Well, my long awaited storie starts many moons ago.

I am no stranger to lung cancer, for I have lost my Father (1970 at the age of 54) my Mother (1987 at the age of 66), my Sister (1988 at the age of 43), along with two uncle's and a Grandfather all were lost to lung cancer.

My name is Connie Berchem and I am now 57 years of age and darn proud of it. I was 43 years old when my nightmare journey began.

My journey started back on April 26, 1995 when I went in for my yearly checkup with my primary doctor. During my checkup's my doctor always insisted I get a routine chest x-ray because of my family history. Well, low and behold I got my chest x-ray and it showed a mass in my left lung.

From there my journey began. Dr Connelly sent me for a CT scan. Oh yes, just the beginning of all the new things I would learn in this new life I was thrown into.

I then had to go see what was called a Pulmonoligist, (who-ever that was)?! He looked at my Ct Scan and said I needed to see a Thorascic Surgeon.(yet another new who-ever this is added to my life)

After meeting with Dr. Thomas VonRuden (Thoracic Surgeon) he indicated to me, he would need to do a surgical biopsy. (what ever that was?) On May 10, 1995 I entered the hospital to do a outpatient procedure that they said I would be home in my bed that night after they were done. (WRONG)! I ended up staying an extra day! He entered in my upper left chest area right below the left shoulder. Well, druing this procedure, they removed several lymph nodes and my surgeon said, "None of them had any cancer, but most of them looked very bad"! (Whatever that means)! He said he was unable to get anything good to indicate what this could be and that the margins all appeared clear that he did reach.

In June of 1995 I met with my Pulm. Doc (Dr Kamman) and he did a Bronchoscope on me. Low and behold he was unable to reach the mass in my left lung. The mass was down to low.

So, in July of 1995 the last effort was what they called a Guided Needle Biopsy. Well, this is the one they use a CT scan to guide the needle into the lung area, blah blah blah. Low and Behold, the doctor's said after several try's "I got it"! Hip Hip HOORAY!! That bugger was painful. But, I made it through each one of these procedures and we found the little bugger.

Dx.s Adneocarcinoma Lung Cancer is what came back from the Pathologist.

Well, now it's back to the Surgeon and chat with him to what to do next.
Well, I met with him on a Friday and he wanted me in the hospital on that following Monday. Well, easy for him to say, they were booked up. So, I went in on Tuesday instead.

July 25th, 1995 I walked into United Hospital with my husband, daughter, son, son-in-law, Uncle, Aunt, Nephew, Niece and Three wonderful Friends.

My Surgeon came into the prep room and held my hand. He looked at me and said, "When you come to after surgery, and I tell you I took your entire left lung, I want you to know that's GOOD NEWS"! Hummmm! So, I'm thinking, should we maybe have a chat about this, but he didn't seem to care much about what I wanted to chat about, he assure me I was going to be just fine.

Well, 9 hours later, I came too and he said, "I took your entire left lung" And BOY did I remember what he said! My eye's opened and he looked at me and smiled! My entire family and friends were all standing in the recovery room looking at me. My daughter and son were holding my hands, and my husband was standing rubbing my forehead. Everyone was smiling from ear to ear. And then the lights went out and I went nighty night for a little while again.

My recovery was 5 days in the hospital. I remember telling my Surgeon that I might not want to go home after this surgery all to soon, and he laughed and said, "Oh we'll see, you'll be wanting to go home after the 4th day"! HA HA HA I thought, 4th day after you just took out my left lung?? What is this guy NUTS??? Well, I was ready to blow that pop stand the 5th day.

My surgery was a great success and I came through it in flying colors.

I was on oxygen for about 2 months total after surgery. I was off all pain meds within 2 to 3 months after surgery, and I started my Chemo and Radiation Treatments, in Sept of 1995.

September 2, 1995 I get yet two other doctors added to my list of new friends in my life. He was my Oncologist Dr. John Schwerkoske, and Dr. K. Farniok my Radiation Onc Doc. On September 9, 1995 I started Chemo and Radiation treatments.

I underwent 36 sessions of radiation treatments, with minor side effects.
Oh sure, I had the couldn't swallow problem for a couple of weeks, but it wasn't as bad as some have had.

I also did 4 sessions of chemo, Three days on and three weeks off. I did VP-16/Cisplatin as my combo rig. Again, I had very few side effect as well. I was very lucky.

My doctor's reports all said, I was handling my treatments with great success and at ease. I was doing remarkable!!!

After I completed my treatments, I started yet another new journey into my life. This was called the "Dreaded Checkup Journey" every Three months for the first Three years after treatments.

I went for Ct Scan's and Chest X-rays for the first three years. I then got moved to every SIX months for the next two years. And that brought Ct scan's every 6 months.

After I completed my 6 month checkup journey, I was moved to Once a Year! Ct scans only once a year.

