More Bad News

Hi my forum buddies. I got bad news this morning when I had a follow-up with my lung surgeon. The CT scan I had last week shows two new cancers on my lung, just about the same area that I had a cancer removed 2 years ago. We discussed where we go from here and I made it clear that I'm not going through another surgery on my lung, along with all the surgeries I'm having re bladder cancer. She agreed with me that I've been through the mill for the last almost 5 years now and she understands where I'm coming from. She will order a PET scan as that will tell us what else may be going on. Certainly not what I thought I'd hear today as I actually don't feel too bad, other than the awful issues I'm having with this bladder cancer. Besides which, everyone tells me how well I look. I guess looks are deceiving for sure.

Lorraine

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  • Hi Lorraine

    Slowly but surely finding my way to catch up with 'buddies' threads.  Your latest news would have me punching the wall with anger and frustration so feel free to carry on venting your feelings.  We know it does not make things go away but we are all here to support each other.  Really hope that your next round of scans/appointments can give you some way to  move forward with treatment to make you more comfortable.  By the way did you know that 'beauty is in the eye of the  beholder' so those that are supporting you think you need to hear these things.  Its like Max says (hey Max good to see your name cropping up too - sending hugs) they mean well.  Its a line I do not use on my hubby for fear he would get me 'put in a safe place' but its not easy knowing what to say (he is now over four stone lighter because of his illness) and all I can do is buy new clothes that fit.  It does not make it feel better but means I am doing something.

    Anyhow Lorriane hope the weather (well I am British what else should I talk about) where  you are is better than here and am sending virtual hugs and listening ears anytime you need to offload. Regards Jules x 

  • Thanks Max, Jules, and Dave. You're right Max, if we didn't laugh and make jokes once in awhile,  we'd go absolutely mad! And, Jules, punching the wall might help too, although now that we live in an apt., we'd likely get evicted. LOL  Dave, I know what you mean about doctors; some of them have a "sick" sense of humor when they unwind. Really though, they are only human too and I know for many of them, seeing the ravages of illness of one kind or another on their patients day after day has to be depressing for them too. I'm sure there must be days when they question why they stay in the business, but like many professions that are related to a lot of human suffering in one way or another, its' what they do. Thank goodness they are there.

    I'm counting the days until I get through this PET scan and follow-up with the doctor. At least then I'll know what I'm dealing with here. I'll be sure to let you guys know the outcome. I have a feeling it isn't going to be great.

    Take care everyone. Hugs everybody.

    Lorraine

  • Hi Lorraine, Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts. The waiting is such a stressful period , as you say , once you know you can plan a course of action. Wanted to add my best wishes to the rest of the groups. Sending you hugs across the miles Kathy xx
  • Hi again everyone, I'm just back from meeting with my lung surgeon to get the results from my PET scan I had last week. So, there's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that the cancer has not come back in my colon, which is huge great news! The bad news is there are two cancers in my lung, one being a fair size and the other a smaller one. She has decided that it is not a good idea to do radiation in this case, so it means another lung surgery very much like the one I had two years ago. That was BIG and not fun at all. However it is what it is, so I guess I'll bite the bullet and go for it. She plans to do that in the next few weeks. I'll certainly let you guys know when I have a definite date, so you can all pull for me.

    Of course, the bladder cancer is also ongoing, but now we have a conflict with surgery dates as I'm supposed to have another surgery for that too, but I guess it will have to wait until I recover from this lung surgery. WOW! Life is sure complicated. I'll keep you posted.

    Thanks for being there everyone. Your support is so comforting.

    Lorraine

  • Hi Lorraine

    Its no comfort to read that you are having to face further surgery but on the upside you now know once more what you are dealing with and can rant about it on the forum whenever you want.  It was good to hear that you had good news too (massive relief I should imagine).  It sure it one hell of a rollercoaster ride you could do without but hope that the surgery can be arranged sooner rather than later (better out than in!).  Your forum buddies are rooting for you and am sending big virtual hug.  Jules xx

