Surprise - You Have Lung Cancer

By inthemoment

2 min read

My husband passed in 2017 after having kidney failure; he refused to have dialysis. We had hospice care at home for him. I had a lot of adjusting to do and to start my new life without him. We had been married over 40 years. I also was employed with a wonderful job for 48 years. During my annual physical my family doctor told me to get a chest X-Ray since I'd been smoking for several years.

Diagnosed with lung cancer

It's scary - you don't want to know if you have cancer and you think it will never happen to you - well it did. After several grueling tests, it was determined that I had to have my left lung removed. I found a surgeon who could perform VATS surgery. I had my lung removed on 5/2/18. I was lucky that it was found early, it was stage 2A non-small cell.

Recommended treatment

My oncologist prescribed 4 rounds of chemotherapy just to make sure there were no cells remaining. Finished all my treatments on 9/28/18 and have had two clear scans. The feelings we go through during our journey are indescribable. I blamed myself because I smoked, I thought I was being punished for something I did.

Family support

Thanks to my loving family (two sons, two daughter-in-laws, two grandsons and a daughter I got through it. They were with me every step of the way from bringing home-cooked food to the hospital, making sure someone was with me for the first two weeks, taking me to chemo. They were so worried about me and never thought something like this would happen to me. I'd never been sick, never been in a hospital (except to have my children), it was always me taking care of everyone else. I'm still very scared that the cancer will come back. I see a counselor regularly and am currently on an anti-depressant. I stay active in Silver Sneakers and a Book Club and try to keep busy. All of us who have cancer must know and accept the fact that it's ok to feel sad, angry, depressed, and anxious.

Share your own story with the community here.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The LungCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Alisa Moderator
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2362554" username="inthemoment"/> , I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's passing and your own diagnosis. I'm a 19-year lung cancer survivor, Stage 3, and understand the roller coaster ride all too well. Many of us deal with anxiety and depression after a diagnosis. I found that belonging to a community like this one where we can get support from others that really know what we are going through helps tremendously. Warmly, Alisa
1. inthemoment Member
 Congratulations 19 years! That is so great. Yes it does help t o know that there are others are going through what you are and worse. Thanks for the comments, God Bless, Pat
2. Alisa Moderator
 Thank you, and to you too, <inline-mention user-id="2362554" username="inthemoment"/> . All the best, Alisa, <a href='http://LungCancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team
rosi Member
Hello, mine too was caught early Stage 1A non-small cell due to good follow up care. Middle lobe of right lung removed along with a bit of lower one. No chemo needed. I am now almost 4 yrs in the clear. Yes, I, too, had never been sick, only the bad cold which discovered the nodule. Never smoked. No second hand smoke either. But, it happens. I know what its like to live from scan-to-scan. I am focusing on taking care of myself. I do now what I like. I stay away from toxic people. Exercise, travel especially with grown children and grandchildren. My faith in God and that each day would be better than the last pulled me thru the pain and subsequent uncertainty. Mine was done also thru the DaVinci robot which supposedly is less painful but it was at least for me. Hang in there. Associate with positive people. Push away the dark clouds, at 2A u, fortunately for you, are ahead of many. Blessings!
1. inthemoment Member
 Thanks for sharing your story with me and thanks for the advice. I'm a very anxious person to begin with so, trying to work on mindfulness, meditating and being in the moment and not letting the "fear" creep in. I'm also a Christian and believe that God has a plan for me. Take care and continued good luck.
2. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator
 <inline-mention user-id="2365949" username="rosi"/> great to hear you've found ways to beat this with how you deal with stress and faith. Wishing you many more positive and healthy days. Best!
Alisa Moderator
Thank you for sharing your story with us. We are here for you. Warmly, Alisa, <a href='http://LungCancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team

Community Poll

Have you taken our In America Survey yet?