Lung Cancer and recurring back pain

My wife is now 4 years with Lung Cancer.

Her brief history as follows:-

February 2021 admitted to hospital for removal of the top 2 lobes of her right lung which presented with a mass that over a 3 month period appeared to be developing.

6 sessions of rejuvant chemotherapy with both Citoplatin and Pemotrexed.

8 months following the last chemotherapy 2 new areas of tumour were found in the remaining section of lung with another one appearing in her lymph in her neck.

We were advised at that time that the diagnosis was "incurable" and that she wold be started on Pembrolizumab Immunotherapy (for a maximum of 2 years) and Pemetrexed Chemotherapy for life.

The medication to be given every 3 weeks.

We are now nearly 18 months into the new treatment and over the last 2-3 months she has been experiencing more and more lower back pain coupled with a 6 kilo weight loss (although her weight is normal for her stature at the moment)

We have mentioned this to the variety of consultants we get (they are changing every month at the moment) but nothing has been done to discover the potential issues (not sure why) and we find it a difficult thing to address when they dont really read the case notes and have little or no empathy available to share with you.

Im obviously concerned at the new symptoms and would just like to know the best way to push this forward and be heard.

Thank you

Nick

  • Hello Nick and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of your wife's situation this must be very difficult.

    I am also sorry to read that you feel you are not being heard about the new symptoms your wife is experiencing. It is always difficult when you seeing different doctors at the appointments.

    Although back pain can be a side effect of pembroluzimab, I can appreciate you are concerned about the symptoms as she has been on this treatment for some time. I wondered if your wife has a nurse specialist (CNS) who she can speak to about her concerns. As they will know her situation they could speak to a consultant on her behalf.

    You could also contact your local PALS ( Patient and Advice Liaison service) as they may be able to give your wife some support with this. It might also be worth speaking with her GP as they can assess her pain and they might be able to contact the hospital on her behalf.

    I hope this helps in some way. Please do get back to us if you have any questions. If you would like to speak with one of our nurses we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040,

    Take care,

    Jemma

  • Thank you for the information on PALS. As a first line I will give this a go.

    I really appreciate your swift response

    Kindest regards

    Nick