CancerCompass message board discussion started by Lynda D. on 8/22/2003 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,400,0.htm Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi. I am new to the board and just after 6 months of remission I found out the my cancer has returned. I have a small tumor in the right upper lobe of the lung. It first began in the left lower lobe which had to be removed along with the tumor and two lymph nodes. Then back in August of last year I found two knots on my neck (left side). This turned out to be cancer in my lymph nodes. I had to go through chemotherapy from Sept 2002 thru Jan 2003. Now it is back. I have my faith in God. He got me through it before and He will again. I was told by my doctor that it was a good probablity that the cancer would return between 6 months to 1 year. I was still shocked to hear the news but yet in the back of my mind it wasn't a surprise. Has anyone else been through the cancer regime 3 or more times and lived a long life? I am only 49. I planned to live a long life - God willing. Thank you for listening. (Lynda) Lynda D. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lynda, I will keep you in my prayers. I was dignosed with breast cancer 7 years ago, I went thru chemo and radiation and two years later it had return in the upper left lobe of my lung. I have been on chemo ever since. In the past 5 years I have had little changes in the tumor growth (bigger) and adding some new ones to the lungs. About two months ago I started on a new chemo, Carboplatin, Taxol. I had a CT scan done about 4 weeks ago and there were remarkable changes showing decreses in all the tumors, with some of the small ones resolving completely I haven't had news like that in a long time. So what I am trying to say is never give up, I have been living with this for 7 years and exept for being tired I have a very good quality of life. I don't know what the future brings, but I don't plan on giving up without a fight. I am very thankful for every day. Donna Donna P. Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Lynda, I am going thru treatment for breast cancer for the 4th time. I am still trying to understand why it keeps coming back when everything seems fine. Currently, i have just finished my 15th chemo treament with Navalbene and things are stable. I am hoping for better than stable, but I also know I need to be patient. My cancer is also in my lymph nodes but limited to two areas in my abdomen that cause back pain when they are enlarged. I know its hard and so many people tell me "I am their hero" but I am only doing what I need to do to go on. You can do it! Barb Barbara B. Sat, 23 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for your encourgement. I never knew how hard it could be to face this a third time. But I know there are other people like us out there facing the same trials. I am now a day by day person. Live life to the fullest and help others with there situations when and if I can. Yours, Lynda Lynda D. Sun, 24 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Thank you Donna for your prayers. I will do the same for you. We all seem to have the same battle to fight but just different wars. Life is very precious and I intend on keeping on with the battle no matter how long it may take. I lost my Mother in Law to cancer (Lung) this past April. It was her second time. She was a very brave lady to the end and was waiting for Jesus to take her home. Thank you for your kind words. Your prayers are with me and God is with you through your battle. Remember, one day at a time. Lynda Lynda D. Sun, 24 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Hello Lynda! I just want to send you all the love and heanling light that is possible !! I have lung cancer - stage 4- they say.... The tumors have reduced considerably by 1/2 - after only two chemo treatments. I have had 5 treatments and am having a hard time now.... just weak and tired but I have faith that everything will be OK....I beleive attitude is very important, so keep your chin up! Love & light to you, Marjorie Marjorie P. Fri, 29 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Marjorie, I am so happy that the chemo is doing so well for you. I had great success with mine. I was at an early stage (1-B) both times. Now I am waiting to be stage with this third time. I have alot of support from family and friends. My attitude is holding high - especially onto the Lord's outstretched hands. My prayers our with you. Remember each battle is won "ONE DAY AT A TIME" Yours, Lynda Lynda D. Fri, 29 Aug 2003 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Linda...my name is Oby T., and I live in Naperville, IL. I just read your email and I felt that I needed to respond, since yes, this is also my "third time around," as I have had two reoccurrences of ovarian cancer. What has been my "saving grace," is that I finally reached a point where I believed that God was with me all of the time. My cancer had 'finally' been discovered in July 2000, and after six treatments of chemo, I'd had a year of being what my oncologist called "cancer free," and I'd convinced myself that no, it was NOT going to come back -- ever -- even though he'd told me several times that with ovarian cancer you have to have a minimum of 5 years being "cancer free" to even begin to think of living another 10-15 years. When I