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Lung cancer spread to lymph nodes - looking for advice

Azza65
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My girlfriend of 30yrs has just been diagnosed with lung cancer in both lungs which has spread to her lymph nodes.

The doctor who told her this information did not reveal the extnt of the damage or which lymph nodes had been infected.

What I would like to know is how I find out how bad the damage is?

He did not specify Which courses of treatment are open to her.

Any help would be gratefully received.

  • Offline

    Hey, 

    I'm so sorry to hear the news that your girlfriend has been diagnosed. 

    My mum was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer on the 13th of November last year, and although the cancer hadn't spread to her lymph nodes, he still made this clear in the initial appointment as did the doctor your girlfriend and you saw. 

    In terms of what lymph nodes the cancer has spread to, usually a full body CT Scan is done along with a full Bone CT Scan which you will have the results back from when they are ready. Your girlfriend will be referred to an oncologist I assume, and the oncologist is the one that will tell you what lymph nodes have been affected by cancer and what the treatment plan is that they have ready for your girlfriend. The oncologist should be able to shed a light on this. Surgery may also be discussed, dependant on where the cancer is, at what stage, what type of cancer it is etc. So you should both find out more there. 

    I hope you and your girlfriend find more answers to the questions you want answering, and I hope she gets on well with her treatment. 

    Alexia x

  • Offline in reply to AlexiaT

    Hi,

    Sorry to hear about your mum.

    Thank you for your reply.

    As far as I am aware she has not been referred to anyone or offered the option of surgery.

    I need to speak with her gp.

    Best regards

     

  • Offline in reply to Azza65

    Yeah definitely speak with her GP or whoever made the diagnosis for her, as they will be doing referrals for oncologists and tests etc. So you'll probably find out more from them. 

    All the best for her and you.

    Alexia 

  • Offline in reply to AlexiaT

    Hello Azza

    Try not to worry-{although I know that's impossible!}

    Back in October I was in a place similar to where you are now. My partner was diagnosed with lung cancer in one lung and nodes. We  then watched our calender fill up with tests and meetings as we cancelled various social engagements and a holiday. However, once you get the plan it does feel a little better.

    He had 4 three week cycles of chemo. There was a bit of a wobble at the end with getting his bloods right [red and white cells both had dips] but it generally wasnt too bad. One word of caution is that no-one has exactly the same cancer as your girlfriend-every-one's experience is different so you might find it helpful to talk to a few different people.

    However, my Dave had a good response to the chemo and at his last scan it could not be seen on the x ray. He has now to wait for radiotherapy which will be 4 weeks of treatment with weekends off.

    You and your girlfriend are at the start of a journey.

    Good luck to you both xxx

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