Mum has been diagnosed with lung cancer yesterday.

[Hopes77]

I'm numb with shock and distress!

It's been a whirlwind the past two weeks.

My mum has been complaining for 12 months with an ache in her back. She visited her gp who said it was a strain and at her age she's 77 you get aches and pains.

Fast forward to June her routine yearly health check her bloods came back with her salt levels dropped to 121.

We spent two months back and forth to the gp and walk in centre for weekly blood tests to monitor her salt levels.

Then she got a chest infection and the sent her for a chest x Ray. The following week we were informed she had a 1cm nodule in her lung with some of her chest lymph nodes raised.

She spent 10 days in hospital as her salts dropped to 118.

Various scans and an Mri showed a shadow in her liver.

A biopsy was taken last week and we got the results yesterday.

A tumour was found at 4cm long in her liver.

They said it's not operable in the liver and there's no cure.

However they informed us yesterday that they will try to shrink the tumour in her liver by using chemotherapy treatment which consists of Carboplatin and Etuposide up to 6 cycles lasting 3 to 4 months.

Her diagnosis is Neuroendocrine cancer lung and liver.

Even though she's in her 70's she's otherwise fit for her age but I'm concerned about the severity of the treatment, the side affects .

I'm scared for her and what the future holds.

Has anyone had this and had any success with shrinking the tumour and if so after the treatment of chemotherapy where you offered treatment drugs to ward off the tumour regrowing in the future?

Thanks from a heartbroken daughter x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Hopes77,

I am so sorry to hear the news about your mums diagnosis.As treatment is very individualized and can be affected by many factors specific to each patient, the best person to ask would be the oncologist managing your mums care.When you go for your next appointment ask the doctor or specialist lung cancer nurse about any concerns you may have.it's a good idea to write down any questions you may have.

Its good that she is fit at the moment prior to her chemotherapy.If you would like to access our website you can download information about chemotherapy etc roycastle.org/how-we-help/l....

If you would like to talk to one of the Helpline nurses please feel free to call Freephone 0800 358 7200

All the team at Roy Castle Helpline send our best wishes

[Rockstar662002]

I'm wait for a diagnosis it's bin over a year.i have multiple nodules I'm 30

[SJR43]

Hello My dad's lung cancer with spinal mets started the same way with back pain that was constantly dismissed by chiropractor and medics as being just a strain...he is now undergoing chemo and so far no huge side effects and so we are feeling more positive than when he was first diagnosed which came out of the blue! Good luck to your mum...it would seem from the support on this site that there are lots of options to keep this as a manageable disease...fingers crossed!

[Hopes77 in reply to SJR43]

Thanks for your kind response. My mum started her chemotherapy last Monday and is a little tired and achy at the moment.

I've been informed by the hospital that she may dip around days 10 to 14 and to be careful of infections etc.

Because of the steroids she seems to be eating a lot better, little but often.

She's not due anymore chemotherapy until the 20th of November and that is her 2nd cycle.

Prayers for your dad and all . Keep me updated on how he progresses.

Hugs to you all x

[Jo2015]

I’m afraid I can’t help except to commiserate. I am going through the same thing aged 40. Rare cancer; limited research; not many treatment options. Had first round of Carboplatin and Etoposide last week. Side effects bearable, but can’t tell if it’s doing anything yet. Keeping busy and carrying on with normal routine to combat crippling anxiety. If you hear of any trials or relevant studies, please let me know. I will do likewise. Wishing you all the very best, including miracles, of course.