7 years after being successfuly treated for breast cancer, with no spread, I was shocked to be diagnosed with a recurrence in my lungs with bone mets. I had developed a cough from April 2023 and my GP thought it was acid reflux as I had intermittent stomach problems. By July I had lost a significant amount of weight, with an almost non existent appetite and chronic fatigue. Working was becoming very difficult to cope with, as I had a physically demanding job. Towards late July l became very short of breath just from walking across a room. I returned to my GP and she sent me straight to the acute medical unit at my local hospital. I had an xray which showed a mass on my lungs, 3 days later I was given a CT scan with contrast. I summoned back to the hospital for the full results which were stage 4 lung cancer with many node involvement and mets on the ribs and large mets on my sacrum. Spent 3 weeks in hospital to stablelise me, didn't realise I was close to death. Had x5 rads on my lungs&sacrum, now on targeted therapy. Feel heaps better, breathing is normal again. Living my best life. My employer has kindly left me on full pay till end of life which is hopefully not quite yet. So sort early retirement at 60. Sue
Hi Moomintroll 63 welcome to the group, but sorry you have had to join us here. My cancer is also metastatic, I had womb cancer in 2009, and it came back in my lungs in 2014. It’s a shock isn’t it!
like you I was struggling to walk without getting breathless. The first consultant I saw was the respiratory consultant, who told me I had 6 months to live! Thankfully I have a wonderful oncologist now, and I am still here to tell the tale.
What a wonderful employer you have, that is a huge relief for you to know you can retire now, and not have the financial worry. I am glad to hear you are doing well on treatment and are feeling better. Living with cancer can be difficult, but it can still be a good life! It may just be a different life than before.
