Hi,my mum was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer just over 18months ago, she also has it in her lymph nodes and rib,she has had immunotherapy and radiation therapy,she seemed to pic up a little bit,but now she is in a lot of pain and lost loads of weight, last few days she has spent most of it in bed, she in 40 mg morphine twice a day plus the liquid when needed, the consultant said he is considering cemo but thinks the side effects would be too much, can anyone tell me if this could be the end or could she pic up again,im at a loss as to what to expect 

Hi Loo1512, I'm sorry to hear that. I can't really help on what could happen next. I know Jolamine will be able to help you more. From my experience with my mum once you are too weak for treatment it usually means that there isn't too much more they can do. I know everybody is different though. Try and savour every moment you can with your mum. All the time you can spend together is special. My thoughts are with you and your mum. X

Simon 

Hi Jolamine, I hope you are well. It sounds like you have a lot of good memories there. I do think the older houses are definitely built better than these newer ones! Ah I see, you just have quite a lot of plants if you needed a temporary greenhouse! Yes I did think about doing that, I originally bought a small pot to do a small little garden for my mum. We planted some flowers in there but I must admit that's my only experience of gardening! We did get a nice night light which always makes me smile when I see it on. With the solar power it barely makes it through the night at winter but with the sun hopefully coming out it should last better. 

it is strange Jolamine, some days I don't know wether it happened yesterday or months ago. You lose all track of time. Ah ok I hope the next injection helps him, it sounds like its a waiting game for you all. My thoughts are with you Jolamine. 

Yes I can imagine if your house was full with the children and now they moved out it is probably bigger than you need. It sounds like you are growing some nice food though! I totally agree the freshly grown stuff is much better then shop bought. The flavours are so much better!

He is doing ok thanks Jolamine. The carers are coming now and he doesn't really moan. He still doesn't eat as well as he should but that's his choice. The caters will do it but he is managing to do it himself if he wants too. Thanks Jolamine, yes the anniversary isn't far off. I'm not really thinking about it, I know it's just another tough day. There are lots of those so just trying to get though one day at a time. Thankyou Jolamine, that means a lot. You take care too. X

Simon

Hi Simon,

This has been a happy home and there are a lot of good memories here for all of us. It is a lovely solidly built bungalow, which is ideal for us both now that stairs are a problem. However, half an acre is just too much for me to take care of now, especially when it comes to lifting heavy objects, bending down to lift weeds and digging with two artificial knees. As well as the garden, I have over 100 large containers dotted around and I try to keep these as colourful as I can throughout the different seasons. I have taken to growing a lot from seed this year to try and reduce costs, now that I have retired and have more time on my hands. Unfortunately, we can still get frost here until the end of May, so I need to protect my plants, until I plant them out in June. At this time of year, everything has to be ready to go out at the same time, so plants do build up in the greenhouse. I have also been fortunate enough to have received a number of beautiful perennial plants as retirement presents from patients, colleagues and staff, so I have more than my usual share to contend with this year. People have been so incredibly generous. This morning I woke up to find a beautiful standard lavender bush at my front door from a grateful patient.

We enjoy having some nice tasty fresh food to hand too. Hubby never liked tomatoes prior to growing our own - now he just can't get enough of them. Having a couple of pots to tend to would certainly give you an interest and get you out from the house without having to travel too far. I am glad to hear that your dad is doing ok and has accepted his carers. i expect that soting his own food gives him something to occupy his time and allows him to eat things of his choice, rather than being given a plate of food that he probably doesn't feel like.  As you said, it's up to him how well he eats now.

It is very strange how the concept of time changes. You do lose track of all time. You are right not to dwell on te anniversary. It will be just another of many tough days, but you have got through them before and you will get through this too.

I shall be thinking of you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, I hope you are enjoying the bank holiday weekend! Your home sounds really nice, I always liked the idea of a bungalow when I get a little older. It does sound large though, I can understand why it is too much for you. It must be lovely to have the room yet hard to maintain it all! It sounds like you have a very nice garden! Did you Jolamine, that's really nice. If you are getting presents from patients you will have a lot of plants! It must be really nice to get them though. Ah yes with retirement I imagine you do receive a lot of presents and gifts, it must still feel strange for you at the moment having all this free time. 
 

