General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSome news for all:
Update from my PET scan:
Here's the link to my post about the PET scan: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220865668
I had the scan done on 12-16-2025. It was more than a week before I got the results, and they were not what I'd hoped to see.
The cancer in my right lung had not shrunk at all. But it hadn't grown, which is a positive note. Still, I'd wanted it to shrink!
And there were new findings: 3 lymph nodes outside my right lung had shown up. Two were considered suspicious for nodal metastases. The third one is larger and may be amenable to ultrasound tissue sampling if clinically indicated.
So there we have it. Needless to say, I have been intensely preoccupied with wondering where my path is headed. I really debated about posting on these unfortunate developments, esp. at this time of year. But all of you have been so supportive! I really need it now.
As before, I will give each of you a recommendation after I've read what you wrote. I appreciate all of you!
blogslug
(39,080 posts)❤️❤️❤️❤️
SuzyandPuffpuff
(393 posts)Sorry yr going thru this. Cancer is insidious.hopefully you're comfy with your medical staff. I hope you're not in too much pain and if Yu can find time to laff try watching comedians and comedy shows. Laughing is good for endorphin release I think. At any rate it's fun. Good luck
Rhiannon12866
(249,515 posts)Meanwhile, we need to ramp up those healing DU vibes which you sure deserve!
3catwoman3
(28,511 posts)Last edited Sun Dec 28, 2025, 06:24 AM - Edit history (1)
If the support of people who care about you makes a difference, youll have it by the ton here in our beloved community.
Wishing you strength, courage, and serenity.
Maru Kitteh
(31,208 posts)How strange that our bodies are at once our only home and also such strange and alien places at times. You have my warmest wishes for comfort and peace.
applegrove
(130,013 posts)Solly Mack
(96,289 posts)I love you, Peggy.
montanacowboy
(6,670 posts)Stay positive it's important. Question your doctors and believe they are giving the right advice. Keep your DU family in the loop.
irisblue
(36,694 posts)regnaD kciN
(27,434 posts)Bayard
(28,409 posts)Sending many good thoughts your way. You know we love you, dear!
orleans
(36,652 posts)sometimes i wonder what the hell the universe is doing by adding these negative events in our lives and upping our stress levels --
especially at this point in time.
sending you a hug and positive thoughts and love. (and a donut for good measure)
electric_blue68
(25,672 posts))))))healing*vibes(((((...CaliforniaPeggy.
choie
(6,529 posts)My heart is with you!
LoisB
(12,275 posts)ShazamIam
(3,019 posts)people
(826 posts)I hope your treatment and healing are underway very soon and that it won't be very long before you find out that it's all working. Take very good care of yourself. You and your team can do this!
rubbersole
(10,968 posts)Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way. Hoping future test results are what you want them to be. Your gentle decency is second to none. We're thinking about you.
markodochartaigh
(4,936 posts)Positive thoughts should come to you all of the time, no matter the time of year.
stage left
(3,190 posts)I second Suzy Puffpuff's advice. Seek out comedy, comedians(Josh Johnson is a good one) funny movies and laugh as much as you can. I lost my husband during the worst of the pandemic, before there was any vaccine. I credit Bill Hader of SNL and his silliness as Stefon with keeping me sane. It can't hurt. Right. And keep taking your oh so beautiful photographs. I've never seen such sexy vegetables nor been so perfectly mooned Hugs
Permanut
(7,948 posts)One day at a time you will get through this. There are thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of survivors of cancer, including my wife.
Note to Universe: CalifoniaPeggy's attendance here is required for the foreseeable future.
niyad
(129,369 posts)Biophilic
(6,390 posts)I'm so glad you have such a wonderful family (including your one at DU) to support you and help you move through these challenges. Your photographs always make me smile and I hope the spirit that has produced them will continue to support you.
BidenRocks
(2,707 posts)Holding it in makes things harder.
Thank you for sharing.
Go Science!
KitFox
(503 posts)that miserable old tumor has not grown. The more information your team is armed with, the better they can tailor treatments that will kick the stuffing out of that damnable c word. If anyone can climb this mountain, it is you with all of your courage, zest for living and appreciation for all the beauty that surrounds you. Please never hesitate to keep us updated because we all care so much and want to collectively muster our healing energy and send it winging to you. I hope you are able to get some daily restorative sleep to help keep you strong and determined. Love and gentle hugs to you dear heart. 🩷🩷🩷
Buddyzbuddy
(2,060 posts)This is a marathon not a sprint. Everyday, every therapy treatment day, every testing day is different. I think the key is a good support system. Ask for help when you need it and never consider yourself a burden. Family members feel helpless and welcome the opportunity to be able to help in anyway possible. Even if it's just keeping you company during all of the appointments. I wish you a quick and painless process.
