Copd and lung cancer

Hello, my Nan has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and she also has copd. Due to the severity of her breathing difficulties she was unable to have a biopsy and the diagnosis was made from a scan alone. A nurse I believe at the hospital has said they believe it to be aggressive and fast growing because she had a chest scan approximately a year ago and there was no mass there at that time. The tumour is also pressing up onto her major artery near her heart. I’m just wandering if anyone has any advice on what we can expect over the coming time and how much time we have with Nan. We’ve tried looking for similar situations online because she couldn’t have the biopsy to tell her more, but it seems to only be cases where treatment was possible, and it isn’t for her. Thank you so much for any help xx

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of your nan's situation this must be a difficult time for you and your family.

    I can understand you wanting to know what might happen to your nan and that having this uncertainty is hard.

    Unfortunately not being involved in your nans care we cannot say what her outcome might be. Only the doctors and nurses who know her situation may be able to give you more of an idea. I don't know if it is possible with your nan's permission for you to speak with her team.

    Her outcome (prognosis) will depend on many things including your Nans general health, how fast-growing the cancer is, and how far it has spread. I wondered if your nan has been referred to the community palliative care team, they provide support and care at home and are experts in managing symptoms. They are also a good family support and would be able to give you more of an idea of how things are progressing.

    I am sorry I cannot be more helpful on this occasion. If you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline, you would be welcome to call us. We are available Monday to Friday 9-5 and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

    Jemma