darter's data

I don't have experience of lung cancer but I do know something about radiotherapy. I also know how numb and horribly scary it is when you are first given the diagnosis of cancer. It seems as if we have been dropped into the centre of the whirlwind. All you can think is that this is 'the end'... Please let me say, every patient is different, every diagnosis and treatment plan is different. Trust your doctors to know what is best for YOU.

As for advice: take someone with you to every consultation so that they can listen to what the doctors tell you because, as the patient, you are often too numb to take in what is said. Think about what questions you want to ask, write them down, take this with you and then write down the answers. Some doctors don't mind if you take a tape-recorder into the consultation as long as you ask beforehand.

Radiotherapy is not painful although you may have some reddening of the skin. I did not have chemo, but I hope someone else on the site will help you with this question.

Good luck on this journey and best wishes,

KateG

Hello darter , my mam has been diagnosed with lung cancer and it has spread to her liver . We have just been to the hospital again today ,  its12 weeks since she visited our own GP about her loss of voice and 8 weeks since it was suggested by a DR in the ENT  "it could be cancer" . I really cant believe how long its taken to get to here . Thankfully  she starts Chemo tomorrow .This is the first time i also have lokked on this site , it really has helped alot to see how wonderful and brave people are, at the moment i think our family are still in shock. Sorry to babble on .

can i just thank both KateG & randolph123 for getting back to me. I really appreciate their time  to write. i will certainly take on board some of their comments.  This is the kind of support i was looking for and it really is helpful to know that there are some kind people out there all going through the same as me . thank you

Hi Darter, the waiting at first is absolutly horrendous and i have every sympathy. Before i found out i had cancer i assumed that if you were ever suspected of having cancer it would be rush rush rush and treated asap. As we all know now it isnt the reality they move as fast as they can but those weeks in between waiting for biopsy results, scans etc seem like eternity when all you want to do is start treatment to start getting rid of it. Try and keep busy even if you cant stopthinking about it as days go quicker if you are doing things. Best of luckand hope you start treatment soon xxx

Hi Darter...i know exactly how you feel...as will most people on here...i was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on the 29th april last year...i didnt have my hysterectomy until the 8th june...the 6 weeks from diagnosis to surgery felt like 6 years...i just wanted it taken out of me..but the surgery had to be planned...and they had it all under control..from surgery i then had to wait until september to start chemo..another long wait...but now when i look back on it..a year later...i cant believe how quickly it went. Im now in remission and back at work...and going on holiday next month...ash cloud permitting...haha.

At first it does seem as though all you do is wait...when you just want to get on with it...but they do have it all under control...i hope all your treatment goes well and you will be looking back on it as all being a blur like i do now....take care and good luck...love Sharon xx