LuckyCharms
(21,487 posts)"The mind lives where the body lives".
It's so important to try to maintain a positive attitude.
Receiving unfavorable medical news is so scary and isolating.
However, please remember that you have good friends who care about you as a person. Hold on to that. Hold on to the well wishes that you receive here, because people care about you...draw strength from that.
Do your best to embrace positivity while following your treatment plan. The positivity will help you heal.
You have always shown kindness here. You have always been kind to me. Now Dear Peggy, it's time for you to embrace the caring that is being reflected back to you now. Concentrate on this caring, and use it as a tool to help keep your mind positive.
You're strong. And we care. I care about you.
malaise
(292,351 posts)Emile
(40,385 posts)Lean on us, we're all here for you Peggy.
markie
(23,816 posts)
let us help you stay positive
HAB911
(10,250 posts)SheltieLover
(76,266 posts)I am so saddened to hear your right lung is not yet clear, but will keep sending healing vibes to you.
livetohike
(23,956 posts)steps in obliterating this unwanted intruder. Your medical team will figure it out and the power of all of our good thoughts will carry you on your journey to good results.
cachukis
(3,630 posts)Niagara
(11,421 posts)I believe that most of us would be intensely preoccupied with wondering where our paths are headed with this unfortunate news.
There's plenty of people here that love you even though we've never met face to face.
You've always been kind to others. You're appreciated and loved here. Please know that.
Sending healthy and positive vibes your way.
farmbo
(3,147 posts)sinkingfeeling
(57,105 posts)Swede
(38,241 posts)You'll be in my thoughts Peggy.
PCIntern
(27,957 posts)Follow doctors advice: its the Best Odds approach.
Wishing you the best.
PC
Kid Berwyn
(22,762 posts)When challenged by nature and circumstance, I try to remember we are blessed to be part of this:

Source: https://rubinobservatory.org/
Remember, my Sister and Friend, that in all the cosmos, there is only one YOU. You are a reflection of the What made this. And in every way that is good, You are perfect.
marble falls
(70,607 posts)malthaussen
(18,376 posts)Recovery may take more time than you'd like, which sucks, but it beats the alternative.
-- Mal
duhneece
(4,473 posts)My DU sister, I care so much about you.
Im grateful for everything you have shared, the good, the bad and the ugly.
murielm99
(32,650 posts)It is not much, but I hope it helps.
CaptainTruth
(8,028 posts)KS Toronado
(22,943 posts)Still pissed off Gropenfuhrer and Musk killed so much cancer research in this country. Truly believe
scientists would find a cancer cure eventually.

radical noodle
(10,474 posts)Friends just do that for one another. A friend of mine had a "cancer buddy" as she made her journey through all the treatments and ups & downs of recovery. Let us be your cancer buddies. Never worry about burdening us, we'll share that burden and make it lighter for you. Much love to you, Peggy!
ms liberty
(10,941 posts)Sometimes the bad news is the precursor of good results. We love you and I know I'm not the only one sending you healing and hugs.
niyad
(129,369 posts)headed your way. hugggggggggs. Your DU family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need.
a kennedy
(35,211 posts)milestogo
(22,479 posts)I wish you the very best.
bluestarone
(21,084 posts)It is nice to have like a second family that really care for each other. Please continue sharing any news you receive.
highplainsdem
(59,700 posts)what you'd hoped to see, but it is a positive note that the cancer in your right lung hadn't grown. I don't know how long you were on Tagrisso before the scan, but possibly more time was needed for the drug to help. And there are other therapies, which could have fewer side effects. I was just rereading your earlier health updates and saw nothing about surgery after you'd posted about being okayed for the operation in mid-November after you'd had the two tests you'd needed, and passed both. So I'm wondering if possibly the surgery is still planned, just postponed till after the holidays, with Tagrisso tried first, since its shrinking the tumor could make surgery unnecessary or at least simpler.
Apologies if I'd missed an update on the surgery.
Clouds Passing
(6,869 posts)Healing and comfort energies to you 💚💖
mwmisses4289
(3,153 posts)Polly Hennessey
(8,531 posts)LuvLoogie
(8,480 posts)Trueblue Texan
(4,171 posts)for a more effective treatment. You have a positive attitude which always helps in healing; you are surrounded by a lot of love and support which is very healing in itself. Whatever happens, and I hope it's all positive from here, you are loved and appreciated for all that you do. Peace and healing to you and your family.
Deuxcents
(25,391 posts)But were here for you with prayers, positivity and encouragement for you and your family on this health and wellbeing journey. In this New Year that brings so much hope, ya never know what these great doctors and scientists will be able to do. 🌺
Richluu
(152 posts)We appreciate knowing what's going on. Cancer cells live on sugar, you've probably already cut that out! We all send you blessings!
