Oncology appointment - Carboplatin and Pemetrexed. Also a skin met....

[MissyD1]

Just an update after today's Oncology appointment - he wants to start my mum on Carboplatin and Pemetrexed chemotherapy. Her first is on Wednesday, he is going to start with just Carboplatin and also an infusion to help strengthen her bones. This will be followed by both drugs on her next session in 3 weeks time. She will have a scan after the second session and then decide whether to continue. My mum is also eligible for Immunotherapy but they want to see the response to chemotherapy first.

Whilst in the office my mum mentioned a little lump on her scalp near the hairline which has been noticeable for a few weeks. The oncologist looked at it and said he thinks it's a skin metastasis. This was a surprise! We have never heard of skin mets, but my understanding now is that these are rare but occur in advanced lung cancer and don't carry a good prognosis which of course is upsetting. She will have radiotherapy to this area and also to her femur this week.

Trying to stay positive now and take each day at a time x

[jillygirl]

Hi MissyD, At least mum is not having to wait for her treatment. Lets hope the chemo works for her. Make sure you have your lung cancer nurse specialist number, as I found my nurse was brillianr for re assuring me about chemotherapy etc.

Wishing your mum all the best. xx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear MissyD1

It is good to hear that the Doctors are being proactive with a treatment plan for your Mum, hope the Chemotherapy goes well and encouraging that she is suitable for Immunotherapy. As jillygirl has rightly said it is good for you to get as much support and information as you can from the lung cancer specialist nurse.

Let us know how it all goes. If you need to discuss anything you can call us on our free nurse led helpline number on 0880 358 7200

All the best

The Roy Castle Support Team