I finally got a hold of the results of my latest CT scan that was done end of August. Like always, after the CT I was on pins and needles, scared of any signs of progression and always hoping for the best that the results would show tumors shrinkage. Well, here is the latest results and it's sort of a mixed results.
The report states that overall, the tumors are stable but it did find a couple of major new findings which have been making me worry and terribly scared. It states that that in my right lung, there are signs of lymphangetic progression and spread. And that it found a new pulmonary nodule in the right lower lobe, measuring 8 mm.
Oh my, this is terrible news! For the past few days, I'm been overly frantic, scared and worry. I didn't know about this when I saw my Onc last week, on Wed Aug 31. He just told me that that the results overall indicated stability and that he would like for me to still be on Tarceva. I've been waiting to read the results myself but when the imaging department this time never sent me a copy, so I finally went to get a copy of it this week.
With my latest CT scan results in hand, I also just my pulmonologist (Lung) doctor too yesterday and discussed with him the latest results. Since most of the report is in all medical terms, I really wanted to have him explain to me the results. He says to not worry as it means overall, the tumors are stable. What?! Not worry when the cancer is spreading more in my lymp nodes? For days, my thoughts have ran wild with worry and fear. To me, this means perhaps Tarceva isn't working since I don't have the EGFR marker. With worry, I've already placed a call to my Onc about switching me back over to chemo treatment again since it showed signs it was working 2 months ago. I need to fight this disease and need to be vigilant and aggressive with treatment that will work to shrink the tumors. I have to be my own advocate and ask the right questions and treatment options before it gets worse.
On the other hand, since taking Tarceva, the fluid in my right lung has drastically diminished down to very little that I had the catheter removed so it's a miracle that the fluid simply almost dried up. Wait, just a called back my Onc and he says that if my breathing is good and I don't have any problematic symptoms, like coughing, then he wants me to continue it and hope for more improvement. I'm so glad he called me and reassure that it's a good treatment plan for now. Let's hope it does it does shrink the tumors away.
Stanford Lung Cancer Support Group
On a daily basis, living and coping with this terminal cancer diagnosis is all too frightening and just plain difficult. No matter how hard I try not to worry and cry, I simply do. I have my "cancer moments" and sessions where I just need to unload my emotions. I think its healthy to unwind and let it out. Mostly, I worry about my kids and their future if they don't have me around to help them grow through the years. This week, the pastors have started to revisit and will resume their weekly prayers with me to God, asking him to help fight my cancer.
With hope to find some support and gain more understanding, I finally went to my first Lung Cancer Support group over at Standford this past Wed. It's a monthly meeting, held once a month, every month for all lung cancer patients and their supporters to meet and discuss everything and anything about lung cancer. I learned a few things at the meeting and have met many others who have what I have. It's a great network of support as it let's me know how others cope with it and that I'm not alone.
Overall, I feeling ok and doing good. The kids and their activities keep me busy but it's great that I'm able to be here for them and care for them. Let's pray and hope for my continued good health and recovery.
The report states that overall, the tumors are stable but it did find a couple of major new findings which have been making me worry and terribly scared. It states that that in my right lung, there are signs of lymphangetic progression and spread. And that it found a new pulmonary nodule in the right lower lobe, measuring 8 mm.
Oh my, this is terrible news! For the past few days, I'm been overly frantic, scared and worry. I didn't know about this when I saw my Onc last week, on Wed Aug 31. He just told me that that the results overall indicated stability and that he would like for me to still be on Tarceva. I've been waiting to read the results myself but when the imaging department this time never sent me a copy, so I finally went to get a copy of it this week.
With my latest CT scan results in hand, I also just my pulmonologist (Lung) doctor too yesterday and discussed with him the latest results. Since most of the report is in all medical terms, I really wanted to have him explain to me the results. He says to not worry as it means overall, the tumors are stable. What?! Not worry when the cancer is spreading more in my lymp nodes? For days, my thoughts have ran wild with worry and fear. To me, this means perhaps Tarceva isn't working since I don't have the EGFR marker. With worry, I've already placed a call to my Onc about switching me back over to chemo treatment again since it showed signs it was working 2 months ago. I need to fight this disease and need to be vigilant and aggressive with treatment that will work to shrink the tumors. I have to be my own advocate and ask the right questions and treatment options before it gets worse.
On the other hand, since taking Tarceva, the fluid in my right lung has drastically diminished down to very little that I had the catheter removed so it's a miracle that the fluid simply almost dried up. Wait, just a called back my Onc and he says that if my breathing is good and I don't have any problematic symptoms, like coughing, then he wants me to continue it and hope for more improvement. I'm so glad he called me and reassure that it's a good treatment plan for now. Let's hope it does it does shrink the tumors away.
Stanford Lung Cancer Support Group
On a daily basis, living and coping with this terminal cancer diagnosis is all too frightening and just plain difficult. No matter how hard I try not to worry and cry, I simply do. I have my "cancer moments" and sessions where I just need to unload my emotions. I think its healthy to unwind and let it out. Mostly, I worry about my kids and their future if they don't have me around to help them grow through the years. This week, the pastors have started to revisit and will resume their weekly prayers with me to God, asking him to help fight my cancer.
With hope to find some support and gain more understanding, I finally went to my first Lung Cancer Support group over at Standford this past Wed. It's a monthly meeting, held once a month, every month for all lung cancer patients and their supporters to meet and discuss everything and anything about lung cancer. I learned a few things at the meeting and have met many others who have what I have. It's a great network of support as it let's me know how others cope with it and that I'm not alone.
Overall, I feeling ok and doing good. The kids and their activities keep me busy but it's great that I'm able to be here for them and care for them. Let's pray and hope for my continued good health and recovery.
So glad you found a support group of people who can relate what you're going through. I wish I could ease your anxities about all of this but I can't. I will however continue to pray. I pray that you beat the odds and that you continue to be here for your children.
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