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Newly diagnosed with lung cancer

es2711
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Hello. 

My mum was diagnosed with Lung cancer on Wednesday (5) days ago. I genuinely thought she had a chest infection, its come from nowhere. 

Symptomless then breathlessness overnight! She went to her GP just 2 week ago, they ruled out various things with blood tests & sent her for an xray. 

Xray showed an abnormality, GP explained this could be anything from infection to tumour. She was sent for a CT scan & results Wednesday confirmed a lung cancer diagnosis. The words 'Its not good news' just keep ringing in our ears. 

Mum has now got various tests over the next couple of weeks before we find out what type of cancer, if it has spread, treatment options etc. We're praying the tumour can be removed. 

The consultant measured the tumour at 4.7cm, malignant confirmed as it has broken away. The tumour is upper right lobe. 

My world has fell apart, I need to stay strong for her but I'm broken, scared, anxious & feel totally helpless. I think if im feeling this how on earth is she feeling. 

A little background about our family dynamics. Mum is 59 years old. Worked since she was 15 years old, went on sick in December last year due to 'exhaustion' from work. She reported to be tired constantly & tearful at work. 

She is one of 6 siblings & her mum & dad both 85+ still going strong. She has myself only daughter & widowed from my dad for 11 years after he suffered a deterioration in his mental state resulting in him taking his life. Mum never moved on & doesn't have a partner. Currently living alone. I have 3 children aged 11, 8 & 15 month. My two eldest girls love spending a Saturday night sleepover at nannas. We're a close family. 

Please can someone who's been in similar circumstances explain what we are expecting in the next few weeks. I'm trying to remain positive it can be removed but realistically what if it can not? 

I thank everyone in advance for honest replys. 

Emma x

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    Hi 

    I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through this. My family are in a similar situation - after twobouts of pneumonia our mum has also been diagnosed with lung cancer. She’s never smoked and her diagnosis also cane as an awful shock. We are still in the early stages like you and are currently awaiting the results of a Pet scab and her marker results. Do you know if your mum has had these? 

    I don’t have any real advice as agree the waiting is awful but everyone has tried to reassure me that all of the tests etc are necessary to ensure we get the right and best treatment for our mum. 

    Try to stay strong and positive and I hope that you all get the results you need and that your mum can start her treatment soon. Good luck and best wishes to you all x 

  • Offline in reply to Miss_Sky

    Hi Emma, first of all I am sorry that you and your family are in this position. This time last year my husband was going through all the different tests. He felt unwell after having some painting done and he had an ECG and then an MRI scan for his heart. They found a shadow on his lung and then it was a CT scan an E Lung Function Test, and then a Bronchoscopy (camera) with a biopsy. It was only then that lung cancer was confirmed. After this it was a PET scan to see if it had spread to any other part of the body. Luckily it had'nt and then we had an appointment with a surgeon at a London Hospital. A few weeks later he had half of his right lung removed. Whilst doing this they took 10 lymph nodes away to do a biopsy. He was in hospital for 5 days and after being home for approx 4 weeks we went to see the surgeon. We were told that cancer was found in 1 of the lymph nodes and booked us an appointment with the Oncology team at our local hospital (East Sussex) at that appointment we were advised to have 4 sessions of chemotherapy (as a precaution) unfortunately after 2 sessions and hospitalised after both ( the 2nd one with sepsis) they decided to stop the chemo. This was in October last year. He had a CT scan in February and it was clear. They will give him CT scans every 6 months for a couple of years. We are now just getting on with our lives and hoping that it doesn't return. Hopefully your mum will be able to have the operation, if not there are lots of examples of people on this site that have had chemo and radiotherapy and the cancer has been kept at bay.

    There is a lovely lady on this site named Carol and her husband is doing well, I'm sure if she sees this she will put a mention on here.  If I can help in any way please don't hesitate to ask any questions.

    take care of yourself and your family.

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