/5/07. 7/6/07 PET CT scan reveal progression. Adrenal tumor larger and new small tumor in abdomen. Officially off trial.
7/12/07 Start 150MG Tarceva. Day 10 of Tarceva, started rash..It's on my chin, scalp, around nose. Also sores in my mouth. I'm using antibiotic and steroid creams for my face and a oncologic mouth rinse for my sores. Vocal Chord Surgery scheduled for 9/4/07 after I return from Hawaii. 9/6/07 Surgery on Vocal Chord seems to be a success. Back to work today.
9/14/07 CT Scan shows progression: .8cm growth on adrenal gland tumor. Tarceva stopped, 9/25/07 began Alimta. Once every three weeks. 10/16/07 2nd Alimta treatment. 11/9/07 3rd Alimta treatment. Waiting for scans to be scheduled. 11/25/07 Panic Attack during CT Scan resulted in A-Fib of the heart. Brought to ER, then ICU, hospital total of 6 days. Taking heart meds to control heart rate. Scan shows Adrenal gland slightly bigger. Fourth Alimta cancelled. 12/22/07 met with Surgeon. Will remove Adrenal Gland and a lymph node on 1/14/08. Due to complications was in ICU and a respirator for two weeks. Also had Pneumonia and Atrial Febrillation, as well as blood pressure problems. Returned home from the hospital on Feb. 6th.

Dr. claims Adrenal gland tumor completed removed with clear margins.

3/18/08 MRI of the Brain, cervical spine and CT Scan results. No Evidence of Disease. Rescan in three months

Sep. 2009 CT Scan result: new lesion near area of right adrenal gland. Started SRS.
3-5-09 NED!!!


Lost my cousin Sal to Lymphoma on November 24, 2006. Lost my cousin Gloria to Small Cell Cancer on March 19, 2007. Lost my cousin Pippo to lung cancer in Feb. 2009]

I completely missed this one.

I may be one of the baby survivors since it hasn't been a year since I finished my tx. But I am still NED and will remain that way.

