My mum had a chest x-ray on 3rd September 2008. The following morning, while at work, the GP rang to say Mum needs to see a chest physician within one week as there is a problem with the x-ray. I went to see him on the Friday (5th) and asked him if it could be lung cancer, as, if I'm honest, that was my first thought. He wouldn't say, but said it's a possibility. Over that weekend, I broke the news gently to my mum - she's 64, but has been disabled for 11 years - and she is currently in one of her depressive modes. I wasn't too serious as she reacts to my mood, and we went to see the consultant last Thursday, 11th September. I thought I had prepared myself for the worst case scenario, but when the only thing he spoke about was lung cancer, I was shocked. I put on a good front for my mum, and we had a session with the lung cancer specialist nurse - she was lovely and answered all our questions. Mum had a CT scan (which gave me five minutes for a good cry!) and today she has had a bronchoscopy. Our follow up appointment is next Thursday, 25th September. It all seems to be happening so quickly and I wonder whether anyone has had a similar experience and been 'rushed' through it all like us?
I am swinging between tears and complete sadness, and then a bit of optimism -is this normal??? I am 41 years old, I work full time as an education consultant and have 3 children. My husband has been an absolute gem through all of this - but friends seem to have taken the news and gone on the missing list! Why do people do that? Don't they realise you need them more now than ever??? I have always been such a wonderful, supportive person to my friends - and I feel really quite angry that they have deserted me when I need them most. I have 8 days of waiting now for the prognosis - and a big clock ticking in my weary brain. Would be grateful for anyone with similar experiences to get in touch - I can take bad news, I'm a tough old bird.
Best wishes,
