Lung cancer

Hi Frost59f330 welcome to the group, but sorry you find yourself here. We have all been where you are, so we fully understand how you are feeling. 

Hello Frost,

Yes, it’s difficult news and takes a bit of getting used to. Everyone one here will try to help in whatever way they can. We are all different so some of our treatments will be different. Just ask any questions and someone will be along  to help you if they can. I don’t know if the medical staff have discussed further action or if you will have some other investigations first.

For me my head went round in circles wondering what and how I was going to tell my family. I couldn’t sleep that night so send my daughters emails in the middle of the night. After that I managed to have some sleep. My GpP was also very good and she gave some antidepressants so I could relax a bit. I found waiting for diagnosis and the treatment to begin the worst time.

The staff where I am are all supportive and encourage you to ask questions. You can also call to talk to a MacMillan nurse. I know I did a couple of times. I also spoke to The Samaritans on a couple of occasions when I just needed to unload. I find it easier to talk to a stranger but that’s just me.

Anyway for now I’m wishing you all the best,

Love Daisy

Hi daisy 

I feel so much better being able to talk to someone who is going through it my family are in bits. So I have small cell lung cancer which is aggressive and has come outside of my lung now that’s all I have been told. Going to the marsden can’t come quick enough honestly. I’m so scared I have no idea what I s coming my way they said it will have to be aggressive chemotherapy? Also I have no appetite what would you suggest to eat if anyone can help me please do ?

Hi Frost,

I’m having chemo right now and just had my first lot. I have four cycles spread over 12 weeks. I’m not sure what aggressive chemo is so can I suggest you contact one of the MacMillan nurses tomorrow and see if they can help. Much better than doctor Google. Maybe someone else here could explain a bit more? I’m not sure they use the term ‘aggressive’ in the NE.

Do you have any idea about waiting times? In total, I’ve probably waited four weeks for mine to start. It’s all been explained very carefully and I have real confidence in the whole team. They are very supportive. There is. Maggies Centre at The Royal Marsden. I’ve found them very helpful and supportive as well. Have a look at their website. I popped into mine last week to find out more. They run support services and provide a drop in centre. They can also be used by family.

Ive found my family too were very upset, possibly more than me as they wanted to support me but weren’t quite sure how to do it. They also feel pretty powerless so in my opinion giving them information is key. I set up a family chat on Messenger and all my children and adult children have been included, if they want to be. I send them updates about appointments, meetings, assessments and this morning the first lot of chemo. At least three of them have suggested having a pink wig! I happily talk to them and reassure them that I’m ok but I do wait for their calls unless we’re just chatting.

Food - the advice I’ve been given is to try to eat little and often. I know protein milkshakes can be prescribed but I’m not sure who you should ask. Do you have a cancer nurse you can check with. Just eat what you fancy initially. Shock and anxiety may be a factor as well. So little and often, whatever you fancy. My go to; tomato soup in a can, yoghurt full fat with real fruit, salmon, salad with olive oil as it slips down easily, hummus with pita bread. I expect you have your own list.

Anyway that all for now. I must make an effort to get up, go out shopping whilst on a walk. I try not to dwell but occupy my mind, even if it’s only binge watching the to. I hope you hear something very soon. Let us know how you get on

Love Daisy

1. Thanks so much much how was the chemotherapy how is it done I have no nurse it’s just been a referral at this point but as it’s an aggressive cancer I’m hoping it will be quick cause I’m in a lot of pain and I am only using over the counter painkillers I just need this to start and hopefully start to shrink it. X

I had my chemo via a cannula in the back of my hand. There is also a central line that goes under the skin of your chest and into a vein close by. A PICC line - a fine tube put into a vein in the arm and goes up to a vein in your chest or an implantable port (a disc that is put under you skin on arm or chest and goes into a vein in your chest). I think the method of delivery may depend on how often you will be having the chemo. Please talk to one of the nurses here tomorrow. They may be able to tell you how to get some stronger pain control. By the way, I’ve copied this information from a MacMillan sheet given to me about chemo. 
When they see you at the Marsden they should give you loads of information. It’s a good idea for someone to come with you to take notes at any meeting you have. 

The chemo will be explained thoroughly to you. They will also give you medication to help your iron levels, to control sickness and skin problems. They will probably take loads of blood to check and recheck your health. Please try not to be too anxious. They really do their best to make sure you stay as comfortable as possible. You even get an emergency line to call (24 hours) if you are feeling in any doubt about your health. They will be able to decide what help you need.

I hope this helps a bit

Love Daisy xx

Thank you for your response I’m find it very helpful speaking to someone who is going through it too .. I find this app quite confusing to use so sorry for my long response! 

Hi Frost, no need to apologise! It’s a whole new world here. I’m sure you’ll get used to the website. It took me some time to find myself way around. Try exploring the first tab Cancer and Support. There are articles about just being diagnosed that might be helpful for you just now.

No need to get too bogged down in details right now. I found that taking one challenge at a time the best way to work through it. Just ask yourself what you need to know and work on the immediate. You can spend more time on finding out more about chemo when you know what the actual treatment will be.

 I’m going to try to have a better night’s sleep tonight than I had last night but even that’s not worth worrying about. I just borrow audio books from Belinda via our library and listen to them wheI wake up. I also use UTube now and again for sleep meditation and relaxation. I hope you can relax a little but that too can be a challenge. Wishing you a good night and maybe chat tomorrow. Daisy

Great advice thank you I’m finding this is helping me just getting thinks in my head so thank you

We are all with you . as all go through this we all have someone who's been there.you are not alone.for me it was hard at times  breast cancer.. now waiting for lung cancer results after operation .. here for you Frost59f330