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Original poster

Worried sick

18 replies

Watto1 · 13/12/2013 10:32

Hi. I'll try to be brief but I'm worried sick about my DM and need to talk.

She went to have what everyone thought was a cyst removed. Turns out it wasn't a cyst but a secondary tumour. She then had a PET scan on Tuesday to try and find the primary cancer. She has an appointment to discuss the results this afternoon.

I'm so scared. She's only 69.

OP posts:
Theoldhag · 13/12/2013 10:46

Oh Watto what a nasty shock for you all, your poor mum Sad
I hope that what ever is found can be treated quickly and effectively, I hope that prognosis is good. Is anyone going with her? It would be advisable as she may find it difficult to take in the information and remember what is said as she is bound to be shocked and scared.

Thanks and (hug)

Original poster
Watto1 · 13/12/2013 10:55

Thank you theoldhag My two sisters are going with her. I'm picking up my DC and my nieces from school as the appointment is at 3:30. I feel bad I won't be there but someone has to look after the DC. One of my sisters is a nurse so hopefully she can ask the right questions.

Mum is being very positive on the surface but I can tell she is petrified. I can't believe that just over a week ago we all thought she just had a nasty cyst Sad

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Original poster
Watto1 · 13/12/2013 18:51

It's lung cancer Sad So unfair. Mum doesn't even smoke. Appointment to discuss her options next week.

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alwayswashingup · 13/12/2013 19:19

Oh no watto I am really sorry Sad, was the cyst in the lungs? don't know what to say, thinking and praying for you and your mum.

wombat22 · 13/12/2013 19:25

How terrible for you all. I hope the treatment options are positive. {hugs}

Original poster
Watto1 · 13/12/2013 19:34

Thank you for your kind words.

The 'cyst' was on her back. It looked just like a spot at first (she thought it was an insect bite) and then it grew to the size of a ping pong ball. After a few courses of antibiotics (which obviously did nothing), mum was finally booked in to have it surgically removed last week.

I've just made a stupid mistake by googling lung cancer survival statistics Sad

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Original poster
Watto1 · 13/12/2013 19:38

And now I have just answered the door to a chugger wanting to sign me up for a direct debit to cancer research. What timing! I just burst into tears. The guy was very sweet, told me that Macmillan were fabulous when his Gran was diagnosed and went on his way. Bless him!

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lljkk · 13/12/2013 19:52

Was she exposed to smokers a lot in the past, Watto?

alwayswashingup · 13/12/2013 20:04

watto don't google lung cancer, I have made many mistakes googling, and it really can mess your head up. Everyone is different.

Original poster
Watto1 · 13/12/2013 20:18

lyjkk Not particularly exposed to smokers as far as I can tell. My dad did smoke but they divorced over 20 years ago. The consultant said that she has just been unlucky.

I am stepping away from Google!

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grimbletart · 13/12/2013 21:40

So sorry Watto. Do talk to Macmillan. Non smokers and people who have not been exposed to smoking can get lung cancer. In fact over 10 percent of lung cancers are in non-smokers. Lung cancer in non-smokers is in many ways a different disease at a cellular and molecular level and there are studies that show that these cancers tend to respond better to treatment than those of smokers and female survival rates are better than those of males. So, although it is serious please don't despair yet.

lljkk · 14/12/2013 09:36

Good luck, Watto. Flowers Keep us updated.

Thymeout · 14/12/2013 09:59

I know a non-smoker who had lung cancer, diagnosed 2 years ago. As grimble says, there is a form of lung cancer that is different from the sort that smokers tend to get, and women are more likely to get this than men. It had spread to one of her lymph nodes, outside the lung, but she had the tumour removed and chemo, worked all the way through it, and is now doing very well, with no sign of the cancer.

They discovered that her cancer had a genetic link and she is on some drug which is meant to 'switch off the gene'.

Please stay away from Google. A lot of the information is out of date and worst-case scenario.

Very worrying for you, but don't give up hope!

Original poster
Watto1 · 14/12/2013 11:33

Thank you for the support everyone. It really does mean a lot.

Mum has just phoned from the middle of Tescos to see if I want anything. It seems so bizarre that she is seriously ill but well at the same time.

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Original poster
Watto1 · 17/12/2013 17:20

It gets worse. It's incurable Sad but might be treatable depending on how well she responds to chemo. I can't believe this is happening.

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gobbin · 17/12/2013 20:06

So sorry for your troubles :(

minmooch · 17/12/2013 20:10

I'm so sorry that your Mum has this diagnosis. Cancer is a frightening word on its own but to be told it is incurable is extremely horrible. You will all be in shock and the disbelief will be with you for a long time yet. My DS was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour just over two years ago and I am still find it hard to believe how our lives have been turned upside down in just a moment.

I make sure I tell my son everyday how much I love him and in amongst all the horror we try and laugh every day. We don't know how long we have with my son but we try and live life as normal as my son just wants to be normal. I want to rush around trying to fit in as much as possible but we have to weigh up his fatigue levels.

I very much hope that your mum starts her treatment soon and that she responds well.

PiperChapman · 18/12/2013 17:16

sorry to read this but please don't lose hope!

my dad was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer three years ago. it had spread to his lungs, adrenal gland, lymph nodes...

he's still here. currently out driving his car for a few days holiday.

it's.not been easy for us and he is terminally ill. but - my point! - treatment is good these days, it can give you years and good quality years at that. my dad is classed as incurable and not treatable... trust me, they can still do stuff

I wish you all the best, try not to panic

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