What the WHAT?

AKA The Extended Version. People have asked me how I found out about the lung cancer. It’s not a simple answer, and to be honest, has been a long and challenging year-long chase. And believe me, we’ve chased many a wrong rabbit down a wrong rabbit hole along the way.

It started late last year (December 2018) when I came down with the worst flu (and coughing fits) of my life, and I haven’t felt quite right since. Ongoing throat and chest pain kept bothering me well into the new year, but I figured I had lingering bronchitis I just couldn’t kick. 

Around February I went to my primary doctor for a strep test, which came back negative. I also mentioned a continued dry cough and what felt like…I wasn’t sure what…heartburn maybe? So off we went down that road.

Acid reflux (GERD, LPR) seemed to be the most likely culprit for the dry cough, chest pain and sore throat…so we chased that rabbit for months and months with different medications, diet and lifestyle changes (bidding adieu to soda, coffee, spicy food, chocolate, citrus and much more). I had a few more strep tests along the way just to be sure (I swear it felt like strep!), bloodwork, an H. Pylori test (if you’ve been there, gimme a woot woot for that fun procedure…haha!). I joined several online GERD/LPR support groups trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Nothing helped. In September I decided to bite the bullet and get an endoscopy. Those results came back clear. No sign of reflux or GERD. At least I can drink coffee again! 😂❤️☕️

Meanwhile…my back pain continued to worsen since January-ish. I thought I needed a new mattress or to lose weight. I started walking and did lose a few… bonus! But every day I woke up a little stiffer and had to pop a few more ibuprofen to get through the night. In June, I made Brad stop at Tumbleweed + dispensary on our way to the Garth Brooks concert… damned if I was going to let back pain keep me from enjoying Garth! Turns out medicinal gummies are not my thing…but I do love my Nordic Goddess ointment!

In July I ended up at my primary doc again… for yet another strep test and seeking advice about my back. Negative on the strep (again) but they ordered muscle relaxers and more stretching exercises for my back pain.

The pain continued to escalate, so in late August, my primary doc ordered a spinal x-ray. The initial diagnosis was moderate arthritis and it took a MONTH to get into the ortho for a consultation. After a month-long wait..I went in for a consultation (September 26) that lasted less than five minutes. The doc basically asked me to touch my toes and ordered a spinal MRI.

A week later I learn that my MRI got cancelled because it was declined by insurance…they wanted me to try some alternative therapies first. I threw an ABSOLUTE FIT (not really in my character) and got that decision reversed within a week.

I got the MRI on October 10 and from there, things kicked into a higher gear…including these procedures: 

• Spinal X-ray
• Spinal MRI
• Nuclear bone scan that detected a shadow on my lung
• Chest X-ray
• Chest CT
• Chest Biopsy
• Don’t forget the somewhat pointless EDG
• Deep bone biopsy
• PET Scan
• Brain MRI/CT

On October 31, lung cancer was confirmed. The PET scan and brain MRI showed it has not spread to my other organs. For that I am truly, truly thankful!!

Apparently our lungs don’t have a lot  of pain receptors, so until recently, I wasn’t experiencing a lot of direct chest pain despite a 33mm mass in my right lung. In retrospect, my primary doc speculates that the heartburn-like chest pain and sore throat were due to “referred pain” emanating from my lung. It could have gone on much longer, undetected and growing for months had I not had the x-ray to figure out my back pain. 

So the lesson here is … mystery rabbits are a pain in the T8, but can also be a blessing in disguise.

I continue to count my blessings. 

If you’ve hung in there and read this much…thanks for reading my ramblings. I’m trying to journal and process all that’s happened and understand how it all fits together. 

I’m soooooooo ready for the next step. Please note, I have cancer…it does NOT have me.  Whatever treatment is needed… I’m ready. Let’s go. Thanks for fighting this fight with me…we WILL win!! xoxo 

Love & blessings always,
Jammie