catlady91

What do you mean by palliative? Isn't palliative treatment only to do with cancer?

LilyMir,
Thanks for that insight.  Having had relatives that employed it in the US it was intended to reduce side effects and provide comfort, but can be used during treatment that is "curative" in nature.  I would consider "end of life" care under the heading of Hospice, but again, Canada may have different definitions.
Lou

Palliative seems to mean different things in different places. Here in BC, when I mentioned palliative care to my doctors they looked bewildered as they seem to only use the word to describe end of life care. At my cancer centre they call it "pain and symptom management" when it is care offered to help reduce effects of illness or treatment.

Justin,
We are not only here to learn about good scans and NED...we celebrate those posts because of our sincere desire for everyone to survive this disease.  But make no mistake about it; we are as much here to provide support to our LC Family when things are tough, unpredictable, and downright bad.  So, don't stop posting unless you need a break from it.  We are speaking honestly when we say, "we are here for you.".  No need for you to stop posting or worry about "bringing us down".  Our thoughts and prayers remain with you during this difficult time.
Lou

I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this Justin. Please DO post on here and say how you're feeling; this forum is for support and help, not just for success stories. You're not bringing anybody else down. 
I can understand your frustation and disappointment. I think you should go ahead with the treatment. If the doctors didn't think that there would be a chance that it would work, they wouldn't offer it to you especially not on the NHS which is known for their cuts and budgets. Some treatments don't work unfortunately, but it doesn't mean that others won't. Many people on here have gone through trial and error with treatment. 
Perhaps you could talk to your oncologist about if you have any cancer markers or your level of PDL1 so that targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be options. Perhaps you could also see if you're eligible for any clinical trials. Clinical trials have been a lifeline for many cancer sufferers who wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the trials. But I definitely think that it's positive that you have options and that the doctors aren't giving up and are trying different treatment options. 
I know it's very hard but try to keep your chin up. Nothing is impossible. There have been people with lung cancer who have been where you are and years later they're living to tell the story. Tom is one of them xx  

Never lose hope. The doctors obviously still thinks there's a chance. Surgery isn't always the best option for people. I've heard that it's possible for undetected cancer cells to be left behind during surgery and they start to grow again. 
Incurable doesn't mean untreatable, hopeless or terminal. Cancer is being treated more and more like a chronic illness like AIDS or diabetes. Some argue whether or not cancer is truly curable as it can always return. 
There are more and more treatments being approved. When is the next meeting with the oncologist? When my mum was going through treatment she wrote down a list of questions to ask and she'd write down the answers and doctors comments for example when the doctor said she had "excellent response to treatment". It really helps to have a record of what is said and to ask questions so you're as well informed as possible.
We're here for you. You're not alone. The majority of us have been through this dark hole but there is a light there even if it doesn't seem likely xx

What do you mean by palliative? Isn't palliative treatment only to do with cancer?

I agree with cat lady and Lily. Please keep us updated and share your feelings. We are all here for you. Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
Pam

@Justin1970, this  is our support group, not our celebration forum, and it exists mostly for these times when a patient needs as much help and encouragement as possible so please stay in touch here and keep the updates coming. Someone may have a suggestion or advice for any situation. If anything, people will send you their prayers and best wishes and keep you company on your journey.
I am still stunned you have to wait weeks for a chest CT result in your current situation, it is criminal in my view. If you have family members who are good at advocating, have them push for immediate reporting on your chest CT so you all know what is going on. I find it extremely hard to believe that your radiation oncologist, who will start treatment soon, does not know what the situation is in your chest, this does on make sense. Also, can they not push the treatment time any earlier given your seizure? Were your oncology doctors informed of the latest episode?
We are all rooting for you Justin, keep fighting. As @catlady91 also mentioned, if radiation does not stomp the brain mets, ask for clinical trials. Many people survive because of clinical trials. Take care.

Never lose hope. The doctors obviously still thinks there's a chance. Surgery isn't always the best option for people. I've heard that it's possible for undetected cancer cells to be left behind during surgery and they start to grow again. 
Incurable doesn't mean untreatable, hopeless or terminal. Cancer is being treated more and more like a chronic illness like AIDS or diabetes. Some argue whether or not cancer is truly curable as it can always return. 
There are more and more treatments being approved. When is the next meeting with the oncologist? When my mum was going through treatment she wrote down a list of questions to ask and she'd write down the answers and doctors comments for example when the doctor said she had "excellent response to treatment". It really helps to have a record of what is said and to ask questions so you're as well informed as possible.
We're here for you. You're not alone. The majority of us have been through this dark hole but there is a light there even if it doesn't seem likely xx

