Mother recently dx with Lung Cancer-rejecting treatment

UnekeoneCC
0 Recommendations

Hello. I am hoping to get support from others with a similar situation. My mother just found out that she probably has lung cancer. After several tests to help determine if her heart is up to undergoing surgery for a biopsy, since the location of the mass is in an area which would require surgery by going down her throat, we have found that she probably wouldn't be able to withstand surgery.

She decided not to undergo chemo or radiation and says she wants to die with dignity. Her doctor says she may have a year, possibly 2.

Are there others that have had to stay supportive during a similar situation? I know I need to respect her wishes, but also need to find support to help me in this process. Anyone else out there that can provide any guidance? Thank you. My mother is 62 and if surgery were possible, the doctor thinks she would need 40% of one lung removed and 30% of the other.

2 replies

Mari
  • By Mari
  • Posted August 16, 2008 at 7:09 pm

Hi There,
I don't have a similar situation other than the largest tumor was 11cm in left lung attached to chest wall and wrapped around a rib. Other tumors smaller and in right lung and trachea(?) some nodes shrunk in right breast also...anyhoo, I went through 6 treatments of carbo/taxol/avastin chemotherapy and finally got some miracle shrinkage. Maybe your Mom has heard bad things about chemo and is too scared. I didn't find it to be a problem. I also enjoyed being bald, for me it was a freedom of sorts. It is her choice either way. You'll find lots of info and helpful people at the LCA (lung cancer alliance) site. Most importantly...do not let anyone give an expiration date!! It is not in their hands. With more info and a strong resolution maybe you can get your Mom to change her mind.
Take Care and be strong!
xoxox

UnekeoneCC

Thank you for your reply! I haven't been on here in a while. Since the last I logged on, there have been additional tests and my mom's doc found a specialist that was able to obtain a biopsy by using a needle through her back. They determined that she has non-small cell cancer. Since she finally received a diagnosis, she has gone to the Nevada Cancer Institute to find out what her options are and has been going through chemo. Her first 2 rounds were with Carboplatin and Gemzar. The docs had to switch the chemo recently since it was too stressful on her body. She just had her first round of another chemo, but I don't recall the name. She'll get 2 of these, 3 weeks apart. So far she is handling this one pretty well, just some mouth sores After her next treatment, she'll get another scan to see of any of the tumors have shrunk. If so, she'll probably continue with it, if not, she has decided that will beit. She did realize that for her own peace of mind, that she had to at least try the chemo.

Thanks again for your reply and I wish you all the best.

Carolyn

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