Ralph

_________________
1/1/05-- Cough and general run down feeling.
2/2/05-- Treated for super cough that was going around. Lots of antibiotics.
3/5/05-- Treated for Pneumonia. Even more antibiotics.
8/17/05-- Rt. Lung removed. Margins not Clear, scheduled for radiation and chemo.
9/17/05 Celebrated 1st wedding anniversery.
9/21/05 Started 6 wks of radiation. Onc seems confident.
9/27/05-- Started chemo carbo/taxol on a low dose until radiation is complete.
11/02/05-- Chemo and radiation complete. Next dose of Chemo 11/30/05.
11/30/05 -- First large dose of Carbo/taxol. Knocked me on my butt after 3 days.
12/21/05 -- Last large dose of Carbo/Taxol. Took anti-nausea medications right away and seemed to get through it better.
12/25/05 -- Nice X-mas present, hair falling out in clumps. At this rate will be bald by New Year.
1/1/06 -- Now all the hair gone, feeling better though. Visit with surgeon on the 9th of Jan for follow-up to surgery.
1/7/06 -- Coughing again. Not sure why. This is how it started.
1/9/06 -- Surgeon prescribes anitbiotics says there is some crackling in the lung. Hopefully this works. Surgeon says x-ray taken in December looks good, should see the medical ONC first part of February.
1/20/06 - Cough Still bad, Talked with medical ONC, put me on steroids for Radiation Pneumonitis.
2/2/06 - Still coughing. Don't seem to be able to do a lot without running out of breath. This is how it all started last year. Hopefully it's not the same.
3/7/06 - Scheduled for a PET Scan on 4/5/06, ONC and Surgeon Visit on 4/10/06.
3/31/06 - In hospital for pneumonia. Lots of antibiotics and fluids.
4/5/06 - Both PET and CAT Scans done.
4/10/06 - Surgeon and Hemo ONC say the scans are clear and show No Signs OF Cancer. Next appt in 3 months.
5/1/06 - Feeling pain across my shoulders and in the rib cage. New ONC Nurse scheduled a bone scan.
5/16/06 - Bone Scans clear. Still coughing and seem to be run down all the time.
5/27/06 - Took a trip to Step-Daughters wedding in Rockford Ill. Humidity seemed to make it harder for me to breathe.
6/5/06 - Really bad night, coughing and finding it difficult to breathe. Went to emergency room, Dr. believes COPD to blame along with Bronchitis. Antibiotics and Albuterol inhaler recommended treatment.
6/7/06 - Primary Care visit today. Will discuss COPD and other problems. Next ONC Surgeon visit in July. Nothing new on the COPD.
6/23/06 - Another little hiccup with my heart. Got going a little to fast and they had to slow it down. Now on a beta blocker to control blood pressure and my heart.
07/06/06 -- Once again another NED. Hoping it stays this way.
8/17/06 -- One year since Surgery.
10/04/06 -- ONC Visit. August CAT Scan seen to have an 8mm nodule. Headaches almost everyday for the last two weeks. CAT/PET/MRI all scheduled.
10/06 -- New Cat/Pet Scan done. Nodule is 8MM to 1CM and Surgeon wants to do a needle biopsy as a wedge resection is out of the question in his opinion. MRI of brain shows nothing upstairs which is what my wife has been saying since we met. Biopsy scheduled for 10-26.
10/26/06 -- Biopsy Complete. Stayed in a little longer to get enough cells for the Cytologist. Not a joy but glad it's done.
10/30/06 -- Results of biopsy says it is cancer, Squamous Cell. Next!!!!
12/13/06 -- No surgery lung not able to lose any more tissue, radiation or chemo the only choice.
02/07 -- Radiation selected as first line treatment. Staged as a 1. Calling it a new cancer.
03/07 -- Radiation treatements done. 35 in all, 7000 in gray administered. Really tired and not mentally stable right now.
03/07 -- Spot found on MRI in brain. Looks like it could be cancer but the only way to know is open my head. Neuro doesn't want to open me up because it would be to much of my brain exposed. Dr's not sure if it is cancer. Will monitor it on a 3 month basis unless I start showing signs of a brain tumor. No symptoms as of yet and it is in the visual cortex area of the brain so it will mess with my vision first.
04/11 -- Cardiaoligist says my heart is fine. Will do a sonogram on they heart just to ensure all the passages are working right after all the radiation.
5/17 -- MRI and Visit to the Radiation Oncologist. Tumor in Brain is growing aggressivly and there is another one there after only 2 months. New treatment is WBR with the hope of stopping any more later on. See the Medical ONC on the 30th.
7/11/2007 -- Whole Brain Radiation complete. Just a little lost now and then but otherwise okay. Appointments for 6 and 11 July to see if it all worked. A new spot on the lower portion of the remaining lung. Only 4mm but still not definite. Back in the wait and see mode. Looking into Social Security Disability. Can't drive until the doctors believe I am mentally fit.

11/07 -- No more chemo, no more radiation, no more getting stuck once a week. Just going along with the flow and making life my own.

here i am 2 years 4 months since diagnosis sugery!!!!!! ALIVE AND KICKIN!!!!!
Ann - outside Philadelphia

_________________
Age 47 - quit smoking as soon as i knew
stage 2A
2/9/04 left lower lobe removed
lots of pain management problems
chemo to start 4/1/04 carboplatin & taxol
compleated 6/23/04
CT scan 8/04 NED!!!!!
3/5/05 NED!!!
9/05 NED!!!!
live every day as if it were your last
never say I wish I had

Hey Ralph and Ann, what took you so long to get here? The good news is, YOU GOT HERE and YOUR A Lung Cancer SURVIVOR !

We need to hear from more of the Lung Cancer Survivors on this Board.

