I am scared

Hello,

I am 30 yr old female. I was diagnosed with BAC on 5/15/09. I do not smoke,and I got stuck with the cancer. I want to know if I have a chance to live the rest of my life out. Watch my kids grow up and have kids. And get to spend more time with my wonderful husband, who by the way I just married two years ago 5/26/07.  I got PET scan done yesterday on my anniversry. I go to oncologist today and get results. I guess I just want to know if I have a chance with the pill. And how can I get it for cheaper than the price the doc told me.

Hello,

A cancer diagnosis is a frightening thing but don't give in to negativity- Many, many people have gone on to live full lives after diagnosis. You will find some basic info about BAC here:

http://lungcancer.about.com/od/typesoflungcancer/a/BAC.htm

There are many studies showing certain supplements can help - for example Vitamin D:  http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/cancerMain.shtml

Here is a reference to a well researched article on lung cancer which discusses various supplements:It is written by a naturopath specializing in oncology:

http://www.denvernaturopathic.com/lungCancer.htm

Remember as you do your research that the prognosis for BAC is more positive than for other forms of non-small cell lung cancer..So stay positive.

I was feeling your same fright about 9 months ago.  I have been on Tarceva since diagnosis and the meds are really working well for me - reducing the size of the cancer cells and no spread to other organs.  I have an eleven year old daughter and I value all the time I have with her and my family and friends. 

We never know how much time we have on earth - but we can make the most of every day.  Have you heard of the book, Love, Miracles and Medicine by Dr. Bernie Siegel?  it is about the effects of positive thinking in combination with all the meds and taking care of yourself. I believe it is having a strong positive effect for me. 

That being said, there are times when I want to scream and kick a wall and want to know why I have lung cancer as a lifelong non smoker.  I think all of this is "normal" for cancer patients.  After my "down" moments, I can move on to living each day and loving even the most ordinary things. 

Reach out to those around you and let them know you need them and care for them.  don't isolate yourself.  I hope you are able to find some peace.

Take Care and Remain Hopeful!  No one can take that away from you.

Yes there is plenty of hope for you.  Cancer death rates have steadily declined over the recent decade.  New treatments are available.  Cancer mortality rates are based on the past.  You are in the present and future.  I've .lived with stage 4 nsclc for over 4 years now.  Chemo, radiation, brain surgery all helped me, and I've been on Tarceva for almost 4 years.  You can make each day a pleasure.  Help and encourage others.  Live as normally as you can.  Take advantage of being at home, and just relax, and look at the beauty of nature.  When on chemo, I sat on my back porch and watched three spiders build their webs, and spent hours looking at the spiders, and hummingbirds at my feeders.  These are things I would never have done and enjoyed before cancer.  I love to see the sun come up each day and know I"m still here for another day.  I've enjoyed meeting and the company of all the fellow cancer patients I've met.  My motto is "Don't ruin today worrying about tomorrow".  All of us will die someday.  Our cancer just makes us more aware of the possibility of death.  You have a great chance for so much quality time today and the days to come.

Ed

On 5/27/2009 melgrigg09 wrote:

Hello,

I am 30 yr old female. I was diagnosed with BAC on 5/15/09. I do not smoke,and I got stuck with the cancer. I want to know if I have a chance to live the rest of my life out. Watch my kids grow up and have kids. And get to spend more time with my wonderful husband, who by the way I just married two years ago 5/26/07.  I got PET scan done yesterday on my anniversry. I go to oncologist today and get results. I guess I just want to know if I have a chance with the pill. And how can I get it for cheaper than the price the doc told me.

Try not to be too afraid. If they caught the malignancy before it spread, there's a good chance with surgery and chemo that you could be cancer free. The other thing is there are new biological medications that can slow down the cancer.  Thanks to the Human Genome Project, we stand at the threshold of wiping out cancer in one generation.

 I would encourage you to keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Exercise and eat right.  I would also strongly recommend that you cut gluten out of your diet entirely because every cancer cell has a gluten receptor site.  Since cancer steals its nutrients from your body, it is important to maintain a healthy weight.  Many cancer patients die of starvation.

 Also, cut all of the spicy food and acidic foods out of your diet. There is good evidence that cancer cannot survive in a neutral base. Cutting out alcohol and illicit drugs is a no-brainier.Unfortunately, I lost my brother to BAC in 2006.  I tried very hard to get him to try some of the herbal remedies such as Essiac Tea.  Sadly his blind commitment to his Oncologist prohibited him from trying herbal remedies.

 Finally keep looking up. There are new compounds being discovered every day. It is only a matter of time before BAC is treatable on a long-term basis or cured outright. Call me an extremist but I believe that God listens to us and He is with you even now. Keep fighting and never give up. There are exciting things going on in research labs around the world. One never knows when a better treatment or cure may come along.

HI

I have had  cancer for over nine years now. I have had surgery, radiation, hormone treatments. Everytime a Doctor tells me we are going onto the only /last treatment available to me and it fails someone comes up with something different to try. The upshot is that I am on nine years now and  am symptom free and cancer is now undectable except in blood work. What I am saying is don't give up, don't get discouraged, don't fail to seek out new doctors/opinions if you are feeling down or discouraged.

Join up with your local cancer survivors group ( you are one at this time )

get involved and you will find there are cancer patients/survivors all around you-- YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

Yes, there is hope! I dont know which pill you're planning on going on.. but my mom has been on Tarceva for the last 9 months and it's truly been a God sent gift. Tarceva has allowed my mom to live her life NORMALLY..except for a few side effects, but nothing is major. Her tumors have shrunk 75% in size .. and since March they yhave been stabalized. She's healthy, eating, travelling, walking everyday as exercise, and enjoying life. Live each day, keep hoping, and praying. It truly does work. Don't give up! Stay strong!