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I'm only just beginning
I was newly diagnosed with "poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma" on May 4, 2006 and because I don't know anyone who has undergone the same cancer as me, I find this very frightening. The tumor was measured at 7cm and is located very deep in my left lung and is pushing up against my spine.
I have visited a thoracic surgeon, who has indicated that I will require radiation & chemotherapy to shrink the tumor sufficiently to operate so closely to the spine.
I have three grown sons and a husband who is now retired. I am 59 years of age and until the diagnosis worked as an accounting clerk for a local hospital. I had planned on taking retirement in December of this year.
Phil's story is encouraging, but can you tell what is involved in receiving radiation and/or chemotherapy?
My concern at this moment is that I haven't yet been scheduled for either therapy and am afraid that the cancer might be spreading as I type.
Someone, please talk to me.....
I have visited a thoracic surgeon, who has indicated that I will require radiation & chemotherapy to shrink the tumor sufficiently to operate so closely to the spine.
I have three grown sons and a husband who is now retired. I am 59 years of age and until the diagnosis worked as an accounting clerk for a local hospital. I had planned on taking retirement in December of this year.
Phil's story is encouraging, but can you tell what is involved in receiving radiation and/or chemotherapy?
My concern at this moment is that I haven't yet been scheduled for either therapy and am afraid that the cancer might be spreading as I type.
Someone, please talk to me.....
Louise |
Latest page update: made by Louise
, May 16 2006, 11:00 AM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
moving shared story to a separate page
- Louise
173 words added view changes - complete history) |
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Keyword tags:
Lung cancer
shared story
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louise | Your diagnosis | 0 | May 16 2006, 11:11 AM EDT by Louise | ||
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Thread started: May 16 2006, 11:11 AM EDT
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Hi, I'm terribly sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
I had a different type of cancer than you, and I only did chemo, not radiation, so I can't answer all your questions. With chemo, they will test your blood counts to make sure it is safe to give you the treatment. They will give you a drug or a cocktail of drugs intravenously. Sometimes the doctors will insert something into a vein to make it easier to give chemo without damaging the veins. I had a portacath, a catheter that goes under the skin. Since you are concerned that you haven't been scheduled for treatment yet, you need to begin advocating for yourself. Call or see your oncologist and ask when you will be starting. Express concern that your cancer may be growing, and that you want to start treatment as soon as possible. Keep pushing and being proactive -- if you have a friend or family member to help you in your advocacy, have them help. I wish you all the best, and I will try to help yo with whatever questions or concerns you have through this journey. Do consider registering as a user at wikiCancer, and adding a profile page with a little information about your cancer, treatment, and anythin else you feel comfortable sharing. By being a registered user, you will make it easier for other users to find you and offer advice and support. Best of luck. Louise, wikiCancer moderator. |
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