_________________
Warm and Gentle Hugs,
Connie B
Date Dx.d, 7/21/1995, Age 43, Adenocarcinoma, Stage IIIB, had 3.4cm tumor and three cancerous lymph nodes.
7/25/1995 had Left Lung Removed along with several lymph nodes.
9/9/95 Started Chemo (VP-16/Cisplatin), & Radiation (36 treatments). Cancer Free.
8/11/2003 CT Scan found 4mm Nodule Right Upper Lung. Did PET scan & Nodule Lite up. Also found a Tumor in my Left Atrium (Heart)
8/21/03 Open Heart Sugery for Myxoma Tumor in Left Atrium. During heart surgery (3) surgeons checked 4mm nodule & agreed it did not appear to be cancerous.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will watch.
4/2005-CT, Nodule still there and has grown to 8mm will do another CT in 9/2005. Waiting & watching nodule.
9/2005 CT Nodule has shrunk to 5mm. Doctor's feel nodule could be scar tissue.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule.
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
9/2007 CT shows 3 nodules all mm in size. First 2 have no change in them. New one is very small. Repeat CT in 6 months.
12/11/07 Still NED
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules I now have 5 nodules. Will watch via CT scans.
10/08 CT Scan showed 1 nodule 6mm has grown to 1.2cm.
5/22/09 CT Scan (awaiting results)
7/4/09 PET Scan (3 nodules in left lung are now 1.4c.m in sizes.
8/13/09 Did Bronhcoscopy
8/18/09 NOT Cancer, no cancer found.
Next PET Scan Oct 2009.

READ MY STORY @ http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/vi ... hp?t=13224

Lost my Father age 56(1970), Mother age 66 (1987), and Sister age 43 (1988) all to Lung Cancer
AVATAR is in Iowa @ the Presidential Cancer Forum

Still kicking.

_________________
All 2005
55 male, married 34 years, 3 adult children.
7/30 Heart Attack/ Stent inserted/ put on Plavix
8/10 Plavix caused blood when coughing
8/14 Xrays/CT San reveal spot
8/16 Given CScan results enroute to Mother's funeral
8/26 Bronchoscope confirms NSCLC
9/7 Left Lung removed
9/10 Pathology found Two Lymph Nodes w/cancer
Stage IIIA
10/17 PET Scan revealed 1 additional Lymph Node fired up.
10/24 Started Chemo 1x week for 3 wks skip 1 week then repeat 1x week for 3 weeks for 4 months.
Chemo consists of Paraplatin(Carboplatin) & Docetaxel (Taxotere)
12/27/05 Pet/CT Scan Lymph Node in mediastinum grew. Chemo stopped. Radiation to be scheduled.
1/3/06 Radiation started
3/06/06 Radiation ended; 37 treatments
3/31/06 PET/CT Scan
4/7/06 ONC said Lymph Node SUV shrunk from 12 to 6.5. Still 2 cm in size.
7/6/06: CT Scan done at VA NED.
7/12/06 PET/CT Scan: (not @ VA) the original Mediastinal non reactive, no hypermetasis, small size shrinkage.
-- But shows SUV of 7.5 to sub-carinal lymph nodes,
7/20/06: Since the new cancer in the Sub-carinal lymph nodes are after first line treatment, Reclassified as Stage IV. Dr. to seek experimental trials. Poop.
8/15/06: Started Chemo. Gemzar (1795 mil 3 weekly 1 wk off) and AVASTIN (100 mil every other week)
9/1/06: Hurray Tarceva program approved
9/6/06 TARCEVA 250 mg/daily.
9/23/06: Cyberknife treatment, will have total of 3 two hour sessions over 3 days.

Continuing Chemo, next PET Scan in Nov 2006.

I must be getting stronger, because I'm sure not going to let this kill me.

For the last 3 years the only pictures of me include one of my three grandchildren. Life is good..