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Old 04-15-2008, 03:23 PM   #1  
Linda
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Hey my wonderful, beautiful friends

I finally have a little bit of information to share on the lung cancer situation.
Waiting is horrible!

OK, so I was getting really disgusted that Mom had to wait 23 days to get the results of her biopsy. I urged her to go see our regular doctor because they get the results reports right away. I thought even if he didn't have the results, he would be able to hurry things up a bit.

Still have the appointment with the lung guy on the 23rd to have these results explained more clearly.

We have some very good news, and some really strange news.

The really good news: Mom's bone scan came back negative! No cancer spread to bones.

The strange news: Her biopsy also came back negative?!?!?!?!
False negative is a strong possibility, they may have pinched out a sample that just didn't contain cancer cells. However, it made me do some more research and I found out something interesting
You probably know about that tree fungus called cryptococcus...it's in the trees and soil around here. Google it if interested. It can be mistaken as lung cancer before it's diagnosed. It looks similar on a CT scan and can have some of the same symptoms too, such as weight loss and coughing.


It's most likely still cancer, but even just the clear bone scan is fantastic news...so we can breathe just a little bit easier. But this crypto thing has really got my mind spinning, full of hopeful fantasies!!!

That's my update for now, I'll add it to my blog as well.

On the weight loss front. I have now lost 29 pounds, so close to 30
My speed has dropped, but I'm still losing, so I'm really happy about that!

LOVE YOU

Linda

Last edited by famograham; 04-15-2008 at 04:33 PM.
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:29 PM   #2  
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I'm glad that you got some really fantastic news. As far as the strange news, well I think I would be very hopeful that it what it seems to be so far.

Congrats on the weightloss, remember slow and steady wins the race!
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:33 PM   #3  
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That's awesome news that it hasn't spread to the bones!! Did they do a full body scan to make sure it hasn't spread anywhere?

Congrats on staying strong on the weight loss front. We all know that this is such a hard time for you and the fact that you are sticking to your weight loss program really says a lot! Keep it up missy!!!

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Old 04-15-2008, 03:41 PM   #4  
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Sandi, I believe the bone scan was a full body scan. I don't believe they've done a full body CT scan as of yet...

It's a whirlwind of appointments, tests, waiting, worrying and learning. But last night, man..it was so wonderful to get any kind of good news. I had goosebumps and a headache and a sick tummy for hours!

I'm sure we'll have some more testing very soon.

Thanks for being proud of me on the weight loss front! It's sooo very hard to do these two particular things together! All my body wants to do, is eat to comfort itself. BUT I want to remain proud of myself, and show my Mom I'll be OK no matter what. I want her to see that I'm working on keeping my own health a priority too...she wants that so very badly for me. I want her to be proud of me!

xoxox

Linda
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Old 04-15-2008, 03:56 PM   #5  
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SO glad to hear this good news! I will be praying for you guys!
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:12 PM   #6  
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Linda, thanks for the update. I've been wondering about you and Mom. So glad the news was optimistic!
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:25 PM   #7  
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No real words - just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you and your mother as you go through this tough time.
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:37 PM   #8  
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In 2005 diagnosised with histoplasmosis....it is a lung fungus. There are several funguses that can cause lung problems....most of them are regional. Meaning crypto might be common where you live, histo where I live.

Many people in the midwest have histoplasmosis and don't even know it. They might think they have a cold, it will leave several small scars on the lungs that can be seen on xrays and CT scans. Many people have no problems from the histo....I was not "many people".

Mine started with pain in my chest. My family thought it was a heart attack..I KNEW it wasn't, but went to get it checked out....basically to shut them up.

I was diagnosed with costalcondritis (I know that is spelled wrong) It is pain and inflamation in the muscles between the ribs. I was given persciption dose of ibuprophin was sent home and told to rest.

One week later I was in the emergency room in so much pain I could not more. I was curled up in the fetal position and crying, it was a horrid pain. after some morphine they were able to get some chest xrays; I had muscle spasms so bad they cause 3 fractured ribs. It was then they saw the spots on my lungs. I was given pain pills, muscle relaxers, and anti inflamatory meds...I was a zombie. The chest pain continued, and I started having severe joint pain. I couldn't walk because my knees and hips hurt so bad, I couldn't drive because my hands hurt to bad to grip the steering wheel. Then a CT scan showed one of the spots had grown.

After 2 1/2 months of tests weekly CT scans, and many doctor appointments the spot went from the size of a large marble to larger than a golf ball...it was decided to remove it. They removed the whole lower lobe of my left lung. I still had joint pain after the surgery. After more appointments, They determined Iw as allergic to the histoplasmosis and I still had the fungus in my system and had to be on anti fungal medication. I was on meds for 5 months.

When I went in for my lung surgery my doctor was 90% certain it was cancer. I was fortunate it wasn't. I hope your mom gets some good new!!! I know the waiting is very hard. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:43 PM   #9  
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That's good news!
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:50 PM   #10  
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Kate! Thank you so much for sharing that story with me!
I'm so sorry you had to go through that, but I'm very happy for you that it turned out not to be cancer

Funny, we just assumed they were right because the very first doctor to tell my mom about the CT report said it was 99% positive that it was lung cancer.

I'm still guessing it probably is, but there's this twinge of hope in me now

Yes, crypto is regional, and there's been an outbreak in our area (Parksville BC, on the east coast of Vancouver Island) I'm sure it's quite similar to your histoplasmosis.

Thanks again for sharing, and thanks again to everybody else for your amazing support and prayers....I believe they can work!


Linda
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Old 04-15-2008, 05:27 PM   #11  
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Linda that is wonderful news. I'm still thinking of y'all.
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Old 04-16-2008, 11:31 PM   #12  
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OMG, I am so glad to read this!!! I will keep my fingers and eyes & even the toes crossed!!!
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Old 04-16-2008, 11:39 PM   #13  
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I just can't imagine how excruciating this waiting must be. So glad though that you've gotten some positive news!!!

Sooo proud of you for losing through this very, very difficult time.

Here's hoping there's much more positive news on the way.
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Old 04-17-2008, 07:21 AM   #14  
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Thank you for the update. Thank goodness for a little positive news!

And amazing job with the weight loss! Keep it up! Woo-hoo!
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Old 04-17-2008, 07:58 AM   #15  
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That's great news about the bone scan! It's wonderful to hear some positive news when you're dealing with cancer. I also think it's great that you're staying as positive as possible. I'm thinkin about ya babe
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