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After a visit to my G.P. in November 2024, my life has changed dramatically. Diagnosed with heart problems and undergoing a series of tests, a small lung tumour was discovered, and biopsy came back as non small cell cancer. The heart surgery plans changed, and I had to have a replacement valve inserted, so that i could have lung surgery as quickly as possible.

After the tumour was removed I was told that I have Large cell, small cell and non small cell cancer. Surgery has hopefully removed all the growth, but belt and braces I am about to start chemo.

I don't know how I feel. Numb, but positive. I have read all my notes, got my diary and realise i don't have a clue about all the supporting drugs to be added to my routine. So maybe, just maybe, I haven't been listening properly for some reason. Did i just glaze over at that point? Why do I need to give myself injections to the stomach. Whats in them?

I have also read, and been told be normal, you may have cancer but you are not an invalide, and don't be defined by your illness. Sage advice, so how do you do it?

excavator 1 month ago

Hello Mooseontheloose,

A you've discovered, this is a lot to cope with and it's difficult to keep up and to remember what's said during consultations. On a practical level, does anyone accompany you to these? It is really useful if so, and also useful to make notes of what you want to ask as well as having someone with you to write down what's said so you can remember what's been discussed and what answers were given. Unfortunately during consultations the mind races ahead and it's difficult to recall detail afterwards.

If you're going to have give yourself injections in the stomach this is probably Figrastim which will start a few days after each chemo session and go on for 5 days or so as directed. It's to boost your immune system which is temporarily damaged by the chemo drugs.

As for being normal and not being defined by your illness I think this is, for most of us, something that comes with time as you slowly get used to the new normal, you can't just turn it on. It should come to you eventually.

I also had surgery (right lung removed) and chemotherapy - but this was almost 11 years ago now and I have had no further lung problems since. This treatment provides the best chance for a cure and you are on the same pathway, so there is cause to be optimistic for the future, and I wish you all the best for successful treatment.

Any questions just ask.

Derek.

Made in 1956. Tested to destruction.

Mooseontheloose 1 month ago in reply to excavator

Derek, Thank you so much. First days of chemo, so far so good. Have made a timetable for my drugs, and now i have them, researched purposes. Feeling a little more, if not in control, at least under control.

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