lung cancer survivors

michaelcie

Hasn't anyone posted any new messages or has this site been this messed up? Mike

Janettafoya

Hello:
My dad is 76 years old and a year ago was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was in great shape and went through extensive radiation and chemo. He felt great before they found the cancer and now he just had a follow up catscan and there's something there. He's lost alot of weight, he only weighed 123 to start with, and he has no energy. Also he has begun to spit some blood once again. Our whole families getting together for the holidays, and we are hoping that his appointment on Dec. 17th will be good news. He was told that he may be able to just take some kind of pill, for his next treatment. Do you know anything about that kind of treatment? Also I'd like to get him some kind of homeopathic remedy to help him with his constant coughing. This is my first visit to this site...so I'm not even sure if I'm doing this right. Thanks Jan

michaelcie

Janettafoya said:

Hello:
My dad is 76 years old and a year ago was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was in great shape and went through extensive radiation and chemo. He felt great before they found the cancer and now he just had a follow up catscan and there's something there. He's lost alot of weight, he only weighed 123 to start with, and he has no energy. Also he has begun to spit some blood once again. Our whole families getting together for the holidays, and we are hoping that his appointment on Dec. 17th will be good news. He was told that he may be able to just take some kind of pill, for his next treatment. Do you know anything about that kind of treatment? Also I'd like to get him some kind of homeopathic remedy to help him with his constant coughing. This is my first visit to this site...so I'm not even sure if I'm doing this right. Thanks Jan

Hi Janet, what type of lung cancer does your Father have? Have you asked your Doctors for something to help with the coughing? A respitory doctor could probably help with this, I was given combivent to help me breath at first. As for the tablet, There are different types of chemo that you can take by pill, but I would check into it and make sure that it is right for your Father. When I started chemo , they wanted to give me one chemo treatment by pill one of the nurses told me that it was a rough way to go and I also found out that if taken by pill I would get it by prescription and It was not covered under my medical plan because I had to buy my prescriptions and believe me that is expensive. Well I hope I was of some help and God bless . mike (handle@nauticom.net)

hollywooder

Janettafoya said:

Hello:
My dad is 76 years old and a year ago was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was in great shape and went through extensive radiation and chemo. He felt great before they found the cancer and now he just had a follow up catscan and there's something there. He's lost alot of weight, he only weighed 123 to start with, and he has no energy. Also he has begun to spit some blood once again. Our whole families getting together for the holidays, and we are hoping that his appointment on Dec. 17th will be good news. He was told that he may be able to just take some kind of pill, for his next treatment. Do you know anything about that kind of treatment? Also I'd like to get him some kind of homeopathic remedy to help him with his constant coughing. This is my first visit to this site...so I'm not even sure if I'm doing this right. Thanks Jan

Hi Jan,

Iressa is a new chemo drug which I understand is taken orally. There are some people on the list taking it and you could search by "iressa" and read previous posts. Don't know if you usually accompany your Dad to his appointments, but be sure to write down questions and ask all of them and get all the answers you need. You need information to make these kinds of decisions. Best of luck to you and all of your family. Margaret

scprice513

Hello Michael,
We've spoken before. I am the gentleman who's mom has been diagnosed with NSCLC. First of all, I agree with you, this site has been "messed up". I do not understand why ACS has changed the layout of this discussion group. The original way was much easier to navigate and I consider myself computer literate. Anyway, hope you are feeling well. My mom has started her radiation and chemo. treatments. She has been through seven radiation treatments so far and one chemo. (which she only takes once per week). She had a bad reaction her first time around with the Taxol. I will be going with her on her next appt. with a few questions for the doctor. Please continue to keep my mom in your prayers as I will you.
GOD BLESS!
Sherman

