Sorry to hear. I don't know much about cancer, but that sounds scary to say the least.
What was your pathway to diagnosis? Was it picked up in a routine checkup, or did you feel symptoms that convinced you to see a doctor?
What was your pathway to diagnosis? Was it picked up in a routine checkup, or did you feel symptoms that convinced you to see a doctor?
My PCP did a clean EKG which showed nothing, then it showed up on X-Rays. I immediately got PET scans which showed 2 masses. I then had a bronchoscopy to ensure it was malignant where they noticed additional lymph nodes. I then had a mediastinoscopy showing spread in 3 clusters of chest lymph nodes. I went through 6 weeks of chemo and radiation that resulted in a 25% reduction in the primary tumor and no change in the metastases in a hilar lymph node. I'm now scheduled for a bi-lobectomty to remove my superior and middle lobe on the right side, as well as however many lymph nodes they can get a hold of (check out "da vinci thoracic surgery" to see the robot beast the surgeon will be using).
I have almost no symptoms outside of a slight cough and still run 1-2 miles per day.
I've generally been a grin-and-bear-it guy when it comes to my health. Please suck up your pride and stay on top of your health.
Best of luck with your impending encounter with the da Vinci bot and life after cancer.
It was a tough few months, but because of my trying times I think I got stronger in my faith and I would say it was worth it. It's a good feeling to live life knowing that God is by you, makes one more empathetic and puts value back on the important things like family.
Everyone has their own journey, I just want to encourage you :)
I which you the best of luck and a long life after your encounter with that incredibly scary yet fascinating robot!