My story began about 8 months ago. I had to go to the emergency room at least 6 times for shortness of breath, chest, back and abdomen pain, infections, diarrhea, constipation, migraines, you name it, I had it. I was hospitalized 4 times. The doctors did a lot of tests and concluded that I had interstitial lung disease, which I already knew because of my immune system conditions.
In August of last year my pulmonologist ordered an MRI of the chest. The test showed that I had nodules in both lungs. She told me to have another MRI in December and that one showed that the nodules were larger. The next step was to have a PET scan. The results were that the nodules were abnormal so I had to have a biopsy. The result of the biopsy was lung cancer. I had to make an appointment with an oncologist as soon as possible, which I did. I went to Loyola Hospital Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center with Jeff, Nina, and Natalie. The oncologist told me it was Stage 4 Lung Cancer and the prognosis was bad. He told me their plan for treatment which was just chemotherapy. I decided to go for a second opinion.
I made an appointment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL. Everybody there was amazing. I have a team that is working on a plan of treatment which includes targeted chemotherapy. I had my first chemo treatment which was just a half dose to see how my body tolerated it. I did very well. No vomitting. I've had a few issues since, had to go to the er 1 time because of shortness of breath and chest and back pain, but they stabilized me and sent me home. If I have problems I just call someone on my team and they help me through it, whatever it may be. I am going to continue to go there for my treatments because they have given me hope. I also can get free massages, reiki, manicures, pedicures, acupuncture, and more. They pamper you, which is just what you need to help process a diagnosis like this.
Pray for me as I battle this horrible disease. I plan on winning! I love you and pray for your continued good health.
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