Well, long story short........... I am now looking at becoming a 15 Year Lung Cancer Survivor. God Willing

During my 14+ year journey, I want you all to know that each and everyone of my wonderful doctor's is still in my life today and they are not only my doctor's but they have become my dear and wonderful friends. I have the GREATEST TEAM of DOC's and I'm GRATEFUL to each and everyone of them.

During my LC journey in 1998 I had asked my Pulm. -( Lee Kamman) if he knew of any Lung Cancer Support Groups I might be able to attend? Well, weeks passed and one day I got a phone call from Dr. Lee Kamman. He called to tell me he couldn't find an In Person Lung Cancer Support Group anywhere in the Twin City area for me to attend, but then he said something I never thought I would hear in my lifetime. He asked me if I would be interested in starting up the First Lung Cancer Support Group here in Minnesota? Welllllllllllll...........

On January 1999 Paula Klineshcmidt (ONC N) an myself, put our heads together and worked very hard to bring a Lung Cancer Support Group to Minnesota. I'm very proud to say, that our group is going strong and we have the most wonderful members in our group you would all love to meet and be a part of our lives and we would love to have you join if your near by. I have been blessed in more ways then one.

10 years ago, I bought my first computer and became a member of the ACOR Lung Onc Group. I also became a Volunteer for ALCASE, doing advacate work and being a phone buddy for them for 6 years.

During my time with ALCASE now known as (LCA Lung Cancer Allinace) I learned about LCSC Lung Cancer Support Community, although it was a different name at that time, but, I have been a part of LCSC for over 7 years. I was once a Board of Director for LCSC. I remember the early days of how we struggled to keep this board up and running and how so many wonderful people would send in donations to help us keep it up and running. (the old days). I also remember Katie kicking in her money and time as well as many of us did. Many of those wonderful folks aren't with us today. I also Volunteer my time to my In Person Lung Cacner Support Group at Regions Hospital in St. Paul., Minnesota. My pride and joy.

I have also Chaired Two Major Lung Cancer Awareness Events that were held here at the Minnesota State Capital, with the hard work and efforts of several of my Lung Cancer Support Group Members (Donna G being one of them) right here in Minnesota. We worked very along with and hard with ALCASE to bring Awareness to Lung Cancer issues and we have seen some changes being done for early detection for lung cancer. The NCI had some research money to see if CT scan's were better in dx.ing early detection for lung cancer. This research was being done at the U of Minn, and Abbott Northwest Hospital here in Minnesota. This research was to go until 2008. I like to think that our Events had a little boost in getting this research efforts into play here in Minnesota. There findings where CT's did NOT help to find early stage lung cancer, SO THEY SAY!!

I also was a volunteer for ACS, where I was part of the Road to Recovery program in my community. I drove Cancer patients (Road To Recovery) to and from there cancer treatments and doctor's appointments. I met the most wonderful people during this time. Again, I have been blessed.

I pray for all of us that some day we won't have to deal with lung cancer issues, and that one day there will be a cure for ALL cancers.

But for now, I am a VERY GRATEFUL 14+ YEAR Lung Cancer Survivor, and my wish is, one day I want to be just like my friends David P. and Just Rich, because they are 20 and 33 year Lung Cancer Surviors. HOW GREAT IS THAT?????

Love, Support & Hugs to All,
Connie Berchem

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. Will watch Nodule via CT scan every 4 months. Complications during surgery & had to close. Re-did Heart Surgery on 11/4/2003 to removed Myxoma Tumor in left Atrium. Surgery a success.
11/2004-CT & PET scan, nodule still there 6mm will continue to 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.
1/4/2006 Heart Myxoma Tumor Returned, Had it removed @ Mayo Clinic along with Double Bypass.
2/2006 Having Shortness of Breath problems.
4/2006 CT, nodule 5mm No Change.
10/2006 Anigogram/Angioplasty bypass graft was plugged 95%.
11/2006 CT scan no change in Nodule, still having SOB problems and can't find a reason to why. (SOB could be because of all surgeries.)
4/26/07 Results of CT scan shows I have another Noudule. Now I have two nodules, one is 6-7mm & the new one is about 3mm.
Still NED.
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.
10/2007 Seeing New Cardiologist (U Of MN) for SOB and for Leak in Mitral Valve.
12/11/07 Still NED
12/19/07 Surgery to replace Mitral Valve & do a Double Bypass at the U of MN. Cause is Chemo & Radiation Treatments.
1/27/08 Mitral Valve Surgery & Double By Pass a success!.
5/7/08 CT (right lung) (nodules watch) two new nodules appeared on top of the three I have. Will watch via CT scans. Next CT Oct 2008
10/08 CT scan

I lost my father (1970) @ age 56 to NSCLC.
I lost my mother (1987) @ age 66 to SCLC
I lost my sister (1988) @ age 43 to NSCLC

_________________
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 read your profile and was wondering how you were doing now? my husband is 28yrs old non smoker. IIIb wet adenocarcinoma.

tiffmomiff@yahoo.com

Connie, all I can say is WOW! You long term survivors represent hope to those of us earlier in our journeys.

Judy in Key West

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

Connie, all I can say is WOW! You long term survivors represent hope to those of us earlier in our journeys.

Judy in Key West

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

Well, I am doing as well as I can be doing under the circumstances. I just had a Borhochsopy done about 4 weeks ago to see if these new nodules in my lung are cancer. The report came back saying they are NOT cancer at this time. No No No No cancer!

I've had some bumpy roads, but all concidered, I am doing well Thank for Your Asking. Moving much slower, but non the less, moving!

Hugs,
Conni

_________________
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

Connie, so glad to hear you had a scan so recently that said NADA NOTHING ZIP ZERO. Awesome.

Judy in Key West

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

Thank you for sharing. You are indeed a special gift to all of us.

_________________
My name is Richard, I've been a smoker for almost 40 yrs. I have an abdominal aneurysm that the doc has been watching for 18 months or so. In April 2009 the CT scan showed somthing on my spine. To make a long story short it was cancer. I was dx July 2009 with NSCLC-large cell. tumor 5.3 on lung and cancer growths on spine. (stage 4)
7/16/09 chemo treatment (taxotere, avastin, paraplatin)
8/7/08 second treatment
8/27/09 x-ray shows no tumor in the lungs!
8/28/09 third treatment (no zometa added)

YEAH CONNIE!!!!!

You rock!!! Congrats!!!!

Hugs - Patti B.

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

Way to go Connie! You give hope to us all!!

Dana

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

Connie,

I love reading happy posts.

Way to go...Connie....Hooooraaaay.

Barbara

_________________
Bill died peacefully on March 25, 2010. He was very much loved, and will be sorely missed.

Link to "Bill's Story," and more detailed list of treatment regimens:

http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?t=37269

Photo: Barbara and Great Granddaughter KayMarie taken January 2010 at Rehab where Bill was gaining strength.

Dear Connie,
I truly enjoyed reading your story of inspiration and fight!
I admire your determination and strength and appreciate your sharing with us.
May you continue to be blessed!
Kimberly

_________________
My wonderful mother, 71 at diagnosis ...
6/2/09 - went to GP for shoulder pain - xrays taken, show 'shadow' in lung area
6/8 CT scan
6/12 - GP reports that 'shadow' likely to be cancer ... need more tests referred to pulminologist and oncologist.
6/14 - Appt with Pulminologist - orders PET and biopsy. I take charge and reschedule onc appt until those tests are done (what would onc tell us w/o test results)
6/18 PET, 6/19 Biopsy (CT guided needle)
6/24 - onc appt. confirming stage 3B NSCLC - tumor (4x7cm) contained to right lobe w/lymph nodes affected
6/25 - 2nd onc. appt. for 2nd opinion and verification. this doc orders MRI of brain and CT of abdomen (earlier CT showed hydronephrosis in right kidney). blood work done
6/29 - MRI and CT -- blood work showed creatinine was normal
6/30 - meet rad onc - explanation of treatment
7/2 - meet with original onc. no mets to brain, ref to urologist to check kidney. he recommneds carbo/taxol regimen and radiation
7/7 - urologist reports kidney functioning normally, no treatment recommended for kidney- move forward w/ cancer treatment
7/8 - meeting with other onc - she recommends cisplatin/topo (more aggressive) -- we decide to go that route
7/20 - 9/2: 33 rad treatmetns (or 66 gray, i think) and 2 cycles of cisplatin/topo. side effects: fatigue, hair loss, low red and white cell counts, fatigue, lump in throat, some taste issues and (did i mention) fatigue.
9/4: 2 units of blood transfused
9/8: red and white counts back to normal. Mom reports "firing on 7 of 8 cylinders"
9/21: CT Scan
9/24-29: wonderful and much needed beach time with family (best medicine so far!!!)
9/29: CT results: tumor shrank to 2x2cm and is now "quiet and contained". Tx break for 3 months.
12/31: CT scan showed add'l shrinkage - down to 1.9 x 1.1 - praise the Lord!!!
3/19/2010: CT scan ...results showed no areas of concern. Stability. God is good!!!
4/1/2010: Mom begins complaining of abdomen sensation "like sunburn and clothing brushing against it hurts".
4/9: visit to GP - who wrongly diagnoses as ringworm
4/15: visit to neurologist, MRI of abdomen and spine shows 2 areas of concern on 8th and 11th vertebrae.
4/20: nerve induction test shows neuropathy. Onc maintains that cancer unlikely due to clear scan just a month earlier.
5/2010-6/2011: nerve issues subsided. areas of 'concern' turn out to be nothing. good CT scan in May and November, 2010.
5/2011: CT scan shows something in adrenal gland area; PET scan reveals likely active cancer
6/2011: Onc referrs for biopsy (6/6). If cancer confirmed, radiation to follow ...

