My Step-Dad has lung cancer!

[gsh18]

Hi, I am new here and I am trying to get my head around this awful news. On Wednesday my Step-Dad went to the doctors as he has had ongoing pain in his chest and shoulder, the dr originally thought it was muscle strain but on Wednesday decided to send him for a chest x-ray. The x-ray showed something and so he was sent for a CT Scan and then told the dreaded news. Apparently it is on his ribs as well. He is supposed to be going for an operation in about 2 weeks, I assume for the biopsy and until the biopsy is done we don't really know what lies ahead! I 'googled' it when I found out and didn't like what I read. He seems quite upbeat considering. Just 2 months prior to this my Mom was in hospital after suffering from a seizure and is in poor health generally. We are all in shock and disbelief! Life can be so cruel! I would appreciate any advice etc. Thanks in Advance

[Hidden]

Hi gsh18, I'm sorry that you had to find yours logging onto this site and the diagnosis of lung cancer comes as a great shock to all of us. You don't say what procedure your step dad is having for his biopsy as there are several ways to obtain this. Once his medical team have a sample they can meet to discuss the best treatment for him, this can involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of all three. You step dad sounds like a positive guy and this will help get through whatever treatment is decided. The girls at Roy Casltle will probably reply to you with contact details for more info but if you want go onto the site there is a lot of good information to be had. Please only visit responsible sites like this or McMillan or Cancer UK etc. as there is a lot of out of date and scary info out there. You can also call this number.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline free on 0333 323 7200 option 2 (UK only).

Let us know how things go.

Stay strong Rab.

[Inula in reply to Hidden]

Hi gsh18

It is a dreadful shock when a loved one is diagnosed with this dreadful disease. My husband was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and is now under palitive treatment receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy. No surgery is possible for him unfortunately. Please be VERY careful when consulting Dr Google. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Rabbie gives good advice. Stick to cancer research uk and macmillan as they can be trusted to give good information. Yesterday our community Macmillan nurse visited and was very positive even though my husbands condition isn't curable she says cancer is being looked on more and more as a chronic disease. Her best advice was small goals and a positive attitude which your step dad certainly seems to have Wishing you all well on your journey. Never forget there's always support for you here in this community

Netty

[Anniecat in reply to Inula]

I am daft saying don't worry we all do.

Sounds as if your Stepdad is having a biopsy next. Same as I had, my tumour attached to a rib as well. I had Radiotherapy then an op to remove the tumour & a very small piece of rib. This was 6 years ago. I am going strong & I a proud of my survivor scar.

Keep strong

Anne x

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[gsh18]

Many thanks for the replies, I believe he will have a biopsy next week and once the results are back we will know what we are dealing with!! Fingers crossed it isn't too bad! It is good to hear from people that have been dealing with it, many thanks again for taking the time to reply - it is appreciated, many thanks

Gaynor x

[Sheeni27]

Hi, it's so aweful when a loved one receives aweful news but stay positive until u get all the results, best wishes and loads of positive vibes sent to you allxxx please let us know how it goesx

[hedgehoggy]

Hi Gaynor, wait till you know the biopsy results and then you can get the info. to decide whats what. Keep a diary of all the visits your step dad has at the hospital/tests . I found that useful to return back to my notes when I was asked what I had and when I saw a different doctor (frequently). They have it all on a screen but it is quicker to ask the patient instead them going through a lot of screens to find out (as was in my case).

Keep in touch here how it goes.

best wishes

Hoggy

[LorraineD Partner Roy Castle]

Hello Gaynor

Thanks to all above for their practical and supportive posts. The internet is a great way of finding reliable support, like this forum, but can also lead you to some scary information. For your own sake stick to reliable UK sites that might be relevant.

You have a lot on your plate with your mum and step dad. It sounds as though his medical team are acting quickly and his biopsy results will let them know how best to treat your step-dad.

If it would be useful we have a pack called "Lung Cancer: Answering Your Questions" which can be a useful starting point. If you would like us to send you a copy give us a call on Freephone 0333 323 7200 option 2,

best wishes

Lorraine

on behalf of the Information & Support team @ Roy Castle

[gsh18]

Thank you all for your comments. My step dad is having a percutaneous needle biopsy on Tuesday and they think it is small-cell lung cancer!! Not sure how long he will have to wait to get results. It feels very surreal at the moment, and it doesn't feel real