Further treatment?

Hi 

 sorry you are going through this, and for the 2nd time,

but all I will say is if it’s not the lung cancer causing the pain and the other illness could you get help with pain relieve for that, 

my mum is the one diagnosed with lung cancer, 

but it fills your head with so many emotions, 

speak with family friends and doctors, and tell them how you feel,

sorry I can’t be much help, xx 

hope you are ok x

Hi jenniejenre57 I am so sorry to hear that you have lung cancer for a 2nd time. I have a close friend who has fibromyalgia and I know how debilitating this can be. I too suffer with pain every day due to my cancer medication. Some days it does get me down. 12 years ago before my cancer diagnoses, I was a loss prevention officer, running through the streets after shop lifters. Now some days I can’t even get out of bed.  Some days I think is it worth it, but of course I know it is. My cancer meds are keeping my tumours under control, and for me the option to stop is not even a consideration. But we all have a choice. It’s our bodies, our life to live. 

Immunotherapy is nowhere near as harsh as chemo. Of course everyone is different, but some people sail through the treatment with no ill effect at all, with very good results. I think you may need some help to decide what it is you want to do. Do you have any help managing your fibromyalgia. What is your relationship like with your GP? Is it worth speaking to him. Counselling is also very good, not only will it help you with this decision but I think you do need some help with your current situation with the fibromyalgia. You can always call the Macmillan support line and talk to someone there. It’s a free call number and they are open 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm on 0808 808 00 00. 

There is always someone here if you need to talk. Sometimes just putting our thoughts into writing will help.

Take care 

Thanks for replying. Sorry your mum has it. 

Yes it’s hard remembering how it used to be. I do try and be grateful for what I have most of the time, one day at a time and all that and I’m not depressed but just can’t see the point in prolonging the situation. I have discussed it with the oncologist she’s very ‘accessible’(?). She said immunotherapy is better than chemo but the bar is not very high is it?  Last time it was chemo/radiotherapy and remission but then it comes back a couple of years later. Didn’t want surgery this time as 50% chance it’ll work plus likelihood of post op permanent nerve pain - don’t need more pain, obvs. Also, reduced lung capacity etc.

Everyone talks about fighting cancer and being strong/ positive as if it’s the only option. If A person is young/ in different situation its probably worth it for them to try all the options.

I just wanted to look at the alternative to being a cancer warrior

I'm so sorry to hear of your story. My loved one is in exactly the same frame of mind. He does not want to be a cancer warrior either but we have found that medical staff are very understanding, giving options and not judging him for accepting his lot. He was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells in the mouth two years ago and refused surgery which carried a risk of facial disfigurement and functional problems, eg. speech, nutrition. Now he has been found to have squamous non small cell lung cancer and we do not yet know if the primary cancer was oral or vice versa. I suppose it makes little difference now. J is afraid that chemo will make him feel too ill to work (from home IT) and he would rather die than lose his job. There is a possible option to have the tumour removed but, with a partially collapsed lung, the risks are high and it would be followed by chemo/radio so he feels it could be prolonging the inevitable. He lives alone and I am disabled, so trying to help him has proved almost impossible. He also suffers from other conditions which already make his quality of life very poor. I do not, of course, want to lose him but neither do I want to watch him suffer unnecessarily.  Please, do not feel badly about the wishes that you have. It's about you. Loved ones must accept and respect the wishes of the cancer sufferer, however hard. Whatever path you choose takes courage. Well done for expressing yourself honestly. Good luck.   

Thank you for the vote of confidence :)

you’re in a difficult situation too it sounds like. You talk a lot of sense and that’s helpful.

yes I have help with the fibro, thanks. It’s a live with it situation like yours. Thanks for the tips!

Thank you for your kind reply. Today, my loved one was informed that his tumour is inoperable so we are feeling very sad and out of options.