Donna

Hi, I posted my first msg the other day and no one has responded so was wondering if I did it wrong or if the site is messed up. My Dad has non-small cell. The docs said stage IIIa or maybe IIIb. He has a tumor the size of a ping pong ball in his right lung and it has spread to some chest lymph nodes. He is to start radiation treatment this week and he will have chemo also but we don't know the schedule for that yet. His hip started bothering him about 5 weeks ago and he hasn't had problems with it before. They did a bone scan this past week and we are anxiously awaiting the results of this. I pray it hasn't spread there also. He has really started feeling bad this past week and is having lower back pain. I guess this is because of the lung?? I don't know. It scares me whenever he has any pain anywhere because I fear it's the cancer spreading. He had a PET scan done on 10/25 and it showed the cancerous activity in the right and left lungs and in the chest lymph nodes. The needle biopsy of the small tumor in the left lung turned out negative for cancer. He also had a biopsy of the right lung tumor which turned out positive and he had a mediastinoscopy to biopsy the chest lymph nodes. Nothing but tests all thru end of Oct and Nov and now he is about to start treatment. It seems to take so long to get going on the treatments. It's very frustrating. The docs said because he is in good physical shape that he has a good chance of beating this. Sorry to write so much, I tend to be "wordy." If you get this msg, could you reply back that you got it? This way I'll know if I posted this right. God Bless! Donna

scprice513

Donna said:

Hi, I posted my first msg the other day and no one has responded so was wondering if I did it wrong or if the site is messed up. My Dad has non-small cell. The docs said stage IIIa or maybe IIIb. He has a tumor the size of a ping pong ball in his right lung and it has spread to some chest lymph nodes. He is to start radiation treatment this week and he will have chemo also but we don't know the schedule for that yet. His hip started bothering him about 5 weeks ago and he hasn't had problems with it before. They did a bone scan this past week and we are anxiously awaiting the results of this. I pray it hasn't spread there also. He has really started feeling bad this past week and is having lower back pain. I guess this is because of the lung?? I don't know. It scares me whenever he has any pain anywhere because I fear it's the cancer spreading. He had a PET scan done on 10/25 and it showed the cancerous activity in the right and left lungs and in the chest lymph nodes. The needle biopsy of the small tumor in the left lung turned out negative for cancer. He also had a biopsy of the right lung tumor which turned out positive and he had a mediastinoscopy to biopsy the chest lymph nodes. Nothing but tests all thru end of Oct and Nov and now he is about to start treatment. It seems to take so long to get going on the treatments. It's very frustrating. The docs said because he is in good physical shape that he has a good chance of beating this. Sorry to write so much, I tend to be "wordy." If you get this msg, could you reply back that you got it? This way I'll know if I posted this right. God Bless! Donna

Hi Donna,
Yes, you posted your message correctly. Like you, I was anxious for my mom's treatment to get started. It seemed that everytime she had a test performed you had to wait another week for the results and then another week to start treatment or take another test. Your concern is always whether the time you spend waiting on results is giving the disease a chance to spread. My mom was diagnosed with NSCLC on Oct. 31st. She has had six radiation treatments and one chemo. treatment thusfar. I am sort of new to this website. However, I would suggest you keep posting your concerns and questions whenever you have them. Someone always seems to respond at some point. I used to worry too whether my messages were being read. However, I just feel that everyone is going through a lot mentally, physically, and emotionally and it sometimes takes a while for them to find the time to check the message board. So, remain strong and prayerful for your dad as I am for my mom. I am a Christian and believe prayer to be very powerful. It's tough seeing my cry and get discouraged. But, I think the beginning is where she and your dad will need us most for support.
GOD BLESS and keep writing!
SHERMAN
P.S. If you would like to read some of the responses to questions I have had you can go to messages entitled, "Son of mother diagnosed with lung cancer". It might help.

