nct

Hi, My husband, Bob, was diagnosed in January 2005 with NCLS (upper and middle lobes of right lung) with some bronchia affected. The PETscan found an area on the pharnyx also which the radiological oncologist and oncologist felt were concurrent cancers. The ENT thought the area had mest from the lung. Radiation and chemo began. His body could not tolerate concurrent treatments. We finished radiation and began chemo. The process was vial. He was hospitalized 3 times with pneumonia and twice with dehydration. Completed PETscan last week which showed the areas treated with radiation as diminished completely; however, there are now lesions on the vertebrae, right femur, pelvic, clavicle, chest cavity, and four on the liver. His is to begin tarceva this week. I admire him so. His spirits had not faltered, always knowing it would go into remission. He is know having occassionally breathing spells that I compare to an asthmatic spell without the relief from an atomizer. At those times, I give him a breathing treatment, rub Vick's vapor on his chest and turn his oxygen as high as it will go. Our hospital is connected with MD Anderson and has all the latest techn. I have researched extensively and technically know what to expect from here; but, I wanted your first hand experience. How can I improve his quality of life? I am able to maintain his weight, at this point, and recognize the symptoms of pneumonia coming on so we can address immediately. I just don't know how to address the physical symptoms of exhaustion, full body aches, and the constant cough nor do I know how to help his emotional progression. He is still positive but I can see the pain. Pain for me and the children. It is tragic and beyond words to see my partner and best friend like this. My only peace is knowing our Lord has a plan and will take him tenderly in his arms when his time on this earth is up. What can I expect from here? How do I help him?