Hi, my mum was diagnosed with Cancer in June. We were told she had a mestatic tumour on her spine. The biopsy confirmed it contained lung cancer cells but they cannot see any cancer in her lungs. On Monday we were given her PET scan results and they told us she has a lot of disease on her spine which is “active” and it has spread to her lymphnodes. She is starting chemo on Wednesday.
My mum is my best friend. I see her most days and we talk on the phone daily. I am terrified at the thought of losing her. We have not been given any timings. They have just said they hope to manage it “long term” but I don’t know what this means. I want to hope she won’t die. I was wondering if anyone had been diagnosed with secondary cancer and still living years after diagnosis.
thank you 
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but I am so sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis but I do hope you'll find lots of comfort and support here on the Online Community.
If it’s any comfort, although my cancer is completely different it is incurable. I was diagnosed way back in 1999 and my cancers has been managed through all these years.
The New to Community is like the Community Reception area. There are many cancer experiences so the Community has many dedicated support groups so can I recommend you start by joining our Lung Cancer and Lung, secondary cancer groups. This are safe places to talk to other people who might have a similar diagnosis or experience.
If you'd like to connect into these groups. you need to join the groups. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a new post by clicking in the box near the top right with + New(Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so why not hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
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, emotional support, benefit and 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.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
