effect of chemo? - Cancer: Lung Message Board

jax6 · 04-27-2006, 09:18 PM

Hi all. I have a question about my dad. He was dx with sclc in October and has recently completed his second round of chemo, which hit him really hard and he swears he won't do it(chemo) again. Anyway, he had his last chemo
about 5 weeks ago and I am wondering how long it takes for the chemo to be out of his system. I just am wondering if there is a chance that he will pick up
a little when the chemo is not having effect at all any more. He has little energy, complains constantly, lung pain and lately his left leg has been hurting tremendously. What is that- lung pain I expect but what's with the leg pain? Please please please, any thoughts or comments.

Jackie

Kimslos · 04-27-2006, 10:28 PM

Hi Jackie,
I am sorry to hear about your dad...always so sad to see another fighting to beat this disease. My husband has sclc...after his 1st round of chemo he said he would never do it....well, he finished his first rounds of treatment...from July to Sept and then became resistant to the 1st line of chemo so then had to do another type of chemo from Jan to April. He goes for his scans next week...but anyway, everytime he did the chemo from July to Sept he said he would not do the next round of treatment. Somehow he got thru it and was happy he did even though it was a tough battle. Now with the chemo he is taking now he had to take an additional week off between treatment since one time he landed in the hospital for a week. What type of chemo is your dad taking? As far as the leg pain...does your dad have the cancer in his bones? My husband does and he has the most pain in his legs and lower back and also where his liver is. We did notice that when he did his 1st line of chemo the pain subsided quite a bit and he felt pretty good from Sept to the 3rd week in December. Since he has done the 2nd line of chemo he has never felt the same relief...concerned but will see what the scans say. Anyway, my husband also gets very severe pain in his legs when he has shots for red and white counts when they are low. My husband also has the most pain in his left leg/knee...makes you wonder why...it is so painful to see them in pain. When is your dad due for scans? I do know the chemo stays in you for a bit, but my husband started feeling pretty well after 5 weeks with the 1st line of chemo but he is on his 3rd week right now and is not feeling as well...makes us concerned the chemo did not work...but you never know and we are hoping for good news next week. I wish I could give you some definite answers but I have been told when you have cancer each person has different side effects...which seems to be true. Also, when is your dad due for his next chemo treatment? Where is the cancer located in your dad other than the lungs? Would love to answer any questions so please keep in touch.
I hope your dad's pain eases up and he can start enjoying life to the fullest...
Take care,
Kim

tuckygal · 04-30-2006, 02:55 PM

Jackie, I had so many cancer patients ask me if my legs hurt. They never did, just got so weak I would need to sit for a while. I keep thinking I am a very lucky person because I have had two clean scans and will find out tomorrow if the third was clean. I feel so much for your Dad, and all the other patients who are battling this disease. We just don't know from one day to the next what is in store for any of us. Keep the faith and know that love and prayers are coming at your Dad and you and your family.