My dad was recently diagnosed with Stage IV NSCLC (Squamous Cell) in his left lung. The only metastisis is to the local lymph nodes and to the right lung. Surgery is not an option. He started Chemo today (Gemzar/Caroboplatin). They are also adding Celebrex to the treatment. I had read about this. It seems to help the treatment. I know that this disease can be beaten. My mother had cancer 12 years ago and is alive and cancer-free today.
I'm glad I found this message board. I was searching the Web for stories of hope. There is a lot of depressing information out there. I'm glad I found one of the bright spots. Thank you all for sharing your stories of hope. God Bless you all!!!

Junior,
You've come to the right place for support and information. It's with a sad heart that I "welcome" you, but I know that life is happier and burdens easier when shared. God bless you and your family. There is always hope.

_________________
"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 ~~

Junior,

Welcome and may God bless you and your family. You will never find a more supportive and informative bunch than right here. This message board is a constant line for help and comfort. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

Dear Junior,

I am sorry to hear about your dad's recent diagnosis with lung cancer. I can totally relate. My mother (73yrs.) was diagnosed last month with Stage IV adenocarcioma. She is on Gemzar and Carboplatin. She has had bouts with nausea, depression, and lack of energy but her positive attitude has kept her strong thoughout it all.

I know that you will find comfort with this website because we are all going through similar situations. By sharing our stories and our knowledge it helps to make us stronger during these trying times. I pray that your dad will respond well to the treatment.

God bless,
May

_________________
Mother has Stage IV Adenocarcinoma NSCLC in right lung only. Has metastises in chest lymph nodes and right adrenal gland. Diagnosed Dec. 18th, 2002. On chemotherapy.

Dear Junior,

I too am very sorry you have the need to join this wonderful group of people. However, you are in caring, supportive, understanding arms here!

I don't have much to add to what Tiny, May, and Terrie had to share with you, only that you will find much comfort here on the Lung Cancer Message Board.

We will do our best to walk the walk with you in hopes to make this journey a little softer for you and your dear dad.

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