Only 24

Well, I'm only 24..

 

Cancer (of any kind) does not run in my family, nor am I a smoker.  I wont say I've never smoked, but the occasional smoke here or there with friends, or if I was having a drink (which I also don't drink often).  24, pretty good health, don't feel my body up with junk food or anything, like to be germ free ..blah blah you get the picture..okay enough with that...lol

 I was told today after 2 months of chest pains the I have Stage 3 Lung Cancer. I don't know much more than that right now, now more tests are done. It is in my lymph nods and with me getting dizzy spells and occasional blurryness in my left eye, we think it is rapidly spreading. I wont find out more till They run more tests tomorrow. 

 My DRs are stumped since there is no history of it in my family, and with it being stage 3 (which was explained if I had 25+ years of smoking 3 packs of cigs a day or 30 years of second hand smoke then this might be something they would expect) I'm just confused. I'm not really upset that much. Life is what it is. I know i'll be okay, I'm just a bit confused.  Not really looking for much on here I guess, just putting it out there more cause I like to talk..lol.  Not sure i've fully come to terms with the stiuation as of just, but it's nice to know I'm not completely alone out there.

 I guess that was all, just an introduction.. thanks for listening to me rant. lol

 

On 9/22/2009 JustApril wrote:

Well, I'm only 24..

 

Cancer (of any kind) does not run in my family, nor am I a smoker.  I wont say I've never smoked, but the occasional smoke here or there with friends, or if I was having a drink (which I also don't drink often).  24, pretty good health, don't feel my body up with junk food or anything, like to be germ free ..blah blah you get the picture..okay enough with that...lol

 I was told today after 2 months of chest pains the I have Stage 3 Lung Cancer. I don't know much more than that right now, now more tests are done. It is in my lymph nods and with me getting dizzy spells and occasional blurryness in my left eye, we think it is rapidly spreading. I wont find out more till They run more tests tomorrow. 

 My DRs are stumped since there is no history of it in my family, and with it being stage 3 (which was explained if I had 25+ years of smoking 3 packs of cigs a day or 30 years of second hand smoke then this might be something they would expect) I'm just confused. I'm not really upset that much. Life is what it is. I know i'll be okay, I'm just a bit confused.  Not really looking for much on here I guess, just putting it out there more cause I like to talk..lol.  Not sure i've fully come to terms with the stiuation as of just, but it's nice to know I'm not completely alone out there.

 I guess that was all, just an introduction.. thanks for listening to me rant. lol

I am so sorry for your news.  My mom was not a smoker or a 2nd hand smoker either but after caring for my Dad's on Colon Cancer and being a long time ashma alergy patient she was diagnosis a Lung Cancer that the doctors mis-diagnosis her till it was too late.

Check out this book at this website for more info on Lung Cancer diagnosis and treatments.

www.lungcancerclaims.com

Best wishes and prayer for you.

Regards,

Victoria

I am so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.  Cancer is cruel and can seem to strike someone with no known risks. You don't have to be a smoker-second hand smoke in your own home, bars/restaurants/nightclubs or just genetics.  Also, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.  Several years ago after hearing that I bought a Radon test for my home and my levels were higher than considered safe.  I had to pay $800 for someone to put in some special fan/pipe in my home and now twice a year I check and the levels are safe. My husband thought it was a scam, but many realtors are required to do this test. You can get a radon test kit at Lowes or Home Depot for about $10 and you mail it off -results come back pretty quickly.  Just a thought...

  I think you will find comfort in the postings on this board.  My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer and by communicating with others who are experiencing much of the same it helps by knowing you are not alone.

I wish you the very best in your upcoming treatment.

Hugs and prayers,

Kris

Wow 24 AND a non-smoker.  Are you comfortable with the diagnosis?  Did you get a 2nd opinion?  What test were done to determine lung cancer?  Pet Scan?  Biopsies?  If yes is the answer to all of the above, some of the questions to ask at this point would be what type of lung cancer (Small Cell or Non Small Cell), what cell type is the cancer and is it operable.    Answer's to these questions will help you to research so you can make informative decisons about your treatment.   I wish you all the best.

