Heads a bird nest - how do I come to terms with having terminal lung cancer?

How do i cope or come to accept that I have terminal lung cancer? I can't even say cancer without breaking down and feeling sad and angry 

  • Hello Irishlizzy

    I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of incurable lung cancer. Undoubtedly this would have been really difficult news to receive and it's perfectly understandable that you're struggling with a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment. 

    We have some information on our website about cancer and mental health that I'd encourage you to read through. It may offer some reassurance that how you're feeling at the moment is not uncommon as well as offering advice on how to cope and where you can access support. 

    I hope that you have a network of family and friends around you who can offer some support. Don't be afraid to lean on them. If you've been given details for a specialist cancer nurse you can also contact them for advice and support. It's part of their role to help you navigate this diagnosis so do get in touch if you need their help. 

    Here at Cancer Research UK, we have a team of nurses that you can call to talk with if you think that may be helpful. 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. 

    You're welcome to keep posting here in the Cancer Chat community if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing how you're feeling, ask questions or chat with others who understand. Hopefully, you'll be able to connect with some of the other members who are living with a stage 4 diagnosis soon.

    Please know that we're here for you Irishlizzy, so keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. 

    Sending you my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • I think there isn't any accepting it. There's coming to terms with it so that you can learn to live with it but accepting something that is so unfair cannot be expected. Sadness and anger *is* processing it. I hope you have people you can lean on. There are groups and charities that offer support but nothing can make it fair so be patient with yourself. It will take time.

    Wishing you the best x