What coping techniques do you use when living with another chronic condition in addition to liver disease?

[IanM1957]

I'm sure there must be other members of this group who are living with additional chronic conditions and I'm curious how you cope with this (mentally and physically).

I was told that I had cirrhosis in May/June 2019 and three months later I was told that I probably had lung cancer - since then I've had part of my right lung removed and 2 malignant tumours were found in the removed lung tissue; I'm now half way through 4 cycles of chemotherapy.

When I last saw my oncologist she told me that the latest CT scan had not picked up any obvious secondary cancers but she wanted me to have an MRI of my liver (I had that done this morning) and my mind is now working overtime - what if breakaway lung cancer cells have metastasised to my liver? (I know that the liver is one of the common destinations for metastatic lung cancer).

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions other members are able to give.

P.S. I wasn't sure whether it's appropriate to post this question in the British Liver Trust group or the lung cancer group I'm also a member of.

[davianne]

Hi Ian,

I'm so sorry to hear that you have another chronic illness, as if cirrhosis isn't enough to live with on it's own.

I only have cirrhosis, diagnosed over 3 years ago, and other health issues associated with getting old ( osteoarthritis etc). I can comment on the anxiety and depression though. I sought help through my GP, and had a course of consultations with a psychologist, one to one, which, I'm glad to say worked, and although I still have bad days due to the constant capsule pain I have, the coping mechanisms my psychologist showed me, do help me to control it. I think it's worth you talking to your GP for help.

I hope and pray that the results of your MRI give you the all clear🙏🙏🙏

Take Care,

David

[IanM1957 in reply to davianne]

Thanks David, I'll definitely talk to my GP.

[Hidden]

Good morning IanM1957,

I am sorry to hear of your situation. It can be a difficult enough time dealing with one diagnoisis, never mind another one!

Would it be worth contacting your oncology nurse specialist ? they could perhaps support you at this woorying time?

You can also contact the British Liver Trust nurse led helpline on 0800 652 7330 Mon-Fri 10am -3pm for support on the liver aspect.

Best wishes and take care,

Trust9

[IanM1957 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Trust9

[Loorol]

I really hope you get good news on your MRI and can then focus fully on healing.

The lung removal must have been quite major surgery, were there concerns regarding the operation and how did you get on? Hope you dont mind me asking?

I'm due to have surgery soon, and frightened as to how my body will cope.

[IanM1957 in reply to Loorol]

Thanks Loorol.

I had the lower lobe of my right lung removed, the thoracic surgeon had planned to use a minimally invasive procedure called VATS (a type of keyhole surgery) but after looking at my CT scan again he decided that my swollen liver would impede the process so he did a full open thoracotomy that's left me with a nice crescent shaped scar that arcs from just below my right shoulder blade to just below my armpit - it's a good job I'm getting old so I no longer take my shirt off in public!

During my recovery the ward doctors regularly checked my liver function and liaised with the liver specialists to make sure the lung surgery hadn't impacted on my liver.

I was amazed at how quickly I recovered, now it's just another waiting game for the MRI results.

I wish you well for your upcoming surgery - you'll have to keep us all updated when you're well enough to do so.