Donna

scprice513 said:

Hi Donna,
Yes, you posted your message correctly. Like you, I was anxious for my mom's treatment to get started. It seemed that everytime she had a test performed you had to wait another week for the results and then another week to start treatment or take another test. Your concern is always whether the time you spend waiting on results is giving the disease a chance to spread. My mom was diagnosed with NSCLC on Oct. 31st. She has had six radiation treatments and one chemo. treatment thusfar. I am sort of new to this website. However, I would suggest you keep posting your concerns and questions whenever you have them. Someone always seems to respond at some point. I used to worry too whether my messages were being read. However, I just feel that everyone is going through a lot mentally, physically, and emotionally and it sometimes takes a while for them to find the time to check the message board. So, remain strong and prayerful for your dad as I am for my mom. I am a Christian and believe prayer to be very powerful. It's tough seeing my cry and get discouraged. But, I think the beginning is where she and your dad will need us most for support.
GOD BLESS and keep writing!
SHERMAN
P.S. If you would like to read some of the responses to questions I have had you can go to messages entitled, "Son of mother diagnosed with lung cancer". It might help.

Hi Sherman,

Thanks so much for your response. I hope your Mom is doing better and that the radiation treatments aren't too hard on her. I understand these cause a lot of fatigue. My Dad will have his first radiation treatment tomorrow or Tuesday. It's not a very Merry Christmas is it? The whole thing seems so unreal to me and I can't believe it's happening. I also am a Christian and believe in the power of prayer. I will check out the responses you have gotten to your questions like you suggested. Take care and I will pray for you and your Mom.
Donna

lorilovison

Donna said:

Hi, I posted my first msg the other day and no one has responded so was wondering if I did it wrong or if the site is messed up. My Dad has non-small cell. The docs said stage IIIa or maybe IIIb. He has a tumor the size of a ping pong ball in his right lung and it has spread to some chest lymph nodes. He is to start radiation treatment this week and he will have chemo also but we don't know the schedule for that yet. His hip started bothering him about 5 weeks ago and he hasn't had problems with it before. They did a bone scan this past week and we are anxiously awaiting the results of this. I pray it hasn't spread there also. He has really started feeling bad this past week and is having lower back pain. I guess this is because of the lung?? I don't know. It scares me whenever he has any pain anywhere because I fear it's the cancer spreading. He had a PET scan done on 10/25 and it showed the cancerous activity in the right and left lungs and in the chest lymph nodes. The needle biopsy of the small tumor in the left lung turned out negative for cancer. He also had a biopsy of the right lung tumor which turned out positive and he had a mediastinoscopy to biopsy the chest lymph nodes. Nothing but tests all thru end of Oct and Nov and now he is about to start treatment. It seems to take so long to get going on the treatments. It's very frustrating. The docs said because he is in good physical shape that he has a good chance of beating this. Sorry to write so much, I tend to be "wordy." If you get this msg, could you reply back that you got it? This way I'll know if I posted this right. God Bless! Donna

Just saw your story and can feel you pain. My husband has had his second recurrence of Large Cell Carcinoma in the right lung.
He went through chemotherapy and rediation in 2001, then upper right lobe was removed.
Then in January of this year another tumor was detected in the lower right lobe. We switched hospitals and are now going to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They believe in much the same regime that I do, many natural and vitamin supplements along with chemotherapy. You need to get with a naturopath to get you father on some natural supplements before receiving chemotherapy and radiation. Have faith and never give up.
If you are receptive to some of the things my husband takes, then write back and I'll provide.

Lori

werner

Donna said:

Hi, I posted my first msg the other day and no one has responded so was wondering if I did it wrong or if the site is messed up. My Dad has non-small cell. The docs said stage IIIa or maybe IIIb. He has a tumor the size of a ping pong ball in his right lung and it has spread to some chest lymph nodes. He is to start radiation treatment this week and he will have chemo also but we don't know the schedule for that yet. His hip started bothering him about 5 weeks ago and he hasn't had problems with it before. They did a bone scan this past week and we are anxiously awaiting the results of this. I pray it hasn't spread there also. He has really started feeling bad this past week and is having lower back pain. I guess this is because of the lung?? I don't know. It scares me whenever he has any pain anywhere because I fear it's the cancer spreading. He had a PET scan done on 10/25 and it showed the cancerous activity in the right and left lungs and in the chest lymph nodes. The needle biopsy of the small tumor in the left lung turned out negative for cancer. He also had a biopsy of the right lung tumor which turned out positive and he had a mediastinoscopy to biopsy the chest lymph nodes. Nothing but tests all thru end of Oct and Nov and now he is about to start treatment. It seems to take so long to get going on the treatments. It's very frustrating. The docs said because he is in good physical shape that he has a good chance of beating this. Sorry to write so much, I tend to be "wordy." If you get this msg, could you reply back that you got it? This way I'll know if I posted this right. God Bless! Donna

