Two Primary Cancers at the Same Time

[Mimicat]

Hi, I'm new here and this is my first post.

I have been diagnosed with two primary nsclc cancers in both my left and right lungs. They have been caught early and are small malignant nodules that have not spread (thank goodness!!!). I had the larger one removed by a lung wedge and am due to be assessed to see if I am healthy enough to have a second operation in my other lung later this month. I recovered well from the first op at the end of November but am concerned that after the second op my breathing may be compromised as I have moderate COPD. Has anyone else had experience of this.? Any advice would be appreciated as I am getting more and more nervous at having to go through it all over again!

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Mimicat,

Congratulations on your recovery from your op in November.You will probably be aware that you will be assessed by the anaesthetist before any more surgery is planned. I am not sure if you have our lung surgery booklet, I have attached it in any case.If you would like to speak to one of the nurses please call 0800 358 7200(option 2).We are available 9.00-5.00pm Monday-Thursday 9.00am-4.00pm Friday.

Kind regards,

All the team at the Roy Castle Helpline

://roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[jillygirl]

Hi mimicat, I have had 2 cancers removed over the past 7 years. I have moderate copd. and didnt encounter any problems. I am sure you will be fine. I wish you well. xx

[Mimicat in reply to jillygirl]

Thanks Jillygirl, it's reassuring to know that even with COPD a good outcome can be achieved.

I have not been able to withstand a biopsy but the first lesion was diagnosed after removal and it was squamous cell but at this stage (after my PET scan) it appears that the second lesion is of a different type

I had no idea that you can have two different cancers developing at the same time!

I am glad to hear that you are doing so well xx

[jillygirl in reply to Mimicat]

Cancer is weird , I had 2 primary on my lung then one on my adrenal gland. Stay strong and positive. xx

[Mauranne]

Hello Mimicat

I too had two primaries. Squamous cell cancer of the anus and during monitoring nslc of lung but adenocarcinoma was found. I had a VATS lobectomy in February which was successful but now having chemo radiotherapy for anal cancer. It is amazing what can be done especially when cancer is found early. I hope all goes well for you.

[Mimicat in reply to Mauranne]

Hi Mauranne

Wow, you are going through it at the moment but glad that you feel so positive.

Like you mine were discovered early whilst in hospital with a COPD exacerbation (yes I am an ex smoker!) and feel very lucky that I have a good chance of a cure at this stage. Think I am just having last minute wobbles before my next op

I really hope your current treatment goes well and there are not too many side effects to deal with

Wishing you well