My MIL was diagnosed with SCLC about three weeks ago. Her treatments are starting tomorrow. She is 69 and because of her poor condition (COPD, osteoporis, and many others) she is doing her chemo in patient at a local hospital. She has been extremely out of breath despite the use of her Oxygen and sometimes seems to be confused (I'm guessing it could be the lack of Oxygen)

Since her DX, she has been EXTREMELY depressed (understandable and normal from what I hear). This past week, we've noticed a complete turnaround in her attitude and emotional state. She has been pretty upbeat and "normal" during the last few days. I realized on Sunday that it might be the Xanex I found out they've been giving her.

Yesterday she was admitted for her treatments. Since then, and even a little before that, she has become VERY confused. Doesn't remember things that happened even a few minutes ago and called me in tears just a few minutes ago because she's upset that the Dr. hasn't seen her yet. I KNOW that the Dr. was in there just 30 minutes before she called me because the nurse called me to let me know that she'll be starting treatment in the morning and that the DR. is concerned about her confusion and ordered a brain scan. I'm worried about that. They did a brain scan three weeks ago and it was normal - no cancer. Is it possible that in three weeks, there could be something wrong in the brain? I know this cancer can spread fast, but three weeks???? Would confusion and severe depression be a symptom of something seriously wrong in the brain?

Yes it is very possible that SCLC not detected in her brain just three weeks ago could be there now,this type of cancer is a very fast growing cancer!

Karen44

Wow, very scary and it kind of bothers me a little that doctors aren't quicker to start chemotherapy of that's the case.