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My Story

After tearing my right shoulder rotator cuff, the Doctor took an MRI and X-Ray. I was shocked to find out in mid-Nov '09 that I had a tumor in the upper right lung lobe. After a flurry of tests, biopsies, etc, I've been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, which is also in the lung lymph nodes. On November 30th I start chemotherapy and radiation. Then a 3 week break, followed by surgery to remove the lung lobe. I have no symptoms whatsoever, so this is really hard to assimilate with all the information that has been thrown at me. I'm scared spitless and am having such a hard time staying mentally positive.

Monday, August 8, 2011

August 9, 2011

Had a CT scan last Wednesday to see how the cancer has responded to the three IV treatments of Alimpta over the past 10+ weeks. Had another chemo treatment today (the first of three done every 3 weeks). Also met with my Oncologist today for the CT results. We would have been absolutely thrilled if the Doc told us the tumors had stayed the same size. But the news was even better than that. The tumors have shrunk by half – yes, half! 1.5 cm to 7 mm, 1.2 cm to 6 mm and 1 cm to 5 mm. Another nodule has stayed the same (9mm) and may not be cancerous at all. In addition, no new cancer growth has appeared elsewhere. Gordy & I were so blown away, we were both crying!! I'm still reeling from this news, which makes me cry every time I think of it.

Mind you, the side effects from this drug remain a royal pain. There are many, unfortunately. But fatigue is the worst and I have to deal with that on a daily basis. “Chemo brain” has worsened. (My “rememberer” is broken and my “forgetter” is in control!!) Shortness of breath, mouth sores that come & go, throat hoarseness, and on & on. You get the idea. In view of the results today, I will cope!

I am so happy to be able to tell you this news!! Although this has been difficult – the uncertainty, side effects, etc, I will not give in to “the Beast”. So the battle continues!!love - me
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  1. LizSeptember 23, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    I am so thrilled for your progress against the "beast". I continually pray for you and Gordy!!!! I am so sorry about your friend Merrie. She sounds like she was a Godsend for you. Please accept my deepest condolences, I know exactly how upseting it is to lose a dear friend to that "BEAST" (no better term for that)I lost mine the end of January this past year and I'm still realing from it all. She was my bestest lifelong friend, more like a mother and yes better than any sister could be to me. We have been so close over the years and raising our kids they thought they were cousins. There is such a void in my life, so yes I know exactly how you feel. It sucks in no uncertain terms and there is no better or worse way to express it. Well my friend, keep those spirits high and I eagerly look forward to the day you can make the trip back home so we can celebrate life and living.... I'm not sure what it is about us but in Nov. of 2009 when you had your rotator cuff repaired I also underwent surgery for the same thing, now in Oct. of 2011 your are have your knee repaired and I am having both my eyes repaired, the mussels ?(spelling)in both my eyes have detached, so 10/18 to out patient surgery for me and Mike is having his rotater cuff done again on 9/28 so we will be tied up for a little while doing the recovery thing. I will bw out of commission for a week not being able to do anything, no bending lifting pushing or pulling....then total recovery will take 3 to 6 months depending on my healing process. I'll be black and blue for about 6 weeks (that should be pretty) not!!! LOL

    Well sweetie keep me posted on your progress and I will do the same... I love you and you are always in my thoughts and prayers....boy this getting old shit has more downs than ups but I guess it surely beats the alternative...Love ya....Liz

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