LD-you are very similar to me. I am a terrible worrier, whilst Dave is more laid back. My view is that knowledge is power, so I try to find out as much as I can and I dont think its a bad thing.

In fact, I think its great that you are so on the ball that you've googled the consultant's wife! You go, girl!

Dave did get his chemo, although we were there from 10.30 am and he didnt get it until 4pm so was not in the best humour. Still, no more treatment until after Xmas now; just the scary prospect of a scan to see if its working. [Gulp!]

Ah well. Let me know when your Dad gets a date for his biopsy results and/ or a date for his op.

Love xxx

Hi Monica,

I was just wondering how things are with you and Dave? How is his treatment? Did you manage to have a nice Xmas?

We are still awaiting lung biopsy results but Dad is so well in himself. Still praying for good news.

Hope your well x

Hi LD

Happy New Year!

Dave is doing fine thanks. He has one more cycle of chemo to start a week on Friday but the really good news is that the scan showed that the tumour has shrunk from 61mm to 6mm! We are both feeling a lot more positive, as you can imagine.

He is having Zarzia injections to improve his immune system which means I have to stab in the stomach every morning [!] but apparently it doesnt hurt and although he's a little more tired the chemo side effects have been generally manageable. After this, its radiotherapy but we take one day at a time.

Hope your Dad gets really good news and that you both have a fantastic 2019

Much love xx

Ahh wow thats amazing news! Am so pleased for you both, and what an amazing result, How long will he have to have radiotherapy for?

They have chased the secretary today so here's hoping we will find out soon xx

We won't know exactly until we see the oncologist on 28th. 

Do let me know how your Dad gets on. I'm keeping everything crossed for you xx

Good luck on the 28th. Do keep me up to date. I'll be keeping everything crossed for positive news.

My dad spoke to the secretary today and he has another consultant appointment next Wednesday. Seems a very long time to wait since his biopsy! xx

Hi Monica,

How are you and how is Dave getting on?

My dad just had his follow up and its definitely cancer :( It still seems very vague as he has another CT scan next week which is to show if it has grown, he will then meet with the surgeon who will discuss the surgery and next steps. It seems to of changed again as they said the biopsy would tell if it was in his nodes and if not he would just have surgery and today they have said they wont know until after the surgery and its removed (although they are telling me that nothing has changed) I think they dont remember everything from the appointments. He now has been passed from that team and will have the scan and see the surgeon. I cant believe he wasnt given a stage as I thought the PET and biopsy did that but he was told it hasnt spread. 

xx

Sorry for delay in replying-I usually get a notification but didnt this time.

I know the confirmed cancer diagnosis is upsetting as you've maybe been clinging to the hope that it was something else, but at least they know more now and the oncology team will be able to focus and start putting the plan into operation. Dave and I felt much better after speaking to oncology. Hopefully, they'll be able to give you a 24 hour helpline at the hospital and access to practical and emotional support for yourself and I would recommend that you take advantage of that. And remeneber there's a lot of love and understanding  for you here on this forum.

If there's still even the possibility it hasnt spread that's very good news and I think [but I'm not a doctor!] that having surgery also means they think that its limited to the local area. Is he feeling ok physically?

We are towards the end of chemo but had a problem yesterday at chemo as his blood test showed low red blood cells and he has to have a blood transfusion on sunday morning. He is a bit low about this-just because its someting new, I think. He gets into a panic and I have to act calm, but as you know, inside I'm a worrier like you!

But we both have to stay strong and get them through it. 

I'll be thinking of you. x

Thanks Monica - I think you do cling on to some glimmer of hope. I assumed the pet and biopsy would show spread and stage it. When was faves staged?

they haven’t even mentioned seeing oncology - he has his ct scan and then meets the surgeon (or will she be part of the oncology team? 

He said he feels as fit as flea - he doe get bad chests due to his ct but he’s feeling otherwise great. 

Im still praying it’s operable and easy to remove and that he needs no further treatment (although surgery is tough too) 

Oh I’m sorry to hear that - what causes the low cells? Hopefully once hes had the transfusion he will be better.m and everything will be better for him. It’s hard not to worry but it sounds like he’s done the hard bit. Will he have to stay in?

hope everything goes well xx

Morning. Today is Blue Monday which is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year but Dave is less breathless since the transfusion so I'm hoping things can only get better! He was in from 9 till 2 so not too bad! I think that low blood counts of either red or white are mainly caused by chemo in his case so you may not need to worry about it.

We got the staging news after the PET scan but we did have to ask for it. As well as that, on our first trip to hospital they asked if we would like them to send us copies of any letters that goes to the GP and it has further info on the top. eg T4N3M0 Stage 3C. This means [I believe] tumour, nodes and I think the M m refers to whether it has spread any further. And all of this equates to stage 3c, which they summarised as advanced but localised. When Dad got the diagnosis, was there not a specialist cancer nurse in with him? Ours gave us her number and told us to ring if there were any questions as you don't necessarily take everything in at first.

I would guess that the surgeon would be part of the oncology team, but don't really know. We went to respiratory after a [clear] chest xray to have a CT scan and it was after that that we had te PET scan and biopsy, and then we saw the oncologist, and that was the point at which we asked for the staging.

I think you have to have faith that they will consider all the info and make the choice which they believe will give your Dad the best chance of success. You are very fortunate that it does seem as if the stage will be an early one, and they must think there's a good chance of being able to operate, but if he does have to have chemo, it may not be too bad. Dave's experience with Gem Carbo was generally fine.

Its fantastic that Dad is feeling well-he will have reserves  which will be helpful in whatever route he goes for treatment.

Hope this helps, I'll be thinking about you. x