Hello all,
This feels very strange, talking to people I don’t know and who don’t know me. At the moment I’m feeling very alone. I live alone, but my daughter has been a huge support, although she lives half an hour away, has two children and works full time. She’s been amazing and I don’t know how I’d have coped without her, but Covid has isolated me (us) as the worst possible time. Sorry to waffle ...
I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer in February, had half a lung removed at Papworth in April followed by 3 months intensive chemo from June. It’s been a rough old ride and I’m still trying to get over the chemo, but I count myself lucky, as the cancer was only picked up because I had a chest infection following getting soaked to the skin in October.
Although recovering slowly, I’m still very short of breath and feeling fatigued. I think the lack of exercise isn’t helping as we’re not able to go out much.
One of my concerns is that although defined as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ I’ve had no indication about when I might receive the Covid vaccine. I appreciate there are many of us anxiously awaiting, and most of us have immunity issues, but as my lungs are affected, am I not one of the priority vaccine recipients? Does anyone know who I should ask? My own GP surgery has told people not to phone, and unfortunately they are not the most efficient surgery in the area. No-one has yet received a vaccine in my village, not even the over 90s. I’m just wondering if there is anything I can do, or someone I can ask. Or should I just sit and wait for ‘the call’?
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one really looks to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your Lund Cancer diagnosis.
Yes I do understand your concerns about when you may get the vaccine. There is indeed a lot of people on this Community in the exact same position.
I am also ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ but I know that I am well down the list for getting the jab and looking at a long wait.
The vaccine will be released using the criteria set out by the government and my GP said that they are being given guidance as to what groups should be done and in what order.
I have a very good relationship with my GP and she basically said “Mike, as soon as I have a vaccine that I can officially give you I will be in contact. In the mean time just follow all the guidance and stay safe”..... and that is what I am doing and not stressing over when I will get it.
A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey can help a lot.
The Community is organised into support groups and I see you have found our supportive Lung Cancer group as this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family.
Follow the above link then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listing ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
