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where do i start please help

hollyw80
Posts: 5
Joined: Sep 2008
Sep 06, 2008 - 6:34 pm

i am a er nurse but admit i know little about oncology. yesterday i talked my mom into getting random cxr for shoulder pain. a large mass in right upper lobe, mass in her liver and lymph nodes in her chest (mediastinum and breasts) were found. no dx of ca yet but i know it will be. i am overwhelmed and need advise on what to do where to start who to talk to. she has appointed me to do all research and make beginning treatment decisions b/c of my medical background but i am still a daughter and want whats agressive but not enogh to make her suffer. we live in south side of chicago but i am willing to travel anywhere any time to save my mom. please, please help me she has a two month old grandson and i need all the time i can get with my mom. thank you and god bless
jagged
Posts: 55
 Joined: Apr 2008
Sep 06, 2008 - 10:16 pm
Whew!

Whew. Tough to lay this on you. Not sure I would take this all on. But then, I don't know your curcimstances.

First, is to get the doctor take on things. If cancer, it is stage IV, but what kind of cancer? Is it operative? Surgery recommended? How aggressive is it? Chemotherapy almost goes without saying. Radiation? How does her health and age factor in how she will handle any treatment? Are finances an issue?

Cancer is a big scare for everyone and it is difficult to digest all of the information at once. Take notes when you talk with the doctor, and/or record. Plan a follow up. Always think about a second opinion.

There is a lot of good information on the internet. Google words you don't understand. If chemotherapy, which drugs. You can research symptoms, etc. Come back here and post some more. A lot of people have been there and have helpful stories.

--jag
cabbott
Posts: 1046
 Joined: Aug 2006
Sep 07, 2008 - 11:57 am
On surgery and stuff

Dear Holly,

I'm sorry your mom is having to deal with this. Chicago is a large city with lots of resources. You could call your local lung cancer association or American Cancer Society to find the best clinics in the area. One associated with a teaching hospital, especially if they specialize in lung cancer, would be the best for the latest in treatment possibilites and success. Often with stage 4 doctors recommend chemo rather than surgery--at least at first. If it sh