Interview LC34

Age at interview: 68

Age at diagnosis: 66

Brief Outline:

Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. Lobectomy (two lobes of lung removed) in 2001, followed by chemotherapy, and radiotherapy (died in April 2003).

Background:

Shop assistant (retired), divorced, 3 children.

She thought it was not just due to smoking, but was hereditary.

Do you ever think what might have caused the lung cancer?

Well I don't really know. I mean even the specialist said that, I said to him "What have I done?" I mean I know smoking doesn't help but I mean he said it's not only smoking, he said it could be other things like food or you know like in the air or like from exhaust from cars and, nobody can put their finger on it I don't think.

What did you say to him?

I said, "Well I always thought it was hereditary but there's no cancer in our family at all." Chest we've all, I mean my son has got emphysema but no there's no cancer in our family. My mother died of her chest but there you are.

She was very upset at first when she lost her hair during chemotherapy.

How do you feel about losing your hair?

Oh I'm not bothered now, I was at first, oh I wouldn't speak to nobody, I wouldn't open the door to my daughter. I was in a right state. Anyway I've got over that.

You have a very smart turban?

Now I've got some nice hats.

Have you?

Yes, I got this one from hospital. It's a black cap really but this is just the thing that goes on the top.

It's lovely. They give you those do they?

Yes.