My mum's just been diagnosed with small cell carcinoma.

[Bod2014]

Hello all

Not to be rude but I really wish I hadn't needed to join this forum! My mum who's 71 was told on Tuesday that she has small cell carcinoma. She was diagnosed with COPD in September 2012 and quit her 50 year smoking habit at that point. A chest scan then showed nothing.

Due to her COPD she obviously has to be careful about avoiding chest infections and as a result her GP prescribed antibiotics to clear up a cough/cold. Unfortunately (or is it turned out, fortunately as it led to the early discovery of the cancer) she had a reaction to the antibiotics and ended up at A&E where the doctor seemingly just on the off chance decided to do a chest scan which is what found the tumours (there are 2 in her left lung of approx 2cm each) which came as a big shock as mum is not feeling ill.

Anyway it's all been a bit of a blur of hospital appointments and stress. Mum starts her four cycles of chemotherapy (EP/PE) at the Marsden on the 24th with the radiotherapy starting with the second cycle. There are also some nodules on her other lung but they are too small to determine their nature and the consultant's view was to concentrate on the tumours which are the immediate concern.

It's been an awful week but I am clinging on to the hope that it was found early (the letter says T1bN1M0/limited-stage) and the Marsden are the best around. In all other respects Mum's in good health. I realise she's been a lot more fortunate than many people in terms of both early detection and initial diagnosis.

It's early days but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks for reading.

Vicki

[topgun]

Looks like early stage of the dreaded disease. Wish your Mum all the best from us and stay positive.

[Bod2014 in reply to topgun]

Thank you. I hope your own treatment is going well.

[Hidden]

Hi Bod, hopefully your mum has had an early diagnosis and her treatment can help overcome her sclc. Let us know how she gets on and lots of good wishes to her.

Rab

[Harrypalmer]

Hello Vicki,

I'm also keeping my fingers crossed along with you for a positive outcome for your mum. Do keep us posted on her progress.

Sending positive thoughts and hugs, Moni x

[Bod2014]

Just to give you all an update, my mum's finished her treatment of 4 chemos and 25 radiotherapy sessions. The staff at the Marsden are fantastic and it all went well. Fortunately she's not suffered too much with side effects, and following a blood transfusion last weekend she's feeling almost her normal self again.  She has a precautionary course of radiotherapy to the brain starting the week after next and it looks likely she'll be part of a clinical trial for small cell lung cancer which includes monthly x-rays which will give us all a bit more peace of mind.  Hopefully we should have some news soon that the treatment has shrunk the tumours.

I'm feeling much better too and at a normal level of concern rather than the meltdown worry and panic of the initial few weeks. All in all it's the best scenario we could hope for given the circumstances I think.

Wishing everybody all the best.

Regards

Vicki

[raspberry1979]

Hi, like you im very sorry ive felt the need to join this forum, my mum has also been diagnosed with lung cancer, that was in early march after a chest xray for an infection, unfortunately though it had been there rather longer than your mum's, it had time to spread to the liver, mums just 63, but she's doing well and about to start her 3rd chemo, it certainly makes you look at your life differently when someone you love is affected with this, we just must stay strong and carry on as normal as possible, im very greatful for the recent nice weather, can get out and enjoy as much precious time together as possible. Its also brought me and my siblings closer together, do you have close family helping with appointments etc? Anyway im glad your mum is also doing well, take care of yourself to.

Alice (from London)

[Bod2014 in reply to raspberry1979]

Hi Alice

Sorry to hear about your mum, I hope she isn't feeling too bad after the treatment and you hear some good news about it helping her. I don't have any siblings so myself or my dad (sometimes both!) have been going with mum for her appointments. My other half, friends and colleagues have all been very supportive which has helped me get through this.

I see you are in London, is your mum being treated at the Marsden?

My mum finished her treatment last Friday so that's a good feeling. An anxious wait for the outcome now but the consultants have been positive so far.

I know what you mean about it making you look at life differently!

Wishing you and your mum all the best.

Vicki