My husband has been recently diagnosed with small cell lung cancer

[Texas22]

We live in Spain. My husband (74 years old) was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in January 2022 - 7cm tumour in the right lung, and in the hilar lymph nodes plus bronchelei. He started chemotherapy on 31 Jan, then another on 1st and 2nd Feb. His next appointment is 23/24/25 Feb. At the moment, the oncologist has said four cycles, three weeks apart and then we will see what happens next. Scary times!

[Sixtygirl]

Hi Texas so sorry your husband has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer I myself was diagnosed last February and have small cell lung cancer stage 4 I had 5 rounds of chemotherapy and 15 days of radiotherapy it was very worrying at the time. I had a few side effects which was to be expected but I kept my strong head on stayed positive and done what was expected of me like your husband I had a 9cm tumour on my left lung which had cik collapsed so they couldant operate. I finished my treatment in June last year and have 3 monthly scans and my oncologist said I have really responded to my treatment I still have the cancer but on my check up all they could see was the scaring from my treatment. I am over the moon. I hope that this will give your husband the confidence that things do work and wish him and yourself the best in his treatment. Staying positive and keeping yourself busy will help. X

[Texas22 in reply to Sixtygirl]

Thank you. I’m glad you are doing well too.

[Hidden in reply to Sixtygirl]

Hi Sixtygirl

Gosh your story has inspired me so much, thank you.

I have IV lung cancer. Started immunotherapy last August but didn't work, start chemotherapy shortly. I did really think it was the end of the road for me, but chemo seems to have a good outcome reading your post and others on here.

Are the side effects really bad, there were none you see with Immunotherapy, did you lose all your hair, petty I know, mines very short anyway.

You should be over the moon, I'm over the moon for you too!

All my best wishes for your future.

[Sixtygirl in reply to Hidden]

Hi loimie thank you for your lovely reply was nice to hear from you. People get different side effects from chemotherapy i was gutted because I did loose my hair because it was lovely and long but I think it's a womens vanity but now it's growing back nicely and it's come back curly which I've never had curly hair but I got some lovely wigs which you can't tell its unatatral. From what I've heard you can get what's a cold cap from your chemotherapy hospital it's worth looking into before hand if it is worrying you I didn't know until my hair started coming out. I had a bit of sickness but was given anti sickness pills felt a bit tired but I would advice when and if you get tired go for a rest it works wonderful. Drink plenty of water I hope this answers a few of your questions keep in touch and let me know how you get on take care xxx if you want to ask anything just do xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sixtygirl]

Hi Sixtygirl

Thank you so much for reassuring me, and the advice, it means a lot. Looked at wigs and I've heard of cold caps. My consultant said many of her patients hadn't lost hair on pemetrexed and carboplatin, just thinning. Fancy your hair coming back curly! I go to Christie's in Manchester for treatment and they have a wig shop, do you live in UK?

You've really been through it and stayed strong and that's hard.

Keep in touch, I'll let you know how things go when I've been on Wednesday, and again so pleased how your treatments gone.

Sending love

xxxx

[Sixtygirl in reply to Hidden]

Hi loime how are you I live in the North East of England in a little village by the sea and love it. My husband is treating me to a holiday in tenereif on Sunday asked the oncologist and she said it was fine to travel so looking forward to it. I got a new wig of Amazon today 26quid looks brilliant worth a look! Hope all goes well on Wednesday will be thinking of you. I find keeping occupied and busy helps me along you take care and let me know when you get home how you got on don't worry all will be good take care and stay safe speak soon. Xxsending hugs.

[Ceibach]

Yes it's awful isn't it.... My husband had his first triple therapy on Monday for stage 4....he will be scanned after 3rd but hoping and praying for good results..... I have found this site to be really helpful... I only read the good news bit and scroll past any not good news. I am the same with horoscopes!!.... The weather here in UK is pretty awful.. And I envy you your warm sunshine... Good luck

[Hidden]

Hi Texas

Yes scary times and a roller coaster of tests. I have Stage IV lung cancer. Had Immunotherapy but didn't work, like your husband starting chem. It's hard to be strong, some days I want to give up. Your husband has you and you will be strong for him, like my husband is for me.

Sending best wishes

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Texas22

Welcome to the forum and so sorry to hear about your husband having lung cancer, this is understandably stressful for you both. Hope he keeps well with his chemotherapy treatment.

This link will take you directly to our booklet on small cell lung cancer, which you may find useful: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

We have booklets ranging from diagnosis, treatments and living with lung cancer, which can be accessed here:roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

You will find lots of support and encouragement from those in the forum as you have already seen and if you would like to discuss anything you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] as we appreciate you are living in Spain and our free phone number may not be appropriate to call but our number is 0800 358 7200, we are open Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

All the very best for you both

The Roy Castle Support Team