Father with Lung Cancer and Bone Metastasis

gcolburn
gcolburn Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
My 72 year old father has been diagnosed with Lung Cancer with Bone Metastasis in the Breast Bone. Doctors have been unable to determine exact type of Cancer but are starting with Radiation today. Doctors say dad not a candidate for any other treatment due to general health. Anyone know what we can expect with this disease and radiation? I live on opposite coast and getting clear information from family and doctors is difficult. I know my dad and mom must be scared, I know I am but don't know how to help. feel so helpless. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Comments

  • Plymouthean
    Plymouthean Member Posts: 262
    #2
    Hi. I'm a five+ year survivor of non-small cell lung cancer. I had radiation and chemo, followed by surgery. I was 67 at the time. Radiation destroys the tumor, and/or reduces it to make it operable. The effects on the patient vary, so I would not try to predict your father's reaction to radiation. And just because he is not a candidate for any other treatment at this time, that doesn't mean that his situation will not change/improve, and the treatment(s) along with it. (Read my personal web page, under "Grateful Survivor" for some insight.)
    Being so far away is very frustrating for you, but the doctors, these days, are usually very good at what they do. You have to have confidence that the doctors will make all the right decisions in his treatment.
    That is not to say that you can't become involved, even at such great distance. Whatever family is geographically close to him should do their own research, as should you. They should accompany him to his appointments and treatments. They should not be afraid to ask questions, so that they understand the situation fully. Many people bring small, digital voice recorders to the appointments, so that nothing is forgotten by the time they get home. The doctors should have no problem with recorders. My doctors encourage their use. If necessary, they can play the recording of the meeting/appointment(s) for you over the phone, so that you hear what they hear. Then you can discuss the situation when everyone is on the "same page". You can ask them to ask questions, which you may have, of the doctors, and have them relay the responses to you.
    DO keep in touch with you father, by phone, if he's up to it. The personal contact is important, - for you both. Try to keep his spirits up. A positive attitude is very important to the patient, -- and everyone else concerned.
    Please keep us posted.
    My prayers and best wishes to your father, you, and your family.
  • Alejandra01
    Alejandra01 Member Posts: 3
    #3
    My mom was also just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and it spread to her liver. I am looking into everything and you should read the book by Kevin Trudeau - Natural Cures-What they do not want you to know. There is so much info in there it is overwhelming. I made appts for my mom to see a Naturopath and a Chinese Medicine dr. Your dad should really change his diet to all raw veggies and natural juices. I am also trying a hydrogen peroxide treatment. Look into it. Cancer cannot thrive in a healthy immune system and when your body has proper PH levels. Cancer thrives off of lack of oxygen of some sort and gluclose. http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer/HydrogenPeroxide.html

    Also go to naturalcures.com that is the website for Kevin Trudeau. I will keep you posted and write more as I read.

    Also-Q10.
  • gcolburn
    gcolburn Member Posts: 9
    #4
    Well the doctors tried Radiation and it has not seemed to help. They have ruled out Chemo at this point and say there is little left to do. Although they have said he could expect a 1 year life expectancy it does not appear it will be any where close to that long. His breathing is becoming very difficult and they have upped the oxygen levels they are giving him. This is all happening to fast and I am not dealing well with it at this point. It seems like my dad has resigned himself to his fate and is just waiting to die. He tries to talk on the phone and breaks down. I have limited funds and so I am trying to decide when to return home. I want to see him one more time but he has asked me to be available to my Mom when he dies. I don't really know why I am writing this here it just seemed like the place. Thanks for listening
  • molse
    molse Member Posts: 9
    #5
    gcolburn said:

    Well the doctors tried Radiation and it has not seemed to help. They have ruled out Chemo at this point and say there is little left to do. Although they have said he could expect a 1 year life expectancy it does not appear it will be any where close to that long. His breathing is becoming very difficult and they have upped the oxygen levels they are giving him. This is all happening to fast and I am not dealing well with it at this point. It seems like my dad has resigned himself to his fate and is just waiting to die. He tries to talk on the phone and breaks down. I have limited funds and so I am trying to decide when to return home. I want to see him one more time but he has asked me to be available to my Mom when he dies. I don't really know why I am writing this here it just seemed like the place. Thanks for listening

    Keep calling him and just hang in there! I'm fortunate enough to make it home to see my father (also a stage 4) at every opportunity. Even when I'm working and 2 1/2 hours away during the week, I have my mother pass along hugs and put the phone up to his ear because it's hard for him to talk. If you can't be there in person, perhaps make a video with a short message and drop this in the mail. I know it's not the same, but that will cheer him up if only for a few minutes. I also pass along positive stories from this site. He's not really "computer literate", so I navigate and ask questions for him. Also, if you are unable to get home arrange for other friends and family to go in your place. 2 of my aunts flew in to surprise him this weekend, and funny enough - I won't be able to make it home. I know they're cheering him up even when I'm unable.

    Hang in there!
  • gcolburn
    gcolburn Member Posts: 9
    #6
    gcolburn said:

    Well the doctors tried Radiation and it has not seemed to help. They have ruled out Chemo at this point and say there is little left to do. Although they have said he could expect a 1 year life expectancy it does not appear it will be any where close to that long. His breathing is becoming very difficult and they have upped the oxygen levels they are giving him. This is all happening to fast and I am not dealing well with it at this point. It seems like my dad has resigned himself to his fate and is just waiting to die. He tries to talk on the phone and breaks down. I have limited funds and so I am trying to decide when to return home. I want to see him one more time but he has asked me to be available to my Mom when he dies. I don't really know why I am writing this here it just seemed like the place. Thanks for listening

    My father Stanley Raymond Colburn Died on March 25, 2007 @ 3:00 AM in the morning. According to the doctors a blood clot from his lung broke loose and went to his heart. Death Certificate states cause of Death as Lung Cancer. My Dad had just had his 73rd birthday and I had just purchased airline tickets to go and see him on April 12, I guess to little to late on my part. My dad was buried with full Military honors and his funeral was attended by his 6 children 17 grand children and 27 great-great grandchildren! His wife of 50 years and my mother stood heartbroken but undeterred in honoring the love of her life. It was to soon and unexpected but when the phone rang at 1:00 AM PST I knew what the news would be. I will miss him greatly and though I know he is in the hands of a loving Savior and I will see him someday. The pain of my 2 year old asking to call her PaPa is almost to much to bear. I wish all who are fighting this aweful enemy the courage, strength and faith to defeat it completely. For those who are family members of Cancer Patients I will pray everynight that the result for you will be different that mine. God Bless each of you!

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