I have so many questions about nsclc

ScarlettA · 03-23-2005, 01:18 AM

Someone I love very much is battling nsclc. He is 70 years old, and was diagnosed in December of 2004, after ct scans, biopsy and x-rays. The doc said that the tumor was huge, and that because of it's size, and his age, they did not recommend surgery. He started radiation around the first part of February, and just finished a total of 33 treatments. He does not want to do chemo, because he is convinced that it won't do any good at this point.

The last radiation treatment was exactly one week ago, and I'm shocked at how fast he seems to have gone down hill in just one week. He's unable to eat more than a taste of anything, is weak and exhausted and has lost about 5 more lbs. 45 lbs altogether. When I saw him yesterday, he could barely get up from the chair and move across the room. I also noticed that his speech seemed very hesitant, and he acted like he was sedated, but he wasn't. His eyes were rolling back into his head. He's not taking any medications at all! Refuses to take anything the doc has suggested. I am surprised, but grateful, that he has had absolutely no pain whatsoever. There was never any pain from the very beginning, which is probably why he didn't have a clue that anything was wrong until it was too late.

Do you think he is extremely debilitated from the radiation, or do you think that it did no good, and he is getting worse? What are the signs if the cancer has met'd to other parts of the body? When I saw him yesterday, I was fighting back the tears, because I didn't think he could possibly even live through the night. However, when I talked to him on the phone today, he said he felt better. I don't know what to expect tomorrow, when I will see him again. Thanks to anyone who reads this.

RitaB · 03-24-2005, 12:55 AM

Unfortunately, nsclc has many faces, as do the reactions to treatments. My sister who has nsclc was declared terminal last June and all treatments were stopped and she was given up to 6 mos. We didn't think she would still be with us but she is. After treatments were stopped, it seems as if the progression of the cancer did too (but we know it didn't), so it must have been the treatments (which for her did not do anything) that made her feel so bad. Though, she tires very easily now and can't drive b/c last May it was discovered on her brain as well, she still goes to church with her husband, go out to eat, go grocery shopping, occasionally take in a movie as well as a short trip out of town. Bottom line, radiation definitely affects you as well as your appetite and taste. Attention like just sitting with him and talking and when he feels like it, take him places is the very best gift you can give him right now. My heart truly goes out to you.

RitaB

ScarlettA · 03-24-2005, 01:19 PM

Rita - It's wonderful that your sister has survived, and is still doing reasonably well. Unfortunately, it's not the quality of life she had before, but it sounds like she has adjusted, and is still able to get out and do things.
I saw my friend yesterday, and I'm truly stunned at how quickly his health is continuing to deteriorate. His attitude is not good, and he is repeating the same things over and over. Mainly: "why is this happening"? Why doesn't my food have any taste? Why aren't I getting better"? Why didn't the radiation work"?
He's also very short tempered and angry: doesn't want to be touched, and doesn't want to talk about anything except his illness. He never smiles or laughs, or shows an interest in anything going on around him or in the world. Not that I think he has anything to laugh about, but I am surprised at how his personality seems to have changed.
I'll go back to see him tomorrow (Friday) but over the Easter weekend, his adult children will be there, so I won't see him until Monday.
Thank you for responding to my message. I really appreciate it so much. I hope your sister continues to do as well as she has been doing.

VaLady06 · 03-24-2005, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScarlettA

Rita - It's wonderful that your sister has survived, and is still doing reasonably well. Unfortunately, it's not the quality of life she had before, but it sounds like she has adjusted, and is still able to get out and do things.
I saw my friend yesterday, and I'm truly stunned at how quickly his health is continuing to deteriorate. His attitude is not good, and he is repeating the same things over and over. Mainly: "why is this happening"? Why doesn't my food have any taste? Why aren't I getting better"? Why didn't the radiation work"?
He's also very short tempered and angry: doesn't want to be touched, and doesn't want to talk about anything except his illness. He never smiles or laughs, or shows an interest in anything going on around him or in the world. Not that I think he has anything to laugh about, but I am surprised at how his personality seems to have changed.
I'll go back to see him tomorrow (Friday) but over the Easter weekend, his adult children will be there, so I won't see him until Monday.
Thank you for responding to my message. I really appreciate it so much. I hope your sister continues to do as well as she has been doing.

VaLady06 · 03-24-2005, 10:40 PM

I have a friend who is going through the same symptons from the radiation. She drinks alot of milk shakes and ensure, which seems to help a bit. Her doctor told her to drink 3 cups of essiac green tea a day and you would not believe how great it makes her feel. She is also on the diet of cottage cheese and flax oil mixed together. This is a diet from a doctor who has cured cancer. She said she will try anything at this point, but shes doing good and shes getting her energy back too. I hope this info helps a little. By the way my friend is 75.