Lung Cancer returned and newly diagnosed with Uterine Cancer

Posted by ljboro48 @ljboro48, Oct 22, 2023

Let me start by saying I'm 75 years old. I have just found out my lung cancer has returned, but in the meantime, also am diagnosed with uterine cancer. I'm not in great shape as it is. I'm on oxygen 24/7 and find it hard most days to function normally.
Now I must make the decision of whether or not putting myself through chemo and/or radiation for the lungs and then facing a hysterectomy is worth it or if I would even have the strength to do either or both.
I guess my question is if anyone has made the decision to opt out of treatment, and if they have regretted doing so or know of someone who has.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

theresa72 | @theresa72 | Oct 25, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Take notes and make them repeat themselves. You won’t remember anything later - or I didn’t...." + (show)

I record my Dr appt so I can go back and listen
Stay positive

pb50 | @pb50 | Oct 25, 2023

In reply to @theresa72 "I record my Dr appt so I can go back and listen Stay positive" + (show)

How clever!! I will have to do that going forward!

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Oct 25, 2023

In reply to @theresa72 "I record my Dr appt so I can go back and listen Stay positive" + (show)

Does he know? I've asked and haven't been allowed.

Merry

pb50 | @pb50 | Oct 25, 2023

In reply to @merpreb "Does he know? I've asked and haven't been allowed. Merry" + (show)

In general it varies by state. In some states only one party needs to be aware - presumably the person recording. In other states both parties must give consent.

I’m sure in the states requiring consent, risk managers for the care org say don’t. I’m just as happy to have them slow down so I can take notes - and be prepared to repeat themselves 😁

vic83 | @vic83 | Oct 25, 2023

In reply to @ljboro48 "Thanks for the hug :) I started coughing blood Aug 5th and went to ER. They..." + (show)

So sorry you have to deal with multiple problems. I discovered I had heart and lung problem at the same time two years ago but was able to organize a treatment strategy.
You mentioned that the PET scan picked up your uterine problem. What did the PET scan say? Did you have bleeding symptom?
My PET scan noted mild uptick for uterus - I have had large fibroid for many years. I did follow with a Pelvic MR which said uterus normal but mentioned Junctional Zone. So wondering if I should go ahead with biopsy.

theresa72 | @theresa72 | Oct 26, 2023

In reply to @merpreb "Does he know? I've asked and haven't been allowed. Merry" + (show)

I let them know that I was recording my appt. Some say ok some don’t want to but I let them know I need to for me. I go back and listen if I need to. They then let me.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 31, 2023

In reply to @ljboro48 "Thanks for the hug :) I started coughing blood Aug 5th and went to ER. They..." + (show)

@ljboro48, I wanted to check in on you. And to let you know that I also added this discussion to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/gynecologic-cancer/

You've gotten great advice and support from fellow members like @pb50 @merpreb @theresa72 and @vic83. I would like to underscore a few of the important points that have already been made:
1. Give yourself some time
This is all so new and I completely understand your reluctance to be back in treatment. Take your time. Talk with your family. Talk with your cancer team and make the decision that if right for YOU.

2. Ask about palliative care
Palliative care as Merry says offer treatment to keep you comfortable and manage symptoms. They are also helpful for support treatment decisions and deciding when you might wish to stop a treatment. Let me know if palliative care is a new term for you. I can point you to more information about it.

3. Choosing to not continue with treatment is not giving up
As someone mention, quality of life may over-rule quantity. Get the facts from your team about your treatment options, the possible side effects and the ones that would be more likely in your case. What are the benefits of each treatment option?

You can change your mind. Should you choose to have chemo or radiation and find the side effects intolerable, you can stop them.

You can't change that you have cancer. But you are control of your decisions. I add my hugs (())

ihndz | @ihndz | Oct 31, 2023

In reply to @pb50 "Take notes and make them repeat themselves. You won’t remember anything later - or I didn’t...." + (show)

It also helps to bring someone you trust to sit with you during the Dr appts and the treatment discussion. I always bring my Dr to all my important procedures or appts. She remembers and reminds me of things that were blackout in my head maybe because of all the stress, fear or anxiety these things causes us. We also write notes. I also go to all important medical issues too big or small!

pb50 | @pb50 | Nov 1, 2023

In reply to @ihndz "It also helps to bring someone you trust to sit with you during the Dr appts..." + (show)

Absolutely a great idea!!

pb50 | @pb50 | Nov 6, 2023

In reply to @ljboro48 "Thank you. It is so nice to hear from someone who has been there, done that." + (show)

@ ljboro48,
Just checking in. How are you doing? You’ve had just a couple of weeks to learn, accept, adapt .. and I know you were talking with your primary about the anxiety this triggered, but if you need a “guy on the street” to chat with, I’m around.
Pam