How do you cope with fear after being diagnosed with lung cancer?

Hi Tina, Keep your mind occupied. Research, ask questions, seek a second, third, forth opinion. Do not worry about other people’s opinions. Let your family know how worried you are. Never stop looking for your cure. Don’t let your doctors off the hook. Ask what is working and what is not. Ask about ALL the mutations and the different treatments. No lie!!! It is very scary! But you will find a path.

Thank you. 😊

If you can, have a note taker with you at appts or the phone calls. You won't remember the info, the details. That's normal.. I have my husband. My friend had her daughter. But it can be a good friend who just takes notes. I also started a notebook. I take notes at appts and make notes of questions I want to ask. And it is OK to ask the same question again if you don't remember or aren't sure. You deserve to understand. I worked in Healthcare so I understand a lot, but I still have questions and anxieties. When overwhelmed, take a deep breath and start again.

Thank you my oncologist wants a pet scan an lung function test its small.but stage 3 because one limpnode has a little.

I have a follow up PET-CT due early Dec. Hope it is good news.

Thank you hope all goes well for you.

The shock and fear after a cancer diagnosis are completely normal reactions, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed while waiting for more detailed information from your oncologist. Many people in this community have found that focusing on one step at a time - like gathering information during your upcoming call - can help manage the anxiety of uncertainty. Consider writing down questions beforehand so you feel more prepared, and remember that you don't have to carry these feelings alone - this community understands what you're going through.

Share, share, share if you have people who care. You have to make a list of questions for your oncologists like what stage are you one two three or four and ABC that's something you need to know that I didn't even know to ask when I was diagnosed. It's better to talk to people than to not. We don't need stress at this time this this disease is stressful enough. I'm here too if you ever just want to vent I am stage 3B non-small cell lung cancer. Found on a fluke shocked me I lost my mother and brother to lung cancer so I was scared to death I still am. Your treatment starts, you feel like you're just being told what to do and going to different treatments and not really being sure why. Get all your questions answers all I can tell you is ask questions until you have the answers you understand. Don't worry about other people just worry about yourself right now that's all you're capable of doing trust me that is it. I'm going through this journey alone it's very very scary.

Definitely note taker and a notebook (or electronic equivalent). I have the notebook I started 4.5 years ago. I take notes and also write down questions for next visit. And when you know tumor specifics, use this site to educate yourself. When you're ready, ask oncologist for resource lists. Tell people you trust. There will be time later to tell more, when you feel ready.

I was just diagnosed with adencarcinoma..today..scared, depressed allot the feelings. The shock of it all after my pneumonia would not go away. Now just reading..first make sure diet is good..I guess its a start..

First, breathe. One step at a time. Yes, the waiting is hard. Start forming your support team. I am a realist, but my husband believes in only positive thoughts. So when I wanted to discuss the scary what-ifs, I talked to my sister. Prayer also helps me tremendously.