You are Awesome!!!

xoxo
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]

You are an inspiration

_________________
***Maternal Grandmother Ora died in 1995 from LC lived 5 years after diagnosis-refused treatment

***Maternal Grandfather John died in 2004 from LC lived 3 years after diagnosis-refused treatment

***My mother Millie diagnosed w/NSCLC(stg 2A or 2B) August 26th, 2009. Initially Mom refused treatment; finally agreed to see ONC-appointment 9/21/09

***9/23/09 Mom decided that she would fight this monster and AGREED TO HAVE SURGERY.

***Mom scheduled for PET Scan 10/2/09 and meets with the surgeon 10/5/09

***Mom's surgery scheduled for October 13th

***Surgery went well...Left Pneumonectony & radical lymphectomy...3 lymph nodes positive(pathology report indicates lymph nodes possible positive b/c of proximity to hilar tumor)

***Hospitalization...some problems encountered(fever, increased heart rate, low blood pressure)

***Mom discharged from the hospital October 20,2009 with Home Health care...Oxygen 3L per NC

***Mom back in hospital October 23, 2009, diagnosed with pneumonia and probable pericarditis(infection around the lining of the heart). She was placed on 2 strong IV antibiotics. Several test were done and she was finally discharged October 29, 2009.

***November 4, 2009-Mom home doing fairly well (I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED), No oxygen (SATs 98 w/o oxygen), hydrocodone for pain, duoneb & pulmicort updrafts...CHEMO expected after total recovery from surgery

***Chemo started 12/7/09 (cisplatin & taxol)

***12/14/09- 1st bone scan and Ct scan since surgery...NED is my best friend

***Mom received Mediport 12/17/09...good bye venous needlesticks

***December 2009-May 2010 Mom had 18 Chemo treatments: Taxol & Cisplatin-NEVER LOST ALL HER HAIR, NEVER EXPERIENCED NAUSEA & VOMITTING

***June 2010-SCANS---NED--- Next scans December 2010...PRAISE THE LORD.

***July 2010-Mom working part-time

PRAYING FOR STRENGTH...STRIVING TO BE LIKE CHRIST EVEN WHEN I'M FACED WITH ADVERSITY

I just read about your journey and want to thank you for posting. I am so happy to see long term survivors like yourself.

I will be at 4 years in April, so I am so thankful for my health. I do have some nodules on both lungs now but Tarceva is working miracles.

Thanks again, would love to hear from others.

_________________
Betty Cline

dx: April 28, 2006 - thought I had pneumonia.
plueral effusion malignancy, tumor 4 cm in left lung
Chemo: Allegic to taxol on May 1, 2006
Gemszar and Carboplatin started May 2, 2006, taking both drugs one week and the gemszar the next week and then a week off.
Ct Scan showed in June 06 that tumor had shrunk to 2 cm and the plueral effussion was almost totally gone.
Continuing chemo... some nauseous feelings, body aches. Had neulasta to bring up white count,,, body aches were bad.
Taking aranesp every three weeks for red count.
Had blood transfusion in June also.
8/3/06 Had last chemo treatment
8/10/06 Meeting with radiation oncologist.
8/24/06 Started Radiation treatment for 6.5 weeks.
9/8/06 Leg aches and very tired
9/22/06 Finished first treatment round of radiation, today was repositioned and will start 8 more treatments this Tues. After that will do 6 more treatments hitting the tumor directly.
Side effects: rad. burn to chest and back. Down middle of my back is worse. Using aquaphor, aloejel with lidocaine, and cortisone to ease the pain and some pain meds. Throat and esophagus sore, drinking lots of liquids (can't eat beef)
10/15/06 finished radiation
10/25/05 uti had iv of antibiotics
11/9/06 ct scan scheduled at Carolina Baptist in Winston Salem, NC
11/10/06 I had a ct scan yesterday, lung tumor has shrunk some more, should be tiny now. Don't have formal report, but Dr. said it looked great, no plueral effusion, nothing in liver, bones, etc. I will have formal report Monday. He told me to "live my life and enjoy". I don't have to go back for 3 months.
2/12/07 Had CT of lungs and abd. and Brain MRI - results showed only scar tissue!! Yeah!!

4/07 Started Tarceva due to mild progression.

Some rash over the past two years but now taking 75 mg of Tarceva daily.

01/09 New progression of several nodules. Largest one is about 1/2 inch. Rescan in April, but continuing on Tarceva for time being.

The end of a long road. Peace to Connie.

Nothing to offer but my tears. May Connie rest in peace she will truly be missed.

Connie Berchem October 23, 2010