Fathers SCLC - Pain in shoulder - Discussion - Lung Cancer Alliance Survivors Support Community

Hello all,

My father was diagnosed with SCLC in Mar 2009. It had spread to his lymph nodes but not to his liver.

He has undergone 4 cycles of cisplatin/etoposide chemo.

Last week he underwent scans, tests etc and will meet with the oncologist tomorrow to discuss how the chemo went.

He reacted well to the chemo, side effects were minimal - he lost most of his hair and was tired.

His breathing is much better which makes me want to think that the chemo has shrunk the tumor to some extent.

What worries me is that he has a pain in his shoulder/shoulder blade which is not getting any better.

Is the pain in the shoulder a sign that the cancer has spread to his shoulder already?

I know that it is hard to advise based on what i have said but i am really really worried.

I am grateful for your support and I am thinking about everyone who writes on this site.

Thanks.

Update: Father went back to oncologist yesterday. The chemo acted as the onc expected. He is impressed that my father weighs more now then he did before the chemo. His lung tumor has been shrunk by the chemo. It is still there but reduced in size. The onc has reccomended radiotherapy which gives me hope. The onc told him that the shoulder pain is definitely not cancer related - it is probably caused by the chemo damaging nerve endings. All in all i think it is good news. I was so afraid that he would be told that the cancer had spread and that it was hopeless. Thank to all for support.

By patriciad
Posted June 29, 2009 at 7:38 am
Report post

The pain in his should could very well be a metastasis. If so, radiation would probably be the treatment of choice. My husband was unable to walk well due to the pain of a metastasis to his hip. After 6 treatments there was improvement and after the complete 10 he was great. I know the idea of spread is overwhelming but think positive. I agree with you about the ease of breathing-very good sign. Now, be positive and take it one day at a time.It is easier said than done, but hang in there
Pat

By CancerStrikes2
Posted June 29, 2009 at 8:35 am
Report post

I agree with Pat. Pain in the shoulder could mean it mets to that area. Only radiation could help, too much morphine pain killer aint good for one health in a long run.
Best wishes,
V

By rmhayes
Posted June 29, 2009 at 9:06 am
Report post

other meds out there for pain that work as well or better than morphine. I get tired of those that say pain meds shouldnt be taken. why the hell not? if someone is fighting with all they have to beat a disease that is ravishing their body inside out why shouldn't they have meds to not be in pain? caregivers never understand that point.
Now, I dont' want to advise you since this is a question best left for the dr...who i am sure if told about the pain would quickly ck it out for mets...however, having said that pain isnt always a precursor to mets. I have a lot of pain in my shoulder/shoulder blade as our lung is underneath...least mine is...(not only thing in my body that may not be exactly where it should be...my appendix..is completely hidden by my uterus, ..lol) directly underneath..for me...and coughing a lot tends to make my back/neck/shoulder/throat, chest wall and lungs, stomach, even my ribs...all hurt a great deal. sometimes unbelieveable pain without coughing. I can remember asking if it would be alright to lay on a heating pad back when i was getting treatment cause my shoulder blade/back hurt so bad. Pain can be caused by one location and felt in an entirely different area. again...with the appendix but oh well....when peeps appendix rupture they tend to feel the pain on left side although appendix is on your right. et al.
robin

By RiaRia
Posted June 29, 2009 at 10:00 am
Report post

my dad too had shoulder pain. scans etc. showed no mets in that area. a nurse indicated that the liver mets could cause shoulder pain. i do not know the validity of this statement, but we never did figure out why dad had that pain. i hope you have good results when you meet with the doc.
maria

By Lindonna
Posted June 29, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Report post

My father, who was with SCLC, also had left shoulder pain that became worse and worse and finally made him unable to move his left hand or turn his body. In the last 2 weeks of his life, he also couldn't stand and walk.

If I could turn back time, I would have done more in managing his pain. We were so focused on carrying out the treatment to his lung cancer, with the hope that when it succeeds, the pain would go away.

I am praying for wisdom for you and your family in helping your father go through his battle.

By jeannie-babs
Posted June 30, 2009 at 10:21 am
Report post

I have shoulder pain too......went to the oncol sent me for a MRI found a buldging disc in my lower neck...nothing can be done for it but physical therapy...I asked if caused by cancer..they said no...I could have just coughed and caused this.......it is affecting the 2 muscles that go from my head to my shoulder....I even have numbness in the shoulder too...maybe this is a possibilty for you.......

Hugs Jeannie

By TrustingGod
Posted June 30, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Report post

I have shoulder pain also. I have tried new pillows, etc and nothing seems to help. My scans are clean so I know it is not cancer. I feel like mine may be muscular maybe a side effect of the radiation. I am going to try physical therapy and see if that helps, don't like taking all the pain meds, destroys the liver.

By StacieK
Posted July 1, 2009 at 10:38 am
Report post

my Dad has had bad shoulder pain too, it did go away though.... I'm glad the treatments are working for your Dad....will they give him 2 more rounds of this chemo/combo? your Dad has a good chance of remission :) hang in there!

Stacie

Welcome to Inspire!

Fathers SCLC - Pain in shoulder

Explore topics in this discussion:

8 replies

Add to the discussion

Help from Lung Cancer Alliance

You