Can't think straight

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and my surgery is in a couple of weeks.  On the CT scan they found a nodule on my lung, and I'm now convinced that, because I already have diagnosed cancer, that this will be cancerous too.  At the moment they're not going to act on it, just re-scan in 3 months. I'm not sleeping well and when I do I have nightmares full of struggling upstairs or up a hill carrying a load too heavy for me,  I wake feeling exhausted and unequal to the task undergone overnight and the task of getting through the day.  I can't focus on work and can't concentrate.  I was doing really well before this scan result, mentally and emotionally, but now very little feels important - my priorities have completely shifted and I have very little interest in my job so am unhappy all the day long.  I have crying spells and feel overwhelmed a lot of the time.

  • Hello and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of your recent diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. I can appreciate that it is also worrying for you that a lung nodule was picked up during your CT scan. This must be a difficult time for you.

    Lung nodules (a small lump on the lung) are very common and are often picked up by chance on a CT scan. The majority of nodules are not cancerous and can be caused by scarring or infection. It is usual practice to have another scan after a few months to see if there are any changes. Only a small number of nodules can be an early sign of cancer.

    I can imagine this is an overwhelming time for you. I wondered if your team is aware of how worried you are, and whether you have a specialist nurse (CNS) you can talk to who knows your situation. You would also be welcome to give our nurses a call on the helpline and talk things through if this helps. We are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

    Your hospital may have a Maggie's centre, where you can get support, or a walk-in cancer support centre.

    Take care,

    Jemma