Hi, firstly sorry to hear your news. I too am 55 and was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer (although I've never smoked). I had surgery 4 weeks ago to remove the lobe of my lung that the cancer was in and will soon be having chemo to try destroy anything left over. My consultant and surgeon both used the expression to me 'curitve intent' ie they intended to cure me. If all went to plan they could forsee a very positive outcome. So my first thing would be to say is everyone and every cancer is different and talk of 5 years or whatever is just that, talk, unless you are told otherwise by the doctors. On to surgery. I was told that my surgery had a 1-2% chance of a 'major complication' this of course includes possible death. This I believe is true of all surgery. I was also told this was a general figure and my age and overall otherwise good health reduced those odds considerably. So your Mum being 55 and therefore relatively young for this sort of thing to happen to, will have better odds than most. It is important to realise that no surgery is without risk. I cannot comment on chemo as I have yet to go through it (heard a lot of negative stuff about it, but I try to think along the lines of "If that's what it takes then go for it". I can understand your Mums attitude. I went through the 'Why me' phase...but then you have to think 'Why not me?' Cancer does not discriminate. I take it one day at a time and think on the positives rather than the negatives. I have the support of loving family and friends, which is invaluable to me. It sounds like your Mum has the same which will help her enormously. So yes its a tough time, but the fact they want to operate is itself a positive....they could have said it was not possible. All the best to you and your Mum.

Hi Graham, We really appreciate your response. I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this and thank you so much for taking the time to help put our minds at ease - really means a lot. Totally right, one day at a time, one step at a time - thinking positive does help even though sometimes it can be scary. We wish you the very best with your chemo treatment and sending positive energy your way too. Best wishes xx

Hi KT86 I dont know where you got the five years but thats usually the time that you are checked for. It depends on the type of cancer and grade what the percentage chances are. I was given a 17-20% survival rate (stage4B) which means thats the number of people who survive over 5 years. In my case I have gone through the treatment and now in remission but I will still be seen on a regular basis for 5 years from the date my treatment finished. As for questions write them down there is no such thing as a stupid question and ask the doctor on her next appointment. Your Mum seeming calm could be because she wants the wedding and birthday to go smoothly and is concentrating on those events. She could be in denial (I know I was) but at some point she may breakdown and all you can do is support her. She may have accepted the diagnosis and is waiting for the prognosis and treatment options. We all react differently and no one knows how they will react until they get the news. My Consultant had to show me the results because I just kept saying are you sure. Hope its good news from the scan.

Hi River56, Was reading the articles on Macmillan and NHS site, my mum also picked that up too from reading about it. Didn't want her to think 5 years survival rate and that's it, any nice news to keep her spirit up would be good. You're right I think clarity will be provided in time with the Team of specialist. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, it really means a lot. I hope your treatment goes well and this disease to disappear completely. Best wishes xx