Lung cancer surgery 3 weeks ago now need chemo

Hi Chellesimo, yes it is a tough decision' I asked the oncologist what she would do and she said she would probably do it  but she said she hasn't just had two big surgeries. My daughter said she would do it.  My friend said she wouldn't. I don't  know how to make t his decision.

The side effects sound horrific to me, I know you don't get all of them but even some of them is bad. Your immuntiy goes down, you are at higher risk of infection etc etc.

Shas can I suggest you call the Macmillan support line. Sometimes if you talk it over with someone who is completely impartial it can help you to make your decision. It is completely confidential and a free call number. They are available 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm on 0808 808 00 00. Xx 

Hello Shas, Macmillan are great, I have had afew long informative chats with the nurses. They have given me accurate, reliable advice and I have found them invaluable !!!

I am starting my 2nd set of 4 cycles tomorrow. I have had some days of feeling very fatigued and have spent the day resting, on my phone or just up, pottering around the place doing little chores etc.

It does make you feel weak and you are aware that change is happening in your body with the medication but for me, it is totally worth it.  I have had a night away for a nice break and yesterday I did my usual hike.

I know that I likely will continue to feel weak over the next few weeks of treatment but when I get it done, I am convinced it will be worth the effort, that I have put into it, to complete it.

I love cooking and yesterday made 2 new recipes, so although I eat smaller portions and eat more often, life continues!!! It tastes good!x

Hello Shas, Hope you got more info as Chellesimo suggested. Started my second cyle yesterday. Fatigued today but up and around, able to do afew bits of housework etc. 

I asked about hair loss and the RN prescriber told me it might thin slightly.  I have noticed no change, my hair continues as normal, thick and wirey!! 

Anyhow, hope you are feeling a little more informed and reassured. Talk soon.Rose.

Hi RoseW, I have been back in hospital again. I had the flu jab last Thurs and got a fever. Thought it was a short side effect from the jab, but then it got much worse, really high fever shakes and chills, I then knew it wasn't normal. Ended up calling an ambulance and have been in hospital for 7 nights with kidney infection that went to the blood. I was on intravenous antibiotics that didn't work at first so they had to try different ones. I was really ill. 

I am home now and have my oncologist appointment this Friday. I think I will keep the appointment and tell them what has happened and that I need more recovery time before I make a decision. I am in no condition to start chemo at moment. Hopefully I will make a full recovery from this with oral antibiotics to go on with. I am so sick of being sick.

Thanks for the chats. I am not sure about ringing that number I am in Australia!

Well bye for now keep up the chats, I find them very helpful x

Shas, so sorry to hear about your hospital admission, but sounds as though you did the right thing calling the ambulance. As you say, take time to recover from the surgery. 

I felt almost myself by the time I started Chemo and that was 10 weeks post surgery. I would have liked to have started it earlier at 8 weeks post surgery, but wait lists here are long. 

I am currently in Cycle 2 and will end it mid July, so weeks away. So although it is hard, I will be able to move forward with my life and I intend to do so and not be trapped by this disease. I have lots of plans to see my family, travel, meet new people and enjoy more gardening.‍♀️

Hi, my husband has his first chemo 3 weeks ago, 2nd due tomorrow.  We were so nervous as you hear all these horror stories.  My husband was fine ! A little sick 2 days after chemo but that was because he didn’t take his anti sickness pills ! A little tired  the first week but then pretty much back to normal. I know everyone is different but we were waiting for something bad to happen and it didn’t.  We are so positive, we have to be … 

Hi, my husband has his first chemo 3 weeks ago, 2nd due tomorrow.  We were so nervous as you hear all these horror stories.  My husband was fine ! A little sick 2 days after chemo but that was because he didn’t take his anti sickness pills ! A little tired  the first week but then pretty much back to normal. I know everyone is different but we were waiting for something bad to happen and it didn’t.  We are so positive, we have to be … 

Hi Rose W, glad you are going ok with the chemo. I bet you can't wait for July. Glad you have lots of plans to see family and travel etc. I still haven't made up my mind about the chemo. I need more time after being sick again i think. I will keep appointment this Friday and see what they say. Do you have any ideas of any new questions I can ask?

I just feel I need some time of being well, even if it's only a week or two. This disease is the pits, never thought I would have this. I guess we are all the same thinking things happen to other people not us.

Keep in touch x

Hi, glad your husband wasn't too sick with the chemo. I haven't decided yet what to do as I have been sick with kidney infection and in the blood. I am scared of side effects and only giving me 5% extra chance that it won't come back