Son of Mother recently diagnosed with Lung Cancer.

scprice513
scprice513 Member Posts: 22
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
My mom was diagnosed last Thursday with Lung Cancer that the doctor described as "advanced". Her first question to him was, "how long do I have to live?" He immediately explained to her that classifying her cancer as "advanced" does not mean it's terminal. He says it simply tells them what type of treatmen will be required initially. Is the doctor being honest with this explanation? She goes in next week for a biopsy. She is getting very anxius and depressed right now. Her cancer was discoverd by a spot that appeared on a chest x-ray and then a CT Scan. The doctor says that her lymph nodes appeared swollen which was an indication her body was attempting to fight off the disease. However, he says there appeared to be a smaller spot on her opposite lung. Is there anyone out there with a similar story. If so, what do you think her chances of beating this are and what can we (my brother and two sisters, all adults) expect to see after her treatment begins? It will probably be chemo.
I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm rambling. But, this is very upsetting to me and my family. My mom was actually diagnosed on Halloween last week which was the same day my wife gave birth to our son. When came to the hospital to see the baby after having just come from her appointment, I could just see the strain on her emotionally.
If anyone can offer their thoughts and/or experiences I would greatly appreciate it!!!
«1

Comments

  • michaelcie
    michaelcie Member Posts: 133
    #2
    hi son, I had been diagnosed with lung cancer may of 2001. They found it by a chest x-ray . I had a biopsy and ct scan. the tumor measured 4 inches by 3 inches by 2 inches and was inoperable. It was located in my left lung , thru my lymph nodes of the lung and pushing against my esophogus. I had six months of a coctail chemo (carboplatnum, taxol, and vp=16 ) and six and one half weeks of radiation five times a week, I am in remission since February of this year. The tumor has shrunk to the size of a walnut and is dormant hopfully for ever. Tell yuour mom to keep good spirits and give her lots of support and I feel that she will beat this. I f I can help in any way I'd be glad to help. Mike
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #3
    michaelcie said:

    hi son, I had been diagnosed with lung cancer may of 2001. They found it by a chest x-ray . I had a biopsy and ct scan. the tumor measured 4 inches by 3 inches by 2 inches and was inoperable. It was located in my left lung , thru my lymph nodes of the lung and pushing against my esophogus. I had six months of a coctail chemo (carboplatnum, taxol, and vp=16 ) and six and one half weeks of radiation five times a week, I am in remission since February of this year. The tumor has shrunk to the size of a walnut and is dormant hopfully for ever. Tell yuour mom to keep good spirits and give her lots of support and I feel that she will beat this. I f I can help in any way I'd be glad to help. Mike

    Michaelcie, thank you so much for your response. That gives me some hope and I will pass your message on to my siblings. My sister is flying in from Charlotte on Monday to attend my mom's biopsy appt. with her and my dad. I have a sistr in Maryland that was here for three weeks and was with my mom at her appt. last week. We're trying to be as supportive as possible but we also don't want to cause her to be more depressed by being overly concerned. Thank you again for your response and I hope to talk to you again. GOD BLESS
    Sherm
  • tomo
    tomo Member Posts: 14
    #4
    Hi back -
    Sorry to hear your Mom has been diagnosed - but tell her to slow down for a little bit. First of all you won't know anything of real value until the biopsy is done to confirm that it is indeed, malignent, and of what type - Non-snall cell or small cell. You've got a very long road ahead of you all, and it will be a heck of a lot easier to travel if everyone isn't depressed or over-anxious.

    Here's my sitch: I'm 62 and was diagnosed with a tumor in my right lung the size of a grapefruit in Januay, 2001. Although it was discreet and confined to the lower lobe of one lung, it was decided to combine Taxol chemo and radiation to shrink it before operating. It worked good and reduced it to about the size of a nut in six weeks. However, I contracted radiation-induced pneumonia which had to be treated first, and in the seven weeks that took, a new nodule popped up in my left lung.

    Needed to have it removed for analysis and did, only to find that it was a spin-off of the first tumor, which now ruled out an operation and made me stage four.

    Went to Dana Faber hospital in Boston for a second opinion and they concurred with everything done here in Rhode Island and in response to my direct question estimated I had six months to one year. That was November 2001. I'm still here and actually feel like I am doing a little better.

    I've had additional Gemzar, Taxotere, and Navilbene chemo treatments over the past year and now am in the compassionate use program for Iressa, the new experimental drug.

