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Mick1967
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Hi everyone I'm new to the site so please be patient with me lol! Am looking for some advice really about life expectancy etc, I was diagnosed in November 2018 with the following: right middle lobe T3 N2 M1b adenocarcinoma of lung with right hilar, right paratrechal and subcarinal lymph nodes, right adrenal metastasis and right plural effusion, I've had some targeted immune therapy in 2019 but after complications had to stop and now not having any treatment at all. Just taking morphine slow release tablets in morning an evening, can anyone tell me what the life expectancy is for this please, thanks in advance 

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    Hi Mick,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear what has brought you here. Sadly, the majority of us on this site are not doctors. Most of us either have cancer or are looking after someone who has cancer. The best person to answer this question is your cancer consultant. S/he will have all of your medical records to hand, along with all of your cancer journey and will be in a better position to answer this than anyone else.

    Even when we do get a prognosis, it is at best a 'guesstimate' as a number of people last much longer, while others go sooner. Have you asked your care team outright? They will usually tell you if they are sure that you want to know and, you ask them the right question. You might also find it helpful to talk to one of the nurses on this site. Unfortunately they are not available at the weekend, but are here Monday - Friday, from 9.00am - 5.00pm. Their number is 0808 800 4040.

    I am so sorry to hear that you had to discontinue immuno therapyafter complications. How are you coping at present and, is your Morphine controlling your pain? I do hope that you have good support from family and friends, but please remember that we are always here for you too.

    I hope that you can find an answer to your question soon.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine

     

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    Hi jolamine thanks for your reply, I haven't asked outright about length of time left been a bit scared to really. The morphine does control the pain to a point but as with everything it has it's side effects, constipation been one. I feel the pain most of time an have tried to take fentanyl but that didn't agree with me so ack on the morphine. Taking 30 mg morning and evening. I suppose iN some respects im lucky no family around and no children either to have to put through all this, friends have dwindled quite a lot as socialising is a no no, even a bit of shopping im exhausted. My partner gave up about 7 months ago what with the COVID etc she wouldn't come near me. When diagnosed we decided not to tell her 7 yr old daughter at the time as thought it be too much for her to cope with, consequently that also meant I faded into background as fran seemed to fold up so to speak. So all alone now lol, that the hardest part is the loneliness. The social have drasticallly reduced my benefit too. I can't find a point or reason to carry on, watched a programme on assisted suicide last night an was amazed to see how in control these ppl were. I just feel useless an didn't blame partner at all for leaving me, just thanked her for the support she had given me an wished her good luck. Life sometimes can be very cruel lol. Thanks for been there an listening, hopefully I can find some peace here 

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    Hi Mick, 

    Your story is sadly a very common one on this site and, I hope that others who have been in your position will come along to chat to you soon. Most of us have found this site very helpful, when we can talk to people who have experienced exactly what we are going through. Iv'e been on Morphine too and know just how nasty the side-effects can be. Surely there must be something else that might control your pain?

    You will find that friends do dwindle when you can't socialise, but your true frends will stick around. I found that some of these were the people I least expected. I am sorry to hear that your partner couldn't cope and that you now find yourself on your own. It sounds as if you have been very generous in your acceptance of this parting, although it must have been exremely hard for both of you. Loneliness is a very difficult emotion to overcome, but you can do it. Have you discussed how you feel with anyone. There are counselling services, some of which are free and they can be helpful.

    Are you getting all the benefits you are entitled to? MacMillan offer a service to advise you of what you are entitled to. It might be worth contacting them to make sure that you are getting all that you are due.

    You are right that assisted suicide is very controlled and well thought out, but I hope that you are not contemplating this.

    Please remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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