Finding things hard to process after lung cancer and chemo

[HenryEtta]

I am week 10 post op after right lobectomy and have just finished 2 cycles of chemo with 2 cycles to go . Has anyone else been through this treatment and how did you feel at this point. I am so angry and frustrated with my body at the moment.

[judg69]

Yes HenryEtta, I have been through it, and because of it I somehow beat the odds given me of only a 1 in 10 chance of being alive in 5 years. I am 8 1/2 years post stage IIIA-IIIB diagnosis and still around. What you are feeling is normal and depending on the chemo ‘cocktail’ you’re being given , if you are losing your hair, again that is to be expected. I know it is difficult, but you really, really must focus on the positive, the future, and be thankful for your treatments. Many others have also gone through the broken or severed ribs from or after surgery, hair loss and the ‘horrible’ feeling and malaise from chemo . Related subject , if you are on a taxidere and cystoplatin type cocktail it is highly likely you will lose your appetite and/or food will taste ‘metallic’. I was told by a ‘veteran patient’, seconded by a ‘veteran infusion nurse’, to change to plastic-ware utensils, bowls and plates, and to eat as much as possible soft, often chilled foods— puddings, jello, footage cheese, yogurt, ice cream , soft scrambled eggs et al. Believe it or not HenryEtta, the diet change was of immense help in turning my own attitude around. Lung Cancer is tough and it is nasty, and unfortunately the requisite treatment also needs to be tough, and can often be nasty.

Take it one day at a time, strive at every measure to be positive and you may well find yourself not only getting through treatment, but also living your life to the fullest extent possible.

All best wishes, judg69

[2greys]

Hi HenryEtta, Having cancer is a right bitch. It will actually change the way you think and feel about everything. At post week 10 it is still very early days and it will take you a while to recover from the mental stress and your body to heal from the operation. It may take up to a year for everything to settle down, once it has, you will see life from a totally different perspective than before.

I had a different journey, having had Radiotherapy to my upper left lobe. Unfortunately it may have also developed in my upper right lobe as well now, but, oddly, I am not getting anywhere near as stressed about it this time, despite Covid presenting obstacles in my way.

Take the advice from judg69 because he has been on the same journey as yourself, mine has been so different.

[madonbrew]

Dear HenryEtta,

I have thankfully never been through this but I want to send you a massive hug!!!! I can only but imagine how you must be feeling! I really hope you have some support to help you through it all! ...both the physical and emotional side!

Sounds like a tough journey & one that you need lovely people to help you through!!!

Please be kind to yourself & let yourself feel your emotions, they are better out than in! But try not stay angry with your body for too long! Remember you are an amazing human being who is going through an awful situation, and getting through each day is really brave& strong!!!!

And the same to you others going through similar journeys!

🤗🤗🤗

Hugs from Dee x

[HenryEtta]

Ah what a lovely message ,thank you so much 🙋🏻‍♀️🥰

[joyce74]

Wishing you soon start to feel a little better after all you have been going through. Get rest when you need it. You will be welcome to post on here anytime you a feeling low or just want to have a moan. There are plenty to offer support when needed.

[HenryEtta]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support . It means a lot to know I am not alone