Cancer Survivors Network

My name is Lindsey and I’m 27 years old. My father, Edward, 59 years old, was diagnosed with Stage III Lung Cancer (left lung) in early January. It took two months of tests/scans before starting treatment, but he has had 5-6 weeks of radiation Mon-Fri plus two full weeks of Chemo. Dad lost his hair during week 5. Even though the treatments have stopped in an attempt to bring his counts back up, he still has a very raw, sore throat from the radiation. He can barely eat, but eats soft foods such as egg noodles, jello, watermelon, and frappes. Whatever he can get down.

He met with the surgeon a few days ago and surgery seems to be the plan of action. Before concluding that they will do surgery, dad has to go in for breathing tests this week and next. If they do surgery, they will take the top lobe but may have to take the whole lung as the mass is bordering the bottom lobe. The surgeon said he might be able to “re-route” the artery (whatever that means) and save the bottom lobe, but he doesn’t know until he is in there. Dad gave his OK for him to do what it takes for survival.

Dad has a very bad burn on his back from the radiation. It’s extremely raw. For anyone with the same thing, take my advice and ask your doctor for this patch (feels like a gel patch) that they used to help the burn. I am confident that it has helped dad’s burn heal faster. I also recommend the Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for anyone willing to travel or within driving distance. Dad survived his Leukemia 15 years ago because of them. Amazing hospital.

Reading your posts about lung removal has helped to keep me thinking positive. I’m not naïve in that I know this will take time for him to recover and it won’t be easy, but I want to know what we are up against. They said they are “going after the cure” in dad’s case, so I am staying positive. If anyone wants to email me for information on the hospital I am recommending, my personal email is Lindsey_Carney@hotmail.com. Take care, all of you.