In 1998 having a yearly physical a tumor was detected in the upper lobe of my left lung. Non small cell, stage 1. The tumor was encapsulated. 02/99 the surgeon removed 60% of my lung, the lesions from tumor were larger than expected. In 99 no chemo or radiation was done after surgery. 2002 during a scheduled CAT scan a tumor was found in the upper lobe of my right lung, again non small cell. I lost 40% of my right lung. After the surgeries I was left with chronic pain from nerve damage, my pain management doctor has this under control. Still I was working and getting around. In 2004 during a scheduled CAT scan enlarged lymph nodes were found in the middle of my chest. Had a biopsy and it was squamous cell. After I healed from the biopsy surgery I went through 37 radiation treatments and 8 rounds of chemo. If anything could go wrong with radiation it happened to me. Infections, loss of voice and swallowing, I ended up with so much scar tissue I could not even swallow water. Had my esophogus dilated and cleaned and I'm good to go.
Through all of this I belong to a support group. I do not know if I would have made it this far without them. They are the best group of loving and caring people. Anyone with cancer needs a support group. We do not have guest speakers. We are the speakers. We laugh, cry, yell and scream but we do it together. We meet every week. Sometimes 30 people and sometimes 6 people.
I do not get around as well as I use to but I am still working and enjoying life. I am doing it now!!!!
My doctor seems to think I am a 2 year person, it comes back every 2 years.... I hope to prove him wrong. If I can answer questions let me know.