    I told my Dr. that his job was to keep me alive long enough for someone smarter than either of us, to find a cure. I belive we are close - very close - and I plan to wait it out. I hope your mom will too.

    I'll remember her in my prayers and hope you will remember me in yours.

    Tom O'Rourke
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #5
    tomo said:

    Hi back -
    Sorry to hear your Mom has been diagnosed - but tell her to slow down for a little bit. First of all you won't know anything of real value until the biopsy is done to confirm that it is indeed, malignent, and of what type - Non-snall cell or small cell. You've got a very long road ahead of you all, and it will be a heck of a lot easier to travel if everyone isn't depressed or over-anxious.

    Here's my sitch: I'm 62 and was diagnosed with a tumor in my right lung the size of a grapefruit in Januay, 2001. Although it was discreet and confined to the lower lobe of one lung, it was decided to combine Taxol chemo and radiation to shrink it before operating. It worked good and reduced it to about the size of a nut in six weeks. However, I contracted radiation-induced pneumonia which had to be treated first, and in the seven weeks that took, a new nodule popped up in my left lung.

    Needed to have it removed for analysis and did, only to find that it was a spin-off of the first tumor, which now ruled out an operation and made me stage four.

    Went to Dana Faber hospital in Boston for a second opinion and they concurred with everything done here in Rhode Island and in response to my direct question estimated I had six months to one year. That was November 2001. I'm still here and actually feel like I am doing a little better.

    I've had additional Gemzar, Taxotere, and Navilbene chemo treatments over the past year and now am in the compassionate use program for Iressa, the new experimental drug.

    I told my Dr. that his job was to keep me alive long enough for someone smarter than either of us, to find a cure. I belive we are close - very close - and I plan to wait it out. I hope your mom will too.

    I'll remember her in my prayers and hope you will remember me in yours.

    Tom O'Rourke

    Thank you so much for your response Mr. O'Rourke. I really do appreciate it! My mom and dad were over this evening for dinner with my wife and I and to visit their 20 month old grandaughter and week old grandson. I hurts me so to hear my moms voice beginning to strain the more she talks. I really believe she is talking a doing too much right now and should really slow down as you suggest. When the left about an hour ago my wife noticed my mood become very somber and she tried cheering me up with encouraging words. I guess I'm still in shock over the whole thing. Right now my mom as well as the rest of us wish the biopsy was "yesterday". That's how anxious we all are. I will strongly recommend to her that she take it easy more. She's just such an energetic person it's hard for her. She's 70 years old but could actually pass for 55-60(in my biased opinion) :-) . She really looks that great. Anyway, thanks again for your response and I will certainly keep you in my prayers Mr. O'Rourke. GOD BLESS
    Sherman
  • bobz1
    bobz1 Member Posts: 50
    #6
    I had the same thing.both lungs.I went threw Hell an back. That was 10 years ago. No one is the same, so treatments will be differant, and alot of things to take into consideration.If I can help, I can be reached at (561) 965-2033 my name is Bob. Or go to my web page this sight. i dont like to type much as it is one finger typing, an my spelling is lousey. If I can help, let me know
  • bobz1
    bobz1 Member Posts: 50
    #7
    I had the same thing.both lungs.I went threw Hell an back. That was 10 years ago. No one is the same, so treatments will be differant, and alot of things to take into consideration.If I can help, I can be reached at (561) 965-2033 my name is Bob. Or go to my web page this sight. i dont like to type much as it is one finger typing, an my spelling is lousey. If I can help, let me know
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #8
    bobz1 said:

    I had the same thing.both lungs.I went threw Hell an back. That was 10 years ago. No one is the same, so treatments will be differant, and alot of things to take into consideration.If I can help, I can be reached at (561) 965-2033 my name is Bob. Or go to my web page this sight. i dont like to type much as it is one finger typing, an my spelling is lousey. If I can help, let me know

    Thank you for your response. Once we get the result of my mom's biopsy I am sure I will have more questions. Thanks again and GOD BLESS!
  • gelc
    gelc Member Posts: 29
    #9
    It has been 18 months since my lobectomy. At that time there was a nodule on the left lung, and suspicious spots on the right. The left nodule was removed with the surgery, and the spots on the right have not changed, indicating probably nothing.

    It is an anxiety filled time. I was put on anti-anxiety and anti depressent drugs prior to the surgery. Rally the troops and find support for yourself as well.

