Have been diagnosed today with small cell lung cancer. Start combo chemo and radiotherapy next week. Terrified and stunned. Need to hear if anyone has beaten this and tips on how to get through the treatment cycles
Hi there and welcome to the forum, but of course, you wouldn't choose to be here for the reason you are as none of us would. Having said that, this forum has been a God send to those of us struggling with this disease. I have lung cancer, but I couldn't tell you if its' small cell or not. All I know is my cancer was from a cell that came from my colon cancer that I had 5 years ago. I say had, because as far as I know, there is no cancer in my colon at this time. Because I couldn't tolerate the chemo required for that type of cancer, I was also not able to have chemo for my lung cancer and it recurred in Dec./14. Right now, I'm dealing with bladder cancer, but not at all related to those other two. Having said all that, right now, I don't feel too bad actually, and I've been doing this for 5 and a half years with periods of somewhat wellness in between all of that. People these days are living longer with cancer than they ever did years ago. There are more and better treatments nowadays and while it is not a diagnosis anyone would choose, in a lot of cases, it can be managed.
All of us on here can relate to your shock and fear at receiving this diagnosis. It does sound like your treatment team is getting right on to it though and that is good. Certainly, we all think the worst at the time of diagnosis, so your reaction is normal. Take a deep breath and trust your team to give you the best that they can and hopefully, things will work out in your favor. In the meantime, all of us here on the forum know what you're going through and will give you support along the way. Stay in touch with us because we know what this journey is like. People on here are very caring and supportive and I'm sure someone will get back to you very soon.
Post on here whenever you want to offload, cry, or rant; we'll be here for you.
Take care my friend and I'm sending you virtual hugs.
Im so so sorry to read about your diagnosis. I cant even begin to imagine how you are feeling right now but please know that you are very much in my thoughts right now. I cant give you any advice on how to get through this nor any info on beating this bl**dy awful disease but Im sending you warm wishes this evening. You may recall I commented on your previous posting as my husband had his bronchioscopy a few days before you had yours. Yesterday he was sent to Nottingham for a PET/CT scan. His next appointment is Tuesday when I believe we will get our bad news.
Theres a ride in Walt Disney World in Florida called The Tower Of Terror. I kind of feel we have climbed onboard that and cant find the exit :(
Hi Inula, thanks so much form your kind words when you and your husband are going through this terrible time. I really hope he gets good news next week. I know I'll get my head round this, my daughter has come home for a few days so having to be mum is helping to keep this normal. Take care x
My dad was diagnosed in March. We were told the cncer was contained to one lung so they operated. They found that the tumor had grown into the lung and had spread to lymph nodes as well. We found out 3 days ago that it's stage3b. He starts chemo on wednesday for 3 months and then possibly radiotherapy.
There are lots of people on the hard journey so please chat to us all on here to get stuff off your chest..this place has helped me over a few days.
Hi Lorraine, thanks so much for replying. I will keep in touch and am hoping for a shot of dignity and courage anytime but knowing that folk here are taking time to offer words of wisdom is fab. Take care x
i hope you are enjoying some quality time with your daughter and doi g something enjoyable and fun. We are very lucky to have our daughter her wife and our grandaughter living just around the corner. I'm not sure how we would manage without their constant love and support. We had all planned to go out and about this weekend to take our minds off his Tuesday appointment but husband is feeling quite a lot of pain this weekend and doesnt want to head out. Mind you its a bit wet and windy here in Lincoln today so staying in is probably a good option!
You mentioned that your treatment starts next week? Have you been told how long this will continue? I wish you well on your journey and hope you will stay in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Hi Inula, have had a good weekend despite the wind in Scotland. Have walked with family and dogs and had a normal weekend. Treatment I think ( kinda zoned out, when it was being explained but back tomorrow to see oncologist)) will be four weeks chemo, four weeks chemo and radiotherapy combo then four weeks chemo. They used words like 'gruelling' so am under no illusion what I'm in for, but, now that head is out from under duvet,, I will just need to get on with it!! It's funny how even after a couple of days this is starting to become normal, am less tearful though 4am is the time I wake up and have dark thoughts.
Good luck for Tuesday, let me know how you get on, will be thinking about you both,
pleased you shared a nice weekend with your family. Dog walking is very theraputic. One of our dogs just loves it when we throw a ball for her. The other one just sniffs around and barks at birds!
I can well imagine how easy it is to 'zone out' when faced with bad news then treatment plans. I've been advised to take a notebook to all appointments and to make notes and write questions down before hand. Trouble is Im tucked up in bed right now and even though I have thought of a few things we should ask I'm too idle to get out of this nice comfy bed and walk accross the cold floor to the living room where I left the notebook! Our daughter has been coming with us to the appointments. One doctor looked a bit startled when all 3 of us marched in to the room. I smiled at him and said 'We hunt in packs...' He wasn't sure what to say to that! :) At the first appointment my husband hesrd something completely different to what my daughter and I heard!
Were you given a named cancer nurse at your last appointment? Or another point of contact for any questons you have?
I hope you and your husband are coping in the best way you can and that you dont have too many dark times at 4am.
Hi Inula, I know tomorrow will be looming for you and hubby but thought I'd share my day with you. I met with the Oncologist today and yes, a named lung cancer clinical nurse specialist, who will co ordinate my care. Bit scary, but told clearly what the plan will be, the side effects and generally had a much more positive session that I'd feared. Given lots of reading stuff and start chemo on Monday. My husband was involved and treated well. Have a gruelling ( their word) three months ahead but they said short term pain for long term gain!!! So. Have had two big glasses of wine and a nap and now feeling much much better and Less like planning my funeral. I am crossing all digits that you and hubby have a positive session tomorrow and in spite of this horrible disease , you get support and hope from the professionals. Sending good vibes for tomorrow, even with a pad and pen, I never caught all the info, but saw the chemo room and less scary than imagined. Take care, good luck!,, xx
