Linking you to resources and support in the lung cancer community!
Non-smoker with SCLC
Hi,
I'm in my early 40's, and have never smoked in my life, no work with building materials/ mining/ no radon gases etc, but I've "beaten the odds" and been diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer. I received the diagnosis last week, following CT scan and biopsy.
I have already seen a surgeon, but I'm not a candidate for surgery, cause its already in both lungs. But he was fantastic and organised the biopsy and oncologist appts. I see the oncologist on Wednesday to get our initial treatment plan.
From what I've read on-line, it is very rare for a non-smoker to have SCLC.... I'm wondering if there are any others out there in the same situation?
I'm hoping the fact that I'm relatively young and in good health should mean that I have a better prognosis. Certainly, the prognoses I've read on line are not good.......... but I'm ready for a fight! I plan to do all I can to "beat the odds" for survival as well!!
I'm surprised at the low survival rates for lung cancer and the lack of improvement of outcomes compared to other cancers. I wonder if the focus on quitting smoking has meant that there is a lack of resources/ interest in how to actually fight this thing.
I have great support networks around me, but it's good to hear from people who have experienced the same thing and particularly encouraging stories of survival and recovery.
Thanks!
Views: 120
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by AmyLCA on -
Hey Xena,
So sorry that you are dealing with this. It's true that SCLC in never smokers is quite rare. It happens, but it's rare. Usually the key in dealing with SCLC is to start chemo as quickly as possible. It tends to be more aggressive than NSCLC.
Your good health will definitely be an advantage to you. Since chemo can be really hard on the system, the healthier you are going into treatment, the better your body will be able to keep up.
Unfortunately, you are probably right about how the attention to smoking cessation has hampered some resources. The preventive side of things is definitely important, but as we often point out here at LCA, the majority of people diagnosed either quit smoking before their diagnosis, or they never smoked at all - so smoking cessation isn't doing much for that group! We are working hard to get more funding for the screening and treatment research!
Hang in there!
Amy
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Permalink Reply by xenawarriorprincess on -
Thanks Marbee.... Boy, you are extra-special... both SCLC and NSCLC!! Its good to hear that you are in remission though. There aren't so many good stories around remission for SCLC, so its encouraging to hear. Are you doing anything specific to try to prevent recurrence, eg natural remedies/ immune boosting etc?
Chemo has gone very well for me so far. I've just finished round 2. I stopped coughing after day 1 round 1 and had stopped wheezing by day 3 round 1. So, now I feel quite healthy and happy! Just a bit of tiredness and minimal other side effects from etiher the cancer or the chemo. I get another scan after round 3, in 3 weeks!
I'm still feeling very positive and determined, and really appreciate all the support people I have around me,
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Permalink Reply by DavidatpMOD on
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Hi Xena, You are in a group that is unfortunately growing in numbers. I've been reading about lots of initiatives to enlighten the community about this expansion of younger, healthy people coming down with this disease. The more we can educate, the more we can get to work on a cure or at least better treatments. My grandfather had lung cancer in the early 80s. Things have changed drastically for the better since then, but we have a long way to go. We are getting there. Keep a positive attitude and be strong. Good luck, God bless and keep the faith...
David
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Permalink Reply by bronie2MOD on -
Hi Xena, I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Your youth and vitality make you an excellent candidate for chemo. You should alos know that while SCLC can be an aggressive cell type, it is most vulnerable to chemotherapy, so I am glad to hear this is part of your treatment plan. I am a survivor of this celltype and I was, unbelievably, a smoker. I was 38 y/o at the time and like you, was healthy and able to tolerate the chemo. My thoughts and prayers are with you Xena..tonie
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Permalink Reply by xenawarriorprincess on
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Hi, Great to hear your story - are there any more details of your journey on this forum?... did you have any treatment after chemo?
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Permalink Reply by bronie2MOD on
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Hi back. While there weren't any so called "prescribed" treatments after I finished up w/conventional interventions, I got heavily involved in energy work, ie Reiki, meditation, exercise and overall changing the way I lived, I went back to school for a graduate degree and moved from a very stressful job to something I loved. I learned to play mah jong! I also distanced myself from the toxic people in my life. So whether I live or die, I am living a better life. Hope that helps Xena (by the way, love your name). All the best...Tonie
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Permalink Reply by Audrey on
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Tonie
this is great news to hear from you! my father is finishing up his chemo this week with impressive results so far. i have also introduced him to reiki and other energy healing. we also work on changing the diet as much as possible. keep fighting!!
audrey
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Permalink Reply by xenawarriorprincess on
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Hi Tonie,
Did you have limited or extensive SCLC?
It really is good to know of someone who is a long term survivor of SCLC. ....... so you are officially my role model!
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Permalink Reply by bronie2MOD on
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Xena, I had limited SCLC and believe me there are others like me running around..talk soon...tonie
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Permalink Reply by Audrey on
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hi xena
sorry to hear about your dx but know that here you will receive great support. sometimes just reading about other people's journies helps. remember to stay positive and always ask questions here and at the office!
thoughts and prayers
audrey
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Permalink Reply by xenawarriorprincess on
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I've just finished round 4 of chemo, and everything is going well so far. I had a scan after round 3, which shows all the tumours either disappeared or reduced to less than half the original size, which is great news. I've had very few negative side effects from the chemo and continue to work full time. in fact, the oncologist is so happy, he's given me clearance to travel overseas, so I'm off to Europe straight after my next chemo. I should now also qualify for prophylactic brain irradiation and also radiotherapy to lungs, which I'll start after I've finished round 6 of chemo. So, all is going well so far. I feel healthy and am breathing/ eating/ sleeping all perfectly normally. So, all good from my side!!
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Permalink Reply by bronie2MOD on
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Great, great news Xena!! Enjoy Europe thoroughly...best, tonie
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