Sad and scared - Cancer: Lung Message Board

cruiser50 · 05-10-2006, 07:12 PM

Hello,

I am new to the boards. I have been "lurking" for awhile and finally decided to post and ask for your help.

My Dad is 83 years old. He has an anuerism of the aorta and was told over five years ago he had just a short time to live. Well, he has fooled them on that but he was just diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Apparently last Nov he had a clean chest film. Now his right lung is completely shut down.

We saw a respiratory specialist who verified the cancer and is setting up an appointment with an oncologist.

Dad has decided he is too old and frail for chemo or radiation and has decided he just wants pallative care and a gentle easing out with meds thru Hospice.

Have any of you dealt with this before and if so I would appreciate any tips on caregiving, etc.

I plan on moving in with Dad but he says he isn't ready to give up his privacy yet. I can understand this but I worry so about him being alone. He is going on liquid oxygen now and I am not sure I know why this is better than the other. He has such difficulty breathing that I just don't know what to do.

I have never dealt with hospice before and would appreciate any feedback on that also.

Thank you all for sharing your heart warming, sad, hopeful and human stories, it has been a tremendous help to read them.

tuckygal · 05-11-2006, 06:15 AM

Hello, my Dad made it to 85 1/2, with numerous health problems; along with my Mom with congestive heart failure. They were both assigned to Hospice and their help is beyond description. They are very supportive of the family too. I can understand not wanting to go through chemo and radiation. It drains all your energy and is so hard on the body. Please keep us posted as often as you can and pour your heart out if necessary. My friends here have helped me so much and know all the problems that go along with this horrible disease. God bless your Dad and you and your family. Love from Ky., Pat