found out that my cancer had come back in January 2002, the oncologist told me, "You only have 1-2 months left," but followed that up by saying, "but we'll try giving you chemotherapy again." SHOCKED! I was completely shocked for the next two weeks. But then I started praying -- for just one thing -- "acceptance." Acceptance of whatever happened and whenever it happened. About 3 months later, I was sitting at home one afternoon watching TV, and suddenly I felt as though a piece of very sheer fabric fell over the top of my head and went clear down to my feet -- completely covering my body. Immediately I felt as though God had wrapped me in His embrace and was saying to me, "Oby, you have nothing to be afraid of. I'm here with you. I'll always be here with you," and from that moment on, I haven't been afraid. The chemotherapy ended the beginning of May, and once again I felt wonderful. The middle of August 2002 it came back again, however, this time I wasn't upset. I had an attitude with my oncologist of, "All right, what do we do now?" What we did was begin more chemotherapy...a different one this time. We had to try something different because I'd developed neuropathy in my feet (which I still have and will likely always have) and it was also very possible that if we continued the chemo that I'd been taking it would also affect my bones. So we started Topotecan, and I've been taking it ever since. A good thing is, this treatment only takes a 1/2 hour, whereas with the two times, it took 6-7 hours. I've been taking it every 3rd week...go in Monday through Friday. I also go in for blood tests in the intervening two weeks. We're now trying something new...instead of going in every third week, we're going to try going in every fourth week, which will give me more time in between to get my strength and energy back. It didn't bother me for a long time...only got a little bit tired. But over the past 3 treatments, I've gotten extremely fatigued. My friends can't get over how I go, go, go all of the time -- and also maintain such a wonderful upbeat attitude. I always reply, "What's the other choice? Should I sit at home and feel sorry for myself all of the time instead? Nope, that's not me!" I truly believe that I feel the way I do is because God granted me "acceptance." You know, in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) we learn how to "Turn things over" to God, and to "Let Go and Let God!" It took me a long time to learn how to do that. In fact, although I'll be celebrating my 10th AA birthday December 13th, it wasn't until a two years ago that I was finally able to do that...and I'm so happy that I did, because so many miracles have happened in life since then. Even in having cancer -- I have found so many blessings. When you have cancer you learn to value every single second of your life, and to also thank God for each of those seconds. You know, I didn't realize how much I'd learned in AA until the day that the doctor told me (on the phone!) that I had cancer. When I hung up I went into shock for a few minutes, and then I called my friend, Shirley, to tell her the news. Know what I told her right after that? I said, "Shirley, I KNOW that I am going to learn lessons that I need to learn through this experience. It's a hell of a way to learn lessons, but I know that's what's going to happen. And I'm not afraid, because I also know that I'm not going to die during the operation. I'm going to be all right." And that's exactly what has happened since that time...I have learned so many lessons that I needed to learn, and I have also been blessed so many times. I also continue to learn more and more lessons. And to me, all of the lessons I learn are things that God knows that I need to learn in order for me to grow. I call it "learning wisdom." Oftentimes in AA people will tell me, "Oby, you are so wise," or, "Oby, you have such wisdom," and I consider that a wonderful compliment...I also know that it is only with God's help that I have grown into the woman I am today. I truly love myself today. And in learning how to love myself, I have also learned how to trust what some people choose to call, my intuition. But I don't call it my intuition...instead I choose to believe that my 'intuition' is learning how to trust the wisdom of my soul...the soul that each and every one of us has within us. Gosh, our souls have been around for such a long time...and they are so wise...it's wonderful when we are able to finally trust and listen to what our souls have to share with us. (I also believe that are souls are, and have always been, directly connected to God.) In other words, we've always had our soul inside of us which is directly connected to God -- all we've ever had to do was...reach out and take God's hand. It just takes some of us a lot longer to do that...and unfortunately, some of us are never able to reach that point. Why? Because we think that we have to maintain 'control' of our lives. What a joke! We've never really had control of our lives or anything else. We just fooled ourselves Oby T. Mon, 01 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT OOPS! This is Oby again...I forgot to tell you that I am now 70 years "young." For some unknown reason I had always believed that I would live to be 96...oh, well, life has always got surprises for us, doesn't it? The only thing I know for sure is that I plan to