HeartsCanHope
(1,518 posts)Sorry about the 3 lymph nodes outside the lung, but hopefully there is some way to address them without too much
discomfort for you. Sending lots of love and healing vibes, CaliforniaPeggy! You are in my thoughts.
Diamond_Dog
(39,683 posts)Im sorry you didnt get the news you were hoping for, but this isnt anything that cant be taken care of, either. Surgeon took out 12 lymph nodes in my right armpit when I had my cancer surgery and that was 18 years ago. Its unsettling news, for sure
. I will keep good thoughts for you always.
TBF
(35,510 posts)as a chronic health warrior, I know how unsettling some of the updates can be. I learned with a massive blood clot in my late 40s that each day is a gift. I hope your doctors are helping with pain control, so you can get out a bit and enjoy those days. I find walks with my dog to be very invigorating (well, when he doesn't pull me towards the squirrels and ducks!). We are here for you!
Vinca
(53,258 posts)bigtree
(93,320 posts)...but still connecting with the things and folks who matter to you.
Clearly it's your love and care for others which makes your world go round, and that's such a beautiful thing. Love is a beautiful thing, Peggy, and you are very much love, and loved.
Keep the good stuff coming, dear lady.
Easterncedar
(5,439 posts)It sounds like you are getting good care. May the next news be of a turn to the best.
Grumpy Old Guy
(4,211 posts)popsdenver
(1,464 posts)but know our hearts are with you................
Dem_in_Nebr.
(334 posts)My sense is that you will keep on trying to find a way to beat this "thing". And if it wins, well, you have let go down with out a fight. In the mean time, peace, love and joy surround you and yours;
Wild blueberry
(8,103 posts)Sending love and healing from my forest nearby.
All the best.
We love you.
bsiebs
(923 posts)Laffy Kat
(16,850 posts)Phentex
(16,685 posts)Your path is yours. We will be here for you. We will be here with you. Share with us whatever you feel like sharing but know that we will be here sending love and positivity over the internet
bluescribbler
(2,473 posts)I lost my wife to cancer sixteen years ago, just after Thanksgiving. I hate the journey she was on, and I hate the journey you are on. I wish there were something I could do for you.
pandr32
(13,746 posts)I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Please keep us posted about what you are undergoing to try to slay this beast and we will do our part and send love your way.
MineralMan
(150,562 posts)I have no idea what your best move might be. I don't even know what I would do. So, I'll just wish you the best and hope things work out as you hope.
Dave says
(5,315 posts)While my cancer has not shrunk, it has not grown. Ive been stable no progression for 7 years.
A friend of ours was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. She, too, has survived without progression. In her case its been over 3 years.
So keep hoping! Treatments have advanced a century in just the last decade!! Could cures be around the corner for the bunch of us? They may be.
NNadir
(37,217 posts)...to specific oncogenetic mutations in the EGFR protein, some of which are single nucleotide polymorphisms, and others, Exon 19 deletions. It is generally not given without gene mapping of the tumor genetics, which suggests to me that the tumor genes are being monitored.
To me this means you are having top line care.
This technique of monitoring genes (and outgrowth of Clinton era support for science) places the battle against cancer on a new level.
I am not competent to say much more, other than we all care deeply about you and all hope that your prognosis will improve and that modern genetic tools and appropriate drug cocktails will bring you a cure.
All the best to our Manhattan Beach DU wonder.
MarineCombatEngineer
(17,577 posts)Cancer is an insidious disease, one that doesn't care about race, creed, religion, what one's politics are, it's an all inclusive nightmare.
Thank you for keeping us updated and know that your DU family is pulling for you and your family during this stressful time in yours and their lives.
Sending thoughts, prayer, hugs and kisses to you and your family.
spooky3
(38,233 posts)Always be here.
mountain grammy
(28,641 posts)Still hoping for the best. Youre in my thoughts 🥰
peggysue2
(12,372 posts)Cancer is an unpredictable beast but it can be defeated or tamed into a manageable, though chronic disease. My husband had a number of decisions to make with his initial diagnosis and plowed forward taking the advice of the surgeon and subsequent radiation department.
It's hard, scary and exhausting.
Here's hoping for many months, years of quality living which in the end is what it's all about.
Take care of yourself.
So glad you're keeping the DU tribe updated.
mr715
(2,614 posts)Do they have you on immunotherapy? Did you do genetic tests?
gademocrat7
(11,794 posts)Sending you a huge bouquet of hugs, prayers, support, strength and love.
We are with you on this journey.
💙🤗🙏