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.
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.
