Went into hospital with pneumonia...came out three weeks later with terminal lung cancer.

Firstly I'd like to say how inspiring you are...I have barely slept for weeks...I seem to be stuck in this bubble and cannot seem to burst it...i know i cannot carry on living like this much longer, the fear and anxiety overwhelm me...I'm due to have my second immunotherapy treatment in a few days time...and until I read your message was seriously considering cancelling it..I just dont know how to deal with the stress and anxiety..

Dear, you are expecting way to much of yourself to soon, you were only diagnosed in October and coming to terms with an incurable diagnosis is a process and not a one off event. I was diagnosed 18 months ago so I can look back and recognise where you are right now. One of the reason you are probably not sleeping is you are living on adrenaline and that puts an extra stress on the body and mind. Step 1 is to get back into something resembling your normal routine, and if you feel up to it to take a walk in the fresh air everyday. Cancer treatment is a marathon not a sprint, is a cliche but a true one and you have to adjust your mindset to deal with its challenges. None of this is easy but we can testify that it can be done and we are here to walk you through the process, so hang on tight and prepare for a bumpy ride !

Hello

Please don't be too hard on yourself.  The incurable group give very sound advice and are a great support network who also post laugh out loud messages and they make you feel very welcome.

It really is a lot to process, I was diagnosed with incurable cancer for the first time in April this year. I have stage 4 breast cancer which has decided to materialise in my spine and hip and that put me in the incurable pot.  The first couple of weeks, I was all over the place, no sleep, crying all the time and going out for a walk at crazy hours of the night/early morning.

It is very normal to feel how you do right now.  It is OK not to be OK. Once you have your routine and speak to your team you will start to feel better. Also in the incurables group there is so much experience and good advise. Please take time to read through some of the posts and join in whenever you feel like it - or not at all if you don't.  For me I have found a lot of comfort and support from the very wacky wonderful group.

IamLyn x

Thank you for your message...I will endeavour to join in and take time to read some of the posts. As soon as the oncologist told me I had an incurable, rare form of lung cancer I have been consumed with some very negative emotions.. your message has lifted me..i dont feel quite as alone as I did.

Hi

I am glad that you feel less alone. I agree with the comments you’ve already had and add that managing the stress and anxiety is a job in itself. It’s really worth spending some time on this. I’ve found meditation really helpful and use the headspace app. Gentle exercise is good, seeing friends and making sure there’s always something nice to look forward to is important for me also. There are things you can’t change and things you can. Focus on the things you can change 

xxx