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OT...I'm having lung surgery

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Posted 8/2/2012 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi my friends...Brain MRI on Tues...showed no cancer floating around in there. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

Looks like, I will be having lung surgery in a couple weeks. I have a great cardiothoracic surgeon...22 years experiance and yep, he's board certified.

Talked to the surgeon on Tuesday, and was told that the lung node is likely cancer....the PET SCAN along with my symptoms are very telling. I also have a past history of smoking and lung cancer does run in my family.

He will start out doing a video assisted thoracic surgery to get at the node...Pathology will be standing by to check it. Once he knows it is cancer he will proceed to open me up and get in there to remove the entire lower lobe of the right lung. He knows I have osteoporosis, and joked he'd be careful not to beak anything.

The oncology team is gathering info from my other specialist regarding health issues and meds.

I'll let you know when I get a surgery date....Still hanging in there. I'd be lying if I told you, I wasn't scared. Doing what I can to keep the stress down...a flare caught up with me and you all know how fun that is. turn

thanks for being here...You are great!

hugs, Robin

Posted 8/2/2012 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Robin,

Thanks so much for the update, though it really wasn't what I wanted to hear. I wanted to hear that everything was okay. But you have the most fantastic attitude that I have ever seen. It will get you far. Know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you Robin... We love you so much. Keep us posted as to how things are going and when they come up. We want to be right here with you through everything. Many gentle hugs and much love to you Robin!

Karen...
Posted 8/2/2012 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Robin, It sounds like your in excellent hands. It makes a difference when you have a team of years of experience. Just remember We are here for you anytime. Never forget you have the almighty to lean on too! Hopefully the days will go fast leading up to your surgery. Sending a care package of comfort and hugs your way!! Lol
Posted 8/2/2012 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
huggssss hon wish you the best and pryaing for you
Posted 8/2/2012 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Robin,

First of all, the good news- NO cancer of the brain. Excellent news!!

Now, it sounds like the surgeon has a plan all mapped out w/ the lung, and he has a lot of experience. That's the dr you want on your team.

Lean on us w/ your concerns and feelings. If any of us could take this away from you, you know we would do it in a minute.

Do you have any comedy DVDs that you could watch to distract yourself, maybe some books or music to lessen the stress?

Karen is so right, we all love you dearly. My thoughts and prayers are w/ you.

God bless.  Alice.

Posted 8/2/2012 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
You are amazing, Robin. When I read people's posts, I never see a clear picture (I'm not very visual) but with yours, I always see golden light - like sunshine!

I'm so glad the brain MRI came back with good news.

Sure, you're scared. But with such a positive attitude, you're way ahead of the game. You have confidence in your team of doctors - that's another plus. You're doing everything in your power to ensure the best possible outcome...remember to baby yourself...I'm glad you have a loving, supportive family in your corner, too. Not to mention all of us, of course...through thick and thin! :)

Debbie
Posted 8/2/2012 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
So glad to hear the good news about the clean MRI!!!

If I'm not mistaken...there is still a chance when they do a biopsy of the node that it can come back non cancerous...so I will keep praying for that miracle as I shared earlier....I had two friends that got to the point where you are and it turned out benign.

And was the PET scan of the whole body so that they see everything else is clean as well like your kidneys, liver, pancreas, etc?

Even if it comes out cancer, you are so strong and it sounds like you have wonderful and skilled Drs. We are all here for you...

Keep us posted..
Posted 8/3/2012 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Great that it's not in your brain. I pray the tumor in the lung is benign.
Don't worried about a thing you're in good hands.
Posted 8/3/2012 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I wish you much luck on the surgery! I'm sending "no cancer" vibes and will keep you in my thoughts...
Posted 8/3/2012 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Robin, I don't know what to say that hasn't been said before.  I'm so happy that it hadn't spread to your brain!  That is fabulous news.  Your team of doctors sound wonderful so you really are in good hands.  I, too, hope they find it is benign but if it isn't, I'm sure they will take excellent care of you and you will be up and about in no time!

 

Your positive attitude is a huge plus.  That's what I was told before I had some major surgery and I did recouperate in record time, too.  You will too.  You have many prayers behind you and are loved a lot.  Keep us in the loop because we really do care about you.

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/3/2012 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
Reading all your posts brought tears to my eyes...I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for my fibro family.
You have seen me through some difficult times and were always there to cheer me on. Thank You, my friends :)

I recieved a phone call late this afternoon...it looks like I am getting my surgery earlier than expected. Surgery is set for August 9th.

Hubby will be taking time off to see me through this. My daughter will be flying in on the 15th...I hope to be out of the hospital by then. All my family lives up North...I live in Arkansas. I do have wonderful friends and neighbors who will help out.

I did have a full body PET SCAN...the surgeon will also be removing lymph nodes to check if anything has spread.

I am hoping for the best...whatever the outcome...I know I will be ok...I have great support to get me through it and I trust that God will be holding my hand every step of the way.

Love you all :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 8/3/2012 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Robin,

You have so much strength. I really do envy that. I hope I can be as strong as you if something like this happens. You are like a breath of fresh air on this forum... I am so glad we have you here.

I think the moving up of the appointment is good in a way, you will get it done quicker and be on the road to recovery quicker. Know we are all here for you. We are your cheer leading squad. lol... Go Robin!!!

Keep us posted the best that you can. Know we are all thinking of you and praying for you...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 8/3/2012 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad you are getting taken care of right away.  It will be over before you know it and you won't be having that weight on your shoulders anymore.  It sounds like you have everything in place, too.  I'm glad your family is coming to help you after your surgery.  That's what I had my Mom do when I had major surgery.  That's when you need the help...not before surgery.

