Lung Cancer

[honeyO]

I was in the hospital to drain an abdominal abcess, and after 6 CT scans and several xrays and ultrasounds, no one saw anything unusual. Then a short time later I went back to have fluid drained from my lung. A couple of hours after they were arranging to send me home, they dropped the bomb on me that I had cancer. Every visit to the oncologist says something different. They wanted to to radiation and chemo and said it was just in the pleural sac. Next visit they said it's in the lower lobe of the lung, no surgery or radiation just chemo Today I was told it's stage 3b and they'll do what they can. I know nothing about chemo or anything. I was in fine health until that abdominal abcess and then all of a sudden I'm told it's lung cancer. I've been crying and depressed because I've never really been sick before and now I'm told I'll most likely die soon. The oncologist keeps telling us this is the number one killer in this country. Not what I need to hear. When they start the chemo I've heard it makes you really sick. My stomach is so fragile I can get sick just thinking about it. I am terrified and just don't know what to do. I am at such a loss. Can anyone tell me anything that will give me any kind of encouragement?

[Davy9]

I am very sorry to hear about your situation. Lung cancer denoted as being stage 3B has the singular advantage of not having spread to other distant organs or locations. You will be subject to the rigors associated with chemotherapy. Depending on how that proceeds they may be able to use radiation and perhaps surgery in addition to the chemo. Knuckle under and give this a hard battle.

[honeyO]

Thank you so much for answering. It helps to know it hasn't spread. I will give it my all to get through the chemo because I have too much to do and too many who depend on me to give up. Thanks again.

[allergiesgallore2]

When my mom had lung cancer, we did everything we could to keep her smiling. We watched funny movies, we bought meditation tapes and dvds...anything that would take away the negative scary feelings for a few moments and fill them with positive thoughts. My mom survived and is still with me today. Never give up! Even if it seems hopeless. Miracles do happen.

You have my prayers.

[EffieJo]

I read your post today and have been praying for you. How are you doing now?

[honeyO]

I switched doctors and found out that that original one was not very good but the next one was great. It was true, he was very caring and his whole staff was very nice to me. I did the chemo until the end of June and right before the 4th of July weekend I was informed that the PET scan showed no evidence of the cancer. I have to go back on Oct.6. They had me come to a "Look Good, Feel Better" program where I learned to draw on eyebrows and fix myself up to feel better. I don't even cry anymore about losing my waist length blond hair, because I'd rather be bald and alive, right? I'm trying to behave and not get too worn out or have too bad of a diet, because I want to make sure that cancer stays away. I really appreciate all of the people who have taken an interest in my situation. That helps alot, especially when some of them have gone through the same thing and offer hope and encouragement. I prayed ALOT, believe me, and I really feel that the road to my recovery started with that first prayer. Thank you very much for your prayers, I will add you to mine. --Thanks