Mums Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Hi,

My mum was originally told she had non small cell lung cancer in 2016, it was in her lower left lung which thankfully they were able to remove with surgery. The past few years we have lived in fear of it returning. Unfortunately on may 24th we were told it is back and has spread to the right lung and lymph nodes. She had her 1st session of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on Thursday the 25th of June. Like your mum it’s not curable. I’m not quite sure what to expect over the next few months with treatment and side effects. She seems to be doing well upto now but it’s only been a few days. If you would like to chat or just have some one to listen I can be a good pair of ears maybe talk each other through what I know will be a tough time. 
take care 

sue

Morning Sue 

I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. It must be devastating to hear that this dreadful disease is back and she has to fight it again. It’s the not knowing that’s the hardest, that’s how I feel anyway and the fact that my mum can’t eat much but also doesn’t want to. I think she’s scared to swallow. I’ve had to take a few days off work to try and get her sorted. My head can’t function properly so my task today is to speak to her chemo nurse and get the SALT team involved as well as making sure my dad is looked after.

Yes let’s keep in touch and support one another. Take care

warmest wishes Joanne

Hi Joanne, 

yes the not knowing is the hardest part. 
I lost my dad July 2013 to this terrible illness. It rocked our whole family. So to be dealt it for a 3rd time and this time knowing she is just fighting for extra time with us is heartbreaking. I hope you can get the help that your mum needs. Although you are supporting your mum and dad, please take care of yourself. Stay strong.

sending you all a big hug

sue x

Hi Joanne,

I'm very sorry to hear that about your Mum and I hope you're doing well in these strange times we live in.

My Father has recently been diagnose with stage 4 lung cancer. He's always been a healthy guy, but not right now. I've found that Fortisip drinks have been a great help. The 200 ml ones have around 300 calories and make a great meal supplement. He didn't like them at first, but got used to them. Still never liked the caramel flavour. I buy them in bulk from Amazon. If ever at the hospital you can ask for one instead of a meal, and the ones they have contain near 1,000 calories. I've tried to get those ones but haven't found them to buy.

Wishing you, your mum and your family all the best.

Morning

I am so sorry to hear this about your father. I hope you too are managing to cope and look after yourself.

I was actually thinking about suggesting  these to Mum see what she thinks. Her throat has been very sore so even having liquids has been a challenge for her but hopefully after a chat with her nurse later today we may have some options. 

sending my thoughts to you and your family

Joanne 

Hi Joanne and others who have replied

I too am in the same boat with my dad recently diagnosed as having advanced lung cancer.

He was not eating as he has little appetite and has lost nearly 4 stone in weight.  He now has the fortijuice supplements which he gets on prescription so he doesn't have to pay for them.  They are on repeat prescription so we just order more as he needs them.

I've found that the oncology team have been amazing.  I called them yesterday afternoon as my Dad wasn't doing well and they quickly organised a prescription for steroids which I was able to pick up for him so he could start taking them today.

I am working at home at the moment so can self isolate which means my Dad and his partner are my social bubble allowing me to go into the house, take my dad to appointments and most importantly hug him.

These are very difficult times as it is without the coronavirus affecting everything.

I have been researching a lot about dad's cancer and the treatments and find this helps me as I like to know the facts and it enables me to ask pertinent questions of the oncologist.

I live on my own so it is difficult when I'm home alone but I am just focusing on my dad and taking one day at a time and trying not to think the worst.

If ever you need to talk I am here

Love and hugs to you all

Andrea x

Hi everyone sorry I’ve not replied or been back in touch. Sadly I lost my mum at the end of July, I’m absolutely heart broken as it was so unexpected. 

A few days before she had a stent fitted to try and help her to swallow so we all were taking this as a positive albeit still really concerned about her weight loss etc

Its only since we’ve found out that Mums prognosis was awful. At 15th June her first consultation before chemo she was already stage 4 (T4 N3 M1) I just wish we’d known But we had to respect Mums wishes, but knowing that now the chemo wouldn’t have helped at all. 

all I know is that she was strong and brave to the end, protecting me and my Dad and going the way she would have wanted, peacefully at home with no fuss. 

I can’t stop thinking about her and wished we’d had more time. Sending love you all and take every opportunity to cherish your love ones and tell them you love them. 

joanne x