Not a question but a good-Bye

[EyesofBlue55]

First off i would like to wish good luck to everybody that is fighting this dreadful disease.Bill1954 was the first to comment on the question that I asked back then and we have become good friends because of my hep c diagnosis.You people are the most compassionate I have ever met,,it was the first forum that I ever joined.You made me feel like there WAS a light at the end of the tunnel.
  I have now been diagnosed with lung cancer.I am still in shock and have been told that it is inoperable.The prognosis for a 5 yr survival is very low.And with the hep c it is going to be a complicated case.
right nowI am scared,depressed,dont know but know I will be gone soon,sooo many things running through my mind.
I thought that I was a strong person but now I just want to curl up somewhere and get it over with.If you smoke-dont ever think that it cant happen to you-it can
Ive been to the cancer forum and there is no activity there,its sad because I really need some support and am not getting it through medhelp.My emotions are running wild.
I know God has a plan for me .Like the song"Everybody want to go to heaven but not right now" Gosh that is soo true!
Anyway please pray for me.I need a miracle.....later   always think of you all    cindy;)

[JasmineT]

This is tragic news.  I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  You must be beside yourself.  I wish I could offer you more than moral support and prayers.  I hope you can find a forum for lung cancer that has good support too. We may not know much about lung cancer but you are one of us heppers too so please reach out if there is ever anything we can do to lift your spirits, encourage you, or just be here and listen.

[slideman]

You said the prognosis is very low, but you did not say its impossible. If you can find some info on people that have beat this, read it. There is always hope.
God Bless

[working dog]

cindy...what tough news...i will say i've heard before of folks with cancer that were given a short time to live and just keep going doing lots of stuff and having fun...they'll have even better tx in the near future for cancer..this forum has always had a very interesting group there must be other forums out there........best of luck to you....billy

[willbb]

Oh Cindy .I am sorry to hear this. Hopefully there are ways to fight this .
Please stay on the forum here. We are your friends and will offer any support we can..
Sending you positive thoughts and will send you a msg.

Your friend..
Will

[pooh55811]

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It must be devastating. I am hoping for the best for you and that there is some treatment available. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

[EyesofBlue55]

Wishing that I could put my arms around ALL of you!!!

[crigger]

Oh My Lord, what bad news.    I feel so bad for you.   No words can make you feel better at this point.... I do want to say do not give up hope you never know what new treatments these scientest will come up with. Do not leave this form ,we may not know much about lung cancer but the people here know how to be supportive .  Praying for you and your family.

[jules2551]

Oh Cindy please don't leave the forum!  We don't care what you have or don't have.  We are your friends here and we would love to still support you.  You can never give up hope!

(((((((jules)))))))))

[kmatucson]

I'm not sure what to say.. I'm sorry doesn't seem to cut it..  I'm guessing you went for a second or even third opinion?  If not, I'm hoping you will. Please hang in there, like everyone said.. new drugs/treatment are a possibility... There was something that was just discovered in Canada that sounds promising.  Hoping the best for you.. sending positive thoughts..
Kathy

[HectorSF]

Cindy, I am very sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis. You are in my thoughts.

Of course you are scared, depressed, in shock going through a emotional roller coaster. Anybody would be. THIS IS NORMAL. You have been given a diagnosis that everyone only can imagine in their worse nightmare.
In time you will feel better. I know it doesn’t seem that way now but trust me you will. I have had 2 different cancers and still have liver cancer. I know how difficult a cancer diagnosis is although neither of my cancer were/are 100% terminal. So what you are going through, I can’t even imagine. At least with liver cancer IF I can get a liver transplant before the cancer gets out of control over the next year I do have the chance to continue living.
I am so sad for you. I wish I could hug you.

Maybe some of my experiences with cancer can help you, I hope?
First off, as with any major disease you want to get the best care available to you. You don’t want second best. The best medical institution is a teaching hospital just as that is the place to go for people with advanced liver disease. They will be aware and experienced in the latest treatments for you condition. They may have a clinical trial you could join. (see Emory) Very importantly they may have a lung cancer support group so you can meet, listen and talk with others in the “same boat” as yourself. I find this invaluable when you have a potentially terminal illness. I can’t recommend it enough as the mental stress of having a terminal disease is one if not the main factor as to how well we manage our emotions, thoughts and behavior. I also work with a private psychologist who works with elderly patients as well that deal with end of life issues. I have found that how I want to die has help me discover how I want to live until that time happens whether in a year or 20 years. I am now 59. I have “put my things in order” should I die before getting a transplant. I don’t want to leave a mess for my sister and mother. There are many things that should be done but even in the worst cause it sounds like you have plenty of time even IF the worst should happen. I am just letting you know that I will share my experience with you if you should find the need.

