Newby, wife of Diagnosed husband

I'm so sorry to read of your husband's illness Beakermouse.

My husband was also 54 when he was diagnosed with similar..it felt like the world as we knew it had just fell off its axis. 

So many hospital appointments will follow, my advice on a practical level....I kept a notebook listing everything, medication, symptoms, appointments, people to contact ie work or benefits and wrote down everything we were told almost like a diary.  Many times it proved to be invaluable.

It is very scary, but take time to talk together, look at photos and reminisce, smile at the happy memories you've made, cry together and simply sit and be with each other. It helps to feel that you are a team and therefore stronger to fight the illness that is the enemy. 

Hopefully your husband will respond to treatment and you will have chance to enjoy plenty more, pain free happy times.

Stay strong x

Hi Beakermouse

So very sorry that you have cause to be on here.

No, 'inoperable' does not mean it is terminal.  There are many of us on here who are living with or surviving lung cancer following an inoperable diagnosis.  Tumours can be inoperable for many reasons, including  where it is in relation to other organs or blood vessels.  Radiotherapy, chemo and immunotherapy are all very effective treatments,  The early use of radiotherapy will help ease his pain and discomfort as well as blasting the cancer.

Everyone deals with cancer in their own way, however the practical advice from Pooka is useful. I would add one piece of advice when attending appointments etc; there is no such thing as a daft question!,

I hope this helps a bit.  I wish you both every success with the treatment..

Kegsy x

Thank you so much for reaching out and thank you for belaying my fears of this being imminently terminal.  Sooo many questions that I can't catch hold of just one of them.

My husband is talking about getting his 'life in order' getting L.P.O.A, a will done etc, all good things I suppose. 

We are definitely looking to the sun on the top of the mountains from the valley below.

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, so very scary.. the fear of the unknown always is.

When we went in last week and recieved the prognosis, I actually put my phone on voice record, listened back to it when we got home and transcribed it onto paper to go in his hospital folder... My mother in law had miloma and I was used to going into clinic with her and needed to take notes to relay to my husband ... Plus I have the memory of a goldfish!!

I know it's just the start of this journey.... And with experience of a friend who passed with cancer of the brain, I am very aware that the forthcoming process is going to have it's dark days... but I am determined to help my husband through this... Our 11 year old son is stepping up beautifully too...

Take care and thank you