Mental problems dealing with cancer

Hello, my name is Sheila. I have lung cancer. I'm going into hospital in just over a week.  I've been cleaning and getting the house ready before I go in. My husband will be here to look after me, but I can't see beyond my going into hospital.  I can't see myself being here, after the operation.  It's really frightening 

  • Hello Sheila

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with lung cancer and that you're due to go into hospital next week. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about the coming days and weeks. 

    It's good to know that your husband will be at home to help look after and support you after your surgery. I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our nurses. I know that for many people it can help to talk through your concerns and fears with someone outside of your family and friends. If you'd like to speak with them I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    In the meantime, be kind to yourself Sheila. Try to take things a day at a time and not look too far ahead as this can help reduce the anxiety that you're feeling. 

    I hope things go well for you next week. When you're feeling up to it do post to let us know how you're doing. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Sheila

    I've just joined this forum and wanted to reach out to you.

    I was diagnosed with non small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer very recently. I was very lucky mine was contained in the left lower lobe. I had my operation Monday and discharged Wednesday, just at home recovering now.

    Like yourself I was petrified and it was all I thought about. I was found to have a rare mutation so my treatment plan changed entirely which knocked me for six. However, it was a good thing for me and my operation was brought forward by several months.

    If I can reassure you in any way please reach out. Truthfully I am feeling a little better every day. I still have targeted treatment to follow, but I feel so lucky it was found early.

    Very best wishes to you.

    Fi x

  • Having an operation is really scary, especially if you haven't had many in the past.  I suppose one way of looking at it is that there would likely be a worse outcome from not going through with the operation than going through with it .  Your pre op assessment will have indicated you are fit for surgery and your surgeon will have done hundreds of these before .

    I have breast cancer and I try not to think too far ahead in terms of the treatment plan ie one step at a time.  So maybe the way you are dealing with it is actually the best way?

    Hope it all goes well..

    Let us know how you get on

  • Offline in reply to Hopecalm

    Hi

    I'm really sorry to hear of your breast cancer diagnosis. You sound a really positive person and I wish you all the best for the future.

    Once I had my revised treatment plan in place I just wanted the operation to take place so I could start my recovery. I trusted the surgeon and medical team would do whatever was necessary and best for me.

    Of course it is uncomfortable after the operation but I am feeling a little stronger each day. I even managed to sleep a few hours on my side last night rather than propped up!

    For me the whole diagnosis is still surreal. I don't smoke, I'm fit, active, work full time, have lovely children and grandchildren I spend lots of time with.

    I am just so thankful mine was found early and was treatable.

    If I can help anyone else I'm really happy to do so. I was on a rollercoaster of emotion whilst going through all the tests from January to March.

    Very best wishes.

    Fi x