Positive Stories

Hi All,

My Dad has recently been diagnosed with Lung Cancer, we also know it's on his spine. We are waiting for the results on staging etc. He is well in himself, still eating, doesn't seem to have lost weight, still playing golf etc but yesterday he had a reaction to painkillers but today he is a lot better. 

I have been scouring Google for everything you can possibly think of, and I know I shouldn't. I just can't switch off. I was wondering if anyone could share their stories and how they dealt with it, I'm trying to keep positive but also not be naive but some positive stories is what I need to hear at the moment.

Thank you

  • Hi there, Not lung cancer but a positive story nevertheless. I am 67, I was diagnosed with Grade 3, stage 3c (advanced) uterine papillary serous cancer in 2015 which has a survival rate of only 30 per cent at 5 years. It is now nearly 6 years and I am still here. Trust the docs and nurses. So much can be done nowadays. They all want the best for you. It is not the automatic death sentence everyone still thinks it is . Stay strong for him as well as yourself. Ask all the questions you and he want answered. The docs and nurses and scientists all want the best for everyone. I was fast tracked through the system -11 months from first symtpom to end of treatment, major surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Would have been 9 months but I delayed the chemotherapy as I was not sure about it. It is not easy. It is physically difficult and mentally very difficult but nothing was as bad as I thought it would be. It needs a period of adjustment to get your head round it. My dad died aged 70 of stomach cancer, neither he nor family had any information or help- 30 years ago but things are very different now. There is always hope and I am sure everyone will do their best for the family. Be strong and be in your power. Your dad-s body needs a bit of help, it is not a big black monster coming to get him, it is just some of his own cells gone a bit wonky and needing a bit of help. That's how I see it now. The medics so much want a good outcome too. They are awesome and so are you! Much love from Scotlandxxx

  • Hi

    Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on how far you have come, that's amazing! What you said was spot on, we hear that word and I have already been "grieving" if that makes sense.

    My Dad is 67, plays a lot of golf, was a smoker and does have a family history of Cancer and sadly passed away years ago. We are awaiting test results from a Liver Biopsy but we do think he has it there too. The Oncologist did say likely to have Radiotherapy but we no nothing else for a few more days.

    I want to be positive, but I also don't want to convince myself this will get better over night but for 2 weeks I have just thought the absolute  worst, I feel guilty if I laugh, I'm all over the place and also 23 weeks pregnant and also keeping this a secret from my 2 children at the moment. Just one day at a time.

    Appreciate your story and amazing you are in remission. Wishing you well.

    x

  • Of course you are grieving- I understand that perfectly it is completely natural. You are also growing new life -how wonderful! What a joy for your Dad to know that. It is a terrible strain to keep things to yourself, I did it too but your mind has to understand it in whatever way you can first-literally you need to "get your head round it". I closed the door, played sad music and went continuously for a week when I was first diagnosed and told no one. I am on my own. I was on autopilot. Then I said "come on, you need to get on with it." ! You need this time to yourself. Your dad will need your strength so this is a good time to build up your resources and look after your wee ones. I do feel for you. Sending much love and blessings. Stay strong for him. I have every faith that you will get yourself together. I know how you feel about feeling guilty about laughing. I was so angry at people walking in the street, how dare they be happy , how dare they live their lives when my dad was suffering. I know you will find a way. I have every faith in you and him. You are stronger than you know and braver than you think. Weep away -believe me you will find a way through this whatever happens-I am sure of it. Look after the Baby Bump -new life -how lovely! Take care, love from Scotlandxxx