I'd like some opinions from you all about my dad and what happened this week on a routine visit to his oncologist. The ONC never said he thought he might have LC, but after researching the tests and CT results....I fear this may be where we are headed.
Dad was recently dx with early-stage myelodysplasia(MDS), which is also known as "pre-leukemia". His dx came as a result of a hospital stay with pneumonia and severe anemia about 5 weeks ago. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed MDS. Since then he has been seeing his oncologist to monitor his blood and has been given aranesp to grow red blood cells. Two weeks ago he was still experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and coughing(no blood). So a CT was ordered and performed Monday. On Wednesday the oncologist told us dad had fluid on both lungs, as well as new nodules on the left lung which were not there in the previous CT (not sure how long ago the earlier CT was performed...maybe 3-4 years ago). He also may have fluid around his heart. He was sent immediately for an echocardiogram and thoracentesis for cytology. The radiologist drew a liter of fluid off his right lung, but would not touch the left one. He is scheduled for a PET scan Tuesday and a return visit to the ONC Wednesday. He is also scheduled to see a pulmanologist in two weeks. The ONC mentioned the possibility of a biopsy of the lung nodules after results of PET and cytology of lung fluid is known.
My dad is 79, has a vast medical history with coronary artery disease, diabetes, colon resection 8 years ago (deemed pre-cancerous with no treatment or recurrance). He had meningitis that almost killed him 6 years ago as a result of a tick bite. He has suffered periodically over the years with pneumonia. His health is generally no good at all, but he still lives by himself and takes care of himself pretty well.
We lost my mom almost 5 years ago to pancreatic cancer after a 10-month battle.
I am the first person to tell others not to worry about something until you know there is something to worry about. But I'm so scared my dad may have lung cancer. If this is the dx Wednesday, I want to be prepared to support him rather than falling apart.
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Possible LC?
- By BethinAL
- Posted June 13, 2009 at 9:43 am · 3 replies
- In Family members and caregivers
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Explore topics in this discussion:
Cancer Leukemia Meningitis Pancreatic cancer Diabetes Anemia Pneumonia Lung cancer
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- By BethinAL
- Posted June 13, 2009 at 10:27 am
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I should have mentioned we were given no details about the size/shape of the left lung nodules, nor any indication of the look of the fluid when drawn Wednesday. Dad did say the fluid was dark, like tea. Does this mean blood? I have read if cancer is detected in the pleural fluid, then it is already stage IV.
I am normally so prepared with all the right questions, but this thing took me totally by surprise.
Please tell me if you think this might be lung cancer. And if so, would my dad's bad health preclude him from surgery/treatment?
- By HighlandGuy
- Posted June 13, 2009 at 11:02 pm
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Nodules may be cancer and they may not. Until a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken from the nodule and examined by a pathologist, we have no way of knowing.
I had severe heart problems (open heart surgey in 1998)severe COPD, and multiple other physical problems including an 8 and a half hour operation in August of 2000 (removing my bladder, prostate and adjacent organs). Two and a half months later, I had my upper right lung lobe (a quarter of the lung) removed (for lung cancer). I was 76 years old in 2000. I'm 85 today and doing just fine.
We can be tough old buggers. All is not lost my dear.
Your dad is obviously a fighter and that is most important.
I'll be thinking of you.
HighlandGuy
- By BethinAL
- Posted June 14, 2009 at 2:06 pm
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HighlandGuy,
What an inspiration you are! You've never given up hope, have you?
Thank you for reminding me about my dad's strength. He amazes me everyday. He is my rock and I can't even think about life without him. Like you, he has had multiple medical issues over the years. So many times I've thought his condition was beyond hope, then he recovers and next thing I know he's out in his garden planting and gathering vegetables. Like you, he's never given up.
Thank you for renewing my hope.
-Beth
Alabama
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