Going in for a lymph node biopsy next Thursday morning (1/24) related to lung nodule that cannot be biopsied without removing the lobe ... and with less than 65% lung capacity, that is really not an option. If there is any chance the nodule is benign, I certainly don't want to make myself a respiratory invalid (doctor's words) by removing one of the lobes that is not terribly scarred from the pulmonary fibrosis nor too bad from the COPD that was also diagnosed recently.
The results of the biopsy will determine course of action ... if positive, will begin chemo and radiation for lung cancer. If negative, will have to just wait and see, doing additional scans down the road.
I am handling it all pretty well but will admit that I have my times of meltdown so I appreciate any and all prayer at this time.
By the way ... for those who don't know me ... I did smoke for many many years and I am making it my mission to speak with anybody and everybody I know about NOT ever starting or, if they do smoke, quitting as soon as possible. My lungs could be the model for any and all anti-smoking messages ... I have done this to myself and have had to actually deal with that emotional aspect as well.
Thanks for "listening".
Mary Ann * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 [8/21/08]
Posts: 3937 | Location: Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight ... | Registered: January 02, 2003
MA - I am so sorry to hear that you're continuing to battle such extreme health issues. While none of us here can offer any great answers, we can sure let you know that you're way up there in out thoughts and prayers! So much of life is what we do with what we've been given. Your message about protecting our lungs is obviously very important. However, to see you taking the challenges you're being presented with and turning them into something to help others - is recognized, appreciated, and applauded! You're an amazing woman and I have no doubt that you'll continue to handle whatever the outcome is of this with the same grace you have for the past year.
Huge hugs, prayers, and thoughts to you from me. Charlotte
Posts: 5352 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
FBM - You have shown remarkable strength and resolve through your long ordeal, and managed to keep your sense-of-humor in tact (as evidenced in other posts). Though we've never met, I have tremendous admiration for you. Prayers and warm thoughts from New England. KmomNH
FBM, I'm so sorry to learn about your latest set-back. I am tucking you extra tight in my prayers.
"May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy."
And enough prayers for complete healing, enough hugs for support, and enough love to cope with it all.
And plenty of God's blessings.
Posts: 1841 | Location: Cook County | Registered: June 07, 2005
I'm so sorry you are having to endure this trial. You are strong, you have faith, you have love and support --- may all these, and the prayers of many you've never met, help you through this.
When I am overwhelmed by life's pain and sadness, I Pray "Please God, help me, help me, help me." It is all I can say. I know he hears and gives strength to those who ask.
Kirsten
Posts: 179 | Location: PNW | Registered: April 23, 2007
When I am overwhelmed by life's pain and sadness, I Pray "Please God, help me, help me, help me." It is all I can say. I know he hears and gives strength to those who ask.
That is a beautiful prayer and so very true.
Posts: 5352 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
FBMom,....I know you are one tough cookie of a gal,...but I am still sending our prayers to you and I hope you know that our support surrounds you.
We are always listening,...we are praying for good news, and we are sending hugzzzzzzzz.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ " Play both sports until the competition convinces you otherwise!! " " ...because baseball is just GOOD PRACTICE FOR LIFE ".
Posts: 2966 | Location: Kansas | Registered: March 18, 2006
I learned when I was a kid that if someone had the faith of a mustard seed that they would have the power to move mountains. I will employ my mustard seed at this time and know that it will provide the healing that Mary Ann needs.
quote:
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
When youre weary, feeling small, When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all; Im on your side. when times get rough And friends just cant be found, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
When youre down and out, When youre on the street, When evening falls so hard I will comfort you. Ill take your part. When darkness comes And pains is all around, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
Sail on silvergirl, Sail on by. Your time has come to shine. All your dreams are on their way. See how they shine. If you need a friend Im sailing right behind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
Posts: 862 | Location: nor cali | Registered: September 03, 2007
FutureBackMom, I am praying for you. May you sense God's presence, comfort, and perfect peace that passes understanding as you persevere through this trial. May you draw ever closer to the One who holds your future in His loving hands.
Posts: 2140 | Location: San Antonio, TX | Registered: April 11, 2006
Hang tough kid. I know the "not knowing" period is the worst of all. My daughter had a biosy done and it turned out negative. But she was a basket case in the meantime and it turned out to be for nothing. (I think inside I was worse off than she was, but I couldn't show it. I had to stay strong for her) Thank God, she is fine and it was just a scare.
On the other hand, my husband of 35 years was diagnosed with stage IV cancer two and a half years ago. The waiting period was the worst part. Once it was confirmed and the doctors told him he's got about two years left, he was sooooo depressed. I sat with him and told him to start counting his blessings and remember what a wonderful life he had led up to now. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, use the time he has left to appreciate each day as we all should, but rarely do. Go and visit family and friends near and far and make peace with those who've touched your life in some way and tell friends and family that you love them. Not all of us are lucky enough to get that opportunity.
He's now 6 months past the 2 years that the doctors gave him and still going strong. The cancer is still there, but the doctors are all in shock for he is relatively pain-free and still working. They are convinced that it must be due in large part to his positive attitude.
Remember, even if you must face the worst news of your life, find the strength of faith to count your blessings. It will give you comfort and perspective.
Posts: 135 | Location: Georgia | Registered: August 10, 2005
