I was diagnosed on 2 July with small cell lung cancer which has spread to the lymph nodes and also several bone metals
I had chemo 3 days but have since suffered many different side effects alone
I feel I have been dropped in the middle of a horror movie not knowing what had happened or what Is coming next
I am due 3 days of chemo again next week but can't go through these side effects again with no guidance on how to get through them
I don't know what I should do
Thanks for getting in touch with our online community. My name’s Louise and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here.
It sounds like you are having a difficult time. The process of being diagnosed with cancer and starting treatment can be difficult to make sense of. It can be hard to know what to do. It’s good you have reached out.
You mention you have suffered many different side-effects from the chemotherapy, and that you can’t go through these side effects again with no guidance.
Because we don’t have access to medical records here on the support line we would always suggest contacting your healthcare team with any side-effects or symptoms that are new, getting worse or not improving. Your treatment team can assess your side effects and arrange for the right medications to help manage these.
There are different ways you can contact your healthcare team, depending on the situation.
If you are experiencing side effects of treatment at the moment, contact your treatment team straight away on the 24-hour treatment helpline number you should have been given, or the NHS on 111. Letting them know straight away means any side effects can be managed more easily and prevent any treatment delays.
If you are not currently experiencing side-effects from treatment, you can contact your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or consultant. They can be contacted through the medical secretaries who can be reached via the main hospital number(switchboard) and pass a message on.
You mention you feel you have been dropped in the middle of a horror movie. Being diagnosed with cancer can cause a range of different emotions, and not knowing what is coming next can be difficult. there is a lot of support out there to help with how you are feeling and make things easier.
You can also speak with your treatment team about how you are feeling. They are there to answer questions and offer support.
It can help to share experiences with others in a similar situation. I can see you haven’t joined any groups on here. There are different groups, including a lung cancer forum, and many people find this a helpful and supportive space. You can also find support in your area.
You could also call us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.
Kind regards
Louise, 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.
Our Ref: LR/LM
Hi Bimbim57701ddf,
I’m Kirstine, one of Louise’s nurse colleagues. I spotted that you sent a reply and just wanted to reach out.
You are going through such a lot right now and it’s important to be kind to yourself. There is no requirement to feel brave or courageous when you are having cancer treatment. It’s really common to feel vulnerable, and to have good days and not so good days. You are not less than anyone else going through an experience like this. It can be a tough gig, but you don’t need to feel like you are alone.
I’m glad you’ll be able to talk with the Consultant – I hope that appointment has gone well for you today.
I can see Louise has sent you some great ways to access support – I do hope that you feel able to investigate those options. Take each day at a time and know that we are here to chat with whenever you feel you’d like a listening ear or to explore your support options.
Kindest wishes,
Kirstine – Macmillan
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 KDf/ AT
