Psychological care for patients undergoing investigations for suspected lung cancer

Introduction

We are inviting patients to undertake some pre-treatment actions whilst undergoing investigations for lung cancer. The clinical team will assess you as part of your appointment and with the support and advice of your Clinical Nurse Specialist the actions they recommend will help you to improve your health and fitness levels prior to any treatment that you may require.

It is common to have many different emotions and reactions when you are told that you may have a cancer. There is no right or wrong way to feel and people cope with things in different ways. Learning how to manage difficult emotions and feelings can help when preparing for possible future cancer treatments and also improve your quality of life.

For more information please contact:

Lung Cancer Specialist Nurses

Addenbrooke’s Team: 01223 217541

Papworth Team: 01223 638322

Other Team: —————————————-

Feelings you may experience

Some people that have been told that they may have a possible cancer have talked about feelings of:

• Numbness
• Helplessness
• Shock
• Guilt
• Fear
• Extreme sadness
• Anger
• Disbelief

These feelings are normal and are not signs of being unable to cope. People commonly experience a range of strong and sometimes uncontrollable emotions.

If you have strong feelings, or do struggle, try not to judge yourself. See if you can accept that these kinds of reactions are a normal reaction to illness.

Here are some suggestions that may help you manage these feelings that others have found helpful:

• Talking to family and friends about how you’re feeling.
• Talking to your lung cancer nurse specialist or healthcare professional.
• Physical activity i.e. going for a walk.
• Think about how you’ve dealt with difficult situations in the past. What helped? Who did you talk to?
• Some people find distraction a good strategy and reading, watching a film or going for a meal helps them cope.
• It’s ok to accept help that is offered.
• Get out in nature. There are many known benefits to being out in nature i.e. reduces tiredness, lowers stress levels. Even 5 minutes out in the garden can be beneficial.
• Spend some time writing down any thoughts or worries you have to help clear your mind.
• Nutrition is important. Food can affect your mood, so it is vital that you have a healthy balanced diet.
• Set yourself small goals eg phone a friend. Setting goals can help you regain control if you are feeling anxious or lack motivation.
• Try to keep to a regular sleeping pattern.
• If you experience breathlessness this can sometimes cause anxiety. Try breathing exercises to help (please ask your lung cancer nurse for the Macmillan breathlessness booklet).
• Try relaxation exercises or techniques i.e. yoga, mindfulness.
• There are many websites and phone apps (i.e. Headspace, Unmind, Daylight, Sleepio etc) available to help support you when you are struggling with feelings and emotions.
• If we think that you would benefit from a specialist assessment, we will always discuss this with you.
• For further support available please see the other sources of support section in this booklet below.

Other sources of support

Maggie’s Cambridge — 01223 249220

21 Milton House, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Puddicombe Way

Cambridge

CB2 0AD — Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Email Maggie's Cambridge

Cambridge Cancer Help Centre — 01223 840105

120 Cambridge Road
Great Shelford
CB22 5JT— Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies Self-Referral — 0300 300 0055 (9am-4pm, Monday to Friday (closed Bank Holidays))

Email SPA talking therapies

CPFT - Self Refer Website (opens in a new tab)

CUH Cancer Support team — 01223 274801

Oncology—Outpatients—Level 2

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

Email cancer support