    My life has continued to be blessed daily.
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #10
    gelc said:

    It has been 18 months since my lobectomy. At that time there was a nodule on the left lung, and suspicious spots on the right. The left nodule was removed with the surgery, and the spots on the right have not changed, indicating probably nothing.

    It is an anxiety filled time. I was put on anti-anxiety and anti depressent drugs prior to the surgery. Rally the troops and find support for yourself as well.

    My life has continued to be blessed daily.

    Thank you so much for your response "gelc"! My mom was sitting with me at my computer earlier this evening when I read your message. I also showed her some of the other responses I have received. I could see somewhat of a relief on her face which was encouraging. She has been sort of depressed the past few days and very anxious about her biopsy which will take place this Wednesday. I explained to her how to sign onto this support group. I think it will be very helpful for her. I will certainly keep in touch with everyone that has responded and will keep you all in my prayers. Please do the same for my mom! GOD BLESS.
    Sherman
  • carolynj
    carolynj Member Posts: 61
    #11
    If your mother hasn't had the biopsy, how can the doctor diagnose lung cancer? Did she have a PET scan? Wait for all the facts and listen to the doctor regarding treatment.
    It's great that your mother has you to support her at this time.

    My story: During an xray before my Breast cancer surgery in Jan.02, the doctors saw two spots in my lungs. After BC surgery and 30 radiation treatments, the doctors decided to check out the spots. After biopsy and a PET scan, the diagnosis was lung cancer. On April 8, 2002 I had the upper left lobe removed. The other spot in the right lung is stable right now. Had a recent scare in October after a CT scan showed a spot in my liver. The spot was not cancerous after a biopsy and PET scan was done. I will continue with CT scans every 3 months checking the other spots in the right lung. I stay positive and go on with my life as before.
    I hope your mother has good results from the biopsy and try to stay positive for your mother.

    Carolyn
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #12
    carolynj said:

    If your mother hasn't had the biopsy, how can the doctor diagnose lung cancer? Did she have a PET scan? Wait for all the facts and listen to the doctor regarding treatment.
    It's great that your mother has you to support her at this time.

    My story: During an xray before my Breast cancer surgery in Jan.02, the doctors saw two spots in my lungs. After BC surgery and 30 radiation treatments, the doctors decided to check out the spots. After biopsy and a PET scan, the diagnosis was lung cancer. On April 8, 2002 I had the upper left lobe removed. The other spot in the right lung is stable right now. Had a recent scare in October after a CT scan showed a spot in my liver. The spot was not cancerous after a biopsy and PET scan was done. I will continue with CT scans every 3 months checking the other spots in the right lung. I stay positive and go on with my life as before.
    I hope your mother has good results from the biopsy and try to stay positive for your mother.

    Carolyn

    Thank you for your response Carolyn! Well, the doctor based his diagnosis on a CT Scan and chest x-ray he read. All we can do at this point is await the results of the biopsy. It's very nerve-racking that you have to wait so long for the results of the biopsy. It's bad enough my mom had to wait almost three weeks before the biopsy could be done after her initial diagnosis. The waiting is what's causing her a lot of anxiety. This disease is really very strange. She has seemed perfectly fine the past couple days. But, she says she has good days and bad. I hope you continue to beat this disease and I only ask that you keep my mom in your prayers. GOD BLESS!
    Sherman
  • betty2
    betty2 Member Posts: 91
    #13
    Hi, I had lung cancer in 1987 and again in 1991. Mine was discovered by an x-ray both times. I don't believe you said which lung your Mom has the cancer. I ask the same question when mine was found. I can tell you that they do not know if it is advanced until they do the biopsy, and then maybe not. I would guess that they will remove a portion of the lung where the cancer is. Thats what they did to me. I had 1/2 of my left lung removed in 1987 and 1/4th of my right lung removed in 1991 different cancers.I had adenocarcinoma in my left lung and large cell carcinoma in my right lung.
    I had no chemo just surgery. I know you are worried to death about your Mom but they really can't tell anything until they do the biopsy, and don't let any Dr. tell you how long she has to live cause they do not know. I have survived all these years with not too much of a problem. I am 68yrs old now. I would love to hear from you. my email address is jodnns@aol.com
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #14
    My mom has now had her biopsy performed last week and met with the doctor today to discuss the results. It's been confirmed to be lung cancer. I believe they said it's on the right side. It was described as T2-N3-M0. This apparently means the tumor is at stage 2 and the lymph nodes at 3 and that it has not matasticized. Can someone out there give me a better explanation of what this all means based on their experience and knowledge? Surgery is not an option at this point. They will use chemo. and radiation. My mom meets with the doctor that will be administering that on Thursday. My dad is taking all of this pretty hard right now. However, my sister and I feel the results could have been a lot worse. Given this info., does anyone have any idea what my mom is in for next and what the likelihood of success of the treatment might be? I'm not asking for predictions (I would not want to put anyone in that position), only opinions based on knowledge and experienced. I appreciate any responses.

