Lung Cancer returned and newly diagnosed with Uterine Cancer

Bless you - what a bad turn of events.
I am 73 and have previously had a hysterectomy and recently had the lower half of my left lung removed. And I do understand there are scenarios where I might chose to forego treatment for something. But for me, that call is more about my mental Acuity than an appetite for physically enduring treatment. But to be clear, I have not had serious chemo or Radiation treatments to endure. So what do I know.

How long has it been since you learned about your recurrence of
Cancer? I’m sure it was a shock. I would hope You might seek people who know you and whom you know -or even a clinician or therapist who could help work through your reactions. Your Doctor should have a resource to recommend.

I would be hard pressed to think of a more deeply personal decision than the one you describe. Because even if you reach other people who have chosen one path or the other, doesn’t mean it should influence your path.

Hang in until you get your bearings at least. I will say that today, a total hysterectomy surgery is not that traumatic. I don’t know how extensive your lung relapse is but you may have an option of a less aggressive goal. But these are discussions to have with your family and treatment team.

Warm healing thoughts are coming your way. ❤️

Oh, thank you so much for responding, and your healing thoughts. I really am just in the initial stages of shock and weighing alternatives. I do plan on speaking, at length, with my doctors as to plans of attack. My lung oncologist never mentioned surgery as an option this time (my last surgery was in 2019 when I had a small section removed), he did mention chemo and/or radiation. I think that's because it is moving out of my lung to my bronchial tube. My gynecologic oncologist does know my uterus must be removed surgically. Guess they will have to work out amongst them which one would be easiest on my body first.
I need to make them speak in simple terms, otherwise I don't follow well.
In the meantime, I'll be calling my primary care doctor tomorrow for some help with my anxiety.

Take notes and make them repeat themselves. You won’t remember anything later - or I didn’t.

If it’s helpful, as someone who had a total hysterectomy and a lobe of my left lung removed, I’d say the hysterectomy was an easier recovery. But no telling what they want to do first. They will have a broader view of what must precede what in terms of treatment.

One step at a time girlie. Don’t let them intimidate you or rush you. Get your questions answered and if it doesn’t make sense, some really smart and experienced people here will help you figure out what it means.
We’re in your corner pulling for you.
..: And sending warm healing thoughts.

Thank you. It is so nice to hear from someone who has been there, done that.

@ljboro48- You certainly need a hug! {{{ }}}. What a conundrum for you, plus a shock that your cancer returned. When my second lung cancer returned after ten years I most certainly was shocked.

Do you know if there were any further testing needed for your lungs or uterus?

When I first had lung cancer 26 years ago, my husband and I had a long talk. The first question that he asked me was, "What was more important to me? Was the number of years I lived or the quality of life?" I did have to think about it because, at the time, I was only 51 years old. But I chose quality of life. And I think that this is something that you need to think about at this point.

What do you think?

@ljboro48, Merry is one of the awesome mentors I mentioned. She is cursed with experience dealing with cancer, but blessed with an abundance of knowledge and compassion. ❤️

{{{ }}}

Merry

Thanks for the hug 🙂 I started coughing blood Aug 5th and went to ER. They did a CT, followed a week or so later by a PET. The PET is where they noticed the uterine problem on top of the lung problems. I had a Bronchoscopy last week and just got the diagnosis. I'll see my oncologist this week and begin to decide course of action. A gynecological oncologist did a biopsy before that and confirmed the uterine cancer.
I definitely am thinking about quality of my final years at this point because I am already so limited to what I can and cannot do physically anymore. If I were still in my 60's even, I would think more about the cures.

@ljboro48- Good morning. Quality of life may include treatments to keep you pain-free and as comfortable as you can be. I told my husband that I was going to milk that stage for everything that the doctors had to keep me pain-free and comfortable.

One thing that you need to make sure that you do, if you haven't already, is to get all your legal papers finished. This needs to be a directive called Power of Attorney for Health Care. It tells your doctors who can talk for you in case you can't express yourself. In the directive, you will list what you want and don't want. If you haven't done so your lawyer needs to draw this up for you.

Do you have help at home?

I would just add that the basic healthcare power of attorney form - specifying who has your voice for healthcare decisions that may be necessary - are readily available on state websites for Secretary of State and on patient portals. Print and sign at notary - there are also forms for healthcare directive but I agree it’s a best practice to run your elections by your attorney - then sign at notary.