Some Questions

xKatehx
xKatehx Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I'm a seasoned caregiver and child of a Lung Cancer patient. My mother is state 3A NSCLC patient, and she had a lobectomy of her lower right lobe in May 2007. She went through 4 chemo rounds and had RFA for a small nodule back in Feb. Now it's November, they found a cluster of small tumors in the same spot where her RFA had taken place, so now they're going for radiation to kill them, plus they're doing another PET scan of her body and a Brain MRI to make sure nothing got into her head. I was wondering what the normal course is, should they do the radiation. I know they're using the precise laser method to hit the spot directly, but that's all I know.

I was also wondering if anyone had any links to any support groups concerning children of cancer patients? I can find tons on kids with cancer, but none of children of cancer patients.

Comments

  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #2
    Links to help
    Thanks for all you are doing to help your mom. It is tough, no matter what your age, to deal with a parent's illness. I am not sure what your age is, but there are support groups for both caregivers and children of parents who have cancer. Most of the ones I found for children of parents who have cancer were for children under twenty years old and most of those seemed directed at elementary age. However, caregivers have a lot of the same issues to deal with whether they are spouses, friends or children. I found a website founded by a grant from the National Cancer Institue that had a huge list of caregiver resources. Below is the link to that page:

    http://www.cancercaregiving.com/resources.asp#mailing

    When I needed a support group with arms a few years ago, a medical social worker my doctor referred me to told me about The Wellness Community. They have branches all over the United States and specialize in emotional support of families with cancer. They have lots of support groups. Some groups are for patients; others are for caregivers. They throw joint parties for everybody every season. Every month the one in my town has special groups for children in families with cancer. They do some art therapy and discussion with them. The larger centers have more activities in my state, but all activities at any center are absolutely free to the families. No fees! Lots of support! The social worker told me I could participate only on the web if I didn't have a local chapter, but it turned out there was a local chapter within 4 miles of my house.

    Another place to find groups for caregivers would be your local hospital. Call them and see what groups are available in your area. The medical social workers specialize in linking individuals to services, so they would be great folks to ask about local support groups.

    The chat room at this website is frequented by both caregivers and survivors. Sometimes groups of individuals have special scheduled chats centered around their particular issues, but usually it is just a group of folks talking and sharing about whatever they are dealing with that day. I sometimes need to vent with folks that understand and that's what I find here. I really appreciate meeting folks that have been there and have advice to share on the problems I'm facing. I am humbled by all their expertise and courage. It makes it easier for me to deal with the little stuff when I hear about all the big stuff they have gone through.

    Hope that helps get you started.

    C. Abbott

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