Newby with Stage 3B Lung Cancer

Hi, sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

Yes, it does come as a shock, and your feelings are quite normal.  I have had cancer twice (breast and lung) and I have had some very dark moments.  I am still under follows ups for my lung cancer which was diagnosed in 2023, everything is going well after my treatment, but it still does not stop the occasional dark thoughts, but they are few and far between now.  I am a naturally positive and optimistic person and I feel this helps.  My breast cancer was 36 year's ago and it was stage 2, and with surgery and radiotherapy I lived to tell the tale.  

I know it's hard, but try to stay positive, once you start your treatment you will feel better knowing that all the wonderful treatment that is available now, which did not exist when I had my breast cancer, is helping you going forward.  

Very best wishes.

Ann 

I started my journey by being sent for. Ct for lung cancer but they found my aortic root was about to burst, so open heart surgery july25 then had a follow up in October and rushed through all dept as I had a mass in lower left lung. The NHS have been brilliant and acted very quickly. I had a lobe to my(removed lower left lung) on January 7th. 
I can imagine your fear and worry but everybodies treatment is tailored to that person and they work miracles now a days.

i hope all goes well and keep in touch and use this forum to ask questions and utilise the thoriac nurses.

Thank you Ann ️

It is good to know that you have got through this. That's definitely a positive.

I suppose it's the unknown that's the scariest for me but I think once I start the treatment it will feel like I'm fighting it.

Thanks for replying  

Wow HayleyS69 that sounds so frightening what you went through. But I'm really glad you got through it. They told me my lymph nodes next to my aorta are affected. I'm just hoping the treatment works for me but I do trust them and the treatment is in a different league to when my grandparents and even my parents were fighting it.

Thanks for being so welcoming. I really appreciate hearing from others who have experienced or are experiencing it. It's good to share as they say

Hi so sorry to read this and the rapid spread too. Like you I feel no different although I a. disable but was before the diagnosis. I think I am older than you so my ability were down ?- I went through a period of many falls and have?Ave a hip replacement .

I can only say that I am having chemotherapy which seems to be going well. 5he odd side effect of which sleeplessness seems to be one but OK overl. Like I say I don't seem to have changed much. I remain positive and refuse to think I will die soon even though I am of an age where this is distinctly possible! I have embarked on a project which is all consuming a house move to a flat in a older people's complex. I was lucky to get it so am up and away soon with my partner. We have lived in our current home 50 years so you can imagine the amount of stuff there is to clear!

I do hope your journey turns out well. As for me I have a clinic appointment where for better or worse I will find out more. Fingers crossed! Best wishes to you and yours. Delia.

Morning Delia,

Your positivity has made me smile and gives me hope. I'm 57 but in my head I'm 17, that is until I look in the mirror. I think we all do that

Best of luck with the house move, that's definitely a project to keep you focused and it's good to know that treatment hasn't stopped you. I'm virtually at the end of converting a van into our campervan and although we can use it comfortably, I'd like to finish it properly. I'm hoping the cancer doesn't consume my every thought and that I can get it finished  I know my husband would be happy cos he's rubbish with anything D.I.Y. 

Best of luck with your clinic appointment Delia, I really hope it's positive news for you and I will keep everything crossed for you. I have my first Christie's appointment Friday morning, I believe to discuss a treatment plan. It's crazy how fast this all is. 4 weeks ago I'd have laughed if someone had told me what the next 4 weeks would look like. 

Keep in touch 

Bex

Pugs are the best therapy

I find a cat helps! Good luck with van. As we are disclosing ages, I am 71 coming up to 72! My most puzzling diagnosis was ceoliac disease a bit of a shock at 70 but hey ho onwards we go!

Ps I too am going on 16- I still have all my Beatles records and many more besides!

Hi. So sorry to hear of your horrible news. Can only send sympathies, as I also got diagnosed just a few weeks ago: in my case without any noticeable lung symptoms, but because of a pathological fracture, which soon, after many quick CT and MRI scans, revealed that the primary lung tumour (there is another smaller one in the other lung) has metastasized into bones, spine and brain, plus lymph. Had lymph node bronchoscopy biopsies (God that wasn't fun!), but still waiting to see Oncology to get radiotherapy for the spine pain and to discuss chemo. 

Got palliative care involved just to get everything in the system (I'm a great planner), got my affairs in order, now trying to relax and find out where we really are. The waiting is in a way still the worse.

Also a lifelong asthmatic, also heavy ex smoker (hey ho... Idiot!!!) - yet feeling as active and fit as I ever have, just starting planning for at least a few years if happy early retirement.

1. Sending you best thoughts. Enjoy every moment. Cry as often as you need.

Hi Ursula,

I'm sending big hugs to you, I guess the thoughts running around your head are the same that are running around mine too.

It seems like everyday there is an additional fear that I'm adding to the previous days fear. I'm sure that will change soon and my fighting spirit will kick in (I've never been a fighter in my life ) but I refuse to go quietly.

Ursula it's got to be a positive that we are fit and active, I'm naturally a lazy person but my 2 pugs get me out for a daily walk and I've recently bought a mini trampoline to rebound on. Hopefully it will help strengthen me. I go for 'prehabilitation' at a local gym on Monday, I'm guessing they'll give me exercises to do too. Have you had that?

It's good to know I'm not alone in this and that we can support each other through it.

Bex