paulapps61
paulapps's Cancer Blog
May 11, 2008
| update | Views: 77 |
Hello, I am a male living in Calgary Alberta. I have two grown girl and three grandchildren.
I was diagnosed with non small cell metastatic lung cancer in March of last year. Ironically, I was diagnosed on my grand daughters birth. Initially the cancer near my occipital lobe was treated with radiation as well as bone cancer in my spine. I also had to undergo stereo-tactic radiation. For that they screw a mask to your head which has to be worn for several hours. Subsequent to that I underwent approx 20 weeks Chemotherapy which failed halt the growth of my cancers. The cisplatin, however, was very effective in destroying the nerve endings for hearing. I now have to wear bi-lateral hearing aids. The latest, Tarceva, taken daily has left me with extremely dry skin, and tiredness thats so bad its hard to comprehend. I was taken off it after 20 doses as it was deemed I had no quality of life left.
I have had several responses to this post about “not giving up” I have not given up but am also under no illusion about beating the cancer.
Ï have continued my fitness program all through this. There have been times when I was too sick to do so but carried on.
One the reasons I joined this blog was to encourage other to pursue the path of fitness which has served me well.
Thanks all for your comments
Paul
05.04.08 - 
Thanks for your support -
Hi Paul. How about telling us a little more about yourself. We like to get to know our new family
members. We are here to support each other the good times and not so good times.
Hug Sherri
You sound like you’re giving up hope. Don’t EVER! Remember this is happening to your body and although you are not in charge of it ultimately with things like this you must think positive no matter how bad it is. You have to tell yourself that you can make it through even if the light is dim.
Much love and many prayers,
Gem
Gemma is right! Never ever give up. Cancer is a no prisoner, taking bastard and the only way to fight him is to get pissed, and stay pissed.
Plus your dog needs you!
Welcome home brother
Mac
Paul, I have the same diagnosis that you do. I was diagnosed 17 months ago and told my life expectancy was 18 months, if I had chemo etc. I am feeling pretty smug as I am sure to surpass the prognosis. Please stay crazy positive. I am not exercising, I quit the week I was diagnosed due to the extreme pain. You and I have both outlived expectations. So rock on my brother.
Paul, I forgot to mention. Last year I was placed on Tarceva, with Avastin, as part of a clinical trial, and the Tarceva almost killed me. My lungs reacted severely, I was hospitalized for 8 days on major IV steroids. So anything can go wrong. It was working on my cancer too ! So I envy you for being able to take the Tarceva. Count your blessings.