Dad has NSCLC - Cancer: Lung Message Board

Teresa B · 11-01-2006, 06:55 AM

Hi
I'm new here; joined yesterday and wanted to tell you all about my Dad Stan. He just turned 80 last month and was a 30 a day smoker for 60 odd years. Gave up smoking about 5 years ago but of course the damage was already done and he was diagnosed back in August with an inoperable growth of over 8cm to his right upper lobe which encompasses the tubes to his heart and stomach. Dad's just finished 2 weeks of Radiotherapy and has to wait 4 weeks now for another CT scan to see if this treament has had any affect on the growth. We (my Mum and brothers and our respective families) are lucky that Dad has managed to keep very positive during this time; some would say he's probably in denial but at least it keeps him cheerful so who are we to deny him. The doctor's haven't given a prognosis on how long Dad has and I guess he's got a lot of bad stuff to go through before the inevitable happens and he leaves us for good. I don't feel bitter that Dad smoked for so long and despite Mum's nagging only gave up when he was ready; life is too short for recrimations and I want to make the most of whatever time he has left by sharing good times with him while we can. Not sure what I wanted to achieve by writing all this here but I feel involved when I read all the other stories. Cancer is a terrible disease and if only our respective governments would spend as much on fighting it as they do wars maybe they'd be a cure by now.
My heart goes out to all the cancer sufferers and their families.
Take Care

Kimslos · 11-01-2006, 09:07 AM

Teresa,
We all tend o come here for comfort, or reassurance that we can get thru the day with a smile or just to vent or just to share something very special...so I think that is why you are here.
Sorry to hear of your dad's condition, but he sounds like he is determined. You are right in not saying anything to him about smoking. It is pointless and won't change his condition or change the past. You are correct in saying you can have some good times with him. I hope you live close enough to visit him often and make some more special memories. He will have some bad days and he will have some good days. Lung cancer probably gets the least amount of funding because they believe it is a self inflicted disease. If they do some new studies I think they will realize more people that have never smoked are getting it. (possibly due to our environment)
Keep us posted and I pray your dad will have some wonderful times with you and the family.
Kim

Teresa B · 11-03-2006, 03:03 AM

Thanks for your kind words Kim
I do live very close to Mum and Dad, about 1 mile so can see them easily. Only problem is I work full time so that limits time to weekends really, time I travel home from work, do dinner, spend some time with my family, I have a son of 22 and daughter of 13. So life is pretty full. We've done some special stuff with Dad this year but now he's quite poorly with the after affects of Radiotherapy suffering with swallowing and breathlessness so for a while it will be quiet visits just spending time with him and helping Mum out who is getting pretty exhausted caring for him and my 97 year old grandmother who lives with them.

All the best to you and yours
Regards
Teresa

ellengrace · 11-03-2006, 09:54 PM

Writing here, as you have, helps and involves others as well as yourself. Thank you for your reply to me in another thread.

I was hesitant about joining....but needed, more than anything, an open and honest forum. Reading of other people's experiences, their different family situations, helps reduce that feeling of "aloneness" and naturally there follows a sense of involvement.

Your parents are lucky to have you so close at hand. I hope your Dad is comfortable. Your quiet times together are precious to both your mother and your father.