I totally agree Jolamine, nothing like fresh food! I should really try, it wouldn't be too difficult for me to have a few pots like you said. It's a medium sized garden so there is room, it doesn't get a lot of sun but there is some up till the afternoon if we are lucky enough with the weather! It would definitely get me out of the house without being too much trouble.

Yes he is managing ok thankyou. I think you are right about the food, he does want to do it himself just because he wants to eat at his own time and have independence. He has stopped fighting against the Carer's which is the main thing. 
 

It really is strange Jolamine, some days just feel like nothing days. You tend to wake up and think what day is today, very strange! Months come and go and you don't even realise. Thank you Jolamine, that means a lot to me. I hope your son and all your family are doing ok. You take care. x

Simon

Hi Simon,

The bungalow is not that big and it is ideal for us both, now that we are older. It's just the size of the garden. A lot of my patients have been coming to me for 50 years, as have successive generations of their families. I have found it really touching that so many have brought me gifts along with some very touching letters.

Tending to a few pots would definitely get you out of the house. You'd need to choose the right plants to suit your local conditions.

I am glad to hear that your dad has stopped fighting against his carers and, I'm sure that it does him good to cater for himself when and as he wants to. Do you cook for yourself too Simon?

I know what you meant about one day melding into another. it seems strange having worked to appointments for 50 years, to suddenly find myself wondering what day it is.

Take care.

Jolamine x

Hi Jolamine, ah I understand. The house is a nice size but the garden is too big! You must have seen a lot of patients in that time. That is really nice that they brought you presents and gifts. I'm sure you deserved it! You are a really nice person Jolamine so I'm not surprised at all!

It would definitely, I have learnt a bit with planting the small garden for my mum. I didn't know anything but my sister has shown me a few bits. It's definitely something I could look into doing. Our weather isn't great, not much sunshine but isn't it always like that! We seem to have it a little milder than yourself but not as warm as down south. It's sort of in between really. 
 

It is good that my dads sorting his own thing. He did have to go in hospital for a couple of days. He was sleeping a lot and they found out that his blood levels were low so they gave him a transfusion. They need to find out where he is losing blood from so have done more tests to see. They did a scan of his chest and found a mass. They aren't sure yet but I believe they think it may be cancer. We are waiting results of his PET scan. It has all happened really fast. 

I don't really cook Jolamine, that's another thing I need to try and do more off. I mostly just hear things up! My mum showed me bits to get by but I'm still a bit of a novice in the kitchen! I know it's easier to learn these days with YouTube and everything. 
 

it is Jolamine, very strange. I can imagine it's doubly hard for you, after that length of time you must have been so used to being busy all the time. I'm sure you will enjoy the rest but I'm guessing it feels strange at the moment! I hope all is well with you Jolamine. You take care. x

Simon

Hi Simon,

Yes, I have seen a lot of patients over the past 50 years, but I never expected that so many people would be so generous when I finished up. It has been really overwhelming. Like cooking, you can also learn about gardening on the internet or You Tube and, I'm sure that your sister would keep you right.

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's hospital stay and the finding of his scan. Have they told him when the results of his PET scan will be back? I am really sorry to hear that you are going through all of this again. 

I have so much to do in the house and the garden since I retired that I am still busy, but I miss the contact with patients and feeling that I can help them.  Still, all is going well and I'll get used to it in time.. We are just about to start hubby on a new medication for his diabetes, as it is supposed to help his heart too. Unfortunatey, this can cause hypos, so we'll have to monitor how he gets on.

Please let me know how your dad gets on. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, I can only imagine how many patients you have seen over that time! That is really nice that so many people brought you gifts. You are right Jolamine, you can learn pretty much anything over the internet these days! My sister does give me pointers aswell with bits. I was pulling the weeds out of my mums little garden and I wasn't sure which ones to pull but my sister showed me which ones so I have been learning bits and pieces

Thanks Jolamine, yes I was a bit surprised too. They haven't given the results of the scan yet but they did send a letter saying they suspect it's cancer so I think they must be pretty sure to send that letter. I think we will find out shortly as the results are due. I will let you know, thank you Jolamine.

