just found out

[plc]

I was just told on the phone by our doctor that my husband has lung cancer. The CAT scan confirm a very lg tumor and he feels by its location it is worse. Now monday we are seeing a surgeon to talk to us on different biospy procedure. Then after she does this, we see a onocoligist. Now we are still in shock,and I am looking @ a healthly 49yr. with one problem, pressure on his breast bone. I know CAT scan can't lie,but I am having trouble digesting this bleak out look the doctor told me...could he be wrong????

[PamsaRN]

I am so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. My dad was dx with inoperable lung Ca last Oct. 2001. Make sure to get a second opinion about everything. Also get a notebook and write down results of tests, what the Drs recommend, and dates of appointments. Then write down questions that come to mind.If you are like our family (even though I'm a Rn) when faced with a Dr tell you grave news you just forget everything......go blank...this way you will remember things and can refer back to them....I will be praying for you and will be glad to chat anytime Pam

[hope1220]

What a shock for you - just as it was for us when I took my mom to the ER expecting the dr. to tell us she was having a stroke only to find out it was a brain mass. Tho that wasn't the primary cancer site which we later found out was lung cancer (NSCLC-NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER)- The first dr. (ER Attending) was not very optimistic at all - he said her cancer was inoperable and anything we do as far as treatments should be done knowing that it is only buying her time -and we should know that the side effects would be very hard. That was Feb 8, 2002. Thankfully we were referred by a friend to a wonderful oncologist who was very optimistic and his office's slogan is "No stone is left unturned" - To date my mom has had the tumor on her brain successfully removed and has had many different types of Chemo and just yesterday began the new clinical trial using the not yet approved drug IRESSA. My mom had tremendous success as far as controling the cancer with the conventional chemo treatments but after a while the cells become resistant and you have to switch to a different chemo. And sure the side effects with a lot of them were tough, but it is part of the treatment. Just keep an eye on his blood levels and the other member gave you terrific advice about writing things down - I did that and can't tell you how often I have to go back to my notes even now. The first month is such a shock and you spend so much time crying and trying to be optimistic and supportive at the same time - but just remember knowledge is power - use the internet, ask questions of the dr. and nurses if you are unsure of ANYTHING. Good luck and you are in my prayers.

[This message has been edited by hope1220 (edited 01-03-2003).]

[LeisaH]

I can not believe how unfeeling your doctor is to tell you this over the phone! CAT scan can read wrong. Mom had a CAT scan taken in May of 2001 and had it read in June of 2001 in a leading Cancer Clinic in Canada. Even though there were masses there, they diagnosed her as not having cancer. So yes sometimes false readings to happen. I have been watching the board to see what the surgeon and onocoligist say. The notepad is a great idea, mom went another step and recorded it all on a micro cassette to play back after.

[plc]

Thank you all for your replys,we saw the surgeon,and Thursday 1/2/03,my husband had a bronchoscopy done. The surgeon was cautious in her words,all she told me was she had deep concerns. i tryed to question her on these "deep concerns" but she wouldn't comment anymore.except she was able to biospy more then she thought she could. She is calling us Monday with the results. So we wait....I'm praying this is not cancer,however her deep concerns have me stressed. I thought doctors were suppose to give you some hope.If they are I have not found the right one yet..