Non small cell lung cancer - stage 4

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Fast track referral by my GP excellent. Chest x-ray, hospital consultant, lung biopsy, scans x 3, consultant for explanations and "next steps" Chemo - Pemetrexed and Carboplatin. Given lots of helpful booklets by The Haematology and Oncology Day Unit (HODU) at hospital. Also Superior vena cava obstruction information sheets. Scary stuff. What a roller coaster!

So now 4 months later, relieved to still be alive, I am trying to come to terms with it all. Latest scan shows the mass has shrunk but blood test said cant start maintenance chemo yet. Seeing consultant again on 28th. Waiting is SO hard. Cancer specialist nurses are wonderful. Roll on Spring.

IonaF 5 months ago

So glad that you have had a quick response. You are right, it's scary.

I certainly felt shell shocked especially as I had no symptoms. I have a different cancer but equally have been pleased with the speed of the NHS response.

In the pamphlet before my screening, it said 9 out of 10 get the all clear. I remember as I was recovering from the sedation, thinking that I was glad that it was over. Then a nurse came over to take blood from me. That's when the horrible thought came that I am the 1 out of 10.

However, lots of people helped me get through the waiting time. Try to distract yourself as much as possible. I found music. podcasts and getting outside even for short periods helped me get through the day.

Sending you love and support. You are not on this journey alone. Take care. X

Gardener W 5 months ago in reply to IonaF

Thanks for your kind reply. I haven't found my way round the site yet and it feels like a big win being able to get back to somewhere I've been before. :-) Was SO disappointed this morning when start of new chemo was postponed - felt like Christmas had been cancelled. Silly me should be used to it really ;-). Hope all is going ok for you. Big love and best wishes.xxx

latchbrook 5 months ago

Hi Gardener W and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and although I was diagnosed with different cancers to you, I have a good idea how you're probably feeling right now.

The online community is divided into different support groups and I can see that you've already found and joined the lung cancer group which is a great place to ask questions, share experiences and get support.

When you feel ready, do start a new post there introducing yourself in the same way as you did here. You can also join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on 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.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Gardener W 5 months ago in reply to latchbrook

Thank you latchbrook , I thought I had put details into my profile but I'm not very good at navigating sites (ha ha) . Not bad for 74 years though ;-). Thanks the tip on how to do it.