Terminal Lung Cancer and Secondary Brain Tumours

I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and during tests for this it was discovered that I had tumours in both lungs.

Therefore the kidney cancer was put on 'watch and wait' as the lungs became the priority.

Every visit to the oncologist resulted in a scan but still no sign of treatment, going on for four months.

During these scans multiple brain tumours were found and I have now been told that no treatment is available and I am terminal.

I've been given a steroid called Dexamethosone and that's it.

I am now very depressed. I feel that I have been fobbed off by the hospital and don't know whether to go for a referral to another bigger hospital. Anyone have any advice?

I am based in the UK.

Any help or avenues of hope would be gratefully received at this stage.

  • Dear Friend

    I am so sorry this is happening to you and especially that your current hospital isnt helping you like you expect. Personally i would revisit GP and request a 2nd opinion, ask for best cancer hospital available to you. I have no real experience with this but am sending you best wishes and hope you can take it further x 

  • Hello, LiverpoolFan,

    I am in the same position as yourself - minus the kidney cancer.  Mine was discovered earlier and they were able to remove the lung tumour along with the lung.  I also had chemotherapy 'just in case' but a year later started having seizures from brain mets.
    I think it is unfortunate that the medical professionals are only able to offer conventional cancer treatments since many people swear by alternative and complementary medication.
    I was told I was terminal in September 2015 and offered palliative care but refused to take the steroids offered as I wanted to maintain control of my life as long a possible and steroids have all sort of negative effects on your body: as if we haven't got enough to deal with.
    At this stage you think you will do anything to prolong your life - no matter how rubbish it gets.
    I had already done some research on living healthily and went along with advice to cut out processed foods - especially refined sugar and carbs - eat lots of vegetables and fruit (eat the rainbow) as well as meat and dairy (preferably free range)  This is very difficult to manage whilst on steroids which make you want to eat non stop and especially foods which have little nutrition in it.
    So far so good. My sei\ures stopped despite my refusing to take steroids.

    You have nothing to lose by adopting a healthier lifestyle at this stage; it is not easy and friends and family want to cheer me up with chocolate treats which I manage to resist.

    WORD OF WARNING - you must not stop taking steroidss without your doctors support.  I was able to cut back gradually after a very short time taking them and after stereotacti surgery on the tumours which stopped the seizures so I no longer needed the meds.
    All the very best for the future.
    I believe Liverpool did good this week!!!!!

  • Thank you for the replies, as I am still taking all this in obviously.

    I have been told to claim for Attendance Allowance, which hopefully will be backdated now, to my first diagnosis.

    Could anyone on the forums tell me of any other benefits, that I could or should be claiming for, as this diagnosis is now Terminal? I am just thinking of my family that I will leave behind, and making sure everything is in order.

    On the same note, if I have had company and work pensions, will they now pay out in full with a Terminal diagnosis (with a Dr's/specialists letter) ?

     

    Thank you

  • Hi Liverpool fan, 

    I saw you had a few questions about financial matters and just wanted to point you in the direction of a section we have dedicated to this on our website. It should be able to answer your questions but do give Macmillan a call next week as they have financial advisors you can chat to which may prove useful in this situation.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator