Pleural mesothelioma - Pleomorphic

Jamiealexander
Jamiealexander Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1

HI,  My father Has been diagnosed with stage 4 Pleural Mesothelioma (pleomorphic)  My understanding is that it is a very rare type.  I suspect he has had this condition for a couple of years and has just now been confirmed.  I do not know what to expect.  His doctor has said 3-6 months expectancy and my father has declined any Chemo since it really would not help.  He is 71 years of age.  At this time he has had 8 Thoracentesis and he had a pleurodesis. He has lost 36 lbs in 7 weeks and he can only walk about 20 ft without gasping for air.  What should I expect and what should I look for?  How will I know what is happening towards the end. He is so strong refusing oxygen, he is convinced he does not need it, even though his coloring is terrible.  But I have it here at home for when he decides he needs it.  :(

Comments

  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    My mom had adenocarcinoma but

    My mom had adenocarcinoma but something's probably don't change. As the body has a hard time absorbing theO2 there will be pain in the extremities from oxygen starvation.  To protect its oxygen supply the brain will cause other organs to shut down.  Sometimes it seems they are in a place that I called between.  She was still in our world but seemed to be talking to others in the next.  The nurse explained that the brain does this to protect them from pain.  

    There are so many variants, it would be good to talk to a hospice care nurse.  You may want to suggest that you start interviewing companies so he can decide which one when the time comes.  If he refuses make an appt with a palliative care doc.  

     

    Edit to add that the procedure you referred to is called a pleurodesis. 

  • Jamiealexander
    Jamiealexander Member Posts: 3
    dennycee said:

    My mom had adenocarcinoma but

    My mom had adenocarcinoma but something's probably don't change. As the body has a hard time absorbing theO2 there will be pain in the extremities from oxygen starvation.  To protect its oxygen supply the brain will cause other organs to shut down.  Sometimes it seems they are in a place that I called between.  She was still in our world but seemed to be talking to others in the next.  The nurse explained that the brain does this to protect them from pain.  

    There are so many variants, it would be good to talk to a hospice care nurse.  You may want to suggest that you start interviewing companies so he can decide which one when the time comes.  If he refuses make an appt with a palliative care doc.  

     

    Edit to add that the procedure you referred to is called a pleurodesis. 

    Thank You for the Info.  We

    Thank You for the Info.  We already have hospice that comes in and as of yesterday afternoon he finally started using the oxygen on his own.  I am new to being a caregiver and I am just so unsure of what to look for.  I have read all the articles.  Sometimes he shows signs of this or that,  that is what makes it so confusing for me.  Thank you for the Information..Laughing

  • Rosi
    Rosi Member Posts: 69

    Thank You for the Info.  We

    Thank You for the Info.  We already have hospice that comes in and as of yesterday afternoon he finally started using the oxygen on his own.  I am new to being a caregiver and I am just so unsure of what to look for.  I have read all the articles.  Sometimes he shows signs of this or that,  that is what makes it so confusing for me.  Thank you for the Information..Laughing

    TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME

    I WAS THE CARE GIVER OF MY HUSBAND, THE BEST THING I DID WAS TAKE ONE A AT TIME AND WITH THE HELP OF GOD EVERITING IS POSSIBLE, BE SURE TO TELL HIM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM AND MAKE GOOD MEMORIES, IT WAS VERY STRESSFUL FOR ME, BUT YOU ARE STRONG AND ANGELS ARE HELPING.

    ROSI

  • kikirio
    kikirio Member Posts: 5
    My father was just diagnosed

    My father was just diagnosed with Mesothelioma. And I too am having a very hard time with the fact that I am going to lose him. He is the anchor, rock of the family and his presence will be missed so much. He is on oxygen but doesn't use it at night. I am hoping and praying he wont suffer long with it. I feel your pain and I pray that your mother doesn't suffer long and that God will give your the strength to bare your lose. My fathers brother just found out he has lung cancer and it has spread. My cousin and I are trying to be there for each other, I have a great mom and I know that she will need me to help her be strong. It seems as if the world is ending right now and I don't know if I can servive this. Cancer is like on the rampage, there is so many people out there that are sick. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.

  • Jamiealexander
    Jamiealexander Member Posts: 3
    kikirio said:

    My father was just diagnosed

    My father was just diagnosed with Mesothelioma. And I too am having a very hard time with the fact that I am going to lose him. He is the anchor, rock of the family and his presence will be missed so much. He is on oxygen but doesn't use it at night. I am hoping and praying he wont suffer long with it. I feel your pain and I pray that your mother doesn't suffer long and that God will give your the strength to bare your lose. My fathers brother just found out he has lung cancer and it has spread. My cousin and I are trying to be there for each other, I have a great mom and I know that she will need me to help her be strong. It seems as if the world is ending right now and I don't know if I can servive this. Cancer is like on the rampage, there is so many people out there that are sick. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.

    Thanks everyone for the words

    Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement..

  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member

    Thanks everyone for the words

    Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement..

    JamesAlexander

    Just checking in to see how you are doing.  Hope you are staying strong and hospice is helping your mom with her pain.  

  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    kikirio said:

    My father was just diagnosed

    My father was just diagnosed with Mesothelioma. And I too am having a very hard time with the fact that I am going to lose him. He is the anchor, rock of the family and his presence will be missed so much. He is on oxygen but doesn't use it at night. I am hoping and praying he wont suffer long with it. I feel your pain and I pray that your mother doesn't suffer long and that God will give your the strength to bare your lose. My fathers brother just found out he has lung cancer and it has spread. My cousin and I are trying to be there for each other, I have a great mom and I know that she will need me to help her be strong. It seems as if the world is ending right now and I don't know if I can servive this. Cancer is like on the rampage, there is so many people out there that are sick. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.

    Kikiro

    Please try to find a caregiver support group near you.   If there is no Cancer Support Community or Gilda's Club near you It is very likely that your dad's hospital has a monthly meeting for survivors and caregivers.  

    Cancer Support Community. 

    http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/Cancer-Support/Find-a-Local-CSC-Affiliate