Hello all, I’m new to this group and new to cancer. Only recently diagnosed after a short illness which the doctors thought was diverticulitis. Turns out it’s primary lung cancer which has spread to my liver, outside my bowel, hip and pelvic bones.
I’m told it’s too late for any surgery and I am also a kidney transplant patient so I’m not able to have many traditional chemotherapy treatments.
So I’m being referred to my local cancer hospital to see what treatment is available but I’ve been told it will be palliative not a cure.
In realistic terms what does that mean? Should I be asking how long I’ve got left? What am I supposed to do?
Thank you
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I am pleased to say that you have found a safe place to find some support.
A cancer diagnosis indeed brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but I found talking with other people who are on the same type of journey helped a lot.
The Community has many dedicated support groups so can I first direct you to our very supportive Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only
Follow the link I've created above, join the group, then hit ‘start a discussion’ and you are ready to go.
You could then copy and paste the information from this first post into your new discussion or you can just join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk, so can I highlight the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. This service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00
All the very best and warm ((hug))
Hi
I’m so sorry that you are also on palliative care as I am. I have bowel cancer that spread to my liver, lymph nodes and bones. Too late for surgery. Palliative is when they manage the cancer and pain and how comfortable we can get without being cured. I was told I would have 6 to 9 months but I am going through chemo to extend my life to a year or 2. I am hoping the chemo works and gives me more years. Plus, I believe in miracles 
. Do ask your doctor if you want to know how long do they think you have. I asked so I could be ready and get my kids to understand and accept. It is hard hearing that our life is being limited to a certain time. I hope you can come to terms with your situation, it is difficult at first but I hope it won’t be for you.
Anac-C
