My name is Joanne. In January 2025, after a chest X-ray, I learned I had stage 2 lung cancer. Prior to this, both my parents were diagnosed with cancer. My father had cancer in his thyroid, lung and bladder while my mother had bladder cancer.
I’m currently on chemo and immunotherapy every 3 weeks.
I had to undergo a chest X-ray for persistent chest infection. That’s what led to my diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), specifically lung adenocarcinoma.
Finding out I had cancer left me fearful, sad and surprised. I just felt utter shock.
Following my doctor’s recommendation, I opted for chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Both chemo and immunotherapy will go on for 4 rounds over 4 months, every 21 days. I do feel a sense of fear and am worried for the future. My treatment is covered by the NHS.
Because of treatment, I’m experiencing fatigue, nausea and vomiting, ulcers in my mouth and swelling of the face. It’s just complete exhaustion most days, so I just rest to cope with it. I wish I’d known just how ill the treatments would make me feel.
I’ve had to face difficulties in my social life and relationships with loved ones and my self-esteem/self-image has taken a hit. But, I have to say that challenges in my day-to-day life have had the biggest impact. In fact, I’m still struggling to adjust.
The fear of dying or not surviving affects me the most. So far, I’ve not tried to actively overcome this fear.
I still feel fearful and sad today. I am very worried for the future.
I am very new to this struggle, so I don’t really know what to advise. I am really not sure.
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