Hi
6 weeks ago I had a pneumonectomy of my right lung. In medical terms the diagnosis was a Resected Stage IIIA T4 N0 M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.
My thoracic surgeon, his registrar and the hospital were fantastic and I have nothing but praise for them.
Physically I’m doing ok and I’ve been home for 4 weeks now but to have to decide if I’m to have 3 month of chemo ( Vinorelbine and Carboplatin) or not. Evidently there is only a 5% survival benefit at 5 years so I have to question if it’s really worth considering what I will have to go through. To be honest I’m scared of it and it’s possible side and after effects. I’m slightly deaf already and evidently it can make that worse, permanently. Plus of course with effect on the immune system I am seriously concerned about my vulnerability to Covid.
I really don’t think I can cope with it.
My mental state at the moment is a complete mess. Far worse than when I was first told I had the disease. Friends tell me to look back at what I’ve been though and how well I’d done but I must admit I’m in a dark place most of the time. My GP has helped me all the way and have now started a course of sertraline ant-depressants which hopefully will help me get through this.
in the meantime it would be good to hear what others have gone through with depression and chemotherapy. Not only ones who had the chemo but maybe others who decided not to, which is where I am at the moment.
Thank you.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community.
I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis and treatment but I hope you will find the support available in the community helpful at this difficult and challenging time.
Talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment path (my one is completely different) will help you navigate this unwanted journey.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area and as there are many cancer types and experiences so likewise the Community has many support groups but I see you have actually joined our supportive Lung Cancer group as this will be a good place for you to connect with other folks who may be on the same cancer treatment pathway.
Navigating the community will depend on the device you are using. To go to the group just click on the green link above then introduce yourself by putting up a post by clicking on ‘New Thread’ or ‘New here, say hello’ then hit the box with the X on the top right (phones).
You could just copy and paste the text from this your first post and you can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best.
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to read that you've been diagnosed with SCC of the lung but you've joined the right community to talk to others who have been where you are now.
I can see that you've already joined the lung cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support. When you feel ready to post there clicking on the link I've created will take you straight there where you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
