New to the forum and need somewhere to find information

Just over three years ago my wife Janet of 47years was diagnosed with lung cancer in her left lung. It was discovered early because she insisted that the continuas cough she had was not going away. After test she had surgery to remove the top third of her left lung and they also took some tissue to check if it had spread. The results came back that it was in fact cancer but had not spread to the nearby cell they had taken.

In June this year she again requested a x-Ray because of a silly cough she had. I did not even know she was coughing, it was so infrequent. She asked the doctor for a X- ray and when the results came back it showed nothing but the Doctor wasn't happy and sent her for a CT-Scan. from then on she had more test as it had shown the lymth nodes in her chest were enlarged and another location in her right lung had a growth. She had other tests and we eventually had an appointment last thursday with the lung specialist. The diagnosis was devistating for us both the cancer as come back and is incurable. We have got over the initial shock and trying to come to terms with it.  We are going to meet the specialist in Chemotheropy this week and will I presume find out more details regarding the chemo she will have. I am concerned about how it will effect Jan as she as suffered for years with Arthritis. Also a couple of years ago was diagnosed with Colitis. She takes loads of pills to alleviate the symptoms.

I do need to have some idea about her life expectance so I can do all the things she want's to do before the end comes. I realise no one can state for sure but cannot ask the specialist in front of Janet.

Parents
  • Hi Brian-S

    Welcome to the forum though of course sad to see the reason  behind your visit. You are right that it is difficult to ask questions in front of your dear wife (with me it was my husband  who had incurable cancer of the lung linings due to Mesothelioma).  It is emotionally draining for you both I am sure.  When my husband was having 'palliative chemo' they certainly looked at medical history as a whole and I would imagine they will choose chemo (there are very many combinations of different types available) to suit your wife's situation. When you have the next appointment to talk through this it may be helpful for both your wife and yourself to write down any queries/concerns you have (it made it easier for us both to talk through things later as the memory is often overwhelmed during the visit.  If your wife is happy for you to be given information regarding her illness then you will be able to talk with them separatly if  you wish(we were given a 24hr support telephone number to use whenever we needed it but I expect this would depent on where you are located.

    As to the ever-awkward question as to 'how long' someone has, it is always just a guide and even doctors cannot be totally sure as so many factors have to be taken into account. My husband did notmind knowing at the outset (though his feelings changed later) and we were told anywhere from 3 mths to 10 yrs+ (Mesothelioma can be extremely aggressive or slow growing hence the very wide timescales). In the event he lived nearly three years from diagnosis.

    Should you have other questions there is a telephone number on this page which  you can call (freephone from UK landlines and most mobiles) to speak to the nurses on this site - mon to fri 9-5 which may help give you more information.

    I hope it helps a little to be able to 'chat' on the forum and I am sure others will be along soon to offer their thoughts/support.  Do come and talk anytime if you would like to. Best regards Jules54

Reply
  • Hi Brian-S

    Welcome to the forum though of course sad to see the reason  behind your visit. You are right that it is difficult to ask questions in front of your dear wife (with me it was my husband  who had incurable cancer of the lung linings due to Mesothelioma).  It is emotionally draining for you both I am sure.  When my husband was having 'palliative chemo' they certainly looked at medical history as a whole and I would imagine they will choose chemo (there are very many combinations of different types available) to suit your wife's situation. When you have the next appointment to talk through this it may be helpful for both your wife and yourself to write down any queries/concerns you have (it made it easier for us both to talk through things later as the memory is often overwhelmed during the visit.  If your wife is happy for you to be given information regarding her illness then you will be able to talk with them separatly if  you wish(we were given a 24hr support telephone number to use whenever we needed it but I expect this would depent on where you are located.

    As to the ever-awkward question as to 'how long' someone has, it is always just a guide and even doctors cannot be totally sure as so many factors have to be taken into account. My husband did notmind knowing at the outset (though his feelings changed later) and we were told anywhere from 3 mths to 10 yrs+ (Mesothelioma can be extremely aggressive or slow growing hence the very wide timescales). In the event he lived nearly three years from diagnosis.

    Should you have other questions there is a telephone number on this page which  you can call (freephone from UK landlines and most mobiles) to speak to the nurses on this site - mon to fri 9-5 which may help give you more information.

    I hope it helps a little to be able to 'chat' on the forum and I am sure others will be along soon to offer their thoughts/support.  Do come and talk anytime if you would like to. Best regards Jules54

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