  • Hi Lorraine, thanks for the update. On the one hand it's great news about no recurrence in the colon, but then they hit you with the news about your lung. It certainly sounds as if your medical team are pushing your surgery forward, and you know we'll all be here for you, for any pre and/ or post op rants! I will be following your progress on two levels; that of a forum buddy and that of someone who will going through a similar procedure in due course. But for now, just as your forum buddy, sending you a big hug, Jo xx
Reply
  • Hi Lorraine, thanks for the update. On the one hand it's great news about no recurrence in the colon, but then they hit you with the news about your lung. It certainly sounds as if your medical team are pushing your surgery forward, and you know we'll all be here for you, for any pre and/ or post op rants! I will be following your progress on two levels; that of a forum buddy and that of someone who will going through a similar procedure in due course. But for now, just as your forum buddy, sending you a big hug, Jo xx
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  • Hi Jo, when are you having your procedure and what are they doing this time ? As I recall, like me, you're likely thinking you should have your own room in the hospital. At least it would be more convenient because we could just leave some belongings right there and wouldn't have to pack every time we went in.

    Are you likely to go in before Christmas, or are they waiting until afterwards for yours?  Its' a heck of a time to be having surgery, but there isn't much we can do about it. Its' often said that misery loves company, but that isn't the case for me. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

    Take care of yourself. Lots of hugs across the miles.

    Lorraine

  • Hi Lorraine, just caught up with your latest news. You are so right to ask, is there a good time in the year to have surgery? I think the run up to Christmas seems a more difficult time to contemplate having surgery though. It sounds as if you are already organised (apart from card writing, which I always seem to put off until the last minute!) so try to rest and relax over the next few days. Your forum buddies will be cheering you on and waiting to hear from you as soon as you're up to it. I get my latest results tomorrow (4th) and from there my next treatments will be decided. I haven't met the lung specialist yet, but I'm guessing that even if I get an appointment before Christmas, surgery before January is highly unlikely. Lorraine, you are an amazing person, stay strong and take care, big hugs, Jo xxx
  • Hi Jo, be sure to let us know how things go for you when you get your results tomorrow. I will be sure to get in touch with you guys as soon as I'm able after my surgery. It seems as though I gave you the impression that I'm well organized. Well, I must confess, I do need some improvement in that department, but I am working on it though. I think if you knew the whole story, you would likely agree with me on that one. With what's been going on with me these last years, I must say that my priorities have changed somewhat as this cancer diagnosis has been a real wake-up call for me, as I'm sure it is for most people battling cancer. Stay in touch and I will certainly keep posting until S day arrives on the 11th. Of course, you guys know the drill; I had a CT scan today, apt. on Friday to discuss meds, Pre-Op on Mon, etc, etc.Like I said earlier on; this journey is more demanding than a full-time job.

    Big Hugs right back at you Jo. Good luck tomorrow and I'll be looking forward to hearing about your report.

    Lorraine 

  • Hi Lorraine, as promised, Just letting you know my results. It was benign mass (neuroma) which was possibly caused when nerves were damaged during my last surgery. Apparently, they can show up as Hotspots on a pet scan. So next steps is to meet the lung team, but as the referral hasn't been submitted yet, it's looking likely to be next February before things start moving. Lorraine, I feel insensitive sharing this news when you're going through the mill, but I know what you'll say - the same as I would when others share their good news! Keep us up to speed with your news! Big hugs, Jo xxx
  • Hi Jo

    Glad your results bring some relief for you and you can now hopefully enjoy the coming weeks without treatment and have a bit more recovery period before discussions move forward.  Have a peaceful weekend.Hugs  Jules x

  • Hi Jules, thank you for your kind words. It's lovely to have a little breather between treatments! Hope your weekend is good - will add to your thread soon. Jo xx
  • Jo, don't ever feel that you can't, or shouldn't share good news when you get some. That's what this forum is all about and knowing that you have heard something good for a change, gives me the courage and some hope for a possible good outcome on my end. Whether or not that happens, can't and shouldn't dampen your relief and positive feelings. I'm always glad to hear when someone gets some good results, as I'm sure you are too. Savour the good times Jo, goodness knows you deserve them. I'm happy for you and wish I could be there with you to celebrate over a glass of sparkly, just a little one.

    Hugs.

    Lorraine  

  • Dearest Lorraine, just wanted to wish you all the best for tomorrow. Not sure whether you'll see this before you set off, but be assured, your forum buddies are thinking of you and looking forward to seeing your name pop back on the forum when you're able. Biggest hugs to you sweetheart, Jo xx
  • Dear Lorraine .....

    Echoing the lovely Jo  -  all the very best sweetheart, we will be thinking about you x

  • Sending hugs for tomorrow and hoping for the best possible outcome.  Jules x