Saw oncologist yesterday and tumour is HER2+ so I start Herceptin and CAPOX chemotherapy in 2 wks time.I was and still am very grateful for this teeny weeny bit of good news.Ive begun dreading hospital visits as it was always bad news.Oncology Consultant reminded me this is Palliative treatment not Curative ( I think he felt I was oddly ecstatic ) but to me this could extend my palliative life so it's a positive!

Hi John (and others here :-)!). Glad to hear everyone's story!  Truly inspirational!   I hope you don't mind me responding to your post.  My dad had incurable prostate cancer diagnosed nearly 6 years ago at the age of nearly 77.  Chemo and radiotherapy gave him a new lease of life and we've travelled the world extensively during this time.  However following a bad chest infection that became pneumonia resulted in needing x-rays, showing a nodule that needed further investigation so CT scan ordered.  Fast forward to this week and we were called in saying scan shows cancer.  Can they diagnose cancer definitely in this way and if so can I ask what the treatment plan is please?

Hi. Hope this helps. Certain cancers (1 in 5 like my secondary cancer-left lung) can be treated with Herceptin ( trastuzumab)

I have been having an infusion every three weeks ( a simple one hour process) for over 5 years now, and still lead an active and enjoyable life. 
Let’s hope your father’s cancer is compatible. 
John 

Just a thought re your last post. My very experienced official MND visitor partner, informs me that the word ‘palliative’ relates to the word ‘management and is often misunderstood.’. In my case I was diagnosed as completely palliative over five years ago, and am still being treated with an hour long infusion once every three weeks. It’s number 83 next Monday!! They and I seem to be ‘managing’ well!

John please always promise to send me these great replies, Thankyou so much.Im 66 and I feel I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet, I have 2 cocker spaniels ( 1 is only 5 mths old) and I intend to see them grow up, they make me walk 45 minutes a day and give me untold laughter and pleasure .I am a retired theatre nurse and I have great respect for your MND support partner.Its a tough diagnosis, in so many ways tougher than ours.Stay well and keep in touch x

Hi I think they can spot cancers on x-ray bug they can't give a definitive diagnosis of type, size, node involvement or metastised without MRI scans and CT scans which give far more detailed pictures 

Next steps I think will be your husband being booked in for several scans and then doctors will be able to tell you more as well as their suggested best next steps.Its a tough time this as you wait for more information and have no clue what the future holds.But try to stay calm and balanced realise that to feel fearful is completely natural.This forum has/is helping me go through much the same journey.x

My apologies I meant to say your dear Dad

I don't know if this will work for everyone (or anyone else!) but my son and daughter and I asked for a good look at my scans when I was first diagnosed with secondaries in my lungs. We found it put the disease in its place and that was very reassuring for us. I'm an old timer with the breast cancer- just wanted to put the secondaries in their place.

Thank you John.  I'm really frustrated as still waiting to hear from hospital following MDT meeting.  I'm going to give them a call tomorrow.  We don't know if it's primary or secondary so I can't even begin to research anything.  Can I ask do you travel abroad at all?  

• Wishing you well ️