Dear Friends,
I was diagnosed with Stage IIIA/B NSCLC, Adenocacarcinoma on July 27, 2001. Throughout this ordeal, I was always told that my tumor was inoperable. I've been through 4 chemos, 2 with concurrent radiation, but nothing was working to shrink the problem tumor in my lower right lobe. I did have a 7 month complete response to one of the chemos, but then I had a recurrance. To make a long story short, my surgeon was surprised to see how healthy I still was after all the treatments and took my case to his tumor board. On January 10, 2003 I finally had surgery. I had a wedge resection of my lower right lobe. The tumor (almost the size of a lime) had grown into the vena cava, but the skilled surgeon was able to open up the vena cava, remove the tumor, and sew the vena cava back up. A radation oncologist then placed radioactive seeds (called brachytherapy) in the tumor area. I am very sore, but I am definitely on the mend. I have dr. appts. next week and will find out if I need further treatments. I feel very lucky right now.
I wanted to tell my story because I want everyone to know to keep hoping-always.
Love,
Ada

Hi Ada,
What great news, I was following your journey on the other board. My mom is stageIIIa also, and was told it was inoperable, so you have given me hope that maybe something can be done after all. She has had a response to both chemo/radiation. We are waiting to see what a repeat CT scan in March will bring.

I wish for you continued healing.
Fay

Hi Ada,

Welcome back!! WOW my friend, you have been through a LOT!!! THANK GOD your a fighter!!! Your surgery really sounded for a lack of a better word, (interesting) I am soooo very glad all went as well as it did, and that you came through it in somewhat (flying colors)?!
Very VERY GLAD to have you back!!! Take it easy and get lots and lots of rest!!! We'll be waiting to hear all your updated news on how well your doing!!

Warm and Gentle Hugs,

_________________
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

Ada:

Congratulations on the outcome of the surgery. I will gladly share sore ribs with you. Just remember your quality of life and stay ahead of the pain curve. Almost five months after my last surgery, my 2nd surgery in 11 months, my ribs still "talk" to me. I consider it a reminder of what could have been. Welcome to the club of veteran thorocotomies.

Ada,
"This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us REJOICE and be glad"! It was uplifting to read your news...yours is a message of hope for so many of us. Take good care of yourself on the road to recovery. Remembering how I felf after surgery, it was selfless and kind of you to get the word out to us. Thanks for sharing.

_________________
"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 ~~

Ada
I am so glad you were able to have the surgery, and that you're on the
road to recovery. I remember you from the previous board, and you
dancing at your son's (?) wedding.

I wish you a speedy recovery and future health and happiness.
JanetK

Ada, this is such good news. You go girl and keep on keeping on. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in posting your journey, it is an inspiration to me and God Bless you for you.

Wonderful news Ada, God Bless you

_________________
DavidA
GO PISTONS IN 2004!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DON'T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES,
DEPEND ON MIRACLES
45 yo
nsclc stage 3 a dx 5/02
chemo; carboplatin & taxol
surgery;late july 02 rt upper lobe removed
radiation: 30 days completed mid nov. 02
Halloween2003, reoccurance in rt lung, lymph nodes and my back.
starting carboplatin, gemzar 11/04/03
da m n disease!!!!!!!!
Gemzar stopped 2/27/04 too many side effects.
Started Iressa 2/27/04
Stopped Iressa 4/3/04
Stable disease as of 4/16/04
Not Stable as of 7/26/04 growth in left airway and surrounding trachea
Started Alimta 7/30/04
bronchscopy, lazer surgery and stent dues for
8/09/04
LOVE IS A ROSE BUT YOU BETTER NOT PICK IT,
IT ONLY GROWS WHEN IT'S ON THE VINE