Recently diagnosed

Finding out that you have a lung disease or lung cancer can bring up a lot of different feelings, like shock, sadness or worry about the future. Although it can be a lot to take in, remember you’re not alone. We’re here to help.

Take time to process

Everyone reacts differently to a diagnosis. You might be glad to have answers, wonder if you’re stuck in a bad dream, or feel overwhelmed by everything. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. It’s important to take time to understand your diagnosis, what it means for you now, and what it might mean for the future.

There are things you can do to help yourself cope during this time. Talking with others, staying involved in activities you enjoy or trying new things that make you feel good can all be helpful. 

Understanding your diagnosis

It’s important to better understand your diagnosis. This helps both you and your doctor to make the best decisions about your care.

You’ll probably have lots of questions. Write down your questions and concerns before you see your doctor so you don’t forget them. It’s a good idea to bring a family member or friend with you for support. They can help you to remember more about what your doctor says.

For information about a recent diagnosis for a specific type of lung disease or lung cancer, please visit the links below.

We also have general information about several other lung diseases.

Getting a second opinion

Talking to other doctors is okay if that helps you feel more confident about your next steps. Getting a second opinion is common, and it doesn’t mean you don’t trust your first doctor. You can still get a second opinion, even if you’ve already started treatment, or if you want to keep seeing your first doctor.

Take care when asking ‘Dr Google’!

The internet can be incredibly helpful when you want to learn more about your lung disease. But it’s like a big ocean of information, and not everything in it is beneficial or accurate. Some websites might have information that’s hard to understand, or even details that are simply incorrect or out of date. Reading too much online can even make you feel more worried!

So, how can you use the internet wisely?

• Your doctor is your best guide. They know your health story better than anyone and can give you reliable information you can trust. They can also point you to good websites to look at.
• Consider the source of the information. Is it from a well-known hospital, a government health organization, or just someone’s personal blog? Stick to reputable places.

While reputable online resources can be useful, always remember that your doctor is the most reliable source for information about your health. They can give you the clearest and safest answers.

Looking out for your mental health

Being diagnosed with a serious lung condition can bring about feelings of loss, not just for you, but also for your family. It’s a difficult loss to describe, but it’s very real. You might even feel a sense of grief as you begin to understand what the diagnosis means for your life. 

The impact of living with a lung condition can also lead to other losses that aren’t obvious right away. For example, you may need to change or add to your home, retire from your job earlier than planned, or deal with a change in income. These things can lead to adjustments within your family as your condition progresses, and it’s something you’ll go through together.

Acknowledge the emotional impact this can have early on. This will help you and your family find ways to support each other and take care of your emotional and physical wellbeing.

For more information and advice, read our blog posts about processing your diagnosis and what to consider when talking about your diagnosis with others.

We’re here to help

If you’d like to talk to someone or have questions about lung disease or lung cancer, our Information and Support Centre team is here for you. This service is free, confidential and available Monday to Friday from 8 am – 4.30 pm (AEST). You can call us at 1800 654 301 or email enquiries@lungfoundation.com.au.