Hello to everyone in the club none of us want to join! This is my first diary/blog for the MNCC. I first want to acknowledge and thank peregrine kate and ZenTrainer for all the work they put into this group. I have learned so much from their posts and everyone’s comments.
In April, I was diagnosed with limited stage small cell lung cancer. What I thought was a nagging cold turned into my worst fear. I had made several trips to the doctor over the previous months and was treated for a cold, sinus infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, copd, etc. I had a chest x-ray and it showed possibly pneumonia or scar tissues. Three rounds of antibiotics and a couple rounds of steroids did not help. My breathing was very wheezy and I could feel a tightness in my chest. After breathing tests in the doctor’s office and overnight oxygen level monitoring, which the nurse described as having failed miserably, the doctor ordered a chest CT Scan with contrast. The follow up appointment with my GP was not until Monday so I had to wait all weekend for the results.
At the follow up appointment the doc said the scan showed a mass in the mediastinum area of my chest and also an area in my left lung and lymph nodes. He made a point to tell me the radiologist did not call it cancer or describe it like they normally describe cancer. He had talked to a pulmonologist about a referral, however, the pulmonologist recommended going straight for a biopsy. Unfortunately, since the tumor was in the mediastinum the pulmonologist could not do a regular biopsy. I was referred to a cardio-thoracic vascular surgeon for a mediastinoscopy.
My wife and I met with the surgeon the next day and he explained the mediastinoscopy procedure. Basically, they make an incision in your throat and go in that way to get a tissue sample. The surgeon advised us there was a possibility of hitting an artery which would cause massive bleeding and the need for more extensive emergency surgery. He explained the tumor was rather big and of course he was concerned it was cancer. He would be able to immediately tell if it was cancer during the biopsy. Of course, my wife wanted to see the CT Scan results so he pulled it up on his computer and showed us the area of the tumors and the various views from the scan. I could barely look at the screen. It was at that point I knew my life had would never be the same.
I have completed 18 weeks of chemotherapy and 37 radiation treatments. I go back to my oncologist for the first follow up since finishing the chemo and radiation. I find myself struggling with what’s next. I want to know what the heck is going on inside me. I know there will be more scans eventually but then what? I wonder if there will ever be a time when cancer doesn’t consume almost every waking thought. I wonder how to make the transition from patient to survivor. I guess that is the big question everyone has in this position.
I hope to write more about my treatment and experiences with the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. But for now, I want to emphasize November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. I am by no means an expert on the subject but many articles I have read indicate early detection is very important to treatment options and life expectancy. I urge everyone to know the symptoms and take action if you aren’t feeling well. Be persistent with your doctor. Don’t give up!
And, for crying out loud don’t smoke!
Monday Night Cancer Club is a Daily Kos group for anyone who has cancer, has a loved one with cancer, or who has questions, issues, or information to share about cancer, including clinicians, researchers, or others who have a special interest and can help to educate our readers. We have many different members who fit all these categories, sometimes more than one at a time. Please share if you can, or just listen; there is plenty to learn just from reading our extensive catalogue of past diaries and postings. All are welcome to use this group as a resource.
Volunteer diarists post Monday evenings between 7:30-8:30 PM ET on topics related to living with cancer, which is very broadly defined to cover physical, spiritual, emotional and cognitive aspects. While most diaries focus on a specific topic or area relevant to cancer, each diary is also an Open Thread for sharing concerns, announcements, and information. Mindful of the controversies endemic to cancer prevention and treatment, we ask that both diarists and commenters keep an open mind regarding strategies for surviving cancer, whether based in traditional, Eastern, Western, allopathic or other medical practices. This is a club no one wants to join, in truth, and compassion will help us make it through the challenge together.
