Mandy Bryant 54 Irwinville United States: Share

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Let's Get Groovy and Feng Shui

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Crazy Sexy Juicers

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Lung Cancer Posse

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Crazy Sexy Adult Children of Bummer Childhoods

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Teaching Revolution

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Mandy Bryant's discussions

Subject: what foods help what parts of our bodies

Replied Jul 7

Subject: what foods help what parts of our bodies
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Sweetlife Jul 7.

Crazy Sexy Posses - Nationwide!

Replied Mar 24

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Mandy Bryant's Page

Profile Information

About Me:: May 5, 2005 I received a phone call at work reminding me of a one year follow-up appointment with my family doctor the next morning. I had totally forgotten it and almost cancelled it because it was a busy time in our office. However, I decided to go ahead and get it behind me.

The appointment was pretty routine. I did mention to my doctor that I seemed to be tired all the time and took naps whenever I could in the afternoons and on weekends. He said that could be a symptom of depression and wrote a prescription. Almost as an after thought, I told him that I occasionally have a pain under my left rib cage. I questioned whether it could be my lungs. He looked at my folder again and said, "Hummmm, you are a smoker, let's get a chest x-ray."

I had hardly made it back to my office when I got a call from him. He told me there was a "spot" on my upper right lung. (Pain I had mentioned was on lower left lung.) When I asked him how big, he told me it was pretty big... the size of a softball. He asked me to return to his office.

A needle biopsy was done on May 30th. By June 1st, we knew that I had large cell carcinoma that measured 6.5 cm. By this time I had been referred to a pulmonary doctor. He ordered a bone scan, CT scan of the lungs and brain, breathing tests, blood analysis and a PET scan. All of these test results were good, nothing abnormal except the tumor in my upper right lung. I was referred to a surgeon.

My daughter and I had a cruise planned to Alaska for June 18th (my trip was free through my job and my daughter had gotten a reduced rate). I mentioned this to my doctors and they all said for me to go ahead and take the trip... enjoy the time with my daughter. We scheduled the surgery for the day after we returned from our trip.

The upper lobe of my right lung was removed on June 28. When the surgeon came out to update my family, he told them that the tumor was larger than he expected 9.5 cm and that it had adhered to the back wall of my chest. He also said the lymph nodes looked inflamed. He suspected that the cancer had spread. However, when the test results were back, the nodes were negative for cancer. I was in the hospital for 4 days total. It had been estimated that I would be there for 8 - 10 days.

After the surgery, I had 28 radiation treatments and 4 rounds of chemo. There have been a lot of ups and downs and scares along the way. There is a spot back at the original site but it has not grown in over a year now.

Since my diagnosis I have seen my daughter married, got remarried myself, and had my first grandchild. Although I am older than most of you, I hope I can join the posse.

Bless you all,

Mandy

Relationship Status:: Married

Favorite Quote:: I am not afraid to sail my ship... for I have learned how to weather the storm. - Louisa May Alcott

Favorite Book:: Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips (of course)

Your Website or Blog:: http://none

What's your personal mission statement?: Live like you are living... not like you are dying.

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Mandy Bryant's Blog

Emails sent to friends and co-workers during recovery

This is probably more than anyone will want to read. The first email is before my cancer, but explains what my family had just gone through. It was good for me to read through it again to realize how much better things are now. March 2005 Friends, This is for those friends who already know, and those who don’t know, what has happened in our family. We received a phone call from Mexico Friday night that Jim (my ex-husband who I had divorced 7 months before this writing) had passed away. After… Continue

Posted on March 11, 2008 at 11:35am —

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Comment Wall (37 comments)

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At 4:09pm on November 14, 2008, genie said…: Mandy, I just discovered your email that I somehow never saw. How are you? Have you gotten your follow up results yet? I see many people here posting their love and concern -- me, too.

Lots of love and blessings.

At 12:38am on November 14, 2008, Carrie Belair said…: so what happened!!! shit i gotta check this site more often!!

At 12:30am on November 14, 2008, Chris in Wyoming said…: Just checking in-saw your note on the lung cancer group site. Know wer are here for you and sending healing and hope your way.
Chris in Wyoming

At 6:46pm on November 12, 2008, carol krebs said…: Hey Mandy, got your message about your lung stuff.. i will keep you in my prayers and wondering if you heard anything??? I know you will be good and strong whatever the outcome as you are - you are the best!! Happy November and Thanksgiving to you girlfriend.. peace

At 4:43pm on November 7, 2008, Debbie said…: hey mandy lou,

you are always in my prayers and i love you.....you are my girl.

see ya soon...deb

At 5:58am on November 7, 2008, Elizabeth M. said…: Mandy - I just read your email...I'm praying like the dickens here...Try, if you can, to be calm and breathe. Glad you thought to come here for support and love...peace love...xoxo

At 3:46pm on September 14, 2008, Lana said…: Hi Mandy, thanks for the invite...we're all blessed to have each other on this wonderful site! Your story is amazing...stay strong, you inspire us all!! Stop by my page anytime to visit!

Hugs,
Lana

At 2:46pm on August 3, 2008, Lana said…: Welcome to the site. Hope everything is going well for you.

Lana

At 6:31pm on July 22, 2008, Mandi said…: I'm sorry to hear about the COPD But I am happy you are here and stable and I wish only the best for you!!

At 1:25pm on July 22, 2008, Mandi said…: That's a funny story about your name. I don't mean to be dumb, but what's a COPD problem? I hope all is well!! Good luck to you to and many blessings. Mandi