After meeting with the oncologist, Dr. Mudad, last week I said that I’d make a decision regarding chemotherapy today. So my decision is… that I’m getting another opinion first.
You may recall that the first opinion I got was less than credible, so I’m discounting everything I heard from that doctor. Although I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Mudad, he can’t definitively say whether or not he’d recommend chemo for a family member with the same issues.
As I said, it’s not rare, but my case is unusual.
So we’re getting one more opinion! I have an appointment on Thursday with Dr. Raez at Memorial Cancer Institute down here, and have the follow-up with Dr. Mudad scheduled for next Monday.
Today marks four weeks since I had surgery to remove the lower left lobe of my lung and a wedge containing a second tumor from the upper left lobe. Although my surgery was done in a minimally invasive way with the Da Vinci XI robot, there’s still a lot of pain. I’m constantly reminded that I have to be patient and just let my body heal.
Hopefully, despite what ever decision I make, I’ll be able to return to the air in a limited fashion in the next week or two. Though to be honest, D’ump is not making me want to get out of bed in the morning.
Very wise decision to seek a second opinion.
Wishing the best as always for you Nicole.
Your courage is more remarkable as the recovery continues, Nicole. Thinking of you all.
Hi Nicole, I’m a stage 3A six year survivor. I was treated with Cisplatin and Etopocide, six days of infusion, 21 days off, six days of infusion, while receiving concurrent radiation. I underwent a thoracotamy to remove one lobe of my right lung, then repeated the 33 day cycle of chemo. I never had neuropathy. Nausea was controlled by wonderful drugs and peppermint and ginger ale. (I can’t say I felt great, but I wasn’t puking every day!) Six years later I don’t have touch sensation from incision site on my back around to my chest, right bra cup to right bra clasp :-). Would I do it again? Absolutely! I have had six treatment free years without disease (so far!) Every person’s story is different, so be sure to do whatever you feel is right. And, if you start and you don’t want to continue, its okay to say ‘stop’ All the best to you and your hubby. t: @lungcancerhawai
Most of us who follow you can only let you know that we are here for you…that we will follow you on whatever platform that you are able to use, that we think your voice is needed, and, that we hope, that in addition to your family, we give you another reason to fight!!