OMG I am 28 yrs old and have lung cancer

[Rubes1984]

2012 has been a huge year for myself and my finance - some great ups and many downs. We started the year announcing our engagement and were on top of the world. It is so hard to see how we ended up here. When I actually look back now I can see a clear picture of when my illness was arising. In Feb I attended the GP as I had been tired, losing stacks of weight and coughed up some blood. Being an ex-smoker the GP sent me for chest scans and on the first CT scan they found the lesion. After many months of tests and endless trips to Brisbane in April the diagnosis of lung cancer was confirmed. From the PET scan there were/are concerns of other places in my body - breast, back and a section of pelvic bone. I am currently recovering from a lobectomy (suregery done 2 weeks ago) where they removed the tumour. I am currently still awaiting a staging - as the bone test is still awaiting results. They are not fully convinced all those other areas are clear and will need to be regularly reviewed (test so far are inconclusive). I am struggling to stay positive atm as I await the bone results and the results to see if I need chemo or radiation. Every time my phone rings my heart skips a beat - wondering if it will be Brisbane calling with results. I am struggling being off work and not doing normal things. I am a social worker by profession and know all the things to help lift and improve my mood. However all of those things do not help when u are awaiting ur faith and future.

[SILLY]

What a shock it must be to have lung cancer at your age. You probably thought that it was a possibility for your old age . I hope you get conclusive results of the tests soon. They may not be good ones (and I hope they are good ones ) but nor is the anxiety of not knowing, and waiting . That is a very scary time . It's so sad that this all happened at a time which would normally be one of the happiest times of your life. You will get a lot of support here .There are so many caring people here.

[Rubes1984]

Thanks for your comment Silly. This has surely been a shock for me and what is even more shocking is the lung cancer I have is usually found in non-smokers and is more based on expose to environmental things (coal and radon). I lived for 14yrs in a heavily industrial town exposed to these chemicals. I am waiting (as patiently as possible) for my results - I need them so I can get mentally prepared for what is to come. Hey I survived the surgery and am recovering very well. As my GP says u are one lucky lady - ur health was in great form prior to the cancer which will help u greatly. I am trying to remain positive which is hard with so much uncertainty - the first 2 months of tests I was so positive and strong (making statements like I will bet it no matter what, there is no way it could be cancer, all i want is positivity around me and that will get me through). Now I have researched and know what is to come and know what terrible news may be around the corner if bone is positive......

[SILLY]

I very much hope that it will be good news for you. Your fiance must be suffering anxiety too. You can prop each other up for now. All the best Ruby .

[Kasa]

Hi Ruby I have lung cancer too. I'm only 42 and have never smoked. The chemo/radiation process starts in a weeks time for me. Hope things go well for you.

[Rubes1984]

Hi kasa, I hope ur treatment goes well, it surely is a daunting time prior to commencing any treatment or further tests. I'm back to see my oncologist specialist next wk to hopefully get my expected further treatment plan. I dont know if this is stupidly being over optimistic but maybe they got it all with the surgery and no other treatment will be required. In reality I doubt this will be the case bit positivity never hurt anyone :) Ruby

[SILLY]

All the best,Kasa , and Ruby.

[janine]

Hi Rubes After reading your reply to my blog tonight and looking at your photo I was thinking to myself what a lovely, kind face you have. Then I see that you are a social worker, my partner is also a social worker. We were also planning on getting married and had even bought a ring. Keep positive thoughts and enjoy every moment. Janine