In 2007, I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, and I underwent surgery to remove the upper lobe of my left lung. The doctors called it a "surgical cure" and no further treatment was called for. But eventually a new tumor was discovered in my right lung, and I received radiation treatments to keep it from progressing. That did the trick for a while, but then 2 years ago, I learned that the cancer had metastasized to my bones. Since then, I've been receiving chemotherapy and have also tried a new immunotherapy treatment, which unfortunately did not work for me.
At the end of July, a pet scan showed an increase in the size of the tumors, and my oncologist recommended that I try a new heavy-duty chemo drug called taxotere, which he hopes will contain the cancer from further growth. Whether or not this chemo is effective, my prognosis is 6-18 months. So why am I taking chemo if the prognosis is the same? If the chemo is effective at containing the tumors' growth, then I should have fewer complications such as trouble breathing and pain. As long as I can tolerate it, the plan is to continue with the chemo.
So far I've been tolerating it pretty well. I do get tired easily, especially when talking to people. It wears me out. So I have to set a time limit on how long I talk to people. My spirits however are good. I have a group of friends who are very supportive and watching over me. And I am learning how to ask for help.
I plan to tell you more about what's happening in my life on this site.
Thank you all for your caring and support. It means the world to me.
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