A cancer diagnosis is a terrible shock to all the family. My husband had a cough that would not go away and despite x rays and antibiotics, lung cancer was never discussed, but I knew deep down what it was as he had smoked for many years, despite having stopped nine years ago when he lost a leg due to narrowed arteries. March comes this year and still coughing, antibiotics again, another x ray and left to get on with life. A phone call out of the blue from our GP and all hell breaks loose, scans, cat scans, full body scans, brain scan, bronchoscope and biopsy and within eight weeks the tumour has grown from one centimetre to eight. We are now half way through chemo, no op possible, and then everyday for four weeks of radiotherapy. Scan on Monday to see if it has shrunk, so prayers and fingers crossed for a good result. We have kept positive and family have been a big support but life throws these things at you and you have to take each day as it comes. Hubby is 71 so no spring chicken. Friends are a great help, talk to them, be honest with your family, involving them has helped us all to cope. Laugh when you can, cry when you need to and hide yourself away if you feel like hunkering down for the day. People understand if you are straight with them, don't begrudge wrong words said in good faith and accept any help that is offered, we can get through this and be stronger at the end, if chemo is not working we will live what is left the best we can. Love your family, cherish good friends and stay kind to yourself and the one suffering. I hope my experiences help someone going through the same trauma. Carol
