Support line - 1271174

tawanson
Posts:6

Hello,

Does anyone know of a phone support line where I can talk to someone? My mom passed in December she had ALK positive lung cancer. I have had chest and back pains ever since her diagosis and am freaking out thinking I have the same. I just need someone to talk to, I'm having a really tought time right now.

T

Forums
Full Archive

Reply # - September 16, 2015, 04:37 PM

catdander
Posts:

I'm sorry about your mom's passing, I know how difficult it can be. It would be so very unusual that you have the same lung cancer you mom had but a phone call/appointment with you doctor would certainly be in order if you feeling bad.

All best,
Janine

Reply # - September 17, 2015, 03:41 AM

cards7up
Posts: 636

What you're feeling could be from anxiety and/or depression. You should see your primary care doctor as Janine has suggested and join a support group pertaining to your loss. It's not easy and time is all we have.
I lost my Mom 6 years ago to ext SCLC and now how it is to live without her. I talk to her everyday as if she was still here and it brings me comfort. You will find a way to get through this and by reaching out to others,
they can help. Take care, Judy

Reply # - September 17, 2015, 08:20 AM

JimC
Posts: 2753

Hello T,

I am sorry to hear of your mom's passing; lung cancer is a terrible disease that has taken too many good people.

In addition to the comments from Janine and Judy, I would just add that the fact that your mom's cancer had an ALK rearrangement does not mean that you share a genetic component that increases your risk for lung cancer. The mutations that cause lung cancer are for the most part the result of some stimulus during a person's lifetime, such as smoking or exposure to radon gas, rather than a mutation present from birth. As a result, your mom's diagnosis most likely does not mean you have a propensity to develop the same disease.

There may be an organization in your area which has support groups or counseling, and I would recommend that you seek their help. You might try contacting a local hospice to see if they provide such counseling or could suggest another organization which might be able to help.

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

JimC
Forum moderator

Reply # - September 17, 2015, 08:29 AM

dbrock
Posts: 162

Operations Director, GRACE

 

Hi Tawanson -
Definitely talk with your doc - if nothing else they can usually suggest support groups. If the need exists for you to see a counselor, they can lead you in the right direction also.

Grief is a very difficult thing. I was so focused while Melissa was sick that I barely knew anything else. When she passed away I was somewhat lost - there was relief in not seeing her failing, but my life had changed immensely, I didn't know how to go back to anything that was previously normal. I was having what I recognize now as anxiety attacks, I was paranoid I had something - anything - cancer, heart issues, etc. I realize now that so much of that was very normal, but that doesn't make it any easier, or minimize the fact that it truly happened.

Time heals - but it is a hard road. Talk with your doctor, and if you are comfortable with seeing someone to talk to - I think it could be helpful. Just knowing you are not alone is a big part of dealing with any anxieties. And sometimes they can help you learn some tools to help deal with what you are going through.

Take care -
Denise

Operations Director for GRACE. Have worked with cancerGRACE.org since July 2009.  Became involved as a caregiver to my best friend, and quickly came to see that GRACE is filling a need in the area of cancer education. 

Reply # - September 22, 2015, 06:28 AM

tawanson
Posts: 6

Thanks everyone for your replies, I know most think this is all anxiety related but I can't help but fear that I will meet the same fate as my mom.

The only thing keeping me someone grounded is that I had this same chest pain back in 2011 it lasted for months and back then I also had a chest xray that came back normal. In time the pain faded and I did't think about it again. Once my mom was diagnosed in March 2014 the chest pain came back a short time later. I had another chest xray in June 2014, the Dr. said my lungs look perfect no signs of anything. Again the pain faded, but would come back for a few months and then fade again, this pattern has been repeating.

I have now had pain since July, but again some days I barely feel it but it is always there, and most dayso it has turned into a weird itching sensation in my right side of my chest and back.

I have a Dr. appt this Monday with my primary, I am going to insist on a CT scan, but since this has been on going for over a year my fear is that I am too late and I should have insisted on a CT scan over the xray last year.

I'm sorry to keep coming here and pouring this out, I am just beyond terrified right now. I have kids and a great family I do not want to die. I am just so scared.

Tiana

Reply # - September 22, 2015, 10:46 AM

catdander
Posts:

Hi tawanson,

It does sound like something is going on and should be looked at. Cancer pain doesn't normally come and go, instead it normally comes on and gets worse. I hope you find what's up.

Janine

Reply # - September 22, 2015, 02:24 PM

catdander
Posts:

Oh dear, I've edited my last post because I needed to finish my thought appropriately. You should feel better that it's not cancer because it comes and goes.

Reply # - September 23, 2015, 06:35 AM

bobradinsky
Posts: 144

Hi Tawanson

You might have your primary doctor check you for shingles. Some of the symptoms, pain/itching on the right side, chest and back, indicate it's a possibility. Normally it's accompanied by red welts and oozing puss like liquid but you may be in early stages. People under high stress are quite prone to getting it. If you catch it quick it's treatable.

Bob4Beth

Previous PostNext Post