How long have I got?

Hi Spanglydangly

I’m so sorry you feel this way. Have you spoke to your oncology team about the way that you are feeling.

Can I just ask….When you say you were diagnosed with terminal lung cancer…..not wishing to be rude but is terminal  the term they actually used ? 

I’m only asking because I was  diagnosed two months ago with ‘incurable’ ‘inoperable’ lung cancer that is in both of my lungs and has spread to my spine and is also in my lymph nodes…T4 N3 M1c…and the word ‘terminal’ has never once been used. I actually told them I didn’t want a prognoses as I’m going to prove them wrong if I can. I like you am still living my life as best I can, I love a glass of wine and a good night out and an excuse to dress up. 

I’m about to start targeted therapy next week, it’s sort of like chemotherapy but I’ll have injections every four weeks and pills daily, this will be for as long as it works for and it is hoped that it will shrink my tumours and slow down the spread. It has a very good success rate for people like me and I’m going to trust the science.

I'm expecting unpleasant side effects but if it makes the pain in my back or my ribs less then it can only be a good thing.

if it is successful it could give me a few years. I refuse to think anything but positive thoughts and I ain’t giving up without one hell of a fight. 

I feel so sad for you that you feel so negative about it all, I appreciate it’s a very scary place to be, I and everyone here knows exactly how you feel but still, ask for help with managing your symptoms and try your best to make the most of the time you have left. Maybe speak to a councillor that might be able to help you.
I do hope you can get the help you need and we’re all here if you need to vent.

Please take care, sending some positive vibes your way,

Hugs, Jools

Hello, sorry to hear how you are feeling, it seems what you are feeling is a form of depression, chronic fatigue being one of the symptoms. My friend is coming up to two years of being diagnosed with "incurable and inoperable" stage 4 SCLC....the word terminal was never used. She did not want a prognosis, just a treatment plan to give her a longer life. She was put immediately on to chemotherapy, which the oncologist said was only palliative, to alleviate her symptoms, she had this chemotherapy injection once every three weeks and additional chemo tablets to be taken orally at home.

The chemotherapy shrunk the tumour, which was quite large, and she got her life back. She is now on immunotherapy. It is amazing to see her, she lives her life as normal, and if you did not know her you wouldn't think anything was wrong with her. She loves to socialise and enjoys a drink or three....we have some lovely days out together.

It probably sounds difficult at the moment to do, but you must remain positive. Mental health can take its toll on us when faced with such problems. Do you have family or friends you can spend time with, maybe just a bit of retail therapy with them, or the odd day out, it will lift your spirits. The negativity you are feeling is depression, please don't let it take hold. Have a chat with the oncology nurse, they may be able to help.

Ann

My husband has just been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer spread to brain & lower back. Hes waiting for an appointment at the Marsden to discuss treatments. He has no symptoms.

I think its both our mental health that is the problem. Being told this when u arent ill is just so hard to take in.

Hes had a blood test for targetted treatment. But the rest will be discussed with oncologist. 

Wow Jools you are  an inspiration for people on here ! Thank you 

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer

Thank you for saying that, believe me I’ve had my dark moments when I was first diagnosed and so did my husband and daughters but I’ve put my big girl pants on now and decided positivity is the only way I’m getting through this (and wine ) and that’s going to be my way of coping. Cancers Ar*e is going to be getting a good kicking even if it’s going to beat me in the end, either way it’s not going to be just yet  

Sending positive vibes your way too

Jools 

Hi Ann

Your post has given me such hope as it sounds like your friend might be on targeted therapy with the regular injections and pills which is what I’m about to start on next week.
To hear that she’s a couple of years in and she’s coping so well is such lovely news to hear.

It’s a bit of a minefield navigating all these different treatments and cancer terms, I’ve learned so much in the last few months. When I was diagnosed initially I thought ‘well that’s me bu**ered then”. 
Then I started to learn about all of these new treatments and my whole outlook is different now.

i hope your friend continues to do well.

I also hope you are doing well with whatever treatment you are having for your lung cancer. 

take care, positive vibes and hugs winging their way to you too 

Jools