My World Turned Upside Down

A month ago, my life changed forever at an 8:45 AM doctor visit.


I had been “doctoring” for several weeks, trying to solve persistent constipation that was accompanied by a slight difficulty in breathing. After a variety of interventions had failed to solve the problem, my doctor ordered a CT scan of my abdomen and a blood test that flags lung problems. When the blood test results came back with very high markers, I received an urgent call from my doctor’s office, telling me to go back to the hospital stat for a CT scan of my chest. This scan confirmed that I had a large pleural effusion, or build-up of liquid in the pleural cavity of my left lung. A lung specialist drained my lung in the emergency room and sent a sample off for analysis. There were cancer cells in that fluid.


So what do you do when you learn on a Monday morning that you have lung cancer?


You say ungraceful things. You cry. You discuss the best options for care with your doctor, and follow his recommendations. And in my case, you go to work, where at least there was something I could do. I don’t think my husband and I could have done each other much good had I gone home, our feelings were too raw.


It’s been a busy month, filled with appointments with new doctors, financial planning, and communication with friends and family. My heart has grown at least a size from the love I am receiving from every direction.


I am still working, but I will retire at the end of August. My job is too demanding to balance with treatment and rest.


I am getting consistent messages from the medical specialists who are helping me that this cancer probably isn’t curable with the treatments they can offer, but that I am healthy and that they think the cancer can be managed as a chronic illness. The first step is to get a sample of the cancer for genetic analysis. I am going to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester on Friday to do just that. The surgeon will also seal the pleural cavity of my left lung, so that I don’t have to have it drained regularly. I have had a surge of courage these past few days, and I can do this.


I want to write more frequently here. I keep making notes of thoughts I notice and want to puzzle through as I talk out loud with my keyboard in this personal space. It’s hard to find time right now - I began this blog post days ago, and had intended to write in much more detail. I like this shorter version. Soon I’ll be living at a slower pace, and will have more time to write.


I don’t intend for this to become a cancer blog, however. I’m still knitting, and I’m still living a life that is bigger than the cancer within me.


Comments

  1. You bet life is bigger than cancer and you offer to the world much more than a diagnosis. You show good old fashioned reach down deep and get it done North Country I can do this attitude that is prevalent around here. Just don't forget to allow your friends to accompany on each stage of the journey wherever it leads you. Time for us to return the grace and goodness you have modeled for us.

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  2. I'll have to look that up, treatment as a chronic disease. You are a warm, glowing light in this world and life is better with you in it. It just is! Healing thoughts to you, supportive thoughts to your daughter and husband and we will read and listen if you need help sorting and carrying your burden. Much love to you! Lenore

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To help improve outcomes for people like me with EGFR mutated lung cancer, please donate to the EGFR Resisters' Research Fund. All donations are tax deductible and are in a restricted fund with the Bonnie Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, a four-star rated charity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!


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