Just had initial diagnosis so rather scared right now

Hi...sorry to hear you've been diagnosed but please don't think you're alone. This group is great for advice,.somewhere to have a moan, or just to think out loud.

Its awful at first and completely overwhelming...this will pass though and once you've had the tests and get a treatment plan, you'll start to feel a bit more positive.

I was diagnosed in July and I still listen to crime podcasts when I go to bed as otherwise my mind likes to get me upset and worried. Allow yourself a good cry, I think I cried for the first month,.i cried at the first treatment, and occasionally i still cry now. I'm stage 4 nsclc. I initially has fluid on my lung but that cleared up and now I don't really have any symptoms. I'm on keytruda immunotherapy every 6 weeks and fortunately don't seem to have any side effects. It's all very wierd to feel normal but to be told you have this damn illness.

Give yourself time to get your head around it all, it's a lot to take in, but you'll find so many of us are in the same boat and we're all happy to try and support each other on this crappy journey!

Xxx

Thank you for talking to me. I’m sure I’ll feel better when I know what’s happening. I let my family know straight away and they are all being very supportive, each in their own way. My other half feels pretty miserable and seems, if it’s possible, that he’s even more worried than I am. One of my daughters has sent me a link about integrative therapy. It’s interesting and backs up my initial thoughts that a rainbow diet, increasing exercise and reducing stress can be very helpful. Meditation looks particularly good for improving outcomes.

Anyway, that’s enough from me for now but thank you again

xxx

Hi Daisy. I found out I had cancer in my left lung in November. Since then its been a whirlwind. I had a biopsy and have just had a Lobectomy of my lung. I was absolutely terrified  I have had a emotional roller coaster. Been so scared. They found traces of cancer in my lymph nodes after surgery so I have to have chemotherapy for 3 months. Just giving you a little advice. I can not tell you not to be scared because you will. But I can tell you be honest and ask every question you have how ever silly you think it may be. Dont hold back your feelings with anyone because they are there for you.

My chemotherapy starts on 22nd March and I am very anxious  but I met the staff on the unit and opened up all my feelings and worries to them and they helped me so much and now I feel that they know me more than just a NHS number and more as me a real person So even though I will be scared on that first visit they will be behind me and look after me. Mcmillan have books that explain what lung cancer is and chemotherapy. Please ask for them they will expain in layman's terms and you will have lots of questions answered. Good luck and please don't hesitate  to get in touch.

Hi Smithy,

Thank you for your understanding. You’re right, fear of the unknown is much worse than knowing what the course of action might be. I’ll be feeling better once I know what’s going to happen. There’s bound to be some alterations to our current plans and way of life. I just have to be patient right now and not ruminate on all the possibilities. I’ve made a plan to improve my diet, have more exercise and make an effort to get on with all my in progress projects instead of continually mulling this over. 
I can contact the cancer nurse anytime with questions by phone or email and I’ll be taking notes at the treatment plan interview. My husband will be coming with me so I’m hoping he will have his questions answered as well. The nurse told me she will also answer any queries my husband or family have, so she’s there for the whole family.
My oldest daughter lives in New Zealand and surprisingly she’s works for a small charity that supports childhood cancers as a counsellor. She’s already suggested we have ‘cancer free’ days and just get on with life without dwelling on the elephant in the room. It will give everyone a rest, in as far as that’s possible. 
Everyone is being very supportive. My 3 children have their own chat group and I’m so glad they have each other for support and discussion as well as all the other support that’s around. 
Right now for me is just take each day as it comes and try to make the most of every day, including being lazy, if I choose. It’s definitely be kind to myself time. Incidentally I’ve found a sleep hypnosis guide on UTube which I used last night and didn’t wake up until 5.30. The best night’s sleep I’ve had in a while. I’ve woken up feeling in a calmer state of mind. 
I hope your treatment goes well and I’m glad your support has been so wonderful. I’ll certainly look at all the available information once I know the results of the biopsy and treatment plan.  I’ll be thinking of you on Tuesday week and sending you love.

Thank you xx