I was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer today and I am devastated. I know that I need to be strong but all I can think of is dying. I lost both my parents to lung cancer but I never thought it would happen to me, everyone probably thinks that. Any help to get through this would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou
Pat
Hey Pat,
Call the BLF helpline in the morning, they open 10am to 6pm Mon-Fri. 03000 030 555
They have a specialist team there who can talk with you and hopefully offer some support.
I lost my Mum to lung cancer last year but she didn't let it bother her that much. She was diagnosed with the small cell type at the end of March after she'd been pestering her doctor for weeks with a bad cough. She went into hospital, had all the tests, and was as cheerful as you can get when we went to see her, despite her inner distress.
She was one who wouldn't let anything get her down, she would just put on a happy face and get on with it. She said herself that it was something she could do nothing about.
Big hug to you Toronto! How devastating for you.I cant say,I know how you feel,but I can imagen.I do hope you have some family support etc.Also heres hoping for a good medical team.Do you have any church/other that you belong to?
Speaking to the BLF, sounds a good idea, if you are in the UK,but I am wondering if you are in Canada?(only because of your name!lol)
Please dont bottle it up,and we are always here, to lend some support.Keep in touch,
Love Wendells xxxx
Anytime you feel like talking pop in here. Have they suggested any therapies yet ?
I am so pleased you shared this with us, the words are so beautiful. Thank you!
Dreaming ,I'm always dreaming.And it is surprising how much God helps me in my dreams.Sorry to hear your news Toronto but please don't lose faith.
Richard
I am so sorry to hear your news Toronto. Have they mentioned any operation and other treatments? I think Gordon's suggestion about contacting BLF is a good one.
Lynne xx
Very sorry to read that Toronto. It's hard to find words that will offer you any comfort at all. I practice Buddhist meditation and it helps me focus on how fickle this physical life is and concentrate on the spiritual side of our existence. I've only been doing it a few months and It really helps me so it may something you could try.
How long since you were diagnosed with COPD?
James
SirJames,I'm glad you are finding meditation helps you, I think everyone should practise it for peace of mind. After having to come to terms with death many times in my life, my spiritual journey began many years ago and I have found great comfort, especially since becoming ill myself in the words of many great teachers whose wisdom gives us strength to help us all through life. Buddha said, ~~~ If you live your life you let go of your fear of death ~~~ Death isn't anything to fear, because there is not such a thing as death.
Death = the coming into full consciousness.
Hullo, Toronto - I join the rest of this forum is saying that I am thinking of you. I am sure you will get comfort from friends and family. I wonder if you could approach MacMillan nurses. They are there to help those with cancer. If you are in Canada, there must be something similar. I think they offer advice and help.
Hi Wendells thankyou for your support. I lived in Canada for 10 years so I use Toronto as a user name. I am very lucky that I have a lot of family support and I feel sorry for them because they are going through this as well. I have not been to church in years but I may go. I will phone the BLF on Monday.
Pat
Hi everyone
I thought that I could reply individually underneath your comments. Thankyou to all of you for your support. I am concerned because I have had symptoms for at least six months and I am in a lot of pain. I take tramadol and morphine for a back problem but I still have pain that wakes me up. The doctor said it's not the type that can be operated on. I see the oncologist on Wednesday so I will know more then. Once again thank you all for your support and I will take your advice.
Pat
Hi Pat, I'm so sorry to hear your news,Im glad you have family support and you have ours too, if ever you need us don't hesitate to get in touch. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Carol x
Hi Carol
Thankyou, I keep breaking down and panicking. I want to be strong but I am devastated.
Patx
You are being strong Pat just by coming on here and letting everyone know how you feel. Gordon has the right idea with contacting the BLF helpline so please do that. Sending hugs and thinking of you at this devastating time. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Be strong pat I was diagnosed with ILD in 2009 and all I could think of was dying thankfully 3 or more years down the line I think of nothing but the blossoming tree.s and flowers and take each day with vigour and excitement you will get there be strong and we are all here a big shoulder to cry on when you need us
brian aka reggie x
Hi Pat
I can't add much to what the others have said. It must have been a devastating diagnosis but you have family to support you and of course all of us on here will be here for when you want to rant and rave so that you don't have to upset them.
I will be joining some of the others in offering up a prayer even if you don't believe, us God botherers love to include anyone ( I don't preach, I don't go to church I just do my bit lol )
Keep strong
Janet
xx
Thankyou Janet I am considering going to church, maybe I will get some comfort there. I am overwhelmed by the support I have had from everyone.
Patx
I am so sorry to hear your news Pat but hope that all our good wishes and prayers offer you some comfort. You may want to take a look at this website where you will find more specialised support:
macmillan.org.uk/HowWeCanHe...
You will be in our thoughts over the coming weeks and months ((((( hug )))))
Bless you Pat, how brave you are, having to come to terms with such tragic news I can't imagine, I'm sure you have lots of love and support from you're friends and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers here too, stay in touch with us please, my very best wishes to you.xxx
Ju
So sorry to hear your news Pat, nothing much to add to the rest , but sending positive thoughts, you are in my prayers. We are all here for you whenever you want to talk.
best wishes
ingrid.
Thinking of you and sending hugs. Positive is good when you can in those in-between moments ... you are bound to feel in shock and worry, and the more you try not to worry, the more your focus will be on worry. If you can focus on the other 'what if' sometimes ... the one about not dying, that will help give some peace some of the time.
Keep talking to us Pat if it helps you, go to Church Pat it may well help and give you strength and courage, the power of prayer is great. I don't know how I would cope without knowing there is a God out there to talk to. It's how I feel and I know others will disagree, but I believe everyone needs something to believe in, it does help.
Lib xx
just tae let you iam praying for you it is hard to put into words,how to express my feeling for you ,you must be a very special person .iam sure god will give the the strengh and fortitude to help through this troubled....i feel ashamed of myself ,for moaning about my insinificant illness,,,,,yours truly from scotland ......lawrie xx
Hi Pat, so sorry to hear your news, its hard, but do try to think possitively, and know we are here for you whenever you need ears to listen and we will all help by sending you love and support, praying for you too, lots of strength and love in prayers. Keep your chin up and when your feeling down don't give up, I find listening to music helps me when I feel down.
Love to you xxx
Oh Pat I am so sorry. Its a dreadful disease. However the survival rates are good. And they are going up all the time. I have known a couple of people who have lost half or a whole lung and they are now fine. Keep your pecker up and your hope.
We are here for you - always.
Bev xx
So sorry to hear this..hope you find some strength to help you thru this xxxxx
i first read those words while in deep distress,they meant a lot then,but they became true for me on my journey. my prayer for you Pat ,is that God will strenghten you in your pain and distress . Madeline
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