my dad - Cancer: Lung Message Board

hpybtms · 10-19-2006, 09:45 PM

Since my dad has been diagnosed with SCLC it has been a roller coaster ride like someone mentioned. He's now in the hospital he went in yesterday he thought he was dying. He had mom call 911 with shortness of breath he really thought that was it. Then as she was talking to 911 the pain lessened and he was able to breathe better so he had mom cancel 911. She then drove him into the hospital where he had his chest drained again. While there they noticed that his heart enzymes were high so they had to admit him into the hospital. He looked absolutely awful yesterday while I was there (he of course mentioned to the nurse that he had stopped taking his heart meds two weeks ago since he hadn't had a heartattack in 5 years). He was coughing and his area hurt really bad from the draining. They finally gave him so vicodin and high blood pressure meds to help with the pain and headache he had. This morning we found out dad has to stay in the hospital until Saturday. The doctor decided that he would start chemo. He has a round today, one tomorrow and one Saturday. He has lost 30+ pounds since being diagnosed he's looking good (he has always been a little overweight) but he's hardly eating. Boy was he mad when he found out he had to stay in until Saturday he had plans to go fishing with a buddy of his. Can any of you tell me what to expect with chemo/radiation? I know some but not much I hate to google it and find out again he only has 8 months to live that sucked!

They decided to put my childhood home on the market they just can't handle it anymore. So as a family we have to deal with fixing up their house, selling their items they no longer need and dealing with dad having cancer. They are now worried that dad will lose his health benefits because this cancer is not job related. He works for Boeing and since its not job related he also isn't getting paid anymore. They say he can get $240 a week and that's it.

When my grandmother was dying from lung cancer she was laying in the hospital and I was bawling my eyes out she called me a marshmallow. I find myself crying at all hours of the day I go straight to the hospital from work. I so just want this to be over, I wish things could go back to the way they were.

Thanks for listening (reading) getting this off my chest is very theraputic.

Signed,

The Marshmallow

Rebecca29 · 10-19-2006, 10:05 PM

Looks like we are from around the same area. I am so sorry to hear about your father. From what i have heard radition is better than chemo. Radition doesnt drain you and the side effects are less painful. My father had lung cancer and thats the treatment he wanted. He did pretty well other than getting dry skin and some red blotches on his forehead. To bad we cant send our emails but i respect the policy. But i have been through the same thing with my dad. He lived 3xtra years from doing radition. I am so thankful. The whole insurance thing really sucks! My father had really good insurance until the time he couldnt work anymore. than the state wouldnt pick him up till he had 5,000 dollars in medical bills. When he finally got ssi diasablity and his pension they said he made to much and didnt qualify. Unless he had in 6 months had medical expenses around 10,000 then they would help. He applied for insurance but they turned him down and another insurance wanted 1,100 per month. There are resources out there that can help......its just knowing someone that has that info. I have some numbers but i dont think i can post them. Anyways hold your thoughts high and think positive! I wish you and your family well on this journey! PLease take care......you will be in my thoughts and prayers

hpybtms · 10-24-2006, 08:23 PM

He got his test results back fromt he doctor. The cancer has not spread to anywhere else. He has a port in his chest so he can receive chemo through that. He should only have three more chemo appointments. Keep those prayers coming we aren't out of the woods yet but it feels mighty close. Thanks all for your support!

Rebecca29 · 11-01-2006, 09:16 PM

I am so happy for you that it hasnt spread. Hold on tight to what you got and please dont take this time for granted. My prayers are with you always. Keep me posted on how he is doing. All the best to you and your father.......Rebecca

Kimslos · 11-01-2006, 10:04 PM

Hi-
I thought I responded to the good news your dad's cancer did not spread, but don't see the posting. Anyway, please do keep an eye out for your dad as the SCLC loves to spread and is aggressive. (not to scare you but to make you aware) I hope his chemo goes well and he is strong to enjoy life!
The prayers are coming your way!
Kim