My Dad

• By pattyp1
• Posted June 9, 2008 at 7:30 pm
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hey, lilsister,
Welcome to our family - I am sorry your daddy is sick. This , I know is a scary time for you and dad.

First, they need to clear up the pneumonia. Having an infection like that is sure to be making him feel bad and not breathe as well as he can. Your dad is where he needs to be, getting good care in the hospital. They can get him better with IVs than they ever could with pills. So....this is a good thing.

I've seen a lot of folks go in alone for chemo, and a lot of folks have people with them. I was very lucky - the nurses liked me and I was able to go into every treatment and procedure with my dad. He and I had a lot of fun during his chemos. I also found I learned a lot while he was in there. There were also two times he got into trouble with "springing a leak" at the injection site (common with one particular form of chemo) - that I was able to catch because I was watching him like a hawk. I'll tell you - I wouldn't trade those times for anything.

We need to talk for a moment though - the normal you experienced 2 months ago is gone. You are now in what we call "the new normal". Being scared is part of it. So is being nervous, bored, thrilled out of your head (just wait til you get a good report!!!), anxious, nauseous,....., and the list goes on. All of these are part of your "new normal". We've all been through these. One thing you could do that would REALLY help your daddy is to start reading up on what to do about side effects. The big ones for SCLC are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and low blood sodium. Each of these sound pretty trivial, but can have serious impacts on your dad's health and happiness (ok, and they can land him in the hospital). My favorite go-to-site for side effects management is www.chemocare.com. It's an easy read, and real helpful!

You will get tempted to go look for statistics about your dad's condition. I recommend you don't - they do not apply directly to your dad - and will scare the crap out of you and your dad. Here is a moment of truth - absolutely NO-ONE ON EARTH (doctors included) knows when it will be your daddy's time. There is one thing certain - you, me, the doctors and your daddy have a date when we will each pass over. Work with his doctor to make him the healthiest he can be for today and tomorrow. There are long-term survivors of limited stage. Focus on getting daddy into that group.

There are a lot of people here that are willing to help you. Me included. We're farther down the path than you and can help you find how to navigate it.

I'm going to stop now - I know I've overwhelmed you and scared you a little. Focus on this: HE HAS HOPE. YOU HAVE HOPE. When you start feeling scared, remember - as long as he's breathing, you should have hope.

So, lilsis - you are now a warrior princess. Give out a big warrior yell with us. You are not alone.

Sending hugs,
Pat

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• By simplyklb
• Posted June 9, 2008 at 8:21 pm
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My life totally changed back on April 28th when my mom told me that both she and dad had masses in each of their lungs. I live a different life now. Life will never be the same ever.

My dad has SCLC - Extensive disease. It has spread to his liver and bones. My dad has had a lot of pain from his bone mets. He takes at least 90 mg of morphine a day.

Just take it day by day. Don't forget to breathe.. The diagnosis itself takes your breath away.

Kristi

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• By StacieK
• Posted June 10, 2008 at 10:54 am
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I am sorry your Dad has SCLC and your family has to go through this. It will be a tough road to travel but never give up or lose hope. My Dad was diag. w/ Limited SCLC in Feb 2007 and has been cancer free almost a year!

Take care,
Stacie

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• By lilsister
• Posted June 10, 2008 at 11:22 am
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Thank You everyone for your nice postings!!! I am holding on and reading as much as I can. Today Will be the last of his first round of chemo. I found out yesterday from the nurse that they are only hearing weezing from the pneumonia in one lung now!! Woohoo getting over one hurtle.. Pat thank You for the web site I am going there now!!!! The New Normal sometimes feels like a nightmare but I know its all going to work out...

Thank you all,
lilsis

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• By MaryRVF
• Posted June 17, 2008 at 12:55 pm
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Hi lilsister,
I also am sorry to hear you have to go thru this. My 74 yearold mother was DXed with limited SCLC in September 2007 (last fall). She completed 4 rounds of chemo (lasting 3 days each) and radiation. She did well even drove herself half the time! All her scans have come back clear. They then did PCI (Prophalactic Cranial Irradiation) to hopefully prevent brain mets. I believe she had 10 doeses of that. As of mid April she is cancer-free!

Do all the research you can on this subject, be your dad's advocate-in my experience, we have noticed that sometimes we have to PUSH to get things done!

I am thinking and praying for you!

Mary

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