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feeling helpless

Arnie03
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My uncle was recently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of both lungs. They've ruled out surgery as an option and are doing scans to see if there is metastasis. My dad has taken the news badly (understandbly so). I'm feeling really helpless and I dont know what to do. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Also, does anyone know the chance of survival? He's starting chemo hopefully in 2 weeks time 

  • Hi Arnie, and welcome to the forum although I'm sorry for circumstances under which you've joined us.

    I know you're wanting to find out more about this diagnosis so I've included some information we have on our website about lung cancer and survival rates for you to have a look at. Please bear in mind that the survival statistics are based on large groups of people and that every indvidual case is different.

    I've also had a look for others that have experience of this diagnosis and found two members you may like to chat to. [@Nicole2101]‍'s dad also has this diagnosis and [@Bell67]‍was diagnosed late last year and now that I've mentioned them in this post they will hopefully reply when they can to offer their support and and share their experiences with you.

    We'll have our fingers crossed that there is no metastasis and wish your dad all the best with the start of his chemo in two weeks times.

    Best wishes to you, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hello Arnie; sorry to learn about your uncle.  Does your uncle have his own immediate family who are helping him and can they keep you informed about the treatment plans and what the doctors are saying.  But - as Steph points out -  even armed with this information individual cases can differ so much and even if a cancer is considered terminal the difference in survival times between people with similar conditions can be startling (this I do know from my own experiences).  If your dad can keep himself informed and have regular contact with his brother he may feel slightly better about what is happening.  For yourself,  visit your uncle and his family, ask them to tell you what you can do to help and just generally give love and support.  And just do things that obviously need doing.  Do they have a garden which needs a bit of tidying now that spring may be starting to arrive; all these little bits and pieces help and let them know you want to help.  Annie

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    Thanks for the mention moderator. 

    Yeah my dad also has this diagnosis. I find comfort in pushing the hospital to do their best job and helping him be out of pain and extending his enjoyment of life. 

    Survival rates can vary a lot so it would be wise to wait for an official diagnosis from the oncologist about this. This is because survival rates are based on averages and every one person is different. 

    Dealing with this kind of thing emotionally is terrible too. Although, you do slowly come to terms with it and learn to push past the hard times for the sake of the person who has cancer. So for example my dad would never have me be crying and would always want me to be happy. 

    Happy to talk more if needed, good luck with everything

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Arnie, I have just received today 18.04.19 an email from the moderator giving you a link to me as I have undergone a Lung Cancer op to remove 2 cancers from my right lung. As the post was last April can you give me an update before I rant on about what's been happening to me this past year. It's been a journey and a half for me and my family and will share the story if you would like me to. Hope your uncle is holding up. Warm regards, Isy x  

     

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