[strummer]

Hello People, hope I find you well.

Question: And I really, really hope that someone can help me...

I am bipolar and medicate with lithium.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 inoperable lung cancer 8 months ago and have since developed tumours in my head / brain.

Lithium gave me my life back, gave me sanity, but I'm now questioning if it will continue to alleviate the severe rapid cycling now that my mental health is taking such a pounding from these terminal health issues. I'm pretty much OK with the ultimate scenario, quite at peace with it (how many times have we tried to force it), but I just want to die in a state of serenity and without the fear or soullessness that my cycling can bring.

So, I suppose the question is - how 'elastic' is lithium in terms of containing emotional and psychotic wellbeing when pitted against such a possble emotional onslaught. Will it snap and leave me high and dry?

Please, any reflections or experiential feedback would be invaluable.

Many, many thanks in advance.

[Thunder Bow]

Thank You for having the courage to post about this.

[MtnTime2896]

I wish I had answers, but I'm at a loss. I feel your doctors would be better options for this inquiry.

I really hope that you can remain in a peaceful and serene state at the end. You'll be in my thoughts.

[Quarter life]

Hi Strummer....Hard Times. There are many good listeners here Strummer, we're a pretty good bunch.

If you have an oncologist he/she will be able to assist you in navigating your current medications. There are (as you most likely already know) many palliative drugs available to help you with pain and invasive symptoms associated with inoperable lung disease. My advice is to keep an open dialogue with your treating doctors...they will help you with making informed decisions that will keep you as comfortable as possible.

You may also like to post your question in the chronic illness forum https://forums.psychcentral.com/gene...seases/..there

Be kind to yourself Strummer, and welcome to P.C