Set back

Hello, Im david. I have stage 3 lung  cancer. Ive had treatment. chemop and radiotherapy. I started  Immunotherapy in December. Unfortunately;  i had a bad reaction and ended up in hospital. I then i had steroids to take for 6 weeks. So no more immunotherapy.  I had a scan 3 weeks ago. It was to see how the lung was healing. Ive been breatless, but building up my strengh through lots of walking. Im up to 3 miles each morning now. Ive been gearing to go back to work so was looking forward to my telephone consultation today.  I thought it would be pretty strsight foward. My next scan was already scheduled for November. I was ready to put the worry of cancer to the back of my mind for a while.

Unfortunately my scan shows fluid around the lung  that wasnt in previous scan and my consultant  wants me to have it drained and checked for cancer cells. Ive to go and have it done tomorow 4pm 

So now im not only stresed out about returing to  work , but also worried my cancer is activce again. 

  •  

    Hi Davidah,

    I am delighted to hear that your cancer is not active at the moment and, I'm sure that you will have been very relieved to hear this. It is also great news to hear that the consultant doesn't see anything to stop you from returning to work. 

    It does sound as if you've been through a lot in the way of treatment and this does take more out of us than we sometimes realise, so you're probably best leaving your return until August. Still, I'm delighted to hear that it was all good news after the worry you've had over the past few weeks.

    Could the consultant explain what caused your scan to show fluid around the lung?

    Jolamine 

  • The consultant showed us the scan and there was a lot of fluid. He put it down to the  bad reaction id had from  the immunotherapy. I was in hospital for a week on oxygen.  Then on steriods for 2 months In January.  He was happy it had cleared away on its own.

    Thats what helped me put on weight. The steroids. I was down to 10 stone. No appetite.  Now im back up to 13 stone 

    David

  • Hi Davidah,

    This is a step in the right direction. You would put on weight with the steroids, but if you continue your walking you should eventually lose this. I put on 6½ stones with my treatment, which I finished 4 years ago. Between watching my diet and exercise I've eventually managed to lose it and feel so much better now.

    Take heart in the fact that you've had some good news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine