Hi,

I hear you and can relate to your feelings. My mother has non-small cell lung cancer. She was diagnosed  5 years ago. She has has a lot of ups and downs and I have tried to be there as best I can even though I live in London and she is in the States. I try to enjoy the present moment, enjoy seeing her laughter and light and show up for her the best way I can. I encourage you to take good care of yourself and find resources, like this forum or calling McMillian helpline, as a support for you. Carers need as much support as the patients. Well done for sharing your story is shows that you care a lot about your mom and for yourself. Wishing you peace and happiness in all ways. Sometimes, I find unexpected bueaty in the most tragic of moments. 

Heartfelt greetings, 

Sara

Hi there,

Really sorry about your Mum. 36 is crazy young. I think your questions are excellent. And, if your Mum agrees, her medical team will talk to you direct and answer any questions you have. 

Now I'm not a medic, just a patient, but I can see that there is a lot of hope. It's not terminal. That's great! That does not automatically mean the same as curable, because sometimes doctors use phrases like 'not curable, but treatable.' which means that, although they cannot cure the cancer, they can keep it at bay for a long time. But there is a great chance that they do indeed mean curable. Your Mum's medical team can answer this, although they may qualify their answer, at this stage, because so much depends on scan/test/biopsy results. But you can still ask any questions you want, at any time.

You mention a PIP scan. I have never heard of this. Do you mean PET scan? If so, then yes, they are checking for any spread. This complements the CT scan. And yes, there is a chance that it might show something. Otherwise the doctors would not have orderd the scan. But it's a small chance, if the doctors do not think it is terminal. But waiting for scan results is absolute hell. The word 'scanxiety' was invented for a reason. But you will get through this part.

You mention the biopsy. As you say, that will give more precise information about the cancer. Waiting for these results is absolute hell as well. So just hang in there.

Your Mum has a great chance of being cured! So hold that thought while you have this horrible wait for test results. Best wishes, Harry