    GOD BLESS

    Sherman
  • debbie40
    debbie40 Member Posts: 1
    #15
    Hi, I'm new to this site and I came across your letter.I don't usually reply to anything but I felt I had to in your case.My story is similar to yours. My mother went into the hospital for other resons, but a chest x-ray was done and a spot was found on her left lung. Two days later a biopsy was done and on Nov.7th she was diagnosed with lung cancer.It was a non small cell cancer. she had a Cat-Scan and they couldn't tell about the lymph nodes. She had surgery on Nov.14th. They removed the lower lobe of her left lung. The doctor said he didn't see any cancerous lyph nodes but he saw some that were swollen and removed them also. Today, Dec.1st, she is totally cancer free! She is still recovering from surgery and is in some pain yet because they had to break a rib to remove the lower lung.I am one of five children. I am 40 yrs old and the youngest. My mother is 70 yrs old. I know how your feeling at this stage, I stood in your shoes only weeks ago. Have faith and ask people for lots of prayer. God does work miricals! Your mother and your family will be in mine. God bless!!!
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #16
    debbie40 said:

    Hi, I'm new to this site and I came across your letter.I don't usually reply to anything but I felt I had to in your case.My story is similar to yours. My mother went into the hospital for other resons, but a chest x-ray was done and a spot was found on her left lung. Two days later a biopsy was done and on Nov.7th she was diagnosed with lung cancer.It was a non small cell cancer. she had a Cat-Scan and they couldn't tell about the lymph nodes. She had surgery on Nov.14th. They removed the lower lobe of her left lung. The doctor said he didn't see any cancerous lyph nodes but he saw some that were swollen and removed them also. Today, Dec.1st, she is totally cancer free! She is still recovering from surgery and is in some pain yet because they had to break a rib to remove the lower lung.I am one of five children. I am 40 yrs old and the youngest. My mother is 70 yrs old. I know how your feeling at this stage, I stood in your shoes only weeks ago. Have faith and ask people for lots of prayer. God does work miricals! Your mother and your family will be in mine. God bless!!!

    Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. My mom goes in tomorrow for a "dry run" of her radiation treatment that will actually begin on Thursday. Unlike your mom,the doctors advised they could not operate because the lymph nodes were affected on the side closest to the heart. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. Your mom will be in my prayers as well.
    GOD BLESS!
  • michaelcie
    michaelcie Member Posts: 133
    #17
    scprice513 said:

    Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. My mom goes in tomorrow for a "dry run" of her radiation treatment that will actually begin on Thursday. Unlike your mom,the doctors advised they could not operate because the lymph nodes were affected on the side closest to the heart. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. Your mom will be in my prayers as well.
    GOD BLESS!

    Hi, I am also inoperable because of location and lympn nodes on upper left lung, i HAD chemo( carbo platnum, vp 16, and taxol). The tumor was on top of left lung ( 3inches x 5inches x 4 inches ) and shrank to the size of a walnut. I am in remission but go every three months for a ct scan. They wanted me to get Prophylactic Brain Irradiation but I am undecided and afraid at this time because of the potential side effects. I am in a wait see mode right now and don't know if this is wise because of my discussion with different doctors who were pro and con. So I guess you can see my problem on whether to get it or not. I'm sorry that I forgot to tell you that I did have 37 treatments of radiation to my left lung which did not affect the size of the tumor. It was the chemo that shrunk the tumor. well goodluck and God bless and if I can help in any way let me know. Mike
  • scprice513
    scprice513 Member Posts: 22
    #18
    michaelcie said:

    Hi, I am also inoperable because of location and lympn nodes on upper left lung, i HAD chemo( carbo platnum, vp 16, and taxol). The tumor was on top of left lung ( 3inches x 5inches x 4 inches ) and shrank to the size of a walnut. I am in remission but go every three months for a ct scan. They wanted me to get Prophylactic Brain Irradiation but I am undecided and afraid at this time because of the potential side effects. I am in a wait see mode right now and don't know if this is wise because of my discussion with different doctors who were pro and con. So I guess you can see my problem on whether to get it or not. I'm sorry that I forgot to tell you that I did have 37 treatments of radiation to my left lung which did not affect the size of the tumor. It was the chemo that shrunk the tumor. well goodluck and God bless and if I can help in any way let me know. Mike