 

On 9/24/2009 Gidget45 wrote:

Wow 24 AND a non-smoker.  Are you comfortable with the diagnosis?  Did you get a 2nd opinion?  What test were done to determine lung cancer?  Pet Scan?  Biopsies?  If yes is the answer to all of the above, some of the questions to ask at this point would be what type of lung cancer (Small Cell or Non Small Cell), what cell type is the cancer and is it operable.    Answer's to these questions will help you to research so you can make informative decisons about your treatment.   I wish you all the best.

We assumed it was lymphoma at first, so yes I had a biopsy already, which is when I was told Stage III Lung Cancer.  I have a PET scan and MRI sch, for next week sometime @ John Hopkins where I will also receive a Second Opinion (Actually Requested by my Dr) My Dr. have been amazing. Say they don't know when they don't, allow me to ask anything,  listen to all questions and concerns.  Right now I'm just waiting for MORE tests and the second opinion. I'm sure they will answer the Small Cell or non small cell question when I get the rest of my tests back.  If not I will certainly be sure to ask.  Thank you for that information. :)

Only 24. That is terrible news for any one to hear, but at your age it must have been a terrible shock. Could I ask you if you were exposed to asbestos at any stage. This can also cause lung cancer.

Many people do not even realise that they have been exposed to this product, but more and more younger people are now being diagnosed with asbestos related cancers, eg mesothelioma .Look through my website which shows where asbestos exposure may happen.

http://fibreaware.org.nz

I am very sorry that you have been diagnosed with this cancer

Deidre

April:

 Could you give us some update?  2nd note, did biopsy confirm what type of Lung Cancer you got?

Regards,

V

All I know thus far, is still Stage III Lung Cancer, nothing else has been confirmed.  Just kind of waiting around,  I had an MRI done this afternoon Will be a few days, till I get the results from that.  Also, still waiting to hear from Hopkins, and to have the PET Scan.  Finding it VERY hard to get that test as of right now because of not having Insurance.  W/E The world revolves around money. Never thought I'd HAVE to worry about Cancer while just moving to  a new state to become a full time student to finish school.  How stupid of me. lmao.  Oh well, so thank you very much for asking! I'll def. let you know as soon as I know anything!

 

On 9/29/2009 JustApril wrote:

All I know thus far, is still Stage III Lung Cancer, nothing else has been confirmed.  Just kind of waiting around,  I had an MRI done this afternoon Will be a few days, till I get the results from that.  Also, still waiting to hear from Hopkins, and to have the PET Scan.  Finding it VERY hard to get that test as of right now because of not having Insurance.  W/E The world revolves around money. Never thought I'd HAVE to worry about Cancer while just moving to  a new state to become a full time student to finish school.  How stupid of me. lmao.  Oh well, so thank you very much for asking! I'll def. let you know as soon as I know anything!

Hello April:

Maybe I m wrong but school is required to have insurance for all Full-time students.  It was 17 yrs ago, what have changes nowaday?  that's shocking if school stops doing that.

When they do Biopsy they should able to tell you what kind/type of Lung cancer you have, cuz that's what meant Biopsy Test on the Mass/Tumor sample.  Pls press for definite answer, without know the type, how the doctor knows it is Cancerous? 

There is a company in Kansas that can run a blood test for you - 200 dollars to confirm if you have LC.  Check onimmune.com for the simple pregnant-like test.   Other company I know they is still working on it - transmembranebiosciences.com.

 Best wishes,

Victoria 

In reply to your first message.

I'm sorry to hear you are so sick, and I hope you have all the best treatment and a swift diagnosis. 

You are not the only one. Someone in my family was diagnosed with a similar condition at a similar age. They are very brave and have lots of good times, new hobbies, some studying... Of course, also lots of treatment, side effects... 

It is rare to have lung cancer so young. And don't be confused, just because smoking causes cancer, not all cancer is caused by smoking. It's a different disease.

I hope your insurance situation sorts itself out. From a European perspective it's quite shocking. 

 be strong!

 

t