Stage 3 cancer, now in lungs

[ParrotMug]

Looking for information, I'm googling but I'd rather hear it from Joe Public as my brain is a bit fried.

My mum (59) was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer last year. She had surgery, where they found that it had got to a couple of surrounding lymph nodes. All cancer seemingly removed, followed by chemo. Success, scans show she's clear.

She had a further scan at the end of November just gone, and tumours have been discovered in her lungs. Two small in one, a slightly larger one in the other. She's being referred for radiotherapy, no dates yet. So, we're just playing the waiting game at the moment...

This is such an open question, but what's the prognosis? I'm not even sure at this point what stage this is, or if it's secondary? The terminology that I thought I was familiar with, no longers seems clear cut. I feel like I'm in limbo, but then I don't think it's hit me properly yet. Has anyone any experience of a similar diagnosis? I fear she doesn't want to tell me the full story, which doesn't help!

Apologies if this all sounds rather blunt, I'm just a bit all over the place and want to get something out there that's even slightly coherent.

So sorry to read this. I'd say be gentle with your mum, she's dealing with this information too so may not want to talk much about it. She probably doesn't understand it all either and may just want to ignore what she can't control as a way of coping. It's hard for you both.

From experience with a close family member, we did the appointments and the treatment but otherwise ignore it all and assumed all would be well. It's amazing what a positive attitude can do.

However prognosis is generally not as good the more instances of cancer you get. Lung cancer can be resolved if caught early and hopefully that is the case with your mum.

I'd contact Cancer Support UK (if you're in the UK). If the doctors/ consultants are providing information but it is all a bit medical and confusing then these will be able to talk you through it so that it makes more sense. Also they are invaluable at providing day to day support even if it's just on the phone I found.

Hope your mum's treatment works well.

Pr1mr0se

@Pr1mr0se Thanks for your reply. To be honest, the OP makes me sound a lot colder about the situation than I am! We're very close and have just been generally cracking on as usual and in good spirits, just bumbling along. When I'm on my own though, I tend to get a bit angry about the situation and try to rationalise it all. Still doesn't feel real. Thought I was coping fine until DP asked what was in for food last night and I burst out crying!

That's how we've been navigating it really, almost acting as if nothing's happening. Which is great in the sense that it makes things easier, but then I feel like I'm not dealing with the gravity of the situation.

From what I've been reading, the prognosis isn't great, and I think I just needed that confirmed from someone that wasn't a printed statistic. So, thank you.

Hoping that she can get treatment in good time, the unfortunate state of the NHS at the moment doesn't fill me with confidence. Also a bit concerned as the chemo took a lot out of her. Don't want to see her suffering again.

I'm not normally 'new age-y' and this might not be yours or your mum's thing at all but post-chemo we found reiki treatments worked well (a day or two after treatments) as it is both relaxing and restorative. It actually helped with sleep too as that was a big factor for us the lack of sleep during treatment weeks. Maybe something to look into that both you and your mum could try to see if it helps. Obviously I'm not saying it will cure anything but could help with the feelings of sickness and stress a lot. Also it was something to look forward too for us.