Talk Cancer » Lung Cancer » Lung Cancer Question
Lung Cancer Question
Question:
Hi Karen, From what I understand, folks can survive with one lung, and maybe not even a whole one, at that! I had removal of some lung tissue last March and now have new spots on the other side. Docs say this isn’t unusual. Boy, I understand how scary it is to get this news – espec. after the trauma of such a major surgery. I’ve had chemo since then, and after an initial great response, got yet another new nodule so we’re quitting for awhile and looking at other drugs. There are so many options – don’t panic yet! Hope you’re feeling well otherwise. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE!!! Beverly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: I am new to this group discussion bt have a question. I am 40 years old lung cancer survivor. I was diagnoised with a solitary pulmonary nodule in my upper right lobe 3years go at age 37. I underwent surgery and my upper and middle right lobe was removed. I just recently went for my yearly check to find another suspected nodule in my left lung. I have always been very positive but now I am failing. I went in for a needle biopsy 2 weeks ago and there were problems getting to the tumor and after several tries I coughed and bleed out. They want me to come back in for another one this week to try from another position. I am terified. I went through this 3years ago with no problem. I am worried if it is cancer again what happens? What more can they take? Does anybody know if you can survive with 1 lobe on your right and possibe 1 lobe on your left?
Response:
Karen, I’m so sorry to hear of this new nodule in your lung. I know how frightening this is and how scared you are. My husband has lung cancer +ACo-as well as tongue cancer+ACo- and he had the lower lobe of his left lung surgically removed. After a year or so he had a metastasis to the upper lobe of his right lung and one lymph node between his lung and his heart. It was discovered as a small spot in an x-ray and they tried to do a needle biopsy through the lung several times as well and finally gave up and did a regular surgical biopsy. It was at that time they discovered the cancer had spread to his other lung and the lymph system. The oncologists and surgeons called it inoperable and told him there was nothing he could do. We asked for a second opinion and talked with a radiation oncologist who suggested we go for it with radiation therapy. My husband had the maximum allowable radiation beamed at the tumor and lymph node and about a year after that he had a follow-up CT scan which showed remarkable shrinkage in the tumors. He still has lung cancer, it is still inoperable, but he is alive some 6 years after the doctors told him there was nothing they could do. Certainly we all live in fear of recurrences, but there is hope. Certainly your life will never be the same, but there is life. If you feel it would be helfpul, please take a look at my husband’s story on our web site, Cancer Survivors On Line at http://www.ahamade.com/cancersurvivors/ Go to +ACo-Meet the Authors+ACo- and click on Joe. If you want to discuss any of this in more detail please feel free to email me in response to this post, directly at judybear+AEA-msn.com or through the web site. I think it’s important to try to keep your emotions under control as much as possible. I know that it’s terrifying, but worry won’t make it any better. If you think venting and talking about it would help please contact me. Judy Bear Founder and Webmaster: Cancer Survivors On Line A web site of cancer information, resources, and support http://www.ahamade.com/cancersurvivors/ http://wwp.mirabilis.com/4698216 judybear+AEA-msn.com 105332.2430+AEA-compuserve.com Site disclaimer applies to this message. If you have a story you’d like to share, we’d love to have you add it through our guestbook.
Response:
Hi: I am new to this group discussion bt have a question. I am 40 years old lung cancer survivor. I was diagnoised with a solitary pulmonary nodule in my upper right lobe 3years go at age 37. I underwent surgery and my upper and middle right lobe was removed. I just recently went for my yearly check to find another suspected nodule in my left lung. I have always been very positive but now I am failing. I went in for a needle biopsy 2 weeks ago and there were problems getting to the tumor and after several tries I coughed and bleed out. They want me to come back in for another one this week to try from another position. I am terified. I went through this 3years ago with no problem. I am worried if it is cancer again what happens? What more can they take? Does anybody know if you can survive with 1 lobe on your right and possibe 1 lobe on your left?
Response:
Hi Karen, What most peop[le fail to find out is cutting out a tumur does not address its cause just the manefestation of the cause. In some cases the body recovers and can fight to overcome reoccurrances and correct the original cause. This is made harder when the bodys immune systems have been destroyed by radiation or chemo. Have a look at the site http://www.natheal.demon.co.uk/00lung This shows another approach which also addresses the body and its ability to recover and take over the long term control of the 10,000 plus cancer cells our bodies normally create every day. This is why these people have no reoccurances. Regards – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi: I am new to this group discussion bt have a question. I am 40 years old lung cancer survivor. I was diagnoised with a solitary pulmonary nodule in my upper right lobe 3years go at age 37. I underwent surgery and my upper and middle right lobe was removed. I just recently went for my yearly check to find another suspected nodule in my left lung. I have always been very positive but now I am failing. I went in for a needle biopsy 2 weeks ago and there were problems getting to the tumor and after several tries I coughed and bleed out. They want me to come back in for another one this week to try from another position. I am terified. I went through this 3years ago with no problem. I am worried if it is cancer again what happens? What more can they take? Does anybody know if you can survive with 1 lobe on your right and possibe 1 lobe on your left?
– Max