Sadly at the beginning of October I was told that I have lung cancer, which later in the month I was told it had spread to my lymph glands in the middle of my chest, plus the lymph nodes in my neck and I also have 30 plus spreads in my brain, therefore I have stage 4 cancer. Within one month I went from a stage one cancer to stage four, such a shock.
I have been told that they cannot operate or cure me, but they will try to prolong my life for as long as they can. As you can imagine it’s been a lot to process and try a come to terms with.
It is all so strange because I look well and I feel reasonably well. Sometimes it’s like I’m talking about someone else and not me! Which plays mind games with me, especially during the night.
When I first got my diagnosis I found it hard to sleep at all, I would get up and read everything about lung cancer on the internet.
I have stopped doing that now, and I do manage a reasonable amount of sleep most nights.
My family are wonderful and very supportive but as you all probably know that there are some things you try not to discuss with them because we don’t want to upset them.
I am currently receiving immunotherapy every three weeks, I had my fourth round of treatment two weeks ago. I had a CT body scan last week and will be having a MRI brain scan tomorrow, than discuss the results with oncology on the 20th Feb, so feeling a bit anxious. Speaking of oncology, I really can’t praise the doctors, nurses and all other staff I have come in contact with, they have all been absolutely amazing.
I’m not sure what my future holds for me or how long I have, but in saying this immunotherapy has had some really good results, so I am trying very hard to remain positive and I’m still smiling
Morning Kelly, I see Annette has been in touch, she's an amazing lady indeed, and a friend, she is also our night owl, due to her sleep patterns,
I'm sorry you had an infection and hope the treatment is working, and I know these unexpected days in hospital can really get you down, so I'm glad to hear you were feeling better so soon and treated yourself to a massage.
I to love a massage, and will be having one today after my day in hospital yesterday, I too have mine at my wonderful local cancer support centre, Aurora Wellbeing, I hope to go this afternoon, but first it's hospital again until then,
I hope your massage had the desired effect and you feel even better today, have a lovely day whenever your plans.
Hi Kelly, It is good to know you felt better and I hope your massage topped up the feeling of well being! I should really Update my profile but I feel it is already too long, so I would need to start from the beginning and make it more concise! At the time I was just telling it as I felt it never thinking it would continue for so long
I am not on any cancer treatment but just dealing with the side effects etc I have been left with. One of which is pain why I am awake at stupid o’clock most nights. It can get a bit overwhelming at times but I have seen our son get married, watched our three grandchildren grow and saw them in their uniforms heading for their first day at school. Until last year they all attended the same Primary School, then our oldest granddaughter left and started High School, I can hardly believe it! Just how lucky am I! They will all be here for dinner tonight after their badminton club and our son and daughter will collect them around 19.30.
It sounds like you are being well looked after and also that you are having a CT scan, just as a precaution. Good luck with the results and keep in touch!
Love Annette x
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!
Hi Eddie, how are you today and how was your massage? I haven’t felt a 100% and not been sleeping too well, but I sure it will pass, I’m still on antibiotics and other medication they gave me, so I just need to give it a chance to do its magic. I’m having a counselling next week, not sure how that will go as I have never had counselling before. hope you have a good weekend. Xx
Thank you Annette, I am really sorry to hear you are in so much pain, sending a big hug your way. Why is it always worse at night? I suffer with pain in my arms, shoulders and neck, which always gets worse in the evening, night and first thing in the morning, during the day it’s much more manageable. This is nothing to do with the cancer, I am currently being checked for Polymyalgia Rheumatica Arthritis. I hope you all enjoyed your dinner and time together. take care xxx
Hi Kelly, It's good to hear from you ,I'm sorry but not surprised your not sleeping too well, hopefully that will sort itself out, with help from the new meds.
I'm ok, tired and with a few things going on, but the massage was lovely, my regular treat, a light full body, and I hope you enjoyed yours too. I have no plans for the weekend, I think I need to rest.
Kelly I have been having counselling for 18 months, not continuous, at my hospice, and it's been a big help, feel free to talk to them about anything, it's all in confidence, the only thing that will be discussed to others, is if you intend to harm yourself or others, but I would recommend counselling to everyone.
Hi Kelly, I think the pain is worse at night because you are lying still trying to sleep whereas during the day you are doing things that may keep your brain off the pain. Then in the morning, if you do get some sleep, then you have been lying in the same position for a while and your joints stiffen a bit. What do you think? I check here and/or do some jigsaws on my iPad when I can’t sleep. That is most nights, however I have an appointment with the Pain Clinic next month, so fingers crossed. I hope you get on well at counselling and it helps a lot!
Love Annette x
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is a Gift!!!
Good morning Eddie, I’m still finding my way around and slowly learning how to use this site. I just worked out how to look at individuals stories/profiles, and I just read yours, you have had an awful time of it and been through so much. Make sure you have a good rest this weekend. I have a friend coming round this morning, then I’m going to rest and maybe do some sewing. Thank you for the reassurance regarding the counselling. Xx
Morning Kelly, I don't read my profile, just update it when I get round to it, I hope you only read the 1st part, and the good things in life are much more than the bad.
I'm glad to help regarding counselling, I understand they don't work for everyone, but they are important to many of us.
That's good to hear you have a friend visiting and then putting your feet up, I don't do sewing but I like arts and crafts, crafts in a group but drawing/painting alone, and will be visiting my kids mum later today and tomorrow after neurologist appointment, awful weather here sa im happy to be indoors, have a lovely weekend.
That all makes prefect sense, I do tend to get up and walk about and stay on the sofa when the pain is unbearable, and that does help. I just read your profile/ story as I’ve just found out how to, and gosh what a story. You really are incredible and inspiring. I feel blessed that I haven’t as yet had any side effects or problems brought on by my cancer, unlike yourself and so many others. I hope you have a lovely day xx
