[EForEndeavour]

Sorry to hear. I don't know much about cancer, but that sounds scary to say the least.

What was your pathway to diagnosis? Was it picked up in a routine checkup, or did you feel symptoms that convinced you to see a doctor?

[ghjnut]

I had a dry cough for about 3 months that only seemed to crop up in the evenings. I didn't think much about it as I have quite a few allergies and chalked it up to that. I decided to visit the doctor when I started getting some chest tightness when I was going to sleep and I was also getting what I can only describe as hot flashes just as I was falling asleep. It felt like just as I was about to fall asleep I'd get an adrenaline shot and I'd spring back up wide awake.

My PCP did a clean EKG which showed nothing, then it showed up on X-Rays. I immediately got PET scans which showed 2 masses. I then had a bronchoscopy to ensure it was malignant where they noticed additional lymph nodes. I then had a mediastinoscopy showing spread in 3 clusters of chest lymph nodes. I went through 6 weeks of chemo and radiation that resulted in a 25% reduction in the primary tumor and no change in the metastases in a hilar lymph node. I'm now scheduled for a bi-lobectomty to remove my superior and middle lobe on the right side, as well as however many lymph nodes they can get a hold of (check out "da vinci thoracic surgery" to see the robot beast the surgeon will be using).

I have almost no symptoms outside of a slight cough and still run 1-2 miles per day.

I've generally been a grin-and-bear-it guy when it comes to my health. Please suck up your pride and stay on top of your health.

[rockyj]

I was diagnosed with "Thymus Carcinoma", pretty similar story as yours. Had chemo, surgery and radiation. Doctors also did "hot chemo" during the surgery. With the grace of Jesus I am alive today.

It was a tough few months, but because of my trying times I think I got stronger in my faith and I would say it was worth it. It's a good feeling to live life knowing that God is by you, makes one more empathetic and puts value back on the important things like family.

Everyone has their own journey, I just want to encourage you :)

[EForEndeavour]

Thank you for sharing this extremely detailed experience. I could definitely see your comment helping to save some stranger's life when they google something like "adrenaline shot before sleep chest tightness."

Best of luck with your impending encounter with the da Vinci bot and life after cancer.

[usgroup]

You’re an awesome human. I’m in awe of your composure and wish I could do the same if it ever happened to me.

[quenix]

The "adrenaline shot" you describe -may- be normal. It's called a [hypnic jerk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnic_jerk).

[ghjnut]

That sounds a lot like it. Maybe the cancer triggered it or maybe I just lucked out with an unrelated symptom prompting me to visit a doctor.

[moooo99]

Thank you for sharing your story, that pathway sounds scary to say the least. I am absolutely impressed how well you seem to take it.

I which you the best of luck and a long life after your encounter with that incredibly scary yet fascinating robot!