My FIL was diagnosed 7-8 months ago with, what was said to be, a single 'very small', 'very early' lung tumor. Oncologist said there were signs of asbestos exposure, but 'nothing to worry about'. They tried removal (failed) so did radiotherapy and that was showing shrinkage.
Now mid may he has had a brain tumor removed. He went for follow up radiotherapy (stereotatic) today and has been sent home as its already grown back too large to treat..... I am so confused as to how we could have been so mislead. My own father died of metastatic kidney cancer, so I know how these things are so unpredictable... I just feel betrayed and angry that we've been told all the way through that he was lucky to have found it so early and he was going to be fine.
I know my MIL has a rose tinted look on things, but the paperwork from the hospital has always been so positive. Also the oncologist didn't find the brain met. It was his GP.
Sorry to rant. I'm just thinking it's better to let it out here and now so that I can be calmer and supportive for my husband when he gets home from work.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am so sorry to see you having to find us.
A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of confusion and stress on a family. Over my 20 years living with my type of Lymphoma I have to say that on the whole my teams have been good but yes, some of the developments in my condition have caught both my team and us out and it was catch up time and that was so stressful and confusing.
Good that you have been able to 'let out' on the forum and talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot and will reduce the whirlwind wind that is rushing in your head.
I don't know what you are looking for from the Community but can I highlight some areas.
We have lots of support groups that are Cancer specific and also ones that are general Cancer experience. You may find connecting with others supporting family and friends through their cancer journey in our Carers Forum and Friends and Family Forum to be helpful.
Follow the links and have a look at the groups and when you find somewhere where you think you can connect in - join the group(s) by hitting the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name. At this point go to the right on the group home page and select how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.
The best way to get support is to go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab just under the main group name. Set up your own Discussion and Introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’ section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find some great pages covering the cancer diagnosis, treatment and information pages covering most types of cancers.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support Groups in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
When you feel up to it think about putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.
To do this click on YOUR username, look to the left and select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the very best to you all.
