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

  • Hi Lorraine

    Am guilty of missing your initial post on this thread but just wanted to add my virtual hugs and support as you get your head round 'more decisions' regarding results/treatment for this latest rotten news.  Wish, like all your forum buddies, there was something more I could say to comfort you but you know we are a 'good listening lot' when you need company/a chat. Hope you do not have to wait too long for the PET scan so that you can move forward - its good that your consultant is on your wavelength.  Jules x

  • Hi Jules, not to worry about missing my thread. Its' difficult to keep up with all the new posts on here everyday and I am so thankful to just have the support of all of you. The difficulty right now is this waiting for the Pet scan as all of you know how hard that is when we don't really know what we're dealing with. At least once I get the results of that scan, it will be pretty clear just how extensive this cancer is and how best to deal with it. The ironic thing about this is that I feel good overall, i.e. I have no pain to speak of, (except this bladder cancer which gives me a lot of discomfort) and I don't have a cough, shortness of breath, etc. so this is really weird. However, I'm told that once someone with lung cancer starts to experience pain, cough, or discomfort, the cancer is quite far advanced. Well, this waiting is hard, but I have no choice in the matter, so I'll just have to wait until I get an apt. for the PET scan. My doctor thought I should hear within a month. It will be a long month for sure. All of you know what that's like. What a difference it makes to be able to communicate with people who do really know what this cancer journey is like. I certainly have good friends and I know they support me emotionally as best they can, but unless you've been on this road, you really have no idea how it is. Thanks to all of you for being there.

    Take care everyone and thanks for the hugs and support. I'll post whenever I have more info. I hope all of you on this cancer path have some peace and comfort in your day to day journey.

    Lorraine  

  • Hi Lorraine,

    Two nights ago I read your latest news and felt so sad that I couldn't respond to you.

    I am sorry, I hope it wasn't selfish of me but I just couldn't stop thinking how unfair life can be.

    You have been such a support on here for so many people and you do not deserve such news again.

    Funnily enough I only asked after you but on someone elses thread the other day.

    I am glad you have a caring family to support you and help you through this whatever way you decide to go.

    You also have your virtual friends on here.

    Will be here anytime I can to listen.

    Loadsa hugs

    Annabel. xx

  • Hi Annabel, no need for an apology for sure. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself and ask, "why me?" but then, why not me? Why anyone? There is always someone worse off no matter how bad our own situation is and we don't have to go far to see it. I'm starting to come to terms with it, whatever it is, and when I get more info, I'll have a better idea how to deal with it. This waiting though is really hard and my head is all over the place. I hope I don't have to wait too long for that PET scan and the results from it.

    I really appreciate the support from all of you. I'll keep you posted when I hear more.

    Take care all. Hugs

    Lorraine 

  • Hi Lorraine i am so sorry to hear your bad news.I myself have finished chemo & radio therapy. for lung cancer.There is still something on my lung so i have to have another pet scan,People tell me i look well  but i do not feel that great, you  seem like a strong person  keep on fighting & do not give up.Alixx

     

  • Hi Lorraine i am so sorry to hear your bad news.I myself have finished chemo & radio therapy. for lung cancer.There is still something on my lung so i have to have another pet scan,People tell me i look well  but i do not feel that great, you  seem like a strong person  keep on fighting & do not give up.Alixx

     

  • Hi there Ali, thanks for your vote of confidence. Sounds like you and I are on the same, or similar road with the lung cancer anyway. I just got word today that my apt. for a PET scan is on Nov. 19th with a follow-up apt. with my lung surgeon on Nov. 24th. At least I'll have some info on what's going on and where I go from here. I'm glad I don't have to wait too much longer because this waiting is crazy-making. I just want to know where I stand and what we do about it. Once I know, I'll certainly let you guys know.

     

    I don't know what I would do without this forum to communicate with all of you who understand what this journey is like. Thanks so much for being there.

    Lorraine

      

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    Oh Lorraine, I want to say lots of rude words and have a rant for you  -  I will tomorrow, I promise!  What disappointing news and its going to take some time to make an informed decision.  Im glad the scans and consultation are pretty soon, at least thats a bonus.

    I love people who say how well I look  -  I have aged 20yrs in the past 5yrs - lost my lovely long hair - cant wear makeup because my eyes are damaged through chemo - have thick brittle nails - weight gain - burst veins on my face thru chemo - a body full of scars - one boob and a portacath protruding from my chest.  I was either a hell of a minger before and no-one dare tell me - or all my friends have been on a course to learn how to lie well with a sincere look on their face haha!   We know they mean well though dont we? bless em!

    Keep busy sweetheart - come here for a virtual hug - and do whatever you feel  will help you through the waiting. We will all be with you every step of the way. xxxx

  • Hi Max, I had to laugh at your rant about how the treatments have changed your appearance. The description you give is hilarious. I do know what you mean though - I can relate to the changes that this cancer and its' treatments have on one's body. If one was vain, it would sure be a terrible shock. I try to take good care of myself and my appearance, but I never was one to go all out with make-up and such, so it hasnt been as hard on me as it may have been otherwise. I'm more interested in living as well as I can for as long as I can, as long as I have reasonably good quality of life. When I no longer have that, I would just as soon cash it in. However, right now I'm trying to keep an open mind about what my next steps are going to be after getting the results of my PET scan and follow-up apt. with my specialist. Its' going to be a long week. I'll be back on here ranting and raving for sure, so bear with me. LOL Thanks for your support. Keep me up to date with what's going on with you Max.

    Hugs to you too.

    Lorraine

     

       

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    If we didnt laugh, we would go crazy heh?!  Am always here for you and will be with you every step of the way whatever you decide - as will many others I am sure. Speak soon.  xxxxxx