donna, by now your Dad is probably through part of his treatment, and I'm sure you've heard from other survivors. We just took my brother (also stage 3B, and a non smoker) through 6 months of radiation and chemo. He also was part of a tarceva clinical trial. They really blasted him (he's 53 and in good shape otherwise) and successfully reduced his lung cancer from a 6 inch tumor and lymph node penetration to a small pea-sized lump that could just be scar tissue. Once you go through radiation, I guess it is hard to tell anymore what is tumor and what is scar tissue. The treatment is tough...very tough at times. But now my brother is back at work (Part time) and gathering his strength. He has no pain, but does have shortness of breath...and he did get mild pneumonia from a flu bug. He will hear the results of his second post treatment cat scan this week...we hope and pray that the cancer hasn't returned. The best advice we got from a doc was "ignore the statistics." Especially if your father is otherwise strong. Also, the nurses believe that those patients with a little weight on them do better through the treatment...while your father can eat, build him up with lots of nutritious foods, and ignore the calories. He will lose weight, but hopefully not too much. A number of people die from malnutrition rather than the cancer. Our prayers are with you and your Dad.

sherry818

lorilovison said:

Just saw your story and can feel you pain. My husband has had his second recurrence of Large Cell Carcinoma in the right lung.
He went through chemotherapy and rediation in 2001, then upper right lobe was removed.
Then in January of this year another tumor was detected in the lower right lobe. We switched hospitals and are now going to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They believe in much the same regime that I do, many natural and vitamin supplements along with chemotherapy. You need to get with a naturopath to get you father on some natural supplements before receiving chemotherapy and radiation. Have faith and never give up.
If you are receptive to some of the things my husband takes, then write back and I'll provide.

Lori

Hi Lori, I am new to this and saw your message about Cancer Treatment Centers of America. My Husband was diagnosed with stage IIIB non-small cell cancer in the right lung with plueral effusion. Have been told by the doctor that after 3 different chemos there is nothing else they can do for him, no surgery, no radiation. I was just wondering if you could share your experience with me about CTCA? Which center did you go to? We are in the process of seeking a second opinion and CTCA is where we are planning on going(within the next week or so).Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sherry

1mickey1

Donna said:

Hi, I posted my first msg the other day and no one has responded so was wondering if I did it wrong or if the site is messed up. My Dad has non-small cell. The docs said stage IIIa or maybe IIIb. He has a tumor the size of a ping pong ball in his right lung and it has spread to some chest lymph nodes. He is to start radiation treatment this week and he will have chemo also but we don't know the schedule for that yet. His hip started bothering him about 5 weeks ago and he hasn't had problems with it before. They did a bone scan this past week and we are anxiously awaiting the results of this. I pray it hasn't spread there also. He has really started feeling bad this past week and is having lower back pain. I guess this is because of the lung?? I don't know. It scares me whenever he has any pain anywhere because I fear it's the cancer spreading. He had a PET scan done on 10/25 and it showed the cancerous activity in the right and left lungs and in the chest lymph nodes. The needle biopsy of the small tumor in the left lung turned out negative for cancer. He also had a biopsy of the right lung tumor which turned out positive and he had a mediastinoscopy to biopsy the chest lymph nodes. Nothing but tests all thru end of Oct and Nov and now he is about to start treatment. It seems to take so long to get going on the treatments. It's very frustrating. The docs said because he is in good physical shape that he has a good chance of beating this. Sorry to write so much, I tend to be "wordy." If you get this msg, could you reply back that you got it? This way I'll know if I posted this right. God Bless! Donna

your dad
Donna how is your dad doing?I have so many questions to ask you.If you could contact me at yarncrafter@hotmail.com it would be greatly appreciated.