Our first #LCSM Chat of 2020 will focus on ways to support lung cancer patients and caregivers.

A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for both patients and those who love them.  During diagnosis, the family schedule is disrupted by a myraid of doctors appointments and tests. The array of treatment options, newer therapies, and clinical trials is confusing. Once treatment begins, side effects and medical appointments may crowd out normal routine and make cancer the focus of everything.  If the cancer returns or progresses, the cycle begins again. If the cancer is metastatic and not curable, it seems like one can plan life only from scan to scan.  Given the shock of an often unexpected diagnosis and the seriousness of the disease, patients and families sometimes have difficulty communicating honestly and effectively about their experiences, what’s most important to them, and the best path forward.

On January 9 at 8 pm Eastern Time, moderator @JFreemanDaily will use the following questions to lead a discussion about ways to support lung cancer patients, their caregivers, and family members:

• T1.  What are the biggest challenges faced by lung cancer patients, caregivers and families? Which factors most influence these challenges–cancer staging, family status, finances, access to lung cancer specialists, … ?
• T2.  What support resources are available ONLINE for lung cancer patients, caregivers, and families?
• T3.  What support resources and services are available for lung cancer patients, caregivers, and families who are NOT ONLINE?
• T4.  How can organizations and individuals in the lung cancer community help provide supports to lung cancer patients, caregivers, and families?

Please join us Thursday January 9, 2020, and bring your experiences and wisdom!  Remember to include #LCSM in ALL your tweets so the other chat participants can see them. You can read a primer on participating in the chat here.