Lung Cancer

I've recently been diagnosed with stage 111B lung cancer. I had a tumour removed from my right upper lobe 4 wks ago. The doctor removed 3 lymph nodes of which one tested positive.
There were satellite tumours in the lung portion that was removed...my lobe had collapsed around the tumour...and it also shows that the cancer has spread to outside of my wind pipe on the right side (the doctor said that it was minimal)...I am still waiting for a treatment plan...I am scared to death. I have begun seeing a Naturopath and have hugely changed my diet...I am also drinking 2-3 litres of water daily. Why do I have this dreaded feeling like I'm a lost case? I am 46 years old...in good health and quit smoking 11 years ago...my doctor said that my lungs were as pink as two balls of cotton candy...he said he doesn't think he got all the cancer....I have 4 kids ages 12, 14.15 & 17 ... no person or disease is going to take me away from them or tell me that my time is up... does ANYONE have ANYTHING encouraging to say out there? I want to hear positive....PLEASE!

(1) Visit: http://www.oncolyticsbiotech.com/clinical.html#Phase1

(2) Call the company: 403 670 7374

(3) Report what you find so that others here may benefit.

Note: Reolysin has no adverse side effects. Reolysin will kill just the cancer cells leaving normal cells unaffected. In cancers that are not "Ras activated" Reolysin can be used as a strong inhancer of radiotherapy. Reolysin may also ease the pain associated with cancer, possibly to the extent that strong addictive narcotic drugs may not be needed. Verify these statements when you call the company.

I found this on the cancer message board i am going to check out the web site and call them to see if this may be a good thing for my mom who has stage 4 lung cancer hope this helps you too.
if you would like to talk you can email me mtjwar23@aol.com i don't know if i can be of any help to you i am a caregiver not a patient. But i am going thru it with my mom it's hard.

With stage III you have lymph node involvement but no mets and at your age you probably have a good performance status which means you are better able to withstand agressive treatment. All that is good, still the 5 year survival rate for lung cancer is around 15%. Be sure to check out clinical trials either with your doc or on-line at NCI or American Cancer Society. Remember, a fighting spirit and positive attitude make a big difference. May God bless you and your family.

I was diagnosed with IIIB adenocarcinoma in Sept 2003 at the age of 52. I was in good health and had never smoked. Initially I had radiation with carboplantin/taxol. I had no problems until May 2005 and then started on Tarceva. When it didn't work, I started Alimta. Throughout all this I have continued to work full-time as a high school librarian. I feel well and people looking at me have no idea I have any serious problems. I see my cancer as a more of a chronic illness - not a death sentence! There are many drugs available to fight this cancer and more new ones every year. The new ones seem to target the cancer cells specifically and cause fewer side effects. If one drug doesn't work - they can try another. So don't be discouraged! The important thing is finding a doctor who answers your questions and with whom you feel comfortable. If you are not at a major medical center - it might be useful to seek a second opinion. Concentrate on eating a healthy diet and seek support from those around you. Take one day at a time and hang in there!!

my doctor said that he removed 3lymph nodes and one tested positive...I was also told that he biopsied just outside the wind pipe and that it came back positive...on thursday I met with the radiation oncologist...he said there never was a biopsy done and that the ct scan was clear and so therefore he is not offering me radiation...he said he cant radiate something he cant see...so now I don't know if the cancer has spread or if I am a 3b....he said I have nodules in both lungs and the ct scan has shown no change from 3 months ago...is it possible that these nodules are benign? How do I find anything out for sure? I meet with the chemo guy next week...what if he doesnt' offer me chemo?

You certainly are getting confusing messages. I think you might benefit from a second opinion. All good doctors have no problem with you seeking a second opinion. When my treatment plan was formulated - a tumor board met with my the doctor who did the biopsy, the radiologist, and the oncologist as well as others in the field. They discuss the treatment plan all together. You also need to get your own copies of your surgical, pathology, and X-ray reports. Start a folder and every time something is done - ask for the report. You can't believe how helpful these will be down the line - especially as more time goes by and one's memory of events gets hazy. I've had occasion where something was missing from my chart and some doctor questioned my interpretation of the situation and I could pull out my copy of the report and set things straight. I take my folder with me to every doctor's visit and when I travel. You are the best advocate for your own care. Question until you feel comfortable that things are being done right.

Truckin -
I think what you advised Becky is great information and all of us need to take note. I haven't done this and I needed certain documents for my application for disability and had to order them from South Carolina - I live in Oklahoma. Go figure.

I always make a member of my family go with me to the doctor because I don't always hear what the doctor says because I am usually a bundle of nerves.

dotdot

Thanks for responding to my posting...I have checked out your site that you recommended...quite interesting and I will look further into it...since that last posting..I've had 33 radiation treatments to my chest....then I found out that the cancer went to my brain..so 5 full brain radiation there and also liver, pancreas, left adrenal, right rib...boy don't I sound like a write-off! I'm feeling fine! have started chemo..eating like a horse..feeling okay...redecorating my home...living living living....cancer sucks but I'm not gonna let it get my soul...its got everything else...I'll just keep plugging and hope for a miracle and if not one of those then I guess this is just my destiny and I'm gonna live it...I'm 46 non-smoker that started with cancer in both lungs...have 4 kids...life is funny...cancer is not selective...look at the babies...who said I was gonna be born to live a great life and be a grandma? I have lived a great life already...hopefully I'll be a grandma but if not...well thats just life isn't it? this is mine...and I'm LIVING it...we'll take what crap comes our way...it could always be worse..I could be alone with no family no money and sick...how bad could that be?..instead I'm surrounded by family..a loving husband 4 great kids..life is good. take care..I hope you are doing okay...Prayers to you..livestrong!

andrea