Welcome to Cancer Chat! I managed to dig up a thread where people mentioned being non smokers so perhaps these could be useful you. this thread is about a non smoker who was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma in both lungs. Feel free to respond to any post you think might be relevant to you.
I hope others who are non smokers and have been diagnosed with lung cancer will see your post and get in touch with you!
I've met several non-smokers who have or survived lung cancer. One friend I made was Lyn Barrington, a cancer nurse specialist, told in 2011, aged 48 that she had stage 4 NSCLC and given 6 months to live. As a never smoker, tenacious and relatively fit, she explored different options, went on clinical trials and sadly passed away Feb 11th this year, over 4 years since diagnosis. She wrote a blog I found helpful - if you google her, you should find her. I found patient forums and charity websites the best source of support and information.
There are growing numbers of women diagnosed who have never smoked. Smoking is not the only cause but unfortunately, it's the onemost people think of which results in stigma for patients.
Sadly it's only in the last few years that lung cancer research funds have increased but still lagging other cancers. Many people are diagnosed very late in the cancer's development. There are interesting trials underway that offer hope for some.
Roy Castle lung cancer charity magazine has featured several women in previous issues including one of a young woman who had never smoked, last Spring had an article of a women runner who had suddenly lost weight and improved her running times but was getting breathless and ended up having a lobectomy (another non smoker) but is back running. Another article a few years ago was about Cassandra Jardine, a Telegraph journalist.
I had a lobectomy in Dec 2010, diagnosed in Jan 2011 and never smoked. I swim further than before, to maintain fitness and raise funds for lung cancer research. My motivation came from losing a friend suddenly to lung cancer. Since then two friends have lost their mums to it - all without warning.
Sadly too few are found at a stage where surgery is an option. We need earlier diagnoses to improve outcomes for everyone.
I know I am lucky. I work, am active and get on with life with renewed vigour and changed priorities. Since diagnosis, I get more chest infections but cope ok. On days like today, after another CT scan in readiness for another bronchoscopy, sometimes get anxious but it's all relative.
Clinicians told me outcomes differ completely for never smokers as their lungs are not damaged, they are less likely to have complications so can be put on different treatments and more likely to tolerate them.
Unsure if this helps but you or whoever you're enquiring about are certainly not alone.
Hi Glinda, I was diagnosed with Carcinoid of the lung 10 yrs. ago, which by its size & the fact it had a secondary, it was already estimated to be 10-15yrs old. I had most of the left lung out & since then I have been followed-up but cancer free. Carcinoid cancer ( one of the neuro- endocrine diseases) is classed a the slowest growing, so I consider myself fortunate. My recovery from the op has been painful, as I have developed osteoarthritis in my damged joints including the ribs, but on good days I feel joyful, that I have escaped terminal illness this time!
I have never smoked, but did have lung problems as a child, whooping cough followed by chronic brochitis. My mother a heavy smoker survived a brain heamorrhage at 51, but then died at 76 from smoking associated lung cancer. I was a Nurse & tried hard to break her of her habit, but to no avail. Sometimes I feel a upset when my children smoke, as I believe from the family history we have a propencity for lung disease. Carcinoid cancer of the lung is very rare & it took a long & frustratng time to get diagnosed, so the lead up to diagnosis was almost worse than the after effects.
At least now after 9 years I have the all clear & can cope with any pain & stigma etc. As I know that like most people who get cancer, it was not my fault but just unlucky. I have done a lot of voluntary work with Oxfam campaigning & it puts everything into perspective for me. We are fortunate indeed to live in a country with a free N.H.S.
