What do you wish other people knew about lung cancer?
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. We would like to start an open and honest conversation about the realities of living with lung cancer as a patient or a caregiver.
In this thread, we invite you to share your perspective. What are the myths, struggles, or surprising realities of lung cancer that you wish the public truly understood?
Im a 4x lung cancer warrior currently stage4 my journey started 18 years ago with lung cancer.first its not an automatic death sentence! And even though I smoked,not all lung cancers are caused by smoking!!! There are many new improved treatments out there, do your research and get tested .Early detection is key! Along with a positive attitude great support system and faith 🙏 🤍
, I'm so glad that you joined the conversation. Eighteen years is amazing, and inspires hope! Do you find it's important that your team is open to the research you are doing, and integrating it into your treatment plan? - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
It's very important,however some Dr.s don't like it when we advocate for ourselves . I THINK HAVING THE RIGHT DR.S TEAM MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR OUTCOME
I actually told my oncologist I never wanted to see 1 oncologist in the group again because he never listened to the whole question my husband was asking before he answered it. When I was first diagnosed I told my oncologist there was 1 question I would never ask. He knew the question and never brought it up. That 1 oncologist I didn't want to see again answered that question because he didn't wait to hear the whole question my husband was asking, and that was it for me. I was furious and, thank God, I was able to shut my mind to it and never thought about it the whole time I was going through treatment. Thinking about it now still ticks me off. 🤨 , I am glad your doctor listened and you weren't subjected to the other doctor again. I imagine he may have felt like he was perceptive, being able to answer without hearing the whole thing - but that's a lot of ego, and not a lot of empathy, in my opinion. But people with chronic conditions want to feel heard and seen, and respected. Don't let him occupy your mental real estate! - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
I sure have! Both with oncologist and recently with this port infection infectious disease teams 2 lol
Sorry to hear about your port infection. Lately, I have seen a lot of posts on Facebook regarding port infections, cracking, etc. It's terrible. Has the infection cleared up? no im currently doing oral antibiotics and my treatment is on hold since June,I go back Dec 22 to see if I can continue immunotherapy and get a pet scan
I was stage 4 in 2022 with more metastisis than you can shake a stick at. Had a collapsed lung during the biopsy, then about 4 infusions of chemo and about 40 of Keytruda.
Yet, here I am, living proof that you can survive this disease.
Best wishes to all.Like you, I was stage 4 in 2018 with metastasis in every lymphnode in my chest, a muscle in my left thigh, at the bottom of my spine and on my liver. Keytruda is a Godsend. I had 19 months of Keytruda infusions every 3 weeks but then the cancer mutated into something that wouldn't respond to Keytruda so I was switched to infusions of chemo for 29 months every 3 weeks. After that I had 5 pinpoint radiation treatments which, by the grace of God killed the last 1.2cm of cancer. In April, 2023 God blessed me with a miracle leaving me cancer free. great job.
Congratulations!
