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Secondary cancer in lung (primary was bladder)

MandyM74
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Hi everyone. I'm just looking for some advice from anyone who may have been through a similar situation to my mum. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer 18 months ago. Stage 3. Had chemo and had her bladder removed. All good. Looked like they had got it all. Unfortunately they've just spotted in one of her check ups that there are small spots on her lung. 

I think it's natural when you get a diagnosis like this to start looking on the internet and try and find out more about it  I was shocked as nearly all the posts and articles I found were saying this would now be classed as terminal and once it's travelled to the lung you might not have long at all?!?

All we know so far is the doc has said mum will need to see her oncologist again to talk about more chemo so that sounded positive to me that they feel they can still treat it  

When you have secondary cancer does it make any difference to life expectancy if the primary site has already been dealt with?

Hope this make sense. Has anyone else had experience of bladder cancer going to lung?

Many Thanks in advance 

Mandy 

 

 

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    Hi Mandy,

    Sorry to hear about your Mum's dilemma. I am not a doctor, but it might be worth phoning the nurses on this site for advice. The number is FREEPHONE and they are very helpful.

    As far as I understand, primary refers to a primary site, which hasn't begun to spread, whereas secondary indicates that it has spread to other areas.

    As far as life expectancy is concerned, it is usually shortened in secondary cancer, but nobody can forecast by how much. Chemo can often help to slow down the growths, but it doesn't stop them altogether.

    My mother had breast cancer which spread to her liver, lungs, brain and bone. It is best to try and create good memories together rather than dwelling on a secondary diagnosis. Try to help your Mum out by doing some of her housework, helping her by cutting her nails and washing her hair, etc.

    Does anyone accompany your Mum to her hospital visits? This can be very helpful, both or your Mum, who will not be able to remember all that is said at her consultations and it will also help you to ask questions which might worry you, but not your mum. It is also beneficial to help your Mum draw up a list of questions for the Oncologist.

    Thinking of you both and hoping that you get a proper diagnosis soon.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks so much. I'm feeling positive that even though she may be given a "terminal" diagnosis that we will still have some time with her. She is perfectly well and happy at present with no pain and no symptoms. I was just really shocked that for this type of secondary cancer we might be looking at months and not years. Hoping when we meet with oncologist we can get a more precise timeframe. 

  • Offline in reply to MandyM74

     

    Hi Mandy,

    I am glad to hear that your Mum is still happy and well with no pain or symptoms. This is the time to make the most of her good health and it gives you time to try and make special memories with her. Does she have a bucket list of things that she'd like to do or people she might like to catch up with? If so help her to facilitate these.

    Try to let her tell you how she feels and discuss things with her if she wants. Try to put a positive slant on things - not easy I know, but do the best to be positive when you are with her. Don't be afraid to cry when you're not with her. Let the tears flow as this is a great release valve for you..

    There are many people on here who have been given  a timescale, yet they have already lived well over the time that the care team had estimated. I guess what I'm saying is that nobody can predict with any accuracy the length of time that any of us will live, so don't let any prediction upset her. It is only a guesstimate.

    Has your Mum been given an appointment with the Oncologist yet? I hope that she doesn't have too long to wait before she is seen

    Keep us posted on how she gets on..

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

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