Dad just found out NSCLC, please help - Cancer: Lung Message Board

mishymay3 · 03-14-2007, 09:46 PM

Hi all. Please help me. My dad, only 55 years old, a long time smoker just found out after a PET scan and bronchoscopy that the one tumor which is 3cm in the right lower lobe is Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. The only other thing I know is that there is also lymph node involvement. I am going to go look at his test results this weekend because he has a hard time pronouncing words and such. I asked him how many lymph nodes are effected and he didn't know. He is supposed to go to the oncologist on Friday to talk about the treatment plan. Do you all know if it is possible after these 2 tests to be able to tell how many lymph nodes are effected?? And, should the oncologist tell him on Friday what stage the cancer is? It is driving me crazy because I want to know answers but I don't want to badger my dad and he really doesn't understand anyway. What does it mean when the lymph nodes are involved? I mean, I know it means it has spread, but does this mean it is really bad? Also, would the PET scan show if the cancer had spread to any other organs? I definitely didn't want to ask him this. He has enough on his mind. He was just getting ready to retire, he hasn't had an easy life...I just pray that he can make it through this and enjoy some peace in his life for once...Thank you all for your help.

flintrock · 03-15-2007, 07:52 AM

My MIL just had the left upper lobe removed (you have 2 lobes on left and 3 on right) upper lobe is easier to get to during surgery. surgeon removed 11 nodes and had the pathologist test them, they were all negative. We didn't know about nodes results until after he removed them and sent them to pathology. She sees the oncologist in 2 weeks. she had surgery 10 days ago and is doing great. She is 78.............so there is hope..........

bkerber · 03-15-2007, 05:18 PM

Im so sorry to hear about your dad. The PET scan should show what organs and lymph nodes are involved. I found the best thing that I could do instead of asking my dad about his condition, because he was in complete denial for a long time, was to get him to give his doctors permission to talk to me. He never knew when I called them and they or their nurses were always very thorough in their explanations to me. I was one of those " I gotta know people too" . I wish the best for you.