I totally understand, it must be very different for you. You are busy but not in the way you used to be. I imagine it must be difficult after having the much contact with people over the years. I guess over time you will get used to it a bit more. Ah I hope it goes well for him. My dad has diabetes too, you have to be really careful with those hypos don't you. There's been lots of times he's had to eat a mars bar quickly to get his sugar back up! I hope it works well for your husband. 

I will off course let you know how my dad goes on Jolamine, thank you. You take care. x

Simon

Hi Simon,

One of my colleagues worked out the number of patients before I left and it was well into the millions. Still, I'm fortunate in that I've always enjoyed my work and found it very worthwhile.

Has your dad had his Pet scan results yet? We were at the hospital with my hubby today. He has been very sleepy and had a lot of dizziness and palpitations since he started on his new medication. His blood pressure was also very low today, so they have reduced the strength of one of his tablets until things even out. 

It is good to hear that your sister is keeping you right with your garden and you can always learn more from the internet, if you want to. You can do so much with the internet these days. We are about to try and learn Italinan this way, as we are going to Italy for my godson's wedding in September. I speak French, German and a little Spanish, but Italian is a totally new language for me.

I hoope that you are keeping well.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, how are you? Wow is it really that many, that's a lot of people! No wonder it feels strange for you not being around so many people now! I hope you are getting more used to it.

We did get the results. It is lung Cancer. It's stage 2 and they said they wouldn't operate because of his health. They said that he can have radiotherapy so he will have 4 weeks of that in a few weeks time. I'm not sure how he will manage with it with all his other illnesses. It sounds mostly like the problems come after the treatment has finished. We just have to hope he can get through it and it helps.

I'm sorry to hear that Jolamine, I hope your husband is doing better now.  Hopefully he is ok and they have got the medication sorted for him now. I know dizziness is awful so I do feel for him. Hopefully he is a little better now.

You are right Jolamine, there is so much information out there. You can pretty much learn anything these days. I have been looking at plants. We have a few house plants so I've been learning to maintain them. It's mostly just watering but I have started to pull the dead leaves off now! Ah that sounds really nice Jolamine. I'm sure you will have a lovely time! Do you speak all those languages Jolamine, that's impressive! I believe Italian isn't easy but as you already know the other languages I'm sure you will pick it up quickly! I bet you are looking forward to it! 

Thankyou Jolamine, I hope all is well with you too! You take care. x

Simon

Hi Simon,

I am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through this all over again. How is your father coping with the results? I do hope that he can cope with the radiotherapy and that he doesn't have too many problems with it. My Italian is limited to just a few words at present, but I am gradually adding to my vocabulary. I do about 20 minutes every day and it's amazing just how quicklyI'm beginning to pick up a few phrases. We are really looking forward to our trip.

The other thing that you need to do with your plants is to feed them occasionally. The plant gradually takes the nutrients out of the soil and you need to replace these from time to time in order to keep the plants healthy.

I hope that all goes well  over the next few weeks. Please keep me posted.

Look after yourself.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Simon,

I am so sorry to hear that you are having to go through this all over again. How is your father coping with the results? I do hope that he can cope with the radiotherapy and that he doesn't have too many problems with it. My Italian is limited to just a few words at present, but I am gradually adding to my vocabulary. I do about 20 minutes every day and it's amazing just how quicklyI'm beginning to pick up a few phrases. We are really looking forward to our trip.

The other thing that you need to do with your plants is to feed them occasionally. The plant gradually takes the nutrients out of the soil and you need to replace these from time to time in order to keep the plants healthy.

I hope that all goes well  over the next few weeks. Please keep me posted.

Look after yourself.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, he seems to be ok at the moment. It doesn't quite feel real yet as he has no symptoms. I'm sure it will become real once he starts the radiotherapy. He has just been today for the first appointment and the treatment will start on the 15th for a month. We will have to see how it goes, hopefully he will manage to cope with it. I will let you know how it goes.

Wow do you really learn the words that quick Jolamine, It sounds like you have a knack for it! I think after 20 minutes you wouldn't pick that much up but if you do it everyday I'm sure some of it does stick! I'm sure you will be quite good by the time you go! I bet you can't wait.

Ah ok I must admit I haven't fed the plants. I need to look into that, I have just been watering and they seem to be ok but I can imagine how it helps them and the soil. It's another thing for me to have a look at on the internet! I'm learning bits here and there. 

