Metastatic squamous cell lung cancer - diagnosed last March. I was doing fairly well with treatment but I'm fearful the cancer is spreading

Hello, this is my first time on here and would like to tell you a bit about myself. I am 73years old and was diagnosed last March and thought I was doing fairly well, tolerating chemo and immunotherapy fairly well but now I am starting to get headaches and getting a bit breathless and am fearful that the cancer is spreading. I am booked in for a Ct scan in a couple of weeks and also a brain scan and am very apprehensive about the results. Any advice for the next few weeks  would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hello Logansnan

    I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling so fearful ahead of the scans that you have arranged inthe next few weeks. When living with cancer, it's easy to be worried that every symptom we experience can be related to that diagnosis, and it can, at times, feel overwhelming. 

    Have you talked with your specialist about your concerns? I'm unsure if the scans you have booked were arranged after a discussion with the specialists or if they are routine scans to check things. If you've not had the opportunity to talk with them, do contact your Consultant or specialist cancer nurse. 

    We know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty can be really difficult and it's natural that our minds will wander to worst-case scenarios. I wonder if you might find it useful to chat with one of our team of nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any support and advice they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope that you have support around you from family and friends Logansnan. Hopefully within the next few weeks, you will have some answers and the team will be able to give you some reassurance. Keep posting here in the forum if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing how you're feeling. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator