John Hambleton's Story
DIAGNOSIS AND OPERATION ON MY UPPER LEFT LUNG FOR A CARCINOID TUMOR - age
53 at diagnosis
October 2005
I had just arrived back from a week’s vacation when I started feeling flu like symptoms. I felt that I had a virus and after 5 days I went to the local clinic. The doctor ordered an X-Ray and informed me I had Pneumonia.
The next morning I woke up with severe chest pains and went to the Emergency of my local hospital. They admitted me after several tests. After 3 days on antibiotics I started feeling better. A relative who worked in the hospital was concerned that they couldn't see my lungs in the X-rays due to the mucus.
My pulmonary specialist agreed that further X-Ray would be done. Again the lung was covered and difficult to see.
A Bronchoscope was done and a biopsy was performed on a growth blocking my left Bronchi. This biopsy was inconclusive so another was performed. The pathologist's report showed that I had a 1.4cm central, "Atypical Carcinoid".
My family doctor advised me to search the internet to help me understand my disease while waiting to see a specialist. I found a yahoo group called "Lungnoids" in the U.S. I also came into contact with Maureen Coleman from Toronto. We decided to start our own egroup here in Canada to help patients with our own unique needs and medical system. This was started in January 2006 which is the Carcinoid-NETS-Canada Yahoo group. This site is for all Carcinoid/Nets patients and their caregivers.
December 2005
My doctors sent me to see a Thoracic Surgeon at a London hospital in Ontario. An Octreotide scan was taken and a small amount was taken up by the Carcinoid. I was booked in for a resection of my upper left lobe. I was scheduled for an operation in January however delays pushed it to March.
March 2006
The operation was successful and the surgeon was able to save my lower lobe by re-sleeving. I had an 8” incision in my lower back and my ribs were spread apart to remove the lobe. Within 4 hours I recovered from the operation and after 5 days of excellent care and recovery I was released. The pathologist's report showed that I had a "Typical Carcinoid" and not "Atypical".
My home recovery was slow and painful. At first there were many uncomfortable nights trying to sleep with the pain. I had to take high painkillers at first to help with the pain control. My front rib area was very uncomfortable and sore to touch. When in a car a bump would make it sore. Any clothing touching would also make it sore. I went to my family doctor for painkillers and creams. After about a month the pain had subsided considerably. Talking with other Carcinoid patients informed me that they all had the same symptoms and pains. This helped me to accept that my recovery was taking a normal path.
I had checkups every 3 months in London in the first year. Now I go every 6 months. I did not have any metastases and any other treatments. I do not take any medications for my Carcinoid. The only effect I feel from my loss of my lung is low pain from my scar area (back) and nerve sensations on my chest area. My breathing I would consider normal and only get out of breath when I physically exert myself.
Overall I am very pleased with the highly professional care I received by all the Medical caregivers in Windsor and London that treated me throughout my ordeal.
November 2007 by John Hambleton
Ontario
Lung Tumour
July 2009
Lucky for me, my status has not changed at all and I am still getting clean checkups. I go every six months for my checkups in London Ontario. It has now been just over 3 years since my operation.
I do suffer from fatigue when doing heavy physical work, but that is expected as I also suffer lower back arthritis and muscular pains from tendonitis from both shoulders and elbows. This is derived from repetitive strain injuries (RSI) from my work.