Smoking

[terrip]

My mum has recently been diagnosed and hasn't yet started any treatment,she is 87 and has smoked all her life.She hasn't smoked for a couple of months but is very low and ocassionally feels like a cigarette. Would smoking now make the condition any worse?

Terri

[Billculbard]

Tough one to answer! Obviously, it's wrong to encourage smoking, but I recall going through chemo years ago and sitting in a day room waiting for treatment, and there was a smokers room next door - also folk waiting for chemo! It wasn't discouraged. Medics know how difficult it is to stop smoking, especially when there is something serious to cope with.

I think personally, that NOT having a smoke would make life more difficult for your mum to handle right now but as usual, I suggest you speak with the cancer nurse specialist. (I think it's called pass the buck!!)

Best wishes, Bill

[ericbyrne]

Hi,

I think Bill's reflections are absolutely spot on and covers all the issues,I do know from stastistics that half of smokers dxd with lung cancer continue to do so.I my own case,on the day of my dx,when I returned home,I searched out all my cigars,ashtrays and cigarette lighters and threw them all in the bin,since that day,I have never put another cigar in my mouth,that after a smoking "career" of over 30 years,so it can be done.Please pass on to your Mum my very best wishes.

[terrip]

Thank you both for your answers, they are much appreciated,as is the kind wishes..

I have another question if I may? My Mum is in good health at the moment, however, since she has had the diagnosis, she has stopped doing all her normal daily activities ie cooking, housework, and even just making a cup of tea. I was there yesterday and she did nothing all day. Very chirpy, chatting etc, nodded off quite a bit, but basically just got out of her chair to do the fundamentals. That is so not my Mum, she rarely sits down. When I asked her why she has stopped cooking for instance,she just said "he does it" (my Dad) .

Personally, I think it may be psychological, that now she has a condition, she's frightened she may make it worse if she carries on normal duties. I'm no expert, but this isn't like my Mum at all. She says she is in no pain, just gets a bit tired. She has to have a PET scan and is waiting for an appointment, I think this is also having an effect on her mentally, making her feel anxious, but doesn't let on.

Does this sound normal? I told her to have a ciggie, but she wouldn't.

Terri