Nsclc diagnosed February 2021

Hi Mikon. Welcome to the group, but sorry you find yourself here.  I haven't had chemo for my lung cancer, so cannot help you with this, but hopefully someone will be along soon to share their journey. Do you know which chemo you are being offered? 

Hi mikon i have sclc im currently on chemo had my first round which was a mild one next one will be carboplatin which is adminstered through iv drip then 2 days of etoposide which is tablet for taken at home 4 sessions in total the aim is to reduce the tumour i also have it in lymph nodes in my chest maybe radio therapy depending how well the chemo works good luck with what ever decision you make   x kitty69

Hi Chelle,  Thank yo for your reply, Yes I’m having Carbopatin and Pemetrexed which are due to start on 14/04/21, do you have any experience with either of these.

Mikon

Hi Kitty, Thanks for your reply, sounds very similar to me, I have it in Lymph nodes and bones and will be starting Carboplatin on 14/04/21. Did you find it difficult to decide whether to have treatment or not? 

Mikon x

Hi Chelle, was it your decision not to have Chemo or was there no  choice, I do feel quality of life is very important at a time like this and that’s why I’m so undecided. All the very best to you. x

Not a difficult decision thinking of my 3 children and grandchildren made my decision wont cure it but hopefully give me more time my diagnosis without treatment was 4 to 6 weeks its a fast growing one but responds well to treatment i only got diagnosed 7 wks ago so everything has happened quick im in scotland dont know how quick your health service is where you are xkitty69

Hi Mikon, I wasn't offered chemo, I had intense radiotherapy, and I am now on hormone treatment as my tumours are hormone dependent. This does not mean that I wont be offered chemo further down the line if necessary. To have chemo or not certainly is a tough decision. Chemotherapy has become more tolerable to what it was years ago. Your team will be watching you very closely and the treatment can be tweaked at any time.  You have to weigh up the quality of time compared to quantity. Its a tough decision to make. Do you have family that you can discuss this with? Would you like to talk to someone from Macmillan, do you think that may help. You can call the Macmillan support line 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm, its a free call number 0808 808 00 00. It might be helpful to talk it through with someone. 

Hi Kitty, Yes that’s what swayed me the children, do hope all goes well for you and you have a lot more precious time with your loved ones. I am down south and thank goodness our health service is very quick too.xx

Hi Chelle, 

Yes my family are totally behind whatever decision I make and as you say quality or quantity what’s more important, a very difficult  decision. I have spoken to the Macmillan support team who were marvellous but only we can make this decision. Thanks for your advice and all the best with your journey through this. 

Mikon 

Hi Mikon, just wanted to say hi. My dad was diagnosed before Christmas  with nsclc (the evil thing it is) it was a huge shock as he didn't seem to have the symptoms. He has a lung tumour and also spread to bones. The thought of chemo was scary and it was such a difficult time. He's had 4 rounds now and although tired and few side effects he's doing really well. Since chemo and pain management he seems to be having very little pain, he's feeling good and has managed really well, he's eating and putting weight back on. He has about 4-5 off days but the rest of the time he's telling us he feels great. We are really hopeful the chemo is doing its job hopefully fingers crossed the signs are positive.

So in a nutshell if you think you can do it try. It's not easy and you will need support but my dad is definitely feeling more positive.