I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2011, and also at the same time, diagnosed with lung cancer. There was no connection between the two cancers.
On the 12th of January 2012, I underwent surgery on my bowel and was told on completion that there was. no further concern regarding that cancer. Very assuring.
On the 3rd of February 2012, I underwent surgery for my lung cancer. Just prior to the surgery I was informed by the surgeon that he would be removing only a lobe from my lung.
On the 4th of February, when I came around in intensive care, the surgeon came to see me and told me that he had been forced to remove the whole lung as the cancer was just about to enter my bronchus. Shattering news, but the surgeon was very upbeat in his explanations.
Chemotherapy followed and was to be just four rounds of treatment. Unfortunately, following the 2nd treatment, I suffered an internal bleed and was hospitalised for a few days. I then underwent the 3rd treatment and suffered yet again a massive internal bleed as a result of that underwent immediate surgery and finished up with a stoma. Fortunately, the stoma was reversed after 7 months.
Having now reached the age of 82 years, I feel pretty lucky to have had these last 10 years, albeit I do have other quite serious health issues which are affecting me greatly.
Put trust in the NHS and the wonderful Macmillan organisation and enjoy whatever you can of life!