 

I just bet you will have a quicker than usual recovery.  I sure did and my surgeon said it was because of my positive attitude and faith.  I even amazed myself!  tongue    You have a fantastic outlook on life, Robin.  You can tackle anything and, yes, God will be with you because He told you He would!  So take His hand and in six days this nightmare will be done and you will be on the mend. 

 

You know your fibro family is here for you every step of the way, too.  We are all praying for great results for a great member!  We all love you, too.

 

Sherrine

Posted 8/3/2012 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
I am thinking of you, my friend, and know you will kick some serious butt!  My admiration for you grows and grows...you are one remarkable woman.  So let's 'getter done', as my mother used to say.

xxoo

Donna

Posted 8/3/2012 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Keep moving forward with treatment, and keep positive. That is the best you can do. Keeping our collective cyber-fingers crossed.
Posted 8/3/2012 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing more information...The great news is that since they are doing things backwards a bit as you have already had the head MRI and full body PET scan and everything else is clear....that is something to do a happy dance!!! Usually it's the other way around if they do the biopsy, find it's cancerous...then they do all those other tests to see if it has spread anywhere..

So at least now you have the knowledge and less stress of knowing it hasn't gone to your brain or any organs if it turns out to be cancerous.

I will still continue to pray that they do the biopsy and it is benign! Or as we said...worse case it is cancer but we know it's early and even if it's in a few lymph nodes it hasn't gone anywhere and they can remove them or treat you accordingly.

So there are things to celebrate so far! It's great your family will be around to support you as well as we are all here for you. As Sherrine mentioned, having faith and a positive attitude is absolutely proven to help people through illnesses and tough times.

It's good that the surgery is soon so that takes anxiety from building.

Sending you big hugs (( ))
Posted 8/3/2012 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Make sure you have a recovery spot set up...
comfty chair or bed
lot's of pillows
Chilled water for dry throat
light snacks for munchy (jello, applesauce, crackers)
TV with remote
Radio or CD player for relaxing music
Bell to ring for help if trouble getting up
Phone close by because you'll be getting lots of get well calls. :)

You'll feel better in no time.
Posted 8/4/2012 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
 Thanks for your continued support, my friends tongue .

I've been busy trying to get some things done before my surgery but am very careful of pacing myself. Just realized that my wardrobe will have to change after surgery. If I do end up with the full thoracotomy he is going to do lengthy incisions and use the rib spreader. Don't know if I will be able to lift my arms to wear a night gown or pull over tops. More than likely I'll live in my jammies or just a robe.

What I am concerned about are my 2 cats, Frankie and Charlie. Both boys are big, Charlie is over 20 lbs. He loves to jump up on my lap and lay on my chest. My cats know how to open closed doors by jumping up and putting their paws on the lever handles. I could lock them in a room....but I would hate to do that.

My recovery will be a long one and my cats are my fur babies. Does anyone know where I can get a suit of armour? turn

Doing OK emotionally....my neighbors had a party last night and it was fun...I ate lots of good stuff...starting Thursday, it will be liquids for awhile so I've been eating some of my favorite foods.

Hope you all are enjoying the weekend...So far it has been great.

Hugs, Robin  :-)   

 

Posted 8/4/2012 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Robin,

You and your kitties... They seem to know when we are sick. So don't be surprised if he knows not to get on you.

I am glad you went out to a party and had some of your favorite goodies. It is good to treat ourselves sometimes. I am so hungry for icecream. And it has been sooooo hot!!! I might just go up and get me some.

Keep being you... We are so lucky to have you here on the forum.

Have a wonderful weekend too!!!

Huggles ~ Karen...
Posted 8/4/2012 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
During my recovery after my stomach surgery my cat never got on my stomach. She seem to sense my stomach was tender and just sat on my legs.
Posted 8/5/2012 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, that is soon! I'm glad, though - less time to worry about it beforehand.

That would be quite a conundrum with your cats! Wish I had a great idea about that. I'd say maybe create an impenetrable wall around you somehow, but knowing cats (gotta love 'em) they'd take that as an irresistible challenge....

I'd feel the same way, hate to lock them away, but maybe at least in the beginning that would be the best.

Hugs, Debbie
Posted 8/6/2012 11:04 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, you are a strong person, i hope for the best for you. I've had brain surgery and radiation(but not chemo, TG) and they really weren't that bad, at the time. I've my stomach opened up 3X as well(2X c-sections 1X radical hysterectomy) and the worst part was the swollen disk in my spine from being on the table 4hrs longer than expected. I don't know about rib-spreading, it sounds kind of scary to me but you have a good surgeon and an excellent support system which is 3/4 of the battle. I have a dog not a cat but i know he will not jump or try to play or do anything but lay in bed with me waiting for me to be well enough to get up and feed him and take him out, sometimes this is 12hrs at a time, animals are very sensitive to how we feel so i think you furr babies will be fine. :-) they need a hug emoticon.
Posted 8/8/2012 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
yeah  Robin,

I imagine you're doing so many last-minute things before surgery that you may not read this till after, but just want to wish you the best of luck tomorrow. I hope the news is the best possible and your recovery is speedy.

Sending mass quantities of good thoughts and prayers your way!

Hugs, Debbie
Posted 8/8/2012 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Wanted to wish you luck tomorrow and send positive thoughts and energy your way.

Try to think of your recovery - the good parts, being pampered, pushing that button in the hospital and taking all the time you need to feel better!!!

You are obviously loved and cared for by many, so you will have lots of people praying for you including me.
Jacey
Posted 8/8/2012 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
I am sending out prayers for tomorrow...I really hope it will be where they are able to just do a biopsy and remove the tumor and have it be benign!...

As we said, even if it ends up to be cancer, we are all supporting you:)

Hugs (( ))
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