Rollercoaster - SCLC has spread to pancreas

Hi My mum is 74 she was diagnosed with sclc LS September 2019. She had 5 chemo and 24 radio ( 3 hospital admissions due to high temperature and neutropenic-sepsis) scan showed cancer was gone. Initial tumour in her left lung was 7cm. The doc really felt she had a really good chance. 3 month scan and brain scan, brain clear, lung clear but a 2.6cm tumour now in the pancreas now extensive. They said it was highly unusual for SCLC to be clear in the lung and to spread to the pancreas. My mum can hardly walk and is very weak (belting appetite though) and still looks ok as long as she is sitting in her chair. As soon as she moves out of it, it is clear she really is not ok. She is too weak for any further treatment they did give her one radio on her pancreas but now the scan has come back with 3.5 tumour in pancreas, a spot in her liver and one in her lung. My mum has been given till Christmas to live but is adamant she will keep fighting it even though the doc has sat her down and told her otherwise. It goes without saying how we are all feeling and what a horrible rollercoaster this is. We are just scared it could happen tomorrow next week next month. I think that is the hardest part not knowing what day she will take a turn for the worst. I think what is harder, but so much better for her, is she has no pain. The doc did say though it is likely a terrible pain will come that may be that painful she could pass out. I am guessing some blockage in the pancreas. There is hardly any info on sclc in the pancreas. Some days she is yellow and we think oh hell that's it but the next day not yellow. The her bowel movements change again oh hell this is it but then back to normal. I am really just posting incase anyone has a similar experience. If not our roller-coaster might help someone else further down the line.

  • Hello Maureen74

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis. It is a blessing that she's comfortable at the moment and that she's remaining positive about things. 

    I think that lots of our members here will understand just how hard it can be on the rollercoaster that you describe. The uncertainty can be hard to live with. I'd suggest trying to take each day at a time at the moment and not looking too far ahead as that is what will cause you to feel more anxious. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our team of nurses. I'm sure that they will be able to offer some information and support. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator