Smile

By emilycoffey

1 min read

I wanted to share my story thus far with all of you. I was diagnosed with stage 3a inoperable nsclc on Good Friday of this year. What a pill to swallow. I took a deep breath asking my Doctor if this was a death sentence. He responded by saying, I didn’t say that! He then said we will get you to remission . I had 35 targeted radiation therapies and 9 chemo infusions. No real side effects except losing my hair. I have peach fuzz now. At the end of July I had a pet scan and was surprised and shocked to hear that I am in complete remission, no evidence of disease. I am now going thru immunotherapy with Imfinzi every two weeks. I still wake up in a full anxiety mode with a pit in my stomach. I will have another scan in two months to make sure things are where they should be. I will say that along with conventional medicines I use CBD oil, I eat correctly, exercise and had a few sessions with a Shaman. I did what I had to do for me. I know others may laugh and I understand but I did and will do what I have to for me and my piece of mind. I live in fear every day that the cancer will come back with a vengeance but I keep strong with laughter, love, a most importantly a positive outlook. Find the strength and carry on ❤️

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Margot Community Admin
Thank you so much for sharing <inline-mention user-id="2351135" username="emilycoffey"/> ! What a great thing to hear that you have no evidence of disease, and a positive outlook. Please keep us updated if you'd like to - glad you have your next scans set up to check in. And a great point to do what you have to do for you! I'm glad that you took your wants and needs into consideration and advocate for yourself. Thinking of you! Warmly, Margot, <a href='http://LungCancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team
jkindestin Member
This sounds like my story. I had a clear ex-ray in January 2018. Also in January, I was prescribed a blood pressure med that causes cough. I asked to be taken off the med in April because of the cough and stuffed sinuses. The problem continued. I saw a doctor end of April that checked my lungs, etc. I was fine. I had booked a trip to London and went in May but discovered as I was walking I would become winded (had not noticed this before) My traveling companions, my niece and nephew, said I had better see a doctor when I got home which I did on May 22, that began what is to be my journey with Lung Cancer. I have had my 7 weeks of radiation and 6 chemo sessions, now I await my pet scan on 9/24 and then possible immune therapy in October. My wish is too live long enough to live good memories with my two young grandsons. Ryan is 6 and Ben is 2. They are the joy of my life and my reason to be. I hope to get hope from this website. Thank you.
1. emilycoffey Member
 Keep the faith and remain strong. I’m right here with you.
emilycoffey Member
Thank you for your kind words. The hardest battle of my life. I am positive however I have terrible anxiety every day. The thought I have cancer never goes away. It’s frightening and overwhelming. I know this too shall pass but it is a struggle. Keeping the faith and pray for all those affected.
meb022257 Member
I was sent your link after trying to find someone else using Imfinzi. Our stories sound pretty similar. My diagnosis was stage 3B lung cancer in May 2018. I had radiation five days a week for 6 weeks and 8 chemo treatments before starting Imfinzi every 2 weeks. I wanted to send my beat wishes to you and to see how you were doing if you don’t mind my asking.
1. emilycoffey Member
 I’m stable as of now. I’ve been back and forth since diagnosis. I was on Imfinzi for about a year and a half and it wasn’t keeping the cancer at bay. No change in stage but no progress. I was put on Carboplatin, Alimta and keytruda. I did 6 of these infusions. I had a scan mid cycle and was considered stable. I have a scan on 7-21 that will determine what comes next but the treatment I will receive on the 21st will be Alimta and Keytruda. All based on scan.
susie1950 Member
I’m looking for anyone who may be on imfinzi I have stage3a/3b lung cancer. I had 4 chemo treatments /should have been 6/7 but white blood cells wouldn’t cooperate .also had 34 radiation treatments / last one couldn’t do due to hospitalization for sepsis from kidney infection . Ct showed tumor shrunk but not gone . Am supposed to do imfinzi for a year. I have had only 1 so far and side effects for me have been pretty bad . No infusion today . Will start steroid for 10 days to see if symptoms resolve . For me side effects were worse then the chemo. Has anyone else experienced side effects from imfinzi . I’m scared not to take it and scared to take it as well . Would love some feed back . Thanks Susie1950
1. Margot Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2354764" username="susie1950"/> , some have discussed Imfinzi here: <a href='https://lungcancer.net/q-and-a/immunotherapy-durvalumab/' target='_blank'>https://lungcancer.net/q-and-a/immunotherapy-durvalumab/</a> - please keep us updated on how you are feeling- we're here for you. Best, Margot, <a href='http://LungCancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team
2. emilycoffey Member
 I did a year plus on Imfinzi. No real side effects other than stomach issues. I am stable now after going back to Carboplatin, alimta and keytruda. Imfinzi worked for awhile but had to do the chemo for 6 infusions. Now I will be on Keytruda and Alimta for an undetermined amount of town. Having pet scan and ct scan 7-21 and will know more.

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