My Journey Begins

By des-tiny

1 min read

I also was diagnosed with Stage 4 nsc adenocarcinoma metastatic lung cancer. I was diagnosed with stage 3 back in July of this year. In just a matter of 2 weeks while waiting to start chemo I developed several lumps/knots. So on August 16th had biopsy on one of the lumps/knots. Had to wait for a week to get results. On my 63rd birthday of all days to tell me that I now had stage 4 nsc adenocarcinoma metastatic lung cancer.

Oncologist told me if I did nothing I would have 3-6 months and if I took chemo I could have a year. I received first treatment on August 28th. I am getting chemo every 3 weeks and have had two treatments now. On 10/10 I will have a CT scan and labs and decide if I should keep receiving chemo. Oncologist said I was not longer a candidate for surgery or radiation.

I am getting Keytruda, Alimta and Carboplatin. I have done really well with this treatment so far and have been able to continue working. I also still have a full head of hair.The only issue I have had is edema to my legs/ankles and feet which I was told was from the steroids that I am given also.

From the very beginning I have had peace with all of it and have said Whatever God's will is I am good with it. Either way I know I will be healed whether here on earth or in heaven with him. Cancer does not define me or control me. God is in control. I was a smoker for 51yrs and have been trying to quit with the help of medication and patches. I am down to 3 cigarettes a day now from 1-1 and 1/2 pack a day. I pray for all cancer patients and ask God to give them healing according to his will and peace and comfort. Sorry this is so long.

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Margot Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2349447" username="des-tiny"/> , Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. You sure have been through a lot. What a thing to find out on your birthday - I'm sorry. I hope your scan today goes well - please let us know, we're thinking of you! I'm glad to hear that so far you've been doing well and are still able to work. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective and journey so far here - we look forward to hearing more. Warmly, Margot, <a href='https://lungcancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team
Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator
Thank you Des-tiny for sharing your journey. It's wonderful that you are leaning on your faith in this time. Continue what you're doing in treatment. Also, consider limiting your intake of cigarettes, but as long as you're working along with your doctor with the patches, then just continue to take one day at a time. Best to you 😀
des-tiny Member
Thank you Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo. I went on wednesday and had a CT scan done and the lump/knots that I had are gone and the tumor in my lung is smaller. I had my 3rd round of chemo that same day. God is good all the time. That feeling that came over me two weeks ago was God telling me that my CT scan results were going to be amazing. Thank you Jesus.
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator
 DES-TINY! That is fabulous news! "All the time" my friend 😀 Let us know how you're getting along. I'm so happy about your developments.
jmbklj Member
Des-Tiny, thanks for sharing your story. I joined the <a href='https://lungcancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> community just today My husband has stage 4 nsclc with Mets to adrenal glands, liver, bones and brain. He did 2 weeks of whole brain radiation and is now on the same chemo and keytruda path as you. So I’ll be interested in your experiences and progress. He’ll have his 3rd treatment tomorrow, 10/17. He’s not been as fortunate as you with the side effects, having extreme fatigue, no appetite and no stamina. He just had CT scans and we should get results tomorrow. Fingers crossed. Wishing you the best 
1. des-tiny Member
 jmbklj: I will be praying for you and your husband for good results. I hope you will let us know. I have had 4 treatments now and blessed to still be working and without side effects. Trust the lord for whatever his will is and be thankful and grateful for all his blessings.
des-tiny Member
Update to my Journey: I have not had a cigarette for seven days now. I am also going back to MD Anderson in Houston to see if I qualify for a clinical study for stage IV metastatic lung cancer that could possibly extend my life by 48.8months according to what they have already found on study so far. Again I know without a doubt that God is control and if it be his will things will fall in place. Never give up and do research on new treatments even they are trials at this moment. Be your own advocate.
des-tiny Member
Update to my Journey: I have had four rounds of chemo treatments. I went on MD Anderson web site and on their news page I saw that they were doing a clinical study with stage IV nsclc metastasized. It could possibly extend my life by 48.8months. So I called and got with my Oncologist and team at MD Anderson and asked if I can be qualified as a candidate for this study. I am going back to Houston on Monday 11/12 for testing. I also have not had a cigarette for 15 days now. WOOT WOOT.
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="2349447" username="des-tiny"/> , I'm so proud of you for making an effort to limit your smoking. You're taking the right steps in moving forward which is absolutely wonderful. Take it one day at a time. Exactly, never give up! I'm glad you did a bit of homework to see an option in trials, that may work for you. Please continue to let us know how everything turns out. Thinking of you. Best!