My mother has lung cancer!

Hi Smitch,
I am so sorry about your Mom's diagnosis, and being angry is a normal reaction. Just remember though, that even people who have never smoked still get lung cancer. So, no one deserves this disease. It's too bad that it had to come to your Mom coughing up blood, before anyone would dig further into the cause of her previous symptoms!! At first my doctors believed I had ovarian cancer, then only after a hysterectomy, did they find the lung cancer!! They will probably schedule a CT Scan to confirm the diagnosis, at least they should?? I don't know where you live, but if you have access to a Cancer Care Center, that's where I would take her. Anyway, you and your family will be in my prayers. Take care and God Bless. Deb

SMITCH said:

Thanks for the support. My Mom is scheduled for a CT Scan, a breathing test and a scope. It will be at least another month before we know anything. What I did learn yesterday was that she has a mass the size of a golf ball on her left lung. I think the thing that is the hardest to handle right now is her state of mind. She is so depressed, angry, and the self pity is horrible. She isn't very nice to be around. My brother and I both realize we are going to have a tough road ahead. I think people must deal in different ways...some take the experience and try to be as positive as possible...and some just turn miserable. I can only try to keep a positive attitude and hope I can rub off a bit on her.

Hi Smitch. I was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer Stage IV in Aug. 06 just a few days short of my 50th birthday and YES i too was a smoker. I didn't have the nose bleeds but continuously went to my doctor complaining... same complaints as your mom... in one ear and out the other! I was hospitalized and nothing found. Then, 3 months later... I became so sick... extremely high blood pressure, diahhrea and vomiting. Finally, being rushed to the emergency room, they did an x-ray. Soon thereafter, upon having a CT scan, PET scan and biopsy, my nightmare began. I do undestand your mom's upset... I've been there. She's probably mad at the world, including herself. I was a mess upon being diagnosed. Give her time, she must first cope with it all within herself. It had attacked both my lungs, liver, lymph nodes and bones. Please stess to your mom that she must stay positive. Anyone's world changes forever with those 3 words... "You have cancer!" I previously did chemo every 3 weeks for 6 group of chemo. I was "clean" for 4 months before learning it was back. It has returned to my liver and lymph nodes. My bones continue to be damaged from the cancer... mainly several "holes" eaten in my spine. But amazingly, I feel the best I've felt in well over a year... the cancer has only slowed me down slightly... I won't "give in" to it! I am again doing chemo along with additional injections for my bone pain. Surgery and/or radiation is not possible due to being so wide-spread. I continue to stay positive... and I refuse to let the cancer win this battle I fight. It's now 10 months since my being diagnosed and I have plans of going no where!!! My doctors have been amazed at my improvements. Prayers are powerful1!! I will keep your mom in my daily prayers! If you ever want to talk, or stress, please e-mail me at MsKissy@lexcominc.net. I've been through it all and, upon coping with it all, I'm able to talk freely about the disease. I'd love to maybe be able to help you through your feelings. God Bless... Vicki

I went into emergency at the hospital when I coughed up blood for two days. Then I saw a pulmonary specialist who ordered CT scan and some blood tests. The PET and CT scans revealed a medium-size cancerous tumor in the left lung. Then a series of tests were ordered before I was referred to a surgeon, who recommended pre-surgery chemo, radiation, and surgery. I obtained a 2nd opinion from a well-known and respected surgeon. You must consider getting a 2nd opinion to back up your future decisions. I now have taken pre-surgery chemo and radiation. The key here is as time passes the cancer can spread, so you must spend a lot of time making appointments for 2nd opinions, getting referrals, tests, etc. Time is of the essence for you, so the SOONER you can obtain appointments and TESTS, the better chance you mother will have to get the best treatment.