Hi all

Hi Debsvp. welcome to the group but sorry you find yourself here. I am sorry to hear of your diagnoses, it comes as such a shock when you are told you have cancer. It sounds like you were straight into treatment, and it doesn't give you much time to think about everything that is happening.  Chemo is very harsh on the body, and it does sometimes feel that you just start to pick up and its time for another round.  It is good to get out and about on your good days, and rest in between.  Has your doctor given you anything to help with the constipation? 

Good luck with the third chemo this week. How many sessions are you having? 

Hi Chelle,  thanks for your reply,  i did have Lactulose, but although pleasant to take, gave me stomach bloating and terrible wind, bless. I have asked for Movicol, which I now have, with Ibuprofen for pain, was taking Codeine. Its just getting the pain relief correct, as I've been told all opium based pain killers cause constipation.  And unfortunately Tramadol, don't suit me, they give me terrible headaches,  and make me vomit.  

I've been offered three rounds of Chemo, with a possible fourth.  All depending on my CT scan on the 8th July. Also radio therapy was mentioned.  

Doesn't sound like much, but will take what is offered, if it helps and improves my quality of life. Since having the Chemo my breathing has improved, still breathless,  but before could just about manage the stairs, but then couldn't breath, and it felt like I was drowning. 

It's the waiting I think that is hard, but very positive, a fighter, and willing to keep my options open. 

I know it's not curable, but hope it can be managed.

Hi Debsvp I struggle with pain relief for similar reasons. Codeine gives me terrible constipation, and i react badly to any opium based meds. I am on amitriptyline at night, which helps with pain but also helps me sleep. 

I haven't had chemo, but my mum and sister have. I had radiotherapy for my lung cancer, like you I am not curable, but I have remained stable for 6 years now.  Radiotherapy was a very good treatment for me, I have a sarcoma in the lung which is hormone dependent, so I am now on hormone treatment. 

That is good to hear that your breathing is better.  Having scans and waiting for results is a very stressful time.  That is why this group is so helpful, because we all know what that is like. 

Hi Chelle,

My diagnosis is T4,N1& M0, two lesions one on the airway as it goes into my left lung, and one in the lower half of my lung, also the top half of my lung has collapsed. At first my consultant thought I wouldn't tolerate the Chemo, it wasn't on offer, he gave me 6/ 12 weeks, life expedency........I had to fight for the Chemo putting my case forward and then he said he would give it at 75%, first dose, but still said I wouldn't manage it.

But I did, and did okay. 

See how I go on with my new pain killers, if it's not working, I'll phone my GP. Or my Macmillian Nurse.

Forwards on onwards

Hugs, xx