Lung cancer

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Hi. My name is carol.

I’ve had copd for many years  so my breathing not good 

I’ve e had a pain in my left side for approx 2 years but because I’ve been depressed no one seemed to take any notice.

 E ventually they thought I might have a clot on my lung ( I’ve had 3 dvts  in legs) so gave me a ct scan.  They found a 6cm tumour in my left lung.

It’s been weeks and weeks going through pet scan,biopsy, appointments etc.

they decided because of my copd I can’t have surgery or chemotherapy. So it’s radiotherapy..  I’m going in Asan inpatient for 12 weeks , 3 treatments a day , 36 in all.  Been told I could have burns, very sore throat. At the end it may make my copd breathing worse.

all a bit scary for me ,  I live alone and I am 77.

as anyone else had this kind of treatment. .?…

  • Of course you are scared..... Just hang in there.... And take all the support you are offered..... Its a horrible time and I wish you strength. 

  • Hi Carol, just saying hello. It’s a scary time going through all the tests and waiting for the treatment programme. It must be doubly challenging as you live alone. I’ve found the helpline very helpful when I’ve felt overwhelmed by all of it. 
    I hope all goes well for you and sending you Bouquet and a hug xx

  • Thank you.  Don’t seem to be able to contact any personal support as yet. Perhaps not using this site properly yet ?

  • Thank you. Nice to chat with someone who understands.  I think my children don’t know how to handle it. Sort of too close to home 

    one of the things I’m finding hard to handle is the exhaustion. I have days when I feel I can’t get out of bed. It’s so tiring just to make a cup of tea. It’s so frustrating  asked lung nurse but seems nothing can be done about it.  It happens to a lot of people!!xx

  • 0808 808 00 00
    This is the telephone number for support open 8.00am - 8.00pm.

    when I’ve felt particularly low over the years I’ve also called The Samaritans, just for a chat.

    Roy Castle Lung Cancer site also has contact number. This is a link to the site https://roycastle.org/

    Just talking to someone really can help especially as you have fears surrounding radiotherapy. Please stay away from Dr Google and stay with recognised sites. Over much of my life I’ve suffered from both anxiety and depression and know how it feels.

    A big hug to you xx

  • Thank you so much for number x

    i try not to think about it too much, but thoughts keep running through !!

    I’ve delayed my treatment till 6 June because my son. Is getting married 18th may in Cornwall. I just have to be there. His father died a week after his first marriage so he didn’t attend.  Just hope I’m up to the week we are away. 
    thanks for the chat xxx

  • I’ve limited discussion with my children to telling them facts and progress on my treatments but if they ask questions I’ll tell them what I can. Relatives can also contact MacMillan to talk to a nurse for support and help, if they would find it helpful.

    I try not to dwell too much and avoid ruminating on it. I’ve found sleep meditation on UTube very helpful as well. Be kind to yourself and just do what you feel able to. Initially I spent days just watching Box Sets to keep my mind occupied.

    xx

  • Do you mind me asking what treatments and problems you have or are having ?  Xxx

  • Hi Angel (lovely name btw)

    My journey began on 10th February this year. I went for a scan as part of The Lung Health Check pilot. This was followed by a further scan and an appointment at the chest clinic. I was beginning to suspect something untoward had been found. I was told I probably had lung cancer. By this time it wasn’t a surprise but still a shock. I have no symptoms. Since then I’ve had two more scans and a lung biopsy and finally a treatment plan, followed by a meeting with the lung surgeon (lobectomy) and a pre-operation assessment, last week. I’m now waiting for the operation and maybe chemotherapy after, depending on lymph node analysis. I’m one of the lucky ones who may (for the time being) be declared cancer free with follow up scans for five years. Nevertheless, it still seems like a ticking time bomb. 
    The anxiety whilst waiting can be so consuming but I’ve been doing my best not to dwell on it. It’s very challenging. My children have been very supportive in my way of dealing with it. I set up a group on Messenger so I could tell them about current information without having to repeat it all three times. My two oldest grandchildren are also included in this group.

    It’s not a journey I’d wish on anyone. BTW, I’m almost 70 but currently it feels like 90! Love xx

  • I just wanted to say my oldest daughter is coming to visit in June from New Zealand as it’s my birthday. My other two daughters and their children live in the UK. I’m not going to put off any treatment and just hoping the operation and recovery won’t clash but I’m not hopeful. I’ll bet it will clash unless lady luck is with me. I hope you really enjoy your time in Cornwall. As I child I had many happy camping holidays near Fowey. XX