Lung Cancer

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   Teresas Girlposted 13 years ago

   Hi All,
   
   My mum is currently battleing Stage 4 NSCLC - heartbreaking is the only way to describe her condition and our lifes.  But I try to live with hope and for every bad day I try to balance this out with good days. Life is WAY too short!! she has been battleing for 8 months now.  Chemo and radiotherapy have not helped - in fact after her last radiotherapy treatment they told her it had progressed from stage 3b to stage 4....
   
   She is currently on Tarceva and is coping well.  We try not to believe that this can't be fought - life is hope and hope can make all the difference!!   
   
   I'd love to hear from anyone who has went or is going through life with this disease and ofcourse from families and loved ones as well.

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      Janhornerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Teresa,
      
      Sorry to hear about your mum.  Cancer is so distressing for the patient and family.
      
      There are the  special cancer nurses to help with fears and all the questions that twist and turn around in the patient's head and the families.  There is also  the hospice where cancer patients can go to give the family some respite and also to give the patient a bit of time to themselves.
      
      Don't be afraid to ask those questions.
      
      Please get all the help you can and you really sound as if you need some counselling. 
      
      Both my parents died from some form of cancer (dad was 70 and mum was 86) so they were not young; it could be your mum is a young person.
      
      Ask to see your mum's doctor, explain your anxiety's.  I hope you find some answers to your questions.
      
      Every cancer patient is different Teresa.  Take care,
      
      Jan

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2. 70

   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   My father died from Cancer. He battled it for 2 years(1 year not knowing he had it because of a misdiagnosis from a doctor). He finally lost his battle and died in the hospital next to my high school, where I was at the time of his death.
   
   My sister battled Breast Cancer. She was forced into having one Breast removed. Had surgery also left her left side to retain more water than normal every so often. He is a Breast Cancer survivor.
   
   My mother battled Colon Cancer. She had surgery to remove 18 inches of her intestines which were infected. She is also still alive.
   
   My grandmother battled Colon Cancer. She had surgery to remove it(I don't know the in-depth details of exactly what was removed). After her surgery, she never returned back to reality and slipped into dementia. Later died in a hospice.
   
   I know what it means to battle this disease. I know what it is like to watch a family member(immediate family) die of it.
   
   So, having said that...I'll send positive thoughts.

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3. 61

   Teresas Girlposted 13 years ago

   Hi Janhorner,
   
   Thank you so much for your advice.  I am so truely sorry to hear that cancer took both of your parents.  Regardless of age!  To watch this disease at work on your loved ones is a truely horrible and cruel experience. 
   
   My mum is 62 - a young 62!  Shes very young at heart and in mind! We are more like best friends.  The same can probably be said about most mother daughter relationships but it makes it no less special.
   
   I am coming to realise that both my mother and I need support in this - something that we've never asked for before in our lives but I think its the only healthy way to deal with what is happening.
   
   Sending hugs your way - Thanks x 

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      Janhornerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Teresa,
      
      I'm glad you are going to get the support you need.  I will remember you and your mum in my prayers.
      
      Take care love,
      Jan

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4. 61

   Teresas Girlposted 13 years ago

   Cagsil
   
   wow - so heart sorry to hear that cancer has had such a huge impact on your nearest loved ones.  I can only assume that you must be very strong to have endured all that comes with dignosis of this disease.
   
   Thank god you mother and sister have battled this and came out the other side - not an easy thing to do and I have nothing but admiration for anyone who can face cancer and overcome!!!
   
   Thanks for your positive thoughts - I'm returning the goodwill and sending positive thoughts and hugs to you, your mother and sister!!!
   
   Thanks for your support x

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      Robertr04posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sorry to hear, for the both of you, of the illness in your families. Have you considered natural healing?

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      Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It's a part of my life of trials and tribulations. I handle stress, usually pretty good.
      I would not "thank god" for it. I would say it was beneficial to know that they caught it early enough in my mother. My sister's diagnosis was a bit late, but not beyond the point of no return.
      Thank you kindly.

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