enjoy whatever time I have left. I've felt for quite some time now that it's my 'responsiblity' to do the best I can while I'm here...to learn and grow as much as I possibly can. Having cancer hasn't changed that. I consider this 'adventure' as a tremendous opportunity to grow in ways, that had I not had cancer, I would never have been able to experience. I didn't want to have cancer, but I do. So I have to accept what has happened in my life, and just keep movin' on. God bless! Oby Oby T. Mon, 01 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT Hi Barbara, I'm new to this board also as of yesterday. I'm really sorry to hear that about you, we're fighting the same battle, too. My mother was diagnosed a 3rd time on Sept. 22, 2003 with Breast Cancer IV and mets to the liver & bones. This is the first time that she'll be on Chemo, the other 2 times the tumors were stage one, and her surgeon recomended her to only have a lumpectomy both times, radiation following. She's had mammograms, blood work, and several other surgeries this year in which all came out to be clear? Beginning of Sept. she found a lump by her neck, that is malignant, and has spread. She started chemo last Monday (Andriamycin & Cytoxin) and that's it. I've lost all hope in her Oncologist and Surgeons. We're flying her to Tulsa, OK to The Cancer Treatment Center of America, hopefully they'll be able to treat her, and give us some hope. Are you taking any herbs or supplements? Dalila in Texas Dalila V. Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT Dalila, Thank you for responding to my message. I feel for your Mom. I am sure she was very surprised to find out her cancer had spread after being watched so closely with tests. Let me know how things go at the cancer center. I have thought about that also but don't know if I can do it financially and with taking time off work. I have not given up on my oncologist yet, but if I do, I would definetly try somewhere else. Good luck to you and your Mom. She needs you by her side..Barb Barbara B. Wed, 08 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT Hi Barb, Thank you for responding to my message, it's nice to hear from you. For the last week or so, I've been posting messages on this board and the Breast Cancer Stage IV message board, looking for hope and answers. I know that everything relies on God, good spirit and high hopes. We just found out yesterday that she's only expected to live 3-6 months due to the cancer spreading and where it's at (liver, lymph nodes, intestine, bones). Her Oncologist wasn't the one that told us. We found out this information from my older sister's, sister in law and husband who are both Surgeons in Ft. Worth, Tx. I can't even begin to imagine my mother not being here. This is something that I of course along with everyone else, didn't think could happen to me and my family. Although we know that this is the outcome of the prognosis...my mother is still not giving up and neither are we. I believe that Surgeons and Dr.'s can do so much, but God is the final one that can make that decision. We leave to CTCA, Tulsa OK, in 3 days and my mom is anxious to go..we'll fly back to Dallas, on Monday. I'll let you know how the experience was..If my mom decides to stay and get treatment, there or just come home and continue here in Dallas. Please keep in touch, I'd like to know how you're doing. Take care, and you're going to beat this cancer just like my mom is :-)! Faith in God..God bless you and your family! Dalila V. Mon, 13 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT Hi, I am starting my 3rd round of treatment tomorrow. I had stage 3b lung cancer in Dec. 1998. They removed the top and part of the middle lobe of my right lung in Jan. 1999. I had 7 weeks of radiation along with Chemo (Taxol) finishing up around Aug. of 1999. In the Spring of 2001 it was in my left lung I again had 7 weeks of radiaiton and then had a year of chemo (Taxetere) finishing in August 2002. Now it is back again (never really left I guess). So far it has not spread to any other organs. My quality of life has been good. Other than being tired I haven't had any adverse reaction to any of the treatment. I know I have been very lucky. As long as it doesn't spread and I have good quality of life I will continue to take the treatments. Rely on friends and family and church family to give you support - It really helps. Janet B. Mon, 11 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT Yes,Lynda, I am also into my third bout with cancer. Mine is cervical, and matastasized to my abdomen and liver. I also have a "slow growing tumor by my lymph nodes in my back", according to my SURGEON, but not my ONCOLOGIST.. I get a different story with every doctor, but try to use my own common sense in choosing who to believe. My surgeon is pretty crass, and tells me right out that I am going to die soon.I guess he tells alot of his patients that though!..I don't buy it...I feel too good, but Like I tell my friends and family, "If this is dying, it's the way to do it." I am so much more blessed than so many! My worst symptoms right now, are neuropathy in my legs and feet, and I can live with that...I was first diagnosed in Oct, 2001.I've had surgery to remove a tumor from my intestines, and am currently taking Navelbine chemo...I am trying to get my oncologist to switch me to a different chemo..I am also