Hello everyone,

My mum was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer 10 days ago. She also has COPD {pulmonary emphysema} which was diagnosed 10yrs ago, the last 5yrs of which she has found it hard to walk indoors unaided and uses a motorised wheelchair when she goes out. On top of this she also suffered a major heart attack last june which she tells me was caused by high cholesterol.

Her doctors have decided to start chemotherapy next thursday the 27th November and see how she gets on with it. I live in Glasgow and my mother lives in Oban with my Dad and sister. I have been unable to visit so far as i have children and do not drive so I only have our phonecalls at the moment to find out what is going on.

Can anyone else tell me if they have any experience of lung cancer and copd and a dicky heart.

Hello Margo,
I am sorry to hear about your mum's condition. This is a frightening and confusing time for everyone, I hope it gets clearer when all the test results are gathered together and a plan is put into place.
I have a history of emphysema, had 2 heart attacks in 1999 and in April 2006 I was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that time I was told it was terminal, probably had only months and was offered palliative care. After chemo and radio therapy, which wasnt at all bad for me, in May of this year I was invited to join in clinical trials for Tarceva and Sunitinib. Up to now things are going well, the most recent scan shows that the tumour has stabilised and my health is no worse than two years ago.
I am now 70, can take care of myself and my home and have my 6 yr old grandson every day after school, so you can see, there can be a good life after prognosis.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch, or pop in and meet some wonderful new friends in the chatroom.
Love
Angela
xx

Dear Angela,

Thank you so much for your kind words, it is such a minefield trying to find information and for you to have gone through the same things as my mum and with your results is so uplifting. Once again thank you. x