My father had just been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Just saying those words are so scary.
We saw the Oncologist yesterday to set up chemo. The cancer has matastasized to the liver, bones and they found some in his brain. Two weeks ago he complained on chest pains. My step-mom took him to the hospital. Found out he had pneumonia. Still had chest pains. They did a CAT scan. Saw something. Did another with contrast. That is when they saw the tumor. The bone scan Biopsy etc. Never new. Must have had it for awhile. They said it is extensive. I really hope they can help. Has to have 4 rounds of chemo 3 days, 3weeks apart. Somewhere in ther radiation on his brain. in the mean time they are going to be keeping an eye on it. He also has lymph nodes in his chest that are pressing on the esophagus, so he is already having a hard time eating. He lost 20 pounds in month. Just had an endoscopy done. They saw nothing. Gave him acid reflux meds. God knows how long he has had this.
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Lung Cancer
- By DESIGRAM
- Posted November 11, 2008 at 2:50 pm · 9 replies
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Pneumonia Cancer Arthritis Pain Acid reflux Rheumatoid arthritis Carboplatin Lung cancer Stress
9 replies
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- By Marg
- Posted November 11, 2008 at 4:53 pm
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Desigram,
I'm sorry you have to be here. The good thing is that sclc reacts well to chemo and radiation. My husband was diagnosed on 1/2/08. He was at deaths door, mets to liver and sternum. He lost 40 lbs in a month. Now, 11 months later, he is doing great. He has been having chemo every three weeks all year.
As far as how long did you dad have it before it was diagnosed...Mike had a chest xray in april of 07 and it was clear, then 9 months later he had a tennis ball sized tumor between his lungs that had metastisized. It's an agressive bugger.
Good luck and prayers said for you all...
- By StuartFL
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 7:03 am
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Desigram,
First of all, I am so sorry you are here. Lung cancer is scary and a roller coaster ride. You are at the right place because this site is filled with awesome people both with cancer or caregivers.
Your bio is so close to mine....age....husband a cop....father with ed-sclc...wow please feel free to email me or put me as a friend.
My dad, 79 dx in july with mets to liver, nodes, bones was also on deaths door. He too lost over 20 pounds in one month and was almost gone before dx. I am happy to say that today is his last round of chemo in this series. He in on a 6 round of 3days every 3 weeks of platinol/cisplaten (spelling bad). His lesions and tumor at last scan were basically gone. We are hoping for ned at the next scan, but just live each day.
Tomorrow my dad turns 80!!!! And he is feeling so good. He wants to help me paint my house BUT I said no to that!
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to welcome you to this site!
Pam
- By StuartFL
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 7:09 am
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oops, his chemo is Carboplatin and Etoposide.
- By DESIGRAM
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 8:30 am
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Thank you Marge,
This has happened within the past 3 weeks. We had no idea he even had cancer. He has had a problem with acid reflux for a long time. Has had Endoscopies, they gave him meds. Saw nothing. He has been to the Cardiologist. Echo-stress test. Clean bill. One night complained of chest pains. Went to the hospital. Diagnosed with pneumonia. Next day still pain. Cat scan. Saw something. Did scan again w/contrast. That is when we found out he had a tumor in his chest. They did biopsy. bone scan . mri, etc. The Doctor said maybe a good 6 months to a year. He is now having his third dose of chemo today and says he is feeling better. His back doesn't hurt as bad and he can walk better. I don't know if it is mind over matter but I sure hope it is working. Next will be radiation. Thank you for your husband's story. I know there is always hope. God Bless you and your husband and may he have continued health.
- By DESIGRAM
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 8:38 am
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Hi Pam,
Thank you. I hope my Dad can have as much success. My heart is so heavy but finding this site has helped alot. My Dad's attitude is fantastic. He said he has to much to live for. He has too many people that love him plus he wants to spend my inheritance. LoL. Best wishes and feel free to e-mail me. We do have alot in common. Gigi
- By hope-faith
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 10:06 am
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Desigram, hi I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My mother is going through the same thing. She went to the doctor for pnumonia and cough. she was dx sclc ext with spot on liver, lymph nodes, spot around her thorasic spine. She will be starting her second round of chemo next week carbo/etoposide. She already feels so much better. Like someone else said sclc responds best to chemo. Tell your dad to hang in there and be positive. Good luck and God bless!!
- By DESIGRAM
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 6:09 pm
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Thank you. I hope my Dad does as well as some of the people on here. He just finished his third dose today. He feels sick to his stomach. They give him meds in the chemo and pills. This stinks..................
- By Marie400
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 6:53 pm
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Attitude is everything and it sounds like your Dad's is right where it should be.
If the meds they give your Dad for nausea don't work, tell them. Ask for something else. There are several and most work real well, but everyone is different, what works for one may not work for another. My Mom took Zofron and this worked for her.
Also, make sure he drinks lots of fluids. At least two quarts per day. This helps a lot too.
Best of luck to you and your Dad. Pam's post should provide you with some inspiration - her Dad's 80th birthday tomorrow! Wow!
- By DESIGRAM
- Posted November 12, 2008 at 8:46 pm
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Thank you Marie, that is the med my Dad is on. This is all still so new. It is going to take some time to adjust. I am running thru such emotions. From fright to anger, to sadness. I have told my Dad about the drinking. He said he is. He also has rheumatoid arthritis. They stopped that treatment. So we don't know which is cancer pain or arthritis pain. I feel so bad for him. I hate to see him in pain. He is on percocets but they are tearing his stomach up. That could be why the neausea meds are not working. Might have to talk to the Drs. Tomorrow he gets a shot of neulasta. Then next week we see the radiologist and oncologist. Thank you all for your kind word and thoughts.
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