Shock

Hello and the best to everyone,
I am still in a state of shock. I went to my primary doctor with a persistent cough, she sent me for a chest xray a mass was seen on my lung they did a cat scan and they found a tumor. I have never been sick in my life, play tennis every day. Biopsy was done and fluid was drained, the tumor and fluid was cancerous so surgery was not an option. I had my first dose of chemo three weeks ago and lost my desire to eat. I am a very positive person but being healthy all my life i'm finding it hard to comprehend. Is there somthing else that I should be doing? I pray and i'm being prayed for by family and friends. I seem to be rambling so I better sign off now.

Carl

Dear Carl,

Been there. Other than tennis, what else do you like to do? Read? Music?

In addition to the invaluable communication with
family and friends was to keep my mind
occupied. I found excercise and diet was very
important. Each day I made a list of things to
accomplish. On days where driving the car was
difficult, my husband and I would drive to the
beach, etc.

Let me know how you are doing.

Hi Carlton,
I have lung cancer also, stage IV. Found out on
12/16/02. So don't panic like I did. Was into
all health foods and exercise. How are you
taking chemo. Do you take vitamins......I mean
a lot. Go to the library and read about the different types of vitamins and minerials.
Take one day at a time, even tho it is going
to be on you mind that you have cancer keep busy and if your body tells you to sleep....sleep or
relax and look at tv. I know this doesn't solve
the problem but sometimes little things work.
Tell your family you are scared and need their
support, if they can't give it to you, then ask your friends for it. You might look up Gilda's
Club where you live. I joined it and it can be
helpful. They have meetings and groups, and entertainment. Hang in there, Carl.
Doris
My email is: dorisd13@hotmail.com

I have heard of an alternative treatment called Ukrain (named after the former Soviet republic minus the "e") that has been used successfully against many types of cancers. You will need to locate a naturopathic physician willing to treat cancers. It is a drug administered intravenously and supposedly has few side affects. Sorry, I don't have a specific web site but if you do a search for "cancer Ukrain" you should find something. I wish you the best.

Steve

Hi Carl,
I have been down your road for over 3 1/2 yrs. I am now looking at my fourth reoccurence of Lung Cancer. I just completed radiation. Chemo is out for me this go around. I am 100% disable and must have oxygen. But I survive. I keep myself busy by doing hobbies, walking and swimming when I have the strenght. I have friends and family praying. That is the most important. You will have days of emotional turmoil (I have them about once a month) but you must remember to take it one day at a time. Cancer is a mean terrible disease but it can be beaten. Stay strong. God bless you. If you want someone to write to as a penpal I would gladly response. That is important too. Sharing your feelings with others beside your family. My email address is mad4me@direcway.com. Email anytime. Take care and may everything go well!
Lynda

Carlton, I have a friend with same type of cancer and could not have surgery...she had chemo and then fluids in lung returned. Is now on Iressa and so far so good.
How are you doing? Well, I pray...thanks, Helen

Dear Donna,

Thanks for your reply to my message. I love to travel, visit family and friends. I try to stay positive and busy. We also go to the beach to enjoy the sunsets.

Stay well,

Carl

Hello Helen,
Thanks for your reply to my message. I have always been a positive thinker so after getting over my initial shock I plan on putting up a good fight. My doctor said after I finish with this treatment of chemo I will start taking Iressa.
Carl