Stage IV

charlied72
charlied72 Member Posts: 5
in Lung Cancer #1
On 10-14-11 my father was taken to the hospital for fluid around his heart and lungs. After multiple scans 3 masses 4cm in the right 3cm in the left lung were found. My dad has suffered from COPD and chronic enpa. for almost the last 1o years. At that point the doctors said" we cannot tell for sure but we have never seen masses like these in that location not be cancer". Because of the COPD it would be very dangerous to preform a biop. He is already showing some signs of dying, talking to his mother and father who have been dead for 20 years, seeing a bunch of people outside, seeing friends he hasnt seen in my life time (23 years). To put it bluntly he was sent home to die, no treatment. I have a few q's?

-Can you determine the "speed" of the cancer given our situation ?
- How can they label him stage 4?
-Is it wroth getting this biop done?
-What are some other signs that the end is drawing nearer
-Is 4cm a "big" size

Comments

  • Limelife50
    Limelife50 Member Posts: 476
    #2
    I'm so sorry
    I'm so sorry to read about what your father is going thru.I would assume his doctors have already set up some type of hospice care ,as always you could always get a second opinion.
  • charlied72
    charlied72 Member Posts: 5
    #3
    Limelife50 said:

    I'm so sorry
    I'm so sorry to read about what your father is going thru.I would assume his doctors have already set up some type of hospice care ,as always you could always get a second opinion.

    im worried that it would
    im worried that it would take to much for him to travel to a doctor/hospital.
  • dennycee
    dennycee Member Posts: 857 Member
    #4
    Your dad's cancer is
    Your dad's cancer is considered stage 4 because it has metastasized from it's primary location in one lung to the other lung. This almost always means that there is lymph node involvement.

    Your questions about size and speed can be answered by one of the oncologists who monitor the cancergrace.org website.

    By all means get a second opinion about the biopsy if you can.

    In her last few weeks and days, my mom had conversations with individuals who were no longer present. I strongly advise you to contact your local hospice, they did a terrific job managing her pain and can answer your questions about her behaviors. They can also answer your questions about end of life signs.

    So sorry that you have to go through this.
  • charlied72
    charlied72 Member Posts: 5
    #5
    dennycee said:

    Your dad's cancer is
    Your dad's cancer is considered stage 4 because it has metastasized from it's primary location in one lung to the other lung. This almost always means that there is lymph node involvement.

    Your questions about size and speed can be answered by one of the oncologists who monitor the cancergrace.org website.

    By all means get a second opinion about the biopsy if you can.

    In her last few weeks and days, my mom had conversations with individuals who were no longer present. I strongly advise you to contact your local hospice, they did a terrific job managing her pain and can answer your questions about her behaviors. They can also answer your questions about end of life signs.

    So sorry that you have to go through this.

    He is currently in hospice
    He is currently in hospice care 6 days a week. As of right now he has a very low pain level thank god. The nurses have said best case a week or two ppast xmas, worst case less then a week.
  • grannylove
    grannylove Member Posts: 183
    #6
    charlied72 said:

    He is currently in hospice
    He is currently in hospice care 6 days a week. As of right now he has a very low pain level thank god. The nurses have said best case a week or two ppast xmas, worst case less then a week.

    Charlied72
    So sorry to hear you are on this journey with your Dad. It is not an easy road for a caregiver. I am sure he is very appreciate of you being his advocate. Hospice is a wonderful organization and will help tremendously with his care. Cancer sucks, for sure. Enjoy the time you have with Dad! We never know when God will call us home. Stay strong and post whenever you have a question, concern or just want to vent. You are not alone. Positive prayers to you and Dad. God bless. Cheryl
  • charlied72
    charlied72 Member Posts: 5
    #7
    grannylove said:

    Charlied72
    So sorry to hear you are on this journey with your Dad. It is not an easy road for a caregiver. I am sure he is very appreciate of you being his advocate. Hospice is a wonderful organization and will help tremendously with his care. Cancer sucks, for sure. Enjoy the time you have with Dad! We never know when God will call us home. Stay strong and post whenever you have a question, concern or just want to vent. You are not alone. Positive prayers to you and Dad. God bless. Cheryl

    As weird as this might sound
    As weird as this might sound i have enjoyed the time ihave spent with him the past 5 weeks. He has already outlived the "worst" case so everyday is a blessing. So far hospice has sent an aid that rushed him in to the shower when he couldn't breath...left him alone in the shower...while he went out to his car...my dad is a tough old Irish man but ( when he was told about his cancer his only questions where " can i go home now " and " dose this mean i can eat again") was screaming at the top of his lungs because of his lack of air, begging the man to give him a minute. Needless to say he will not be back in our home again.

    I have noticed he has been sleeping alot more, today he has gotten up only to use the bathroom and has eating maybe half of one normal sized meal. His breathing has gone from very difficult to shallow.

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