Extended SCLC Diagnosed January 1 - Cancer: Lung Message Board

Kojowms · 01-18-2005, 03:42 PM

My Mom, who smoked for 50 years and quit 3 years ago after a heart attack was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. It has only been 18 days and she has already had radiation treatments and chemo. She is very sick now and has no platelets.

I understand the prognosis is not good. My parents either don't know or haven't accepted it.

I am a total basketcase. They live 4 hours away and I'm having a terrible time keeping my mind on work during the week. I've been going to them on the week-ends.

Any words of wisdom?

How did you cope?

Kojowms

renee_ky · 01-18-2005, 05:47 PM

kojowms- I wish I had some words of wisdom for you. All I can do is offer understanding, and support if you need it. I lost my husband to small cell lung cancer, 4 months ago today. There are so many ups and downs along the way, you will often wonder "how can I do this". It is amazing what we can do for those we love. All of the strength you need along the way will come naturally. On days when you feel like you can not make it, come here. For me, this was my outlet during my husband's illness. This was my place for strength, encouragemnt, compassion and understanding. And, I hope we can all be here for you as well.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Renee

cmmm47 · 01-18-2005, 05:49 PM

My dad just recently had a major heart attack and then a multiple coronary artery bypass graft. Now there is a fear of lung cancer although he is sure the chest xray is distorted from scars from TB when in the Air Force in the early 1950s. How do you cope? I dont know. He is 7 or 8 hours away. I have been calling him frequently and he is coming to visit next week. This whole thing is like a return of my moms death 15 years ago from cancer. The hospitals, the oncologist group etc. I think the American Cancer Society has support groups, at least they did in the big city I lived in.

Kojowms · 01-19-2005, 09:10 AM

She is still hospitalized and has been since diagnosis. She'll have to get a LOT
better in order to be in the hospital bed at home.

They couldn't place the pic line in her arm - they placed it yesterday in her groin.

We are hoping and praying her body doesn't reject the platelets and blood she got yesterday.

Last week-end her blood pressure got down to 40/10. She had bacteria in her blood.

A part of me is angry with her for smoking for 50 years. I know she didn't ask for or deserve this...but...it didn't have to happen.

I ask people to pray for her...yet I am unable to pray myself.

kojowms

renee_ky · 01-19-2005, 09:34 AM

I am so sorry to hear this, I do hope she gets well enough to go home. I will continue to pray for her and for you and your family. I hope you will be able to pray as well, even when you don't feel like it, even when you are in agony, even when its through clenched teeth of rage, even when you feel no one is listening. He is, and He is crying with you. He does understand the pain we all go through. Prayer is our closest connection to God, here on earth.

Renee