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Lung cancer - been told I can't have treatment as it would ruin the time I have left. It's stage 3 and not spread

Fussyjan
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  • I was diagnosed with lung cancer after a trip to A&E due to breathlessness cause by exposure to asbestos 
  • consultant appt later said 6/12month life span due to heart problem I did not know I had came up on CT scan of lungs
  • I was very fit up until this for my age 83y walking the dog twice a day for 1/2hrs.
  • i have been denied treatment as told it would ruin the time I have left
  • the cancer is stage 3 and not spread

  • I'm sorry this is happening Jan.

    Did you have make a decision about whether to get a second opinion since the last time you posted? I shared some information on how to do this on one of your previous posts if you want to explore this option but if it would be easier to discuss this with one of our cancer nurses you can give them a call, as bone-cancer-patient mentioned, on 0808 800 4040. Although the helpline is closed today it will be open again tomorrow from 9a.m onwards. Our nurses are very insightful and will do all they can to help so do get in touch with them when you can if you want to talk things through.

    I hope some of our lung cancer members who have been in a similar position will stop by soon to share their thoughts and advice but feel free to look for other discussions about this by using the 'search forum' option at the top of the page. If there is anyone you come across that you want to chat to, just click on the pink 'reply' button underneath their post.

    I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to receive this news Jan but I hope that you can take some strength, and comfort, from knowing that the Cancer Chat community are here for you and are sending you all their support. 

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Dear Fussyjan,
    ​I am so incredibly sorry you are going through this. To go from being active, walking your dog twice a day, and feeling completely fit, to receiving this kind of news must feel absolutely shattering. It is completely understandable that you are reeling from this.
    ​It is incredibly frustrating to hear that the cancer hasn't spread, but that your heart condition is stopping the aggressive treatments you might otherwise have had. Medical teams often make these difficult decisions because treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery put an immense, sometimes fatal stress on a compromised heart. Their goal is likely to ensure that the time you do have is spent feeling as well as possible, rather than suffering from severe treatment side effects in a hospital.
    ​That being said, you absolutely have the right to clarity and a voice in your own care.

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