looking into biologic treatment, and RFA for the tumors on my liver.I will post how that procedure goes, as I am having it next week...I think there's a lot to be said about attutude too. I also believe that a BAD attitude can probably contribute to a lessened immune strategy, so I try to keep a good outlook...It's not hard for me..But most of all, I try to thank God every day for being with me, and saving me many times...Until I felt the spirit,I ignored some of the times He was nudging me....My doctor tells me the cancer , once matastasising, will keep returning. Until we hear a "definite cure", it makes sense that it would, since there is almost always a stray cell floating around in there, just looking for a place to land. I honestly believe that if I get real upset and let anything bother me, I am setting myself up for a relapse. True, I have cancer again now, but I did have a lot of stress, including losing my husband and not eating real food for 20 months..I was really put to the test then, but God helped me out there too! When He is ready for me, that'll be it..Cancer can be a blessing in only one way that I can think of...It teaches you EVERYTHING that is importmant.and also what is so unimportant. I could have died many times in the past several years. I am now 58, and at my normal weight of 117...after getting down to 79. I feel real good..I hope to see a reply for you that tells of several ladies that lived for another 50 years after getting cervical cancer(late stages)...Best of love to you...God's love. Donna Bullecious Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Marjorie. I have two tumors on my liver, and am going for RFA treatment next week. The only two organs this doctor does this with, are the liver, and the lungs.He actually goes in with a needle (You are under anesthesia.)and burns the tumors! It is done usually as an outpatient, but I was told I would probably stay overnight for observation. This is done at Skyline Hospital, in Nashville. The RFA stands for Radiofrequency Albation.You might want to check on it, or watch for a post in the next week or two. Maybe I will be able to tell you a little more. I am anxious to do this. Keep in touch by email if you'd like, at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ----. God bless you all. Donna Bullecious Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Donna P....his could be confusing..haha..I am also Donna P, " as in Poole, but you might see my name up there as Bullecious. I hope God heals you too. Hugs, Donna P Bullecious Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Barbara. I am also on Navelbine, for cervical cancer (metastasized). I also have a tumor in my lower back (supposedly..) and my doctor asks me once in awhile, if I am having back pain. (which I haven't been). The only thing that seems to be a problem with the chemo is, I now have neuropathy in my legs and feet. Do you have that? I am also starting to get a nice little "patch" of FAT hanging on my middle..I can't say I lost my appetite...But the rest of me has never looked so healthy...How often are you taking this chemo? I started at every week, but after three weeks straight, my feet were numb, so I now go once every three weeks, for a 10 minute drip.My hair got so thin I finally shaved my head, but that's okay...It's just hair, and grows back...Losing my eyelashes was pretty scarey though!! WHEW! But they have come back. I think I've probably done around 10 treatments so far, but my Dr. intends to keep me on chemo for the rest of my life, with "rest weeks" in between. Hugs, Donna Poole Bullecious Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi, Oby.You Spring chicken! My goodness, you sound like a wonderful inspiration to everyone! My mother turned 80 years old this past January, and you ought to see her....She is sooooo pretty, and honestly, looks about 60- 62....She has a terrific attitude too....And, did I tell you? She's a breast cancer SURVIVOR since 1998. Gee, why is it that all of a sudden, I feel like I have to reply to just everyone in here??Haha!God bless you. Donna Poole Bullecious Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT I am sorry..I meant to say that I want to see a reply for you from ladies living 50 years after any stage 4 cancer. Can I blame it on "chemo brain"? Donna Bullecious Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi Lynda,My name is Laura and I was diagnosed 4th stage lung cancer .  They opened me up via my throat and then stitched me back up when they found lymph nodes outside the lung had been compromised.  They then gave me l year to live.  It is now four years later.  I have been in remission once for 6 months and then they grew back with a fury.  They are all almost gone once again.  I know that when Jesus died on the cross, He not only gave us salvation for when we die, but he was whipped and scouraged for our health.  He doesn't want us sick, He wants us healed.  And His word proves it.  As much as we can believe for our salvation, we have to believe for our health.  God gave us 70 years (Psalms) and then what we can believe for more.  I intend to see those years and more.  How about you?  With God on our side andf His word in our mouths, we will make it!  God bless you!E mail me whenever you want encouragement or just to talk.In ChristLaura Laurajam Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT