1st Immuno treatment

[Aamar1]

Sitting in a comfy chair having my twice delayed first treatment. All going well so far!

I was discharged from hospital a week last Monday and finished the antibiotics yesterday. I feel better now than I have done since mid-June which makes me think I must've had an infection all summer and that's why I was feeling so poorly, not the cancer.

My Dad came for a holiday so I have now told him - I think it's the hardest thing I've ever done. My sister spent the bank holiday with us so I also told her. 2 brothers to go. We all live in different countries and I don't want to tell them over the phone which makes it really difficult. We plan on telling the kids this week - my husband wanted to wait till I had my first treatment over me, so maybe later today - it will be the hardest thing I've had to do so far. I hope I do it well so that they understand but are not afraid. Will keep u updated.

[Denzie]

Knowing who to tell and how much to tell them is a difficult decision. I respect and admire the way you’re handling this.

[Elt79]

So pleased that you are feeling better. I can empathise with the difficulty in telling family, especially your children. Wishing you strength to deal with this and hope you continue to improve and immunotherapy goes well for you x

[JanetteR57]

So pleased you're feeling better. Yes, infections and viruses can lay us low and we often jump to the conclusion that it's the cancer. Imagine you're relieved on telling the family - one of the hardest things to do as it can add to the pressure you feel when they start with their questions and suggestions on things they've researched that might help. It might be worth signposting them to the Roy Castle lung cancer foundation website as it has lots of plain English explanations about the conditions and treatments including immunotherapy and may help them understand the situation better. good luck.

[SunshineAhead]

It's good you are feeling better. If you're feeling better it will make you stronger. Here is a link to Macmillan Cancer Support with an online booklet "Talking to Children about Cancer". I don't know how young your children are but it should help: rbe.macmillan.org.uk/Downloa....

If you visit their site they have advice on practically how to tell everyone. If the link doesnt work go the website and search the title.

Good luck with your battle and stay strong

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

It is difficult to decide when to tell family members, its hard enough for yourself getting your head around the diagnosis and treatment before answering questions from others. At least you are feeling better now. They will be relieved to know that your first treatment is over.Lots of good advice from others on the forum. As JeanetteR57 says we have lots of information available on our website.

With best wishes,

All the team at the Roy Castle Helpline