    Hello Michael. I realize how busy most you are on this website. I appreaciate you taking time to respond to my message. I was curious as to how long you have been battling this disease? Is there a specific reason why your doctors want to do this brain radiation you mentioned? Have you gotten second opinions from oncologists at other hospitals? Lastly, do you know why radiation didn't help shrink the tumor? Sorry for all the questions. I plan on attending as many if not all of my mom's radiation and chemo. treatment sessions with her. The first big day (of radiation) is tomorrow. I am a true believer that GOD answers prayers. So, see please keep my mom in yours. Her name is Sallye.
    Thanks, GOD BLESS!
    Sherman
  • michaelcie
    michaelcie Member Posts: 133
    #19
    scprice513 said:

    Hello Michael. I realize how busy most you are on this website. I appreaciate you taking time to respond to my message. I was curious as to how long you have been battling this disease? Is there a specific reason why your doctors want to do this brain radiation you mentioned? Have you gotten second opinions from oncologists at other hospitals? Lastly, do you know why radiation didn't help shrink the tumor? Sorry for all the questions. I plan on attending as many if not all of my mom's radiation and chemo. treatment sessions with her. The first big day (of radiation) is tomorrow. I am a true believer that GOD answers prayers. So, see please keep my mom in yours. Her name is Sallye.
    Thanks, GOD BLESS!
    Sherman

    HI, I WAS diagnosed with sclc May of 2001 .I had six cycles of chemo that lasted till october of 2001. I received 37 radiation treatments to my lung from 3 different directions. The radiation treatments ended in the end of November of 2001. I did not know that the tumor was not responding to radiation treatments until the end of my 37 treatments. I asked my doctor why I waS PUT thru all of these treatments when it was't shrinking any more and they really didn't have a satisfactory answer which really upset me. All that they would say is that it is their opinion that dead tumors don't shrink and I asked why it took all 37 to decide that it was dead.The radiation doctor wanted to start the PBI immediately because I am supposed to have a 40-60% CHAnce of getting brain cancer within the next two years. I asked him what this would do to increase my chances and he told me that it would decrease my chances by 1-2% and I opted out for the time being. I called another hospital and talked to another radiation doctor and he wanted to review my records and do more testing but also told me that it would decrease my odds by 20-30% and I asked who was lying to me? I became angry and confused and am just taking a breather for now. I am still undecided as to what to do. I hope that this explains some things and I will keep your Mom in my prayers and wish nothing but the best. If I can help in any way let me know. Mike
  • hollywooder
    hollywooder Member Posts: 19
    #20
    michaelcie said:

    hi son, I had been diagnosed with lung cancer may of 2001. They found it by a chest x-ray . I had a biopsy and ct scan. the tumor measured 4 inches by 3 inches by 2 inches and was inoperable. It was located in my left lung , thru my lymph nodes of the lung and pushing against my esophogus. I had six months of a coctail chemo (carboplatnum, taxol, and vp=16 ) and six and one half weeks of radiation five times a week, I am in remission since February of this year. The tumor has shrunk to the size of a walnut and is dormant hopfully for ever. Tell yuour mom to keep good spirits and give her lots of support and I feel that she will beat this. I f I can help in any way I'd be glad to help. Mike

    Mike, I was hoping for your e-mail address in order to ask you about radiation when tumor is in left lung. I have been through chemo (much the same cocktail as yours). My oncologist left my UCSD medical system just as I completed chemo and his "temporary" replacement indicated the difficulty of any radiation because of heart, etc. So I would appreciate hearing of your experience. Sorry to post this to this thread rather than directly. Thanks, Margaret
  • michaelcie
    michaelcie Member Posts: 133
    #21
    hollywooder said:

    Mike, I was hoping for your e-mail address in order to ask you about radiation when tumor is in left lung. I have been through chemo (much the same cocktail as yours). My oncologist left my UCSD medical system just as I completed chemo and his "temporary" replacement indicated the difficulty of any radiation because of heart, etc. So I would appreciate hearing of your experience. Sorry to post this to this thread rather than directly. Thanks, Margaret

    Hi, I had radiation, my tumor was also wrapped around my aourta artery besides being on top of my left lung. My e-mail address is " handle@nauticom.net. If I can be of any help just ask . Mike

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