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Help, Mam 53 diagnosed extensive lung cancer

Lou91
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Hey, so my mam was diagnosed with extensive lung cancer last month and a liasion on her brain, She is also on dialysis (we do it at home 4-5 days a week) as she was already on dialysis i have been looking after her, which i difficult as i also have a 9 month old baby and his dad works away ALL the time. I was coping... not anymore i think when we intitally got the news i brushed it off as mam has the braca1 gene , has had breast cancer and lots of other things that she has faught so i just presumed she would fight this too. After doing research i realised this isnt case ,ive seen the life expectency isnt very long anywhere from 6months - 2years. Im getting married in august next year should i try organise a little ceremony with just my family so she will 100% see me get married or do i hope and pray that she will still be fighting ? 

The reality is hitting now and i am all over the place... i have so many questions that i dont think i really want to know the answer too. I just feel like im not ready to talk to my family yet im usually the 'strong' one . Sorry for blabbing on .

Thank you for reading and any of your experiences with extensive small cell lung cancer will be greatly appreiciated. 

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    Hi Lou 

    I’m sorry to hear of your mams extensive SCLC diagnosis. My dad was diagnosed with the same condition early December 17. Firstly has your mam been offered any chemo or radiotherapy? 

    I’ll tell you our story as short as I can but bare in mind no one is the same, but I searched for a story & couldn’t find one. 

    My dad’s diagnosis which had spread to the liver & lymph nodes in the neck. 6 sessions of chemo with 3 week breaks in between started on the 22nd December 17. We’d asked for chemo to be postponed until after Christmas but was advised that this type of cancer is very aggressive & chemo need to be started asap. 

    My dad sailed through all 6 chemos 

    no hair loss sickness etc. On the third chemo he had a CT scan & the tumours had all significantly shrank. After the 6th chemo we were given a 13 week break before seeing the consultant on the 7th August 18. 

    The last week of July my dad seemed to become unwell (for the first time) sleeping lots, & a loss of appetite. I took him to a&e on the 31st of July where a test showed high levels of calcium in his blood which meant the cancer was in his bones. An X-ray showed the tumours had grown (very quickly)  my dad deteriorated quickly & passed peacefully on the 12th of August age 66.

    So my dad lived just over 8 months, & 7 of those were good months. 

    Please just try & make the most of everything even though your hearts breaking because SCLC is fast growing. 

    Take care 

    x

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    Hello Lou.

    Sorry to hear of your mam's diagnosis of SCLC. Along with her dialysis this must be a very worrying and stressful time for all of you.

    It is probably best to wait until your mam's MDT have decided the best way forward, whether any treatment will be offered. .They are best placed to give you a prognosis as they will be aware of any other health problems your mam has but even this is just a guess.

    My husband was given a prognosis of 9-12 months when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Sadly his journey ended after 6 months. It is terrible watching a loved one suffering to the extent that he did but we cope because we don't have any choice.

    I send my best wishes to you and your mam.

    Lynne.

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