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
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    Dear Brain,

    No words can console you for what you have to face . I totally understand I to have terminal lung cancer, I've faced many hurdles and continue to do so . I've had one cycle of palliative chemo which if I'm honest didn't really work . I'm now trying one last different chemo to see if we can get it under control . I'm optimist by nature but it's tough dealing with a roller coaster of emotions . .i guess you have to decide together how you want to handle any treatment . All I can say is take one day at a time and do what's best for both of you .. I'm having to post by phone and there will numerous mistakes !! The screen is far too small !! If I can answer any questions ask away best wishes to you both , Christelle x

  • Things have moved on a little now.

    We are to see the Oncologist specialist on thursday to be given the details of the Chemotherapy she will be having.   Last week we were told that the Cancer is not sufficiently advanced to be causing symptons yet.

    Now concerned because she as started to cough quite frequently and I know this is one of the symptoms of the enlarged Lynth Nodes in her chest. Is it usual for lung cancer to progress that fast or is it likely to be the stress causing her to cough.

    I know we will get some more answers on Thursday it's just hard keeping up the positivity whilst waiting.

  • Hi Brian

    Hopefully the Thursday appointment with the oncologist will give you more information as to your wife's treatment plan.  It may be worth  making a note of all your questions (and their response) so that you have something to refer to (I know how easy it is to forget  what  you really want to know during such appointments)

    If your wife is concerned about the cough that has now developed then calling your GP would normally be okay as it's not uncommon for the immune system to be low with a cancer diagnosis and it could be a chest infection which will respond to antibiotics. Certainly worth bringing it up when you see the oncologist though I do not have any medical knowledge as to how quickly symptons would normally appear.

    Hope all goes well on Thursday and do come and chat more if you need to. Regards Jules

  • Thanks for that Jules.

    I will certainly be back later.

  • Hi all

    We have been to see the Oncologist again this week and my wife is to get 4 doses of Chemo starting Wed 2nd Sept then another dose each four weeks apart Which will take us up to the 4th Nov.

    Assuming every thing goes as planned without serious side effects we have discussed things with my wife and my two sons and their wives.

    We have decided we would like to get accomodation for us all for Christmas (We usually split Christmas and New Year alterntly) this is not a problem in this country whatever the condition of my Wife.

    My question is this, as anyone gone abroad at this stage of thier illness and is it even possible with insurrance and the like.

     

Reply
  • Hi all

    We have been to see the Oncologist again this week and my wife is to get 4 doses of Chemo starting Wed 2nd Sept then another dose each four weeks apart Which will take us up to the 4th Nov.

    Assuming every thing goes as planned without serious side effects we have discussed things with my wife and my two sons and their wives.

    We have decided we would like to get accomodation for us all for Christmas (We usually split Christmas and New Year alterntly) this is not a problem in this country whatever the condition of my Wife.

    My question is this, as anyone gone abroad at this stage of thier illness and is it even possible with insurrance and the like.

     

Children
  • Hi Brian-S

    Wishing your wife all the best with her treatment.

    It's nice to look forward and plan a family get together for when chemo has finished.

    There is a good discussion about travel insurance here.

    I hope you find it helpful,

    Best wishes

    Jane

  • Hi Brian

    Hope all goes well with your wife's forthcoming treatment.

    Am sure it will be lovely to have a holiday to look forward to by the end of the treatment programme.  I know there are others here who have discussed the possibilities of getting insurance and see that Moderator Jane has sent you a link which I hope you will find useful.Cannot offer any personal advice on this as my hubby did not want to be very far from home during treatment and preferred his home comforts thereafter so we only did the occasional long weekend in this country after treatment was halted. All the very best to you, your wife and family.Jules