My father was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell adenocarcinoma less than two weeks ago. Since then he has gone downhill so fast. I dont know if it is his health or his mind or both. I am confused if someone can get worse this quickly. They said he has an average of about 6-8 months. But at the rate he is going I wonder. He is supposed to start chemo on Monday, I do not know how he will do that with the way he feels now. He went for a bone scan, they then said that the radiologist wanted him to go right over and have an x-ray of his ribs. Dont know what that means. Anyway, I am so confused as to his condition seeming to deteriorate so quickly. Any thoughts would be so appreciated.

Please by no means think I am trying to scare you, but I just went through a traumatic ordeal with my dad. He went to the doctor because he was tired a lot and his chest hurt. A chest xray showed a mass in his chest. A few days later he was admitted into the hospital because his lungs were full of fluid. There we found out he had stage 4 lung cancer which had spread like wildfire into his bones, kidney, and brain. Unfortunately, my dad died 2 weeks after the diagnosis. I looked to this board for answers because I too was unsure of how long he would live because his condition seemed to worsen everyday. I didn't mean to scare you, your situation may be completely different from mine. I just wanted to share my experience with you. The people on these boards are a GREAT support. Post here everyday if you need to.

sroman: I'm sorry, I have no real information here, just a supportive shoulder. I think it's hard to know what exactly is the cause of deterioration. My MIL was just diagnosed 4 days ago and literally the day she found out she exponentially deteriorated- she is barely eating, the coughing is much worse, her breathing is more labored, her energy level very low. The day before she was eating fine and cleaned her entire house. So who knows. In my MIL's case, she has a personality has always embraced learned helplessness and hypochondria so I'm sure that complicates things. Now that she is really sick who knows...and in fact i'm starting to wonder if it really matters. If they feel bad, they feel bad.

I wish you all the best...

I am sorry to hear about your father. My mom has non small cell which is in her lungs of course plus her lymphatic system neck and two tumors in her brain.
She was diagnosed in June and has had radiation treatments which were horrible and kept her bed ridden for almost 40 days. She is under the care of hospice at the recommendation of her cancer dr. She is too weak to take chemo.
Everyones cancer is different but also similar. It will depend on your fathers strength his will and determination on what treatment he wants.

My prayers are with you and your family
Robin :angel:

I am taking him for his first chemo treatment today. He is so weak and short of breath that I dont know how he will even walk. I dont know if chemo is such a good idea as weak as he is. He seems to be failing fast. Two weeks ago he had very little trouble breathing, now he can hardly breath. I am going to look into hospice today. My parents live with me and I have three kids so it is hard to juggle all of this. I get up and have to take care of my father and then my kids almost miss the school bus. My mom tries to help, but she is not too good at it, and my dad trusts me. He has pretty much given up the fight. I would appreciate any ideas from people who have gone through this to help me along. I dont always know what to do next. Thank you

sroman127.....My father also was diagnosed with small cell. His entire neck swelled up to where he didn't even look like himself, the doctors thought it was allergies at first, but eventually diagnosed him with cancer. He was diagnosed in april, and died Nov. the same year. I am so sorry for what you are going through, if it helps any, my dads cancer Dr. told us that small cell is the least painful type to have,he went very peacefully thank God. He didn't really ever have much pain until it spread to his back. My prayers are with you hon..... :angel:

Just wanted to say Im praying for you. Hospice will help so much. Your such a gift to your family,to try to meet the needs of so many loved ones..... please do take care of yourself and allow others to help you with what they are willing to do. Mattie

Thank you soooo much! You guys have made my day! It is so great to know that there are people out there who really care and dont even know me! Thank you again, your kind words have really made me feel alot better!!!!!!!!!!