Wow Just Wow

By dmcrane56

2 min read

Hi, unfortunately I have Lung Cancer which totally rocked my world. Had a heart attack 04/28/2016 sent by ambulance to larger hospital in Des Moines IA. Drs performed angioplasty but couldn't find any changes came up with conclusion I had a severe possible anxiety attack. Bad news was they found a spot on right upper quadrant, on with numerous trips to the big city. Results June 2, 2016 diagnosed with Lung Cancer. August 16,2016 I had lobectomy. Oh my God wish thoracic surgeon would have explained before I attempted this. Pain was 10+ for good 6 months and still at a 7 but family Dr. will not increase medication because it is a very abused narcotic. Have tried several other but if only they would realize difference between 61 y/o person in pain other than those who abuse medication, which I realize we too have a problem with some of us elderly abuse hydrocodone. First CT was good, 2 CT found a small spot in lower left lung, biopsy showed not cancer yet and it's growing so will monitor next year of CT's. I rarely moved for 8 months due to pain of lobectomy so my body has broke down quite a bit. I had chronic pain prior to along with lots of other damage to body. Colon resectioning due to embolism in 2000. Vertical banded gastroplasty in 1982 with no rewards out drank with diet soda. Damage to esophagus lining of stomach from throwing up 33 yrs. With diagnosis of cancer severe depression due to loss of sister who was physically challenged in January 2017. Family really didn't accept or respect elders as we did through our bringing up. So I am facing with help of ex-husband and friends, this is just sad when I realize the road ahead. But with my prayers to my creator and these little internet sites I am learning coping skills and thankful for today I am in better acceptance but for a while I really wasn't going to even try to fight, but now have came to conclusion my grandchildren may have grandma hopefully till they graduate high school. Each day is a struggle but with help of my best friend I AM TRYING!!!!

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peter Member
Hi DMCLK, Glad you are going to fight this....lots of people are winning and you can too. New treatments are coming fast!! The one thing you said that concerned me was frequency of CT scans, and a
peter Member
Peter Con't have you had a PET scan. I go to MD Anderson and they recommended I have 1 every 3 months for first 2 years. ( I had/have NSCLC Stage 3B) stay strong you can do this !
1. notme Member
 Hi friend, I am not certain so far as time frames but I would definitely enquire with your Oncologist about your concern in the lack of frequency of tests. I can't remember now which tests they did in me when, but I do know I was being tested every 3 months, then it was moved to every 6 months, eventually after I think 3 years of cancer free it was moved to every year they would do the mri. I am now in my 4th year of cancer free. Going for the home run of 5 years. Breathlessness- yes I had left upper line removed, but mind you, the left upper lobe fills up majority of the breathing space/capacity on the left side. So if you had the same. I certainly relate to your breathlessness. I use inhalers, I also have a nebulizer from when I used to have chronic lung infections so I can use this to give myself treatments which helps ALLOT. With you being sick I would request they prescribe you a home device of a nebulizer.. God Bless you my friend. Feel free to contact me anytime. P.S. are you saying you have neuropathy perhaps? I have neuropathy from the radical surgery on my back. Maybe this is what I hear you describing?
2. Margot Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2350449" username="dmcrane56"/> thanks for the update - please do let us know how it goes on the 21st, we will be thinking of you. While we cannot offer medical advice online, for your own safety, we always recommend bringing any concerns such as frequency of scans and oxygen to your doctor or healthcare team, as they will also be able to help more individually, in addition to any comments from the community here! Have you found anything to help with nerve pain? This article on neuropathy may be helpful: <a href='https://lungcancer.net/treatment-side-effects-peripheral-neuropathy' target='_blank'>https://lungcancer.net/treatment-side-effects-peripheral-neuropathy/</a> Thinking of you. Warmly, Margot, <a href='https://lungcancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team Member
Margot Community Admin
Hi DMCLKCrane56, Thank you so much for sharing your story here. I am so sorry to hear about your pain. You are very strong, and we are so glad that you are fighting. Please know that we and the community are always here for you!! Wishing you all the best. Warmly, Margot, <a href='https://lungcancer.net' target='_blank'>LungCancer.net</a> Team Member
1. dmcrane56 Member
 thank you