topic Re: Possible lung Cancer in I've just been diagnosed

Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 02:40:30 GMT

Hello,

I'm new and I think that I might have lung cancer. How am I supposed to keep calm and not worry while waiting for a diagnosis?

For about 6 months, I've had blood in my sputum.....not much, just enough to notice. I guess I hoped it would go away because when it started, it was only happening every now and then... but now it's becoming more frequent.

I have an appointment to see my doctor next week and I've been hoping that it's just a chest infection, although that's not really likely. I have not had a cold or a chest infection for 3-4 years and I do not have a cough, and I know that a chest infection with no other symptoms does not last 6 months. I am 61 yrs old and an ex-smoker of 30+ years. Both my parents and my brother all died from different cancers; all aged between 57 - 63.

So far I've had 3 operations to remove tumours, including breast surgery and a hemicolectomy during which they removed a large part of my bowel. All of which ended up being benign, but then I got skin cancer and needed reconstructive surgery to my face. I know that coughing up blood can be caused by other factors, but I also know that at my age and with my history, the most common cause is lung cancer.

So I ask again. How do you not worry while you're waiting for a diagnosis?

Re: Possible lung Cancer

Rubes1984 — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 07:48:11 GMT

Hi Molly, When u are waiting for a diagnosis thinking and worrying is inevitable. I waited from 20th Feb this yr to 20th April before I got my diagnosis of lung cancer. U are doing the right thing tho, which is going to the Dr and get some tests started. Considering ur history it does increase the risk levels but nothing is ever written in concrete... I am sending u warm wishes and positive vibes, no matter what the cause seeking help is the first step. Good luck Rubes

Re: Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 08:28:16 GMT

Thank you Rubes. I've been stewing for days and not sure if I should post or not. Your support means a lot. Thank you.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

SILLY — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 08:28:41 GMT

Hoping for you that your worst fears aren't realised. If they are it is good that you have already sort online support . You have been a non-smoker for so long that it may not be much of a risk factor now .

Re: Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 08:39:34 GMT

Thank you Silly, but I have accidentally misled you. I no longer smoke, but did smoke for 30+ years. I gave it away about 5 years ago. Thank you for your post. I really do I do appreciate the support.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 03:29:03 GMT

What a long week it has been! I've had lots of blood tests and a chest XRay which was inclusive, so today I've been for a lung CT. I am not trained to read a CT and I should not have looked, but I did ..... now I wonder what that black spot on my CT means. :( The waiting is so much harder than the tests, and now I have to wait another week to wait until I get the results.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

Kasa — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:26:34 GMT

Hi Molly Black spots on CT scans are not the thing you worry about. Trust me on that!!!! Don't look at the scans til someone who understands them can take you through them. I had to wait from January to June this year for my lung cancer to be confirmed. I've just finished treatment. So don't worry til they tell you to worry. It doesn't help at all. Hard I know.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 04:13:37 GMT

Thank you so much Kasa. What you say definitely makes sense and I did know this, but human nature being what it is... I couldn't resist the temptation. Here am I complaining about having to wait a week or two, when you and others have waited months. I'm so sorry for that. The support that I've received here has helped a lot. I do feel better and I'm starting to think that I will be OK no matter the diagnosis, and for that I thank you all. My first ever mammogram detected a lump which eventually proved benign, but not before a full day of unsuccessful biopsies and then surgical removal. Then just 5 years ago I needed a hemicolectomy and lost half my bowel because of a large tumour that also turned out to be benign. Two months later I developed a malignant lesion on my face and needed reconstructive surgery following it's removal. I guess with all of that coming so quickly one after another, I was just feeling despondent about these new symptoms. I go back for my CT results next week and I hope to be able to come back and say goodbye after that. Thank you again. Your support has meant a lot to me.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

SILLY — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:33:28 GMT

I hope it turns out to be NOT LUNG CANCER . As you say you're ex-smoker,although having given up 30 years before ,the fear never really goes away . I would think you are no more at risk than anyone who has never smoked . My non-medical opinion only .

Re: Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:13:31 GMT

Thank you again Silly. I thought I'd be here today to say goodbye, but it looks like I'm here to stay because sadly I got my diagnosis of lung cancer today. I guess I knew in the back of my mind that there was a big chance that it would turn out this way. I didn't seek support for my breast lump, nor when I had a bowel tumour a few years ago but this time I felt I needed it. Now what? I have an appointment in 2 days to arrange a biopsy and chemo. So many questions. It's al a bit over whelming and I don't really know where to start.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

tikipop — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:47:21 GMT

Oh no... I am so sorry to hear that 😞 I'm glad you found this forum, it is a great place. There are so many supportive and inspiring people on here...I really dont know how I would have coped with my Grandfathers illness if it wasnt for all the wonderful people here!

Re: Possible lung Cancer

Rubes1984 — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:42:49 GMT

Molly, All I can say us what a bugger.....at least now u have a clear diagnosis and can make some realistic choices about treatment. When there are so many unknowns it makes it impossible to plan and prepare yourself mentally for what is ahead. Don't be a stranger here as there are many knowledgeable, caring and very friendly people here. So check in, vent, rant, yell, cry and write out all that you are feeling - I know it will help and will be more therapeutic than you ever imagined. Good luck with upcoming tests and I hope your questions are answered. Take care Rubes

Re: Possible lung Cancer

MollyB — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 01:57:21 GMT

Well things have progressed since I last posted. I had a lung biopsy 2 weeks ago to confirm my diagnosis and find out what type of cancer I have. It's Non-Small Cell Carcinoma of the lung and now have another appointment on January 8th for planning. I don't know if I'll be offered surgery or not because my GP said the tumour was in a different spot for them to reach, but I dare say I will find out when I see the specialist again. Can anyone tell me how about getting support for my husband? He's doing OK most times but he gets so short with me and we argue because he is so stressed out with all that's going on with me. I can't stand us arguing. We never used to and I really want to get him back to normal so he can once more be my rock when I need him.

Re: Possible lung Cancer

Sandrab — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 09:48:44 GMT

I have non small cell casinoma stage 3 i have been diagnosed since june 2015 i havehad chemo immunology and am now on oral chemo i am still here stay positivei am on antidepessants as my husband and i used to argue it is a lot to take in my hubby is my carer i am still working dont sit at home i have just turned 60 in september wishing you the best of luck be happy you are still here each day

Re: Possible lung Cancer

ScottJS — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:04:44 GMT

Hi Sandrab, I hope you are recovering. I can relate to what you are saying as I was diagnosed with Stage 3a cancer in August 2015. t started in my right lung, After 7 all day chemo sessions and 30 radiotherapy sessions I improved to the point of being able to walk up to 6Km a day. Then in early May 2016 I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. That required 10 more whole brain radiotherapy sessions which stopped the growth of the tumour but wiped me out for 5 months, then the cancer became active in my right lung again. Now it's stage 4 and I am being treated with "Nivolumab" every 2 weeks intraveniously (going on 4 months now) and it has been life-changing. With the exception of some lingering fatigue I feel better than I have in 12 months. Have you asked your Oncologist about this treatment and if it is relevant to you? And yes, so important to stay positive and keep fighting!