Thank you Jolamine, I will do. I hope all is well with you. You take care. x

Simon

Hi Simon,

It must be difficult to take this in when he has no symptoms. I am glad to hear that he doesn't have long to wait for his radiotherapy. Here's hoping that all goes well for him. 

Please keep me posted. 

I hope that you are enjoying this lovely weather for the Jubilee holiday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine x

Hi Jolamine, yeah I'm trying not to think about it too much at the moment. Hopefully it goes well. He's starting the treatment this week and it lasts for a month so we will see how it goes. Thank you, that is very kind of you.

The weather was really nice for the Jubilee wasn't it! I hope you had a nice time. It's expecting to be warm again by the end of this week I think. I hope everything is going ok with you Jolamine. I will of course let you know how everything goes. You take care Jolamine.

Simon x

Hi Simon,

I expect that your Dad is feeling quite anxious at the thought of starting radiotherapy, but I hope that all goes well for him. A month is a long time, when he is not very fit, so I hope that it doesn't take too much out of him. 

The weather was a real bonus for the Jubilee . We just enjoyed it - got a lot done in the garden and had our meals outside - a real treat up here!

As you already know, I am always here any time you need to chat.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, he seems quite relaxed but he's never been one to worry about his health. Even with his diabetes he pretty much ignored it, I sure he is a little worried deep down though but he wouldn't admit it. Yes that's the biggest concern, 20 sessions does seem a lot. With his heath already not being great I'm sure it will be hard. He also has to travel to wythenshae which is about an hour away. They have provided transport to pick him up though which is good.

It was very nice! That sounds good Jolamine, yeah we don't get many opportunities to eat outside in our climate! We have to take advantage while we can! It sounds like you made the most of it. I believe the next few days will be quite warm too. Thank you Jolamine, that means a lot to me. I hope everthing is ok with you. You take care.

Simon x

Hi Simon,

How is your Dad's treatment going so far? It's helpful that they have provided transport for him. but a two hour journey every weekday will take it out of him too.

Thinking of you both.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, how are you? Everything is going ok thanks. My dad is getting tired now as expected but he is still managing ok. He's had 7 sessions now so still a while to go. I think as you said the travelling is taking a lot out of him. I expect him to get more tired as we go along but he is managing at the moment. Yes the transport is hit and miss, sometimes quite early and other times late, it is all in a morning though so he's usually back by 11:30 which isn't too bad. I hope you are enjoying this hot weather, it's been really warm today hasn't it! Thank you for the kind words Jolamine, I hope you are doing ok. x

Simon

Hi Simon,

I am glad to hear that your dad is managing ok so far. It's a pity that his transport is so hit and miss. This must add extra pressure on him, which he could well do without. I'm afraid that we haven't had the good weather that you've been having - plenty of rain and high winds are the order of the day here.I'm not doing too badly at the moment, thank you.

Keep in touch.

Jolamine 

Hi Jolamine, did you not have the nice weather, that's a shame. It was really warm for a while, back to normal pretty much now though! I hope all is well. He is managing ok but it's taking it out of him now. I think a lot of it is the transport as you said, some days he can be at the hospital an hour early so he is waiting around. We did have a bit of trouble last week where he was coughing up some blood but they said it can happen. They checked him over and said he's fine to carry on with the treatment. He coughs really hard which doesn't help as he could have ended up doing some damage. The cough is a known side effect from radiotherapy I believe. He has done 14 sessions now so just 6 left. I will let you know how he goes on. I hope everything is ok with you Jolamine, you take care. x

Simon

Hi Simon, 

Sorry for the delay in replying. My hubby wasn't well this week and we had to call the heart failure nurse. She came out to the house and took bloods, his blood pressure and has referred him for an ECG.  She phoned me today with the blood results and all is clear, thank goodness. She has advised that we reduce the frequency of taking one of his tablets and she will phone us again next week to see how he is coping. This all seems to have come about as a result of putting him on a new tablet to try and reduce the swelling in his legs

We are still waiting for the nice weather promised this weekend. I am glad to hear that your Dad is managing his treatment, even though it is taking so much out of him. I am sorry to hear that he was coughing up blood last week, but understand that this can happen. It is so good to know that he is almost at the end of his radiotherapy now. I'm sure that he'll be glad to see it all finished.

Take care and keep in touch.

Jolamine xx