Absolutely !!!!! As I've said where there's life there's hope  xx

I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this Justin. Please DO post on here and say how you're feeling; this forum is for support and help, not just for success stories. You're not bringing anybody else down. 
I can understand your frustation and disappointment. I think you should go ahead with the treatment. If the doctors didn't think that there would be a chance that it would work, they wouldn't offer it to you especially not on the NHS which is known for their cuts and budgets. Some treatments don't work unfortunately, but it doesn't mean that others won't. Many people on here have gone through trial and error with treatment. 
Perhaps you could talk to your oncologist about if you have any cancer markers or your level of PDL1 so that targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be options. Perhaps you could also see if you're eligible for any clinical trials. Clinical trials have been a lifeline for many cancer sufferers who wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the trials. But I definitely think that it's positive that you have options and that the doctors aren't giving up and are trying different treatment options. 
I know it's very hard but try to keep your chin up. Nothing is impossible. There have been people with lung cancer who have been where you are and years later they're living to tell the story. Tom is one of them xx  

Never lose hope. The doctors obviously still thinks there's a chance. Surgery isn't always the best option for people. I've heard that it's possible for undetected cancer cells to be left behind during surgery and they start to grow again. 
Incurable doesn't mean untreatable, hopeless or terminal. Cancer is being treated more and more like a chronic illness like AIDS or diabetes. Some argue whether or not cancer is truly curable as it can always return. 
There are more and more treatments being approved. When is the next meeting with the oncologist? When my mum was going through treatment she wrote down a list of questions to ask and she'd write down the answers and doctors comments for example when the doctor said she had "excellent response to treatment". It really helps to have a record of what is said and to ask questions so you're as well informed as possible.
We're here for you. You're not alone. The majority of us have been through this dark hole but there is a light there even if it doesn't seem likely xx

Never lose hope. The doctors obviously still thinks there's a chance. Surgery isn't always the best option for people. I've heard that it's possible for undetected cancer cells to be left behind during surgery and they start to grow again. 
Incurable doesn't mean untreatable, hopeless or terminal. Cancer is being treated more and more like a chronic illness like AIDS or diabetes. Some argue whether or not cancer is truly curable as it can always return. 
There are more and more treatments being approved. When is the next meeting with the oncologist? When my mum was going through treatment she wrote down a list of questions to ask and she'd write down the answers and doctors comments for example when the doctor said she had "excellent response to treatment". It really helps to have a record of what is said and to ask questions so you're as well informed as possible.
We're here for you. You're not alone. The majority of us have been through this dark hole but there is a light there even if it doesn't seem likely xx

Thanks Catlady for your positivity it means a great deal. Jus is feeling pretty despondent at the moment as nothing seems to be working, I've said the same thing they wouldn't waste funds if they didn't think there was a good chance it would work, it's so hard for him and he worries so much about everyone else, I feel so helpless as all I can do is be here to support him and as a mum you just want to make it better. I have faith that this will be the one that will work for him, thanks for your support it's much appreciated, Take care, Isla 

I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this Justin. Please DO post on here and say how you're feeling; this forum is for support and help, not just for success stories. You're not bringing anybody else down. 
I can understand your frustation and disappointment. I think you should go ahead with the treatment. If the doctors didn't think that there would be a chance that it would work, they wouldn't offer it to you especially not on the NHS which is known for their cuts and budgets. Some treatments don't work unfortunately, but it doesn't mean that others won't. Many people on here have gone through trial and error with treatment. 
Perhaps you could talk to your oncologist about if you have any cancer markers or your level of PDL1 so that targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be options. Perhaps you could also see if you're eligible for any clinical trials. Clinical trials have been a lifeline for many cancer sufferers who wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the trials. But I definitely think that it's positive that you have options and that the doctors aren't giving up and are trying different treatment options. 
I know it's very hard but try to keep your chin up. Nothing is impossible. There have been people with lung cancer who have been where you are and years later they're living to tell the story. Tom is one of them xx  

I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this Justin. Please DO post on here and say how you're feeling; this forum is for support and help, not just for success stories. You're not bringing anybody else down. 
I can understand your frustation and disappointment. I think you should go ahead with the treatment. If the doctors didn't think that there would be a chance that it would work, they wouldn't offer it to you especially not on the NHS which is known for their cuts and budgets. Some treatments don't work unfortunately, but it doesn't mean that others won't. Many people on here have gone through trial and error with treatment. 
Perhaps you could talk to your oncologist about if you have any cancer markers or your level of PDL1 so that targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be options. Perhaps you could also see if you're eligible for any clinical trials. Clinical trials have been a lifeline for many cancer sufferers who wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the trials. But I definitely think that it's positive that you have options and that the doctors aren't giving up and are trying different treatment options. 
I know it's very hard but try to keep your chin up. Nothing is impossible. There have been people with lung cancer who have been where you are and years later they're living to tell the story. Tom is one of them xx  

