Secondary lung cancer and treatment

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Hi. My partner was told she was in remission from bowel and liver cancer in November. We were shocked and overjoyed after a gruelling year of capox and surgeries.

She was told at her first 3-month check in January, however, that she had growths in her lungs and had a prognosis of 12-24 months as it was incurable. This was devasting as the same oncologist had told her two months prior that she was now in a "good group" post surgery.

She has 6 or 7 small (1mm-2mm) growths on each lung. She will likely start fortnightly doses of FOLFIRI (?) in a few weeks to buy time. He said that there may be one more treatment available after that.

We're just shocked at the short amount of time left. She's only 57, is otherwise well, a non-smoker, doesn't drink and is super positive (better than me). 

Are these numbers averages or are they generally what you'd expect in anyone with this kind of cancer?

Would appreciate your thoughts. 

Thank you.

  • Dear PS67

    Thank you for contacting us here at Macmillan Cancer Support, my name is Rae and I am a Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

    We can see that you are an active member of the online community and supporting other people as well as sharing what is happening with you and your partner.  Thank you for that, we hope you are finding it a supportive environment.

    We are sorry to hear that having had such a gruelling year of surgeries and treatment you have now been told that the cancer has spread to your partner's lungs and she has a prognosis of 12-24 months.  The main treatment for advanced bowel cancer is chemotherapy.  Folfiri is the treatment that your partner has been recommended. 

    Any prognosis given is a medically informed prediction about the likely course and outcome of the cancer.  Several factors can influence prognosis.  These are related to the disease itself, the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed, and the aggressiveness of the disease.  The age and health prior to diagnosis, including lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise.  Lastly, the response to treatment given, and the effectiveness of it against the cancer.  So in answer to your question, they are averages, and only time and going through the treatment will let the doctors involved in your partner's care know how she is responding.

    It may be worthwhile having a referral to the palliative care team.  This can happen alongside having active treatment. 

    It is a time of emotions, going through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and then being told that the cancer has spread.  There is no right or wrong way to feel, but it is okay to not be okay and to reach out for help and support

    There is more support available if you pop your postcode into the Cancer Care Map.  This will show you local and national support.  We also have local Macmillan Support available.  You of course are more than welcome to give us a call here on the Support Line, we are here 8am to 8pm, and you can phone or use webchat.

    Best wishes

     

    Rae, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref/RH/TT