My dad's Lung Cancer need advise - Cancer Message Board

ladyinfinity · 07-24-2006, 09:59 PM

Hi everyone,
I have been a lurker for the past few weeks and finally going to post. My dad about 6 weeks ago had been diagnosed with a Large Cell Carcinoma Giant Cell about the size of a orange, They thought it spread into the lymph nodes but it didn't.Also they didn't give me a stage. We were told they cannot operate which would of been the optimum thing to do but since of his Emphasema it would cause too much distress on him.As well as Emphysema, and Enema, and Cor Pulminale on the right side of heart, but as of now they are not really concerned about that.And also Thrush. So far they didn't see it anywhere else on the PET scans. Anyways, Before all of this, he was getting sickly before our eyes but just wouldn't go to the doctor, lost weight, no appetite, does very minimum activity. So far he has had one transfusion, and started his Radiation 5x week and Chemo 1x week (Taxol and Carboplatin) and we just got threw his first week and now starting the second. Radiation has gone well, just complains of back pain being on the table, as for Chemo, when he got it last week, they gave him about 7 pills, A few for Nausea, a few steroids and a benadryl. The day and for two days afterward he felt great, was able to vacuum a few rooms without having to stop, seemed happier etc. of course that didn't last now he is back to himself, maybe even worse. I'm wondering if it was the Steroids that caused that sudden burst of energy/life in him. If so. do they normally prescribe them to take even on off days of getting chemo ? Also the appetite problem still persists, he is drinking about 3 sometimes 4 boost/ensure a day and picking small amounts of food. They have him taking iron for his enema (which does not seem to do much for him). They took his bloodwork again today after Radiation so tommorrow Oncology has it before his 2nd chemo treatment. In the meantime as well they are finally sending us for more tests at Pulminary hopefully they will finally prescribe my poor dad Oxygen for at home. If anyone can think of anything else i can be doing for him or suggest or any input appreciated, Im the only one taking care of him and its been very trying on me

shnswms · 07-25-2006, 09:20 PM

You should try the lung cancer boards, they would be alot more helpful.

sdurecko · 07-26-2006, 09:44 PM

Hello, my name is Stephanie, and my mother started out having lung cancer. She did have it operated on and they told her and me that they got everything and that it did not spread to the lymph nodes, as your dad's did not. However, I was my mothers caregiver till the day she past and I will tell you several things I wish I had done. First, get a second opinion on the operation part...please. After she was "clean", she called me and started slurring her words and talking strangely. I flew to where she was took her to the doctor and found she had brain cancer. The thing is, which I had found out later, was, many, many times once a patient has lung cancer, it spreads to the brain (please, I don't want to scare you), but I wish I had someone to talk to about this. They did not do any radiation or chemo, she was suppose to be "clean". I should have taken it upon myself to take her for second opinions, for chemo and have them check her brain for tumors or growths. I feel for you, my mother's passing was a year on Monday. I finally could not take care of her at home and I had to place her in Hospice because they knew she was going to pass. God Bless and stay strong.

Jennifer Lee · 08-02-2006, 08:37 PM

My father-in-law was diagnosed with liver and brain. 6 months alter it is in his kidneys, shoulder, and liver.Please tell me more about your mom. We are lost. We do not have a clue what will happen next.Maybe you can help me.
Jennifer

erinsemail · 08-24-2006, 05:52 AM

My mother was diagnosed with lung cancer 6 months ago. She has had emphasema for years. Her tumor shrunk and they should declare remission atthe one year mark. I share this with the person who posted originally here because there are some good stories. Things are not always bad. My mom has had three cancers over the past 15 years. And all have gone into remission. What you saw in your dad with the burst of energy is normal from my experience. It is only after the third cancer that we have been able to see a pattern in my mom based on her chemo treatments as to when she might have her bursts of energy but you can't lock them down on a calendar. Enjoy the energy bursts your dad has. Make the best of them. And when he fully recovers, you can enjoy more time with him. It's hard caring for a parent like this. You are doing a great job I am sure.