Primary Small Cell Lung Cancer, Adrenal Gland & Secondary Brain Mets

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Hello, I'm new here so just looking for somewhere to start really. My mum was diagnosed with primary lung cancer and secondary brain mets in August of last year. It was a complete bolt from the blue and has changed our lives. 

Things started off pretty well with nothing much really changing, until around Christmas when things started to deteriorate. Mum's been on immunotherapy since September and has seen good results however at the beginning of February we were told on a Friday that she needed emergency brain surgery to 'debulk' the tumour. Off we went to hospital on the Sunday and 24 hours later she was in for majot brain surgery. The operation went well however unfortunately mum has been left with significant sight loss. The support we've received from the council etc has been great but not only are we now living with cancer, we're also dealing with having a partially sighted mum. 

In addition to the surgery (which was a success) mum underwent radiotherapy targeted at the tumour sight around 6 weeks ago which has left her completely and utterly exhausted. She's been pretty much housebound since around 4 weeks ago, has little to no appetite and is a shell of her former self. She's now also on anti depressants to try and help with her mood. My sister and I spend any and all of our free time with my mum but both lead hectic lives with full time jobs and families of our own. We're currently unsure of whether this state is a result purely of the radiotherapy or whether we have moved onto the next 'phase'. Mum's never wanted to know prognosis or stages etc so it's hard to know what's even going on.

I suppose I'm not really asking for help but just wanted to share my story and to feel less alone in this battle. 

  • Hello. I feel for you, It is a traumatic time for you all. Please do not think you are alone. Yes it feels like it, your words resonate with me, alone, a battle, so many feelings and emotions, for me it was the feeling of helpless. You will find the strength, I was amazed at the strength I/we found when my wife was diognosed with Ovarian cancer in 2001. And in 2010 I was diagnosed with Thymoma cancer and everything that it brings. Yet again those around me found the strength to cope in those often dark days. The one thing I took from the whole thing was that despite how we feel we are never alone. There is always someone to reach out to often in the most unexpected places. All we have to do is be open and tell people how you are feeling, tell them you need help and support, and they will respond. 

  • Thanks so much Symbo. You're right, everyone has been fantastic so far and the support we've received from loved ones and the wider cancer community has been great. I really appreciate your words and know that you and your wife are in my thoughts.