Hi everyone 
Just an update, I had another seizure yesterday so obviously the brain mets, fluid or the swelling is getting worse, my right side mobility is worse again and my right arm and hand is swollen possibly water retention from the dexamethasone, I start the wbrt on Thursday but I really have doubts about the effectiveness of it and can't really see the point in going through it just to be let down again by another treatment but the alternative is to just give up, it really is a nightmare situation to be in,
I want to be positive about it all but can't seem to allow myself to be,
I may go a bit quiet on the forum for a while because I don't want to bring everyone else down with me it's so sad to see my family like this and I know how hard it is for them, hopefully i won't have anymore seizures before the treatment starts and this time it will work, I get the ct scan results of my chest on the 16th February so a bit more anxiety,hope your all well 
Take care Justin 

Thank you for your replies everyone. My mum went for another ultrasound of the kidney and vaginal area the other day as she's been having discomfort (they didn't find anything) and she spoke to a very nice doctor who said it's common for people over 60 to have nodules and growths and that they're mostly benign. The nurse from the gastroscopy said that doing a biopsy is standard even if they don't think there's anything concerning. I hope that everything is ok. I think I'm just super worried about everything because of the trauma of my mum's diagnosis. 
 

Hi there, no you are not overthinking, it is only normal to worry when one is already dealing with cancer, let alone lung cancer. However, it may very well be a benign simple issue that does not warrant worrying at all.
My mom was having stomach issues for years  (acid reflux, coughing fits) that come and go. After my LC diagnosis I harassed her to do a CT for chest. Chest looked OK but they saw something in stomach they could not identify. She got an MRI for abdomen. MRI showed lump like shadow in stomach. Doctor offered gastroscopy. She finally had it recently and they did 2 biopsies. Pathology came back benign, likely muscle nodule she had from birth. I was so worried too but she was fine in the end. 
My point, try to calm down until you know the final biopsy pathology report. Fingers crossed it is nothing to worry about. Keep us posted.

My mum had a gastroscopy as she's been having problems with her stomach for a long time. They said that everything seems normal and that they saw a hiatus hernia and a small nodule. The nurse didn't seem to concerned and said that they always do a biopsy as it's just procedure. I think my mum had a biopsy for something relating to the stomach ages ago. When the nurse said nodule I immediately panicked and can't remember what she said but she didn't seem too concerned. My mum had her last CT scan at the end of November so surely something would have showed up? 
I did some reading and read that gastric metastasis is extremely rare and when I Googled stomach nodules it came up with polyps (they don't seem to call them nodules but polyps) which are mostly always benign and can be caused my medications (my mum takes a lot of meds so very possible) and over acidity and ulcers (which my mum has had). 
Am I thinking into this too much? 

Hi Monica 
Try not to over think everything it's probably nothing to worry about,I'm sure it will all be alright, wishing you and your mum the best of luck 
Take care Justin x 

My mum had a gastroscopy as she's been having problems with her stomach for a long time. They said that everything seems normal and that they saw a hiatus hernia and a small nodule. The nurse didn't seem to concerned and said that they always do a biopsy as it's just procedure. I think my mum had a biopsy for something relating to the stomach ages ago. When the nurse said nodule I immediately panicked and can't remember what she said but she didn't seem too concerned. My mum had her last CT scan at the end of November so surely something would have showed up? 
I did some reading and read that gastric metastasis is extremely rare and when I Googled stomach nodules it came up with polyps (they don't seem to call them nodules but polyps) which are mostly always benign and can be caused my medications (my mum takes a lot of meds so very possible) and over acidity and ulcers (which my mum has had). 
Am I thinking into this too much? 

Hi Kamoto,
Thankyou for your message and prayers,
Hi Karen,
Thankyou, It really does seem to be one thing after another,I really do hope that this treatment will work it is strange how we find the strength to keep fighting after all the setbacks and failures, hopefully the chest scan will be good and I won't need anymore chemotherapy for a while, luckily I can still take bonnie out for a walk I really look forward to that,
I hope your well take care Justin x 

It's checkup time again. I had my brain MRI a couple of days ago and saw the oncology radiologist yesterday. Things are stable. 
I'm having some emotional whiplash, though. No scanxiety beforehand this time (thank goodness) but with each test, I'm reminded of the realities of lung cancer and I just...grieve. 
The good news: the next scan is in three months, not two!
One foot in front of the other, I'll shift my focus to the sweet life I am lucky to have.  It's so much easier said than done, eh? Onward!