Hello all, My name is Tina.

tbean · Regular Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

This is my first time on the forums as it is my first time dealing with cancer in someone so close to me. Last week on Monday my Mother-in-law went to see her regular doctor for shortness of breath. The doctor heard no problems when she listened to her lungs but sent her for an xray anyway. The results came back the next day as showing a mass so then the next day we went in for a CT with injected dye. That too showed to be a tumor and the day after that we were at the hospital doing a biopsy. The doctor came out after the biopsy to tell me it was in fact cancer!!! NSCLC. He said that the pathologist had to finish his report but by what he had seen, she won't be a canidate for surgery and estimated that her stage was at IIIA. Tuesday we go in for a PET scan and then on Thursday we have the first appointment with the Oncologist. This has been so quick. Last Monday we thought she had a clod and now we know it is something so much worse. The medical side of this will come easy to me. Helping her with treatments and doctors appointments, no problem. I struggle with how to help my fiance cope with the possibility of losing his Mom that is difficult for me. In tough times he is the strong one for me normally. I will be here for him but the most frustrating thing for me is that I can't take all the pain and anger away from his heart. I know that we will make it through this.

karibrenmom · Regular Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 36

Hi Tina,

Welcome - this a really wonderful board full of love, knowledge and support. Although its no picnic to deal with this terrible cancer, having those that have 'gone before you' or who are 'walking with you' helps so much. I'll being saying a prayer for you and your family.
_________________
My mom was diagnosed with NSCLC Squamous Carcinoma 10/23/2007. Wedge resection 11/20/2007. Final pathology showed poorly differiniated large cell carcinomawith invasion of visceral pluera, T2NxM0/stage 1B. 12/14/2007. No chemo elected.

tbean · Regular Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

The official pathology report is in, It is Adenocarcinoma NSCLC. She is going for the PET scan tomorrow. Then Thursday is still the first day to see the Oncologist. Her primary concern is next knowing what her chances of survival are. I hope that she understands that those numbers are statistics and she could be part of the group to survive. We are all becoming more scared. Especially my fiance. All I can do is pray!!!

maryaz · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject: Re: Hello all, My name is Tina.

Hi tbean; You are so right about numbers being just numbers. Also, everyone is different. Probably, you need to convey to your financee that there is no cut and dry answers to this disease.

My husband was unlikely for surgery but he did get it. He was 3B squamous cell carcinoma. At this time he is still reoovering as indicated if you read his story, linked below my signature.

They really are better able to speak to you when all the tests are in. As far as survival that really cannot be given as a definite time, but maybe an idea and yet I read of people surpassing what is told. I will watching to see what more you find out soon and the treatments.
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

tbean · Regular Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

Today she went in for her PET scan. We will get the results by Thursday. That is also the day that we have our first appointment with the oncologist. We also got an MRI scheduled for Thursday to check her brain. After pathology the pulmonologist called us and said that by the looks of all the findings, she has probably had the cancer for at least a year!!! How crazy that you can have such a horrible diesease and not even know it. I guess that means that we didn't catch it very early. She seems to be doing well except that she is very worried about her finances. She is only 46 and is a full time assistant in a doctor's office. Very wooried about what will happen when she can't work. We are looking into Disibility and Medicare as she also worries about her insurance running out. Everything seems to be happening so fast. I hope we have time left with her. Just a week and a half ago we thought she had a cold. I am happy that the doctors are being very aggressive with this but it is all still scary. Confused

tbean · Regular Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 12

The PET scan shows fluid around her lung but that it is not showing active anywhere that we didn't already know about. So I guess that is good news. We have to go into the hospital in the morning now to have some of the fluid removed to see if it is cancer fluid or just fluid. Did anyone else experience this? Tomorrow is also the MRI of her brain and the first visit with the Oncologist. Looks like it will be a very busy day.
_________________
My 46 year old mother-in-law diagnosed with NSCLC on September 4th, 2008. Adenocarcinoma stage IIIB.

bnot · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:12 am Post subject: Re: Hello all, My name is Tina.

Glad the doctors aren't dragging around like they are with my Mother!

Its taken us almost 2 months to get to the point where she gets a biopsy. We need your mil's doctors!

Wishing you and her both the best. I'm pretty new to all this myself.

dano · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:41 am Post subject: Re: Hello all, My name is Tina.

Hello tbean;
That's really good news!
I wish I was diagnosed that quick. Her survival will be mainly up to her attitude from here on. Keep an eye out for clots, I had them in my lungs along time before they were discovered, hampered my breathing and caused me to cough, blood thinners cleared that up.
Welcome to the forum, I will look forward to hear the progress.
God Bless
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993

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