Cancer Research UK main site

Non curative

Mia3B
Offline

I was told yesterday that I've got cancer.  I've been unwell since November 2020 and guessed it was going to be bad news as my PET scan showed pathological changes in my lymph nodes and two shadows had appeared on my lungs.  I had a biopsy and suddenly I've got secondary lung cancer but they can't find the primary tumour.  I'm having an endoscopy as they suspect upper GI.  This all came as a shock as I was told possibly lymphoma and now I'm being told it's very aggressive and they think the treatment will not be curative.  I'm so freaked out.  I've gone from being a healthy (going to gym or swimming every day) woman to someone who can't climb a flight of stairs.  I have three young sons and I'm so sad for them and have spent all night worrying about them.  What does non curative mean - is it terminal, is there a time line? I'm scared to ask that question but equally scared to ignore it. I feel like there were no positives in the news, no chinks of light.  Has anyone else been told something similar?  Thank you

  • Offline

    Hi Mia,

    How hard this must be for you, at this stage you must be so worried.  I don't know if it will help to know there are people on here who have been on non curative care for years! Sometimes, just because they can't cure it doesn't mean they can't manage it and keep you alive.

    I wish you well at this awful time, and hope you are able to cope more once you have all the information you need.

    Christine xxx

  • Offline in reply to Sheltie_Lady

    Thank you for replying, that is so kind.  It's a very helpful and reassuring to hear that non curative doesn't mean my imminent demise!  I just need to be here for my boys as long as I possibly can. X

  • Offline in reply to Mia3B

    Hi Mia .

    I've been non curable since Feb 2016 I've prostate cancer gone to lymph nodes spine ribs pelvis and a lung. I started on hormone therapy then chemo things go up and down now and again.first few years I was working in metal fabrication and welding factory.then my darling wife (brenda) was diagnosed with Altzimers and Parkinson's so I'm her fill time carer'she has carer to wash her,and noon and evening meal just now because im having trouble with My meds all the rest I do, she can't walk much so I I support her we are just getting a wet Room sorted so she can have showers.where either I or carer can wash her properly.hope you get treatment soon please keep in touch . more the merrier on our forum family.

    Best wishes for the future.

    Billy

  • Offline in reply to Billygoatt

    Thanks Billy for the kind words.  Wishing you well.

     

    mia

  • Offline

    My partner has today been told his Bowel Cancer is non curative. He too was fit as a fiddle before 3 months ago when first symptoms showed themselves. I too had same question as your post, and didn't feel ready to ask in Consultant room today. The replies you have received have eased my imminent fears, as I too was unclear on timelines. 

    it is such a worrying time for all. Wish you all the best and harness your inner strength xx

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.