Here is a link to Emory which has a great lung cancer clinic

http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/lung-cancer/index.html#lungcancer

* Emory is Georgia's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.
* Emory is the first cancer facility in Georgia to earn an NCI-sponsored program project grant in lung cancer.
*mory is ranked among the best cancer facilities in the nation by US News & World Report.
* Emory is one of just two facilities in Georgia to earn the Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction Center for Rare and Complex Cancers.
* Emory is accredited with Commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Emory physicians are also conducting cutting-edge research to find better and more effective treatments for lung cancer. A research grant awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding a variety of clinical trials for lung cancer. Learn more about lung cancer clinical trials at Emory.
Lung cancer is a complex disease, and a lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why our team of experts is with you for every step of your treatment journey, providing not only top-notch medical care but also education and support.

I hope that what I am trying to say make sense to you. If not, in time it might.

...Now I am going to tell you something that may sound completely crazy but I mention it because it has had such a profound affect of my entire life. Knowing that I could have little time remaining I see and feel life in a different way than I had previously. And for the better. This whole experience with death has made me appreciate even the bad days when I am in pain or ill cause I am alive to suffer. I rather suffer then be in the eternal sleep. Strangely maybe to some people but I have never been happier in my life then today. I now know how precious every minute of life is. I don’t take it for granted. Never, as death is on my mind every day of my life. Fearing death has made me love life more than I ever have. When you realize what you have to lose it make you appreciate it to the nth degree.

Now don’t get me wrong I have my moments and days of crying, hurting, wondering “why me?” and feeling lost. But somehow I manage to get back on my feet and fight on another day. Don’t think I am different than you. I am a wimp. I used to hate any injections or blood draws. I always fainted a few times. And now that I have had so many parts of me examined, poked, cut all I can do is laugh because it is so insane. I always wonder what are they gonna do to me next? ....Oh and if you are wondering about chemo? Sux big time!!!  I have had 2 chemo treatments so far and they are rough I won’t lie to you BUT for all the suffering of the side effects of chemo it can kill the tumors. I don’t mind suffering it there is the chance of it keeping me alive longer. I’ll take the bargain any day. Because I love life more than ever and I feel I have more things I need to do before going back into the eternal darkness from which we all came. (My personal belief).  I am no macho man…but fighting cancer has made me realize if you take it one day, hour or minute at a time you too will fight on to live another day.


Hang in there, Cindy!!!

Hector

[HectorSF]

Part II


When you feel better here are some resources for you so your can learn about Lung Cancer.

National Cancer Institute: - great comprehensive web site with lots of links to resources. Ex. Types of lung cancer, Clinical Trials, etc.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/lung

Many people who have cancer or who have been treated for cancer develop symptoms or side effects that affect their quality of life. Care given to help patients cope with these symptoms or side effects is called palliative care, comfort care, supportive care, or symptom management. Our fact sheet, Palliative Care in Cancer, answers many commonly asked questions on this topic

Managing Physical Effects
Manage the physical symptoms of cancer and the side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments. Learn how to maintain proper nutrition during treatment.

Managing Emotional Effects
Manage depression, anxiety, and other emotional effects, and learn how to support people with cancer.

For Caregivers, Family, and Friends
Information to help caregivers cope while caring for a loved one with cancer; help someone with cancer cope with the illness.

Finding Healthcare Services
Tips for choosing a doctor or a treatment facility, healthcare options, assistance at home, and hospice care.

Financial, Insurance, and Legal Information
Financial help, insurance coverage, support organizations, and end-of-life planning.

Survivorship - Living with and Beyond Cancer
Life and health after a cancer diagnosis and once treatment is over.

Preparing for the End of Life
Information for patients, their families, and friends about grief and bereavement, hospice care, and end-of-life planning.

Supportive and Palliative Care Clinical Trials
Clinical trials to help people cope with symptoms and side effects of cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping


Georgia Lung Cancer Support Groups
http://www.georgiacancer.org/prev-leadership.php

Lung Cancer Alliance - http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/georgia/
The Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to advocating for people living with lung cancer or those at risk for the disease. Our initiatives aim to educate public policy leaders of the need for greater resources for lung cancer research while changing the face of lung cancer and reducing the stigma associated with the disease. We offer unique patient education and support programs focused on helping people directly affected by lung cancer.
Contacts: Ed Levitt & Linda Levitt
E-mail: Ed Levitt: ***@****; Linda Levitt: ***@****
Phone Cell: 404-242-7414; Phone Office: 770-590-7898
1688 Brookgreen View
Ackworth GA. 30101
Cancer Support Community Atlanta - www.cscatlanta.org

Cancer Support Community Atlanta is committed to helping people with cancer and their loved ones in their fight for recovery. We achieve this by providing participants with professional programs of education, emotional support and hope-totally free of charge. In a home-like setting, we offer support groups, stress reduction programs, educational workshops with experts in the field and fun social events for camaraderie.
Contact: Eleanor Smith, Director of Outreach
E-mail: ***@****
Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
5775 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road
Building C-Suite 225
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
National Web Address: www.cscatlanta.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope you find some helpful information here.

Peace

Hector

[Advocate1955]

Cindy, I currently have two very good friends who are battling lung cancer.  One is being treated at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle and the other is being treated at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.  The first is a middle aged woman who has never smoked.  She was diagnosed with lung cancer last June, which metasticized after her first chemo treatment, and she is now in her second round of chemo.  She is having good results this time and her tumor is shrinking.  The second woman is a relatively young woman who did smoke, but stopped 10+ years ago.  She was diagnosed this past December with lung cancer that had already metasticized.  She is currently taking a "miracle pill" (a new oral form of chemotherapy?), and she is having good results.  Both of these women have pages on Caring Bridge, and the first woman that I mentioned has said in her journals on Caring Bridge that she belongs to several lung cancer forums that have been very, very helpful to her.  I would be happy to connect you with both of these women.  Most importantly, do not give up.  There are treatments and there is new research every day.  If you can send me some contact information, I can put you in touch with these women.  I know medhelp will not allow you to post an email address here on the forum, but I believe you can send it to me in a private message if you wish.  
Advocate1955

[EyesofBlue55]

Thanks for your valuable advice-I am familiar with Emory University.My Hepatologist(Dr Martinez)is there)I want the best care but also know Piedmont is a very good hospital and has a transplant center there also.I will see if I can call him on Monday to go see him but he is always soooo booked in Advance.Actually Dr Martinez thought that I was going to be his first with incivik with him-instead of me it was my brother who was a rapid responder and is now und from a starting VL of 49,000,000!!!!!Whatever -Both drs will have to work together since Ive been told it will be difficult.
  I am a roller coaster right now-I want to be around for awhile yet even though Ive had a pretty good life so far.My first Grandbaby is due in October and a daughter getting married in May.Im OVERWHELMED.
  Ive been told that you can apply for ssdi with the type cancer I have
Limital Stage Small cell Lung cancer Stage 1b or 2a(depending on what the mri says about my head since a PET scan wont pick this up).It is in my left lung and has not spread to any nodes as far as I know.It is an agressive moving cancer so I need to act quickly.
  My Primary dr did an xray in Jan and this was found in Feb.It is 3cm and Ive been told that my primary should NOT have missed this on x-ray so Im upset at this also.Im getting to where I dont trust drs.
  I really didnt know how everybody would react to my original post as it doesnt have anything to do with hep C.Now Im not going anywhere-I love all of you  cindy

[beeblessed]

Oh mercy.  I am echoing everyone's compassion above for you.  It is interesting that our forum seems much more active compared to the others on MedHelp.  Even though this is for Hep C, if it's one thing that I have learned is that in addition to Hep C, so many here are unfortunate experts on other topics always willing to share experiences, motivation and resources.  This is a HUGE shock right now but you may find journaling here helpful.  So even if you don't have a question, per say, you will certainly get comments/support on your journals.  Also, while MedHelp can move posts into other forums if they feel they don't belong here, your journals stay with your profile and since you are a member of this community, we will still be able to see them.

Praying God's best for you and sending you hugs,
Bee

[flcyclist]

Cindy, so very sorry to hear of this diagnosis.  I can only imagine how your head must be spinning at the moment with so much to digest.  I hope in time you can come to terms and possibly find some potential therapy to hold the cancer at bay for some time or indefinately.  You've received some wonderful advice and resources from Hector and others, and hope this information will be of some help.  Let us know how you're doing and as you know, we hope the very best for you.  Best wishes to you.  

[ceanothus]

What a nightmare for you! I've never even had occasion to interact with you in the forum before now, but I second the request that you not leave the forum. You still have HCV, the cancer diagnosis didn't change that, and we are still willing to offer what support we can. I do wish you could find an active support group that was knowledgable about your new problem, but stick with us at least until you find something better. The caring and concern is big enough in this group to encompass a lot of additional problems, so we can at least provide some emotional support if not actual knowledge. We will all be rooting for you!

[Grandmajane420]

Are you feeling all the Love Cindy!!  
This is like home, so get your blanket and slippers and get comfortable!!
We are here for you no matter what.

Hugs and Prayers coming your way.  :)  <3

[EyesofBlue55]

cant count the tears there are just too many

[gene53]

Cindy, So sorry to hear this.
Love and Prayers for hope to you!!!
Gene

[aj7538]

So very sorryvto hear ur news. Keep strong and I am sending you postive thoughts and prayers. God bless u

[printze]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[orphanedhawk]

Never say goodbye, say so long.

Life has thrown you a rough patch.
It doesn't mean you can't negotiate it.

Look at me, I'm still here despite the odds, no insurance dying of ESLD,  just 3 years ago.( What keeps me going is forward motion)

Biggest hugs, keep us informed along the journey.
OH

[belle19]

cindy, words can't express what i'm feeling for you right now.  please do not leave this forum as we are your cyber family.  anytime you want support from any of us we are here for you.  sending you some positive vibes.  i hope you feel the love here.  best wishes.  belle

[can-do-man]

So sorry about your news, no need to leave here. We are cyber family.