I'm new to this and was trying to respond to a post by...
Jaynelovestotravel
...but everytime I tried I found I was restricted!! I don't know how to resolve this so let's hope this works.
I've had a number of complex respiratory problems for many years and it is perhaps fortunate that I routinely attended the respiratory clinic at my local hospital in Norwich every 3-4 months.
For most of 2020 the radiograpy unit attached to the clinic was closed due to Covid-19. In May 2021, however, I had an x-ray prior to seeeing the consultant who showed me the radiograph and a new mass in my upper right lobe. He referred me for a CT scan which more or less confirmed his suspicions. A PET scan followed before an endobronchial ultrasound [EBUS] biopsy. Within a few days the multi-disciplinary team [MDT] met, confirmed the diagnosis and referred me to oncology. I was very unwell at the time, not so much due to cancer but because of the various respiratory conditions which conspired to make breathing difficult, increasingly challenging mobility, and severe weight loss leading to cachexia [muscle and tissue wastage]. The oncologist, for whom I now have the greatest respect, was concerned that I may not be well enough to cope with treatment and comprehensively went through the various options. She was reluctant to offer a prognosis but after being pressed suggested, at worst, I may have 4-6 months. If I went ahead with chemo she said she would prescribe only one chemical agent, rather than the usual two. As seems to be the norm, the decision was mine and I decided to proceed. I had several cycles of carboplatin at three-week intervals beginning in June, ending in November. Side effects were minimal, from what I can gather, and mainly fatigue and nausea with frequent vomiting. I had problems maintaining correct blood levels and needed several transfusions. I've had a poor appetite for a while and maintaining weight at 55kgs was a challenge. The worst part was that I lost my taste for tea and wine. A disaster for me as I usually enjoy umpteen cups of tea each day, although I saved a good deal on wine. Fortuitously, that only lasted about a month.
Slowly, slowly, I started to feel a little better.
At the end of treatment a CT scan showed the carcinoma had reduced from 61 to 58mm which was clearly a step in the right direction. At this point my onolcogist offered me an extension of about twelve months.
In December I commenced three weeks' [with weekends off!] radiotherapy with which, because of my engineering and technical background, I was fascinated. No side effects other than increased fatigue and a sun-burned chest. I must play the now framiliar waiting game with a CT scan scheduled for 11th March after which, following the radiologist's report the MDT will meet before I see my oncologist at the end of March when we will review progress and consider the next steps.
I'm 78 years young and have had a fantastic life. I encountered several hurdles along the way but benefited from them all and learned the art of humility. By the time I was 40 I had done more than most in a lifetime. I met and married three beautiful women [there were more but I couldn't marry them all!] and have nine wonderful children who have given me 17 terrific grandchildren. I have absolutely no regets and if my days are numbered, I'm fine with that. Very sadly, my first wife died of an aneurism, my second of lung cancer and my third, present, wife is in residential care with Alzheimer's. In their own way, each of them taught me how important life really is. I'm totally relaxed and positive about what lies ahead and eagerly look forward to what each day has to throw at me. When I put my head on the pillow each night and thank my maker for the day just past, I like to feel I've achieved something, however little, and I sleep very well.
Remembering that no one can take away our memories, it's important to be thankful for what we had, and have, and continue to be positive. I avoid Dr Google like the plague and rely instead on Macmillan, Roy Castle, HU, Big C, and the good old NHS. I know I'm fortunate in that my local hospital is up there among the best and has one of the most advanced cancer units in the country. I have nothing but praise for the entire medical team who have looked after me so well with courteous efficiency.
God bless you all.
Ways to cope with diagnosis of lung cancer?
Lung Cancer diagnosis
Been told by the doctors from a recent ct scan that 99.9 percent i have cancer in my right lung and the lymph nodes in my chest are swollen
How long did LC diagnosis take?
Anxious
