| After being diagnosed with lung cancer, there is no | | | | * Radiation therapy- beams used to kill cancer cells |
| doubt in my mind that you are searching for all | | | | For Stage III or Stage IV patients |
| possible cures for lung cancer. It is best not to jump | | | | * Targeted drug therapies- medications that are used |
| on the first one you find. When trying to defeat lung | | | | to stop the cancer cells from dividing and to stop the |
| cancer, the best method is understanding your | | | | tumor from growing |
| individual condition, and then finding out which | | | | * Clinical trials- Doctor's most recent theories on how |
| treatment will best cure your condition. This will most | | | | to cure lung cancer but are not yet proved. You can |
| effectively cure your lung cancer and will give you | | | | do this and be a part of finding a cure for lung |
| the best chance of survival. | | | | cancer. |
| First step- | | | | * Supportive care- the cancer is no longer treated |
| The first step in finding your lung cancer cure is | | | | and you are made as comfortable as possible |
| understanding your particular case. Obviously, your | | | | through care. You can enjoy the last months of your |
| doctor is going to be one of the best people to talk | | | | life this way. |
| to this about. After observation and several tests | | | | Third step |
| and screenings, your doctor should be able to give | | | | After surgery and treatment you must allow yourself |
| you a detailed description of what exactly is going on | | | | to have recovery time. Recovery time ensures that |
| inside your body, where the cancer is, and what | | | | you are healing properly. After these extensive |
| stage you are in. Listen to your doctor's | | | | treatments it is very important you attend follow-up |
| recommendations and do some research yourself. | | | | appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may run |
| Second step- | | | | tests and x-rays to make sure you are staying |
| Next, you need to understand treatment options. | | | | healthy and to keep an eye out for reoccurring |
| There are surgery, drug and radiation therapies, and | | | | cancer. |
| alternative methods for people suffering from severe | | | | Fourth step |
| cancer and are diagnosed with stage III or IV lung | | | | Mental recovery is just as important as physical |
| cancer. | | | | recovery. Having lung cancer can be mentally draining, |
| Surgical options: | | | | and it is helpful to hear encouraging words. Join a |
| * Wedge resection-removal of a wedged portion of | | | | cancer support group. You can share your inspiring |
| the lung to remove the tumor or cancer cells | | | | stories with others, plus you can hear other's stories |
| * Lobectomy- removal of the entire lobe within the | | | | as well. Being a part of a group of people that |
| lung to remove all cancer infected areas | | | | understand where you have been is important during |
| * Pneumonectomy- removal of the entire lung to | | | | this time. Family is also a great support group. Keep |
| decrease the chances of reoccurring cancer | | | | your family close to you after your diagnosis, during |
| Therapies: | | | | your surgery, and during recovery. Stay positive and |
| * Chemotherapy- medications used to kill cancer cells | | | | enjoy life, best of luck to you! |