Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Lisaann63
Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I would love to hear from someone who has been diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell cancer. My husband was diagnosed in Nov. He seems to be doing well, but I just really don't know what to expect..it would be nice to hear of other experiences....thanks!
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Comments

  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #2
    My mother was diagnosed with the same as your husband in December. She has been receiving radiation for about a month now. She finished it on her brain and is getting it on her lung. She has had no side effects (only loss of hair) and seems to be responding well so far. She will be starting chemo soon. I will let you know how she makes out with the chemo. I don't know what to expect either, but will keep you informed on her progress. Darlene
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #3
    kimbil said:

    My mother was diagnosed with the same as your husband in December. She has been receiving radiation for about a month now. She finished it on her brain and is getting it on her lung. She has had no side effects (only loss of hair) and seems to be responding well so far. She will be starting chemo soon. I will let you know how she makes out with the chemo. I don't know what to expect either, but will keep you informed on her progress. Darlene

    Thank you Darlene, that would be great. My husband did start chemo, he's had 2 cycles, he goes every 3 weeks and gets an IV of carboplatin and taxol. He did very well the first time around, the second time so far seems a little rougher for him, he's very very tired. He drinks Ensure, that's been helping in keeping his weight up, keep that in mind. Please let me know how things are going, would love to stay in touch.
    Lisa
  • Plymouthean
    Plymouthean Member Posts: 262
    #4
    Hi Lisa.
    I'm a seven year survivor of NSCLC, 3B. My personal web page is found here, under "Grateful Survivor".
    My tumor was approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 7 cm, and located in the upper lobe of my right lung. I was diagnosed in May of '01, at age 67, as incurable/inoperable. I received three 3-day chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Etopiside, at three week intervals. At the same time, I received 55 consecutive daily radiation treatments, five days a week, with weekends off.
    By October, '01, my tumor had been shrunk by 75%, and it was removed surgically. Post-op, I received ten more radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.
    By April, '02 I was able to travel to Las Vegas (I live in MA) for some well-earned partying!
    I've been cancer free since. My whole experience lasted ten months. At the time, it seemed like a hundred years! My point is that cancer can be beaten,- not easily, but it's possible.
    The pre-op chemo treatments were very aggressive, and were harder to take as time passed. The radiation did some (mostly) temporary damage, but I'm here today, - alive and kicking!
    You and your husband must keep a positive attitude, and do what it takes.
    As a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, also. Try to arrange for someone to give you a break, now and then.
    If I can be of help, e-mail me through this website.
    My prayers and best wishes to you and your husband.
    Ernie
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #5
    Plymouthean said:

    Hi Lisa.
    I'm a seven year survivor of NSCLC, 3B. My personal web page is found here, under "Grateful Survivor".
    My tumor was approximately 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 7 cm, and located in the upper lobe of my right lung. I was diagnosed in May of '01, at age 67, as incurable/inoperable. I received three 3-day chemo treatments of Cisplatin and Etopiside, at three week intervals. At the same time, I received 55 consecutive daily radiation treatments, five days a week, with weekends off.
    By October, '01, my tumor had been shrunk by 75%, and it was removed surgically. Post-op, I received ten more radiation treatments, and twelve weekly chemo treatments of Carboplatin and Taxol.
    By April, '02 I was able to travel to Las Vegas (I live in MA) for some well-earned partying!
    I've been cancer free since. My whole experience lasted ten months. At the time, it seemed like a hundred years! My point is that cancer can be beaten,- not easily, but it's possible.
    The pre-op chemo treatments were very aggressive, and were harder to take as time passed. The radiation did some (mostly) temporary damage, but I'm here today, - alive and kicking!
    You and your husband must keep a positive attitude, and do what it takes.
    As a caregiver, you must take care of yourself, also. Try to arrange for someone to give you a break, now and then.
    If I can be of help, e-mail me through this website.
    My prayers and best wishes to you and your husband.
    Ernie

    Hi Ernie,

    I am glad to hear that you are cancer free. My mother has a tumor in her upper right lobe about the same size as you had. The doctors told her that it was incurable/inoperable too. She will be starting chemo (Carboplatin and Taxol) soon. Her cancer has spread to the brain and adrenal glands. She has had 20 radiation treatments on her brain and 30 will be on her lung which she has completed about 12 right