After a lung cancer diagnosis - information for patients

What we discussed today

We have told you that the tests show lung cancer. I am sorry to be giving you
this news.

Most people remember very little of a conversation like this one, which is why
it is written down here. Please read it again when you are ready, and share it
with whoever you want to.

What we know so far

The type of cancer: []
Where it is: []
What the tests have shown about whether it has spread: []
What we still need to find out: []

What happens next

[]

Your lung cancer nurse specialist is []. Their number is []. They are your
main point of contact and you can ring them with any question, however small it
seems. Most people find they have questions a day or two later. That is
expected, and it is what the number is for.

Your case is discussed at a meeting of chest doctors, surgeons, cancer
specialists, radiologists, pathologists and specialist nurses. We will contact
you after that meeting with the recommendation and arrange to see you.

Questions people usually want to ask

You do not have to ask everything at once, and you can ask the same question
more than once. Common ones are: what type is it, has it spread, what treatment
is possible, what will the treatment involve, what will it do to how I feel,
and what does this mean for how long I have.

Some of these we can answer now and some we cannot answer until the remaining
tests are back. If we do not know, we will say so rather than guess.

It helps to write your questions down as you think of them, and to bring
someone with you to appointments.

Things that help now

If you smoke, stopping now still helps. It improves how well treatment is
tolerated and reduces complications from surgery. We can arrange support and
medication immediately, and this is not a criticism of you.

Keep as active as you comfortably can. Fitness affects which treatments are
possible.

Eat what you can manage. Tell us if you are losing weight.

Tell us about pain, breathlessness, cough or low mood. All of these can be
treated, and treating them is part of cancer care from the beginning, not
something that only happens later.

Practical and financial help

A cancer diagnosis often has immediate practical consequences - work, driving,
travel insurance, benefits, caring responsibilities. Your nurse specialist can
put you in touch with people who deal with this every day. Ask early rather
than when things are difficult.

Macmillan Cancer Support: 0808 808 00 00, www.macmillan.org.uk
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation: 0333 323 7200, www.roycastle.org

If you are struggling

Feeling frightened, angry, numb or unable to sleep is a normal response, not a
weakness. Tell us if it is not easing, because there is help.