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Supporting a Relative - Small cell lung cancer - feel lost

Yorkshiremum
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Hello.

i am supporting a relative with small cell lung cancer with lymph node, adrenal and now brain metasteses.

chemotherapy is no longer working and my relative has taken the decision to have no further treatment.

my relative has now been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I feel so sorry for her. It seems like it is coming from all directions.

she is in complete denial and does not want to know a prognosis. I know she is very poorly and (maybe selfishly) wish she was open to an idea of prognosis so that we can be proactive and put appropriate care, etc, in place. She just won’t talk about anything.

does anyone have any experience of small cell lung cancer with all of these metastases? I am prepared for the worst so please be candid.

many thanks. 

  • Welcome to the forum Yorkshiremum although I'm sorry to hear about your relative. This must be a very difficult time.

    No doubt your relative is contending with so many thoughts and emotions right now but I hope this section we have about dying with cancer and talking about dying will help you and your relative find a way to be able to have those difficult discussions when the time is right.

    Also, if you're able to get her permission you could have a discussion with her medical team privately to get a possible prognosis and a better idea of how much time she may have left.

    Hopefully some of our members who have experience of supporting a loved one with metastasised small cell lung cancer will share their experiences and advice with you soon but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very insightful and will do all they can to answer your questions and support you at this very challenging time.

    Do keep posting if it helps Yorkshiremum, and remember that you are not alone.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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