The ride continues! [TITLE CHANGED - AGAIN] (3 Viewers)

[mt15]

I was worried by the other thread. Just hang in there and keep the faith. As already said don't be afraid to seek second opinions.

 

[Semper]

You got this man. Prayers sent for strength, comfort and healing buddy.

 

[Jeff]

Bleu,
Best wishes and I hope you can kick this thing in the butt. Keep up the determination and don't let the early labeling of the stage mess with your peace of mind. That sometimes has as much merit as the presidential election polling did back in 2015.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G750A using Tapatalk

 

[saintjay]

Prayers

 

[Goatman Saint]

Prayers. My mom has beat 2 different cancers 25 years apart. Focus on the positive, listen to your doc and kick its ***


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bleu Raeder]

Thanks for all of the prayers, well wishes, good thoughts and encouragement!

 

[UncleTrvlingJim]

I'm terribly sorry you have to go through this. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Also remember, you don't have to be strong all the time... lean on your family, and your SR family when you need it.

 

[superchuck500]

Because some of us are very acquainted though this forum and as alluded to in http://saintsreport.com/forums/f3/i-have-avoided-posting-long-i-can-355540/#.WAfjV_krL0M I have received some news recently which affects life in a most profound way. I have been hesitant to share this news for a number of reasons, but some of you I know here would like to know. We've known each other a long time (almost 20 years????) through this outlet and sometimes in real life and I am as close with some of you as I would be with any dear friend even if we've never met in person. Some of you who are connected to me in other social media may have figured it out.

It seems I am dragging my feet here, but all of that needed to be said.

On Friday I was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Lung Cancer in my left lung.

Just 3 short weeks ago during my wellness exam we discussed getting my heart checked just because heart disease in my family had finally reared its ugly head. My calcium score was good but they saw a shadow on the CT which they wanted to check into. "Could be nothing.", they said. They schedule a PET scan and I honestly thought it looked like an excessive jump to go from these results to such an expensive test (http://saintsreport.com/forums/f3/grrrr-cost-health-care-359622/#.WAjM__krL0M). A second opinion or two confirmed this was the test needed. The PET lead to a biopsy in one of my ribs (where the metastasis is). The biopsy lead to the diagnosis.

I have a referral to MD Anderson and will be there in a couple of weeks.

Here is the thing: I have no symptoms other than the discomfort left over from the biopsy. No pain. No coughing. I run 3 or 4 days a week and have no problems with my breathing other than sinus junk. I still play my trombone. If we hadn't done the calcium scoring no alarm would have been raised until I became symptomatic and who knows how long that would have taken.

I am also hopeful and know I can beat this. I am more than determined to beat this. There is a lot of life yet to be lived and I am confident I will be here to live it.

Bleu, we're here for prayers and support and that will never change. Hope and courage are in your strong suits, we know that about you for sure. Fight this thing and beat it. We're with you.

 

[Sandman]

Sorry to hear this, Bleu. You have my best thoughts and wishes for you. Fight like hell and beat it.

 

[Mojomajik9]

Just educate yourself and remember that no one is more interested in a positive outcome than you are.

To add to this...relatives who have fought cancer talked about keeping journals. Not just of your thoughts, but everything the doctors, nurses, & other staff say or do. They're humans and can make mistakes. My sister said it saved her life as they were going to give her a double dose of a powerful medication because the first nurse forgot to note it on her chart. Don't be afraid to visit other doctors or hospitals if you're unsatisfied with MD Anderson.

We're all pulling for you, Bleu!

 

[BHM]

Not good with words (as most here already know) but we are here for you and best of luck to you Bleu.

 

[st dude]

Tough news Bleu. You will get a lot of advice on where and how to treat. You have to sort through it and make the best, most informed decision for you. Some say reading about it and researching will drive you nuts, let the doctors handle it. Others say become as informed as you can. I think depending on the person there is truth in both suggestions. I personally very much favor getting informed.

Then you have the choice to treat locally or at a cancer hospital. There are benefits to treating locally. They are way outweighed in my opinion my the benefit of seeing a specialist.

I think MD Anderson is an excellent choice. They are as cutting edge as it gets. There is a reason those who can afford to from the Middle East and South America fly to MD Anderson for their treatment.

Do not be afraid to get a second opinion. St Widge suggested Baylor for treatment and it would be one of a number of places for a good second opinion.

Cancer treatment is no longer one size fits all, so different doctors at even the same hospital may suggest different approaches for your cancer based on your genetics. Genetic testing helps them select more targeted therapies. It's not just chemo anymore, there is a world of drugs for lung cancer and where one might not be effective, another one will.

New and exciting drugs beyond the new and exciting drugs they have now are in the pipeline. Clinical trials are very much worth discussing with your doctor and investigating.

There are many informative websites. One of the best is called Patient Power. Google it and go to their section on lung cancer. There is a community you can hook up with to exchange information and lots of inspiring stories from survivors.

I hope I am not being presumptuous with the unsolicited advice. I do think they are making amazing advances with genetics that are translating into real targeted treatments which is not just some hope for the future, it's happening now. Good luck Bleu. You can beat this.

 

[Eeyore]

Best wishes Sir!

 

[Dan in Lafayette]

Jay, sorry to hear of your challenge. But as others have said, keep a positive attitude and don't get pigeonholed into one course of treatment. If you are not comfortable with your doctor's approach seek out other opinions. Prayers up for you and stay in touch with your SR and lunch bunch family.

 

[Andrus]

Jay... I am sorry to here about your diagnosis. Let me know I there is anything that I/We can do for you. You are SR family as far as I am concerned. I'll certainly be pulling for you.