Living with lung cancer

Hi I'm vicky I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in April 2017 at the age of 45, I had not felt right in myself since October 2016, but with no symptoms I didn't see a doctor, I didn't want him to think I was neurotic. But at the back of my mind all I could think was its cancer, as my dad had non small cell cancer ( he was diagnosed in 2014 and was given 2 years and cheated it for an extra year. He died this year on July 25th) had 

 

In January I was having pain in my chest arms and back so I went to the doctor and told him, his reply despite telling him about my dad was your to young, he laughed at the pains and said I needed an exorcism!

In February I started coughing up and for 4 weeks I was treated for asthma before being sent for an X-ray. Then the hospital took over. I was admitted due to my breathing at the end of march but still didn't know what I had, I was told it might be a collapsed lung or fluid in my lung( turned out to be both). Then on the 10th of April (dad's Birthday) that I had lung cancer I was in a small room with my mom, eldest daughter and my partner with 2 nurses and a doctor. He explained that I had small cell lung cancer. Of course there were tears but my first response was ok what do I do surgery chemo radiotherapy to be stopped with a but it has spread to your liver, still I said ok what do we do ? The doctor said but it's also spread to your lymph nodes and spine but I still wanted to know what we were going to do. I was told I need to see the specialist which I did and I was told that without treatment I was looking at months with treatment I may have 12-18 months. I've had 6 chemos and after only 2 it had shrunk in the lung by over half and my liver had improved, I'm now waiting to hear if I can have radiotherapy ( see the doctor 4th September)

I won't give up... I know it's terminal but that doesn't worry me I'll fight I have plenty of fight in me. I don't think why me if it wasn't me it would be someone else. I'm young well young ish :) and other than the cancer I'm quite fit.  It's not going to beat me ( well it will eventually) I intend to go out kicking and screaming I'm still me I still laugh I still play the fool and I make fun of having cancer. 

I have cancer, CANCER DOESNT HAVE ME !

Update 21/9/17 the cancer has shrunk In lungs liver and my nodes are just inflamed with spots in my spines. I start radiotherapy today...

  • Hi Vicky, I am so glad you are fighting this.  Our oncologist said she would fight for my hubby if he would.   Chemo has finished and now radiotherapy,  not curable but treatable.   You are brave and we are all fighting with you. Keep us posted.  Vaz

  • I just want to say thank you Vicky. 

    Thank you for coming on here and sharing your positivity.

    I don't have cancer myself - I care for my mum who has bladder cancer mets in her lungs. She's a fighter like you and I prefer to think on the positive side. Our oncologist never really broached the "terminal" thing (although we all knew) instead she just said I want to give you 6 cycles of chemo if you are up for it. You can either have it now or wait 6 months and have it then. Mum didn't hesitate and is already on her 2nd cycle. Unfortunately when trying to find out answers on these forums or searching the internet it's all too common to only come across the very worst prognosis, stories etc. 

    So hugs and positive vibes from us. I wish you well on your fight & lots of happy memories along the way. 

    Mandy 

  • Hi Mandy thank you also, I don't think you can look on the negative side  that will only drag you into despair. You could sit all day and think why me but that won't change the situation. I prefer to look on the bright side and stay positive. I've accepted the inevitable but there's not a hope in hell of me going without a fight. My mom has just lost her husband my dad to lung cancer and my uncle my moms brother has Laryngeal cancer ( throat cancer) and just had major surgery to remove his voice box.... lucky family I hear you say ... yes we are we are lucky we all live with all our hearts and are very close and that's thanks to cancer  it has made us closer. 

    I'm glad your mom is a fighter and stays positive, ive met a lot of people on the road and you do meet a few negative nellys who moan about treatment and I say well you can either give up or fight for your life  ok it might feel like what's the point when cancer has gotten a hold of you but  everyday your here your a cancer warrior fight it  fight it with all your might, never give up or give in