Mental Health Check-In
How are you doing today? What is the latest challenge or latest win you've experienced? We want to hear from you!
Hoping for a win when I get scanned the end of March. My doctors are watching a slow growing nodule in my upper right lobe which has been stable for years but made a movement a few months ago. If more movement shows in my upcoming scan, the plan is to biopsy and probably have a third surgery (I had a lobectomy of right middle lobe in 2000 and a wedge resection of my left lower lobe in 2021). Right now I feel my main challenge is that I'm concerned about local recurrence of my 2021 diagnosis, I have been having terrible leg pains for about a week and have no idea why. I guess time will tell .....
I have been experiencing similar leg pain since being treated with chemo for stage 4 lung cancer. They couldn't do radiation as lymph nodes near my esophagus would be too risky. The cancer in my right lung was rendered dead and had a partial lung resection and the cancer tumor that metastasized to left lung was untraceable after the chemo. In a couple of months IF all lab and scans are negative I can consider myself in remission. I've learned that many patients that have been through chemo can/will develop chemo related neuropathy. I am greatful for the care and treatment I received but no one warned me of this (and other long term pain issues), most Drs. thought I was addicted and drug seeking (which became a whole other issue) just thank goodness my physician and oncologist knew me and have treated me appropriately. It's certainly better than the alternative. Blessings 
I wish you were more informed about potential long term pain issues. It sounds like you have been through a lot, I am glad your doctors were on your side. Sending you lots of strength as you wait for your scans. Jill (team member)
My ongoing challenge is trying to regain some of my mobility I lost due to resection of brain mets. I did not have a good experience with physical therapy and one round of chemo set me back significantly. I am currently stable on targeted therapy so improving my walking is my current challenge. I cannot use my walker in my yard so I am limited to walking indoors. It is a very frustrating, slow process. I just started with a seated bicycle type exercise and I think it may be helping. I was an active person prior to my diagnosis and no longer being able to drive is driving me crazy! But I remind myself that I am thankful that my cancer is stable and my other symptoms are minimal. Nobody ever said it would be easy. Any suggestions/tips are welcome!
I'm Glad you're trying to figure this out. I can imagine how daunting it has been to be an active person now. I would suggest asking your doctor if any local services provide free or inexpensive services that provide mobility instructional services that may be helpful. gave a great link. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda(LungCancer.net Team)So happy to hear that your cancer is stable. There's an adjustment that takes place and mobility for some can be a challenge. Perhaps you can speak with your doctor for suggestions for exercises you can do at home. It's always a good idea to get your doctor's clearance. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
Hey there,
Thanks for checking in. Today has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I've been feeling proud of myself for taking some steps towards self-care, like going for a walk and spending time doing things I enjoy. But on the other hand, I've also been struggling with some anxiety and intrusive thoughts about the future.
I guess the latest challenge for me has been finding a balance between pushing myself to do things that are good for my mental health while also being gentle with myself when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It's a constant work in progress, but I'm trying to remind myself that it's okay to take things one step at a time.
How about you? How are you doing today?
I agree it can be a mixed bag of figuring it all out, while not allowing one's nerves to get the best of them. It is a balancing act that takes steps in each day as a new day to figure out...the good and the not-so-good. It's okay to learn a new way while adjusting to the future. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda(LungCancer.net Team)
it's a day by day process. Good days and bad days. It's OK to acknowledge that it is a bad day and then move on. I am currently having some good days myself but don't push myself if I don't feel up to it.
im waiting for ct scsan
a lot of our members will say that waiting is so hard. Sending you strength during this difficult time. Jill, (team member) Hoping all goes well with your scan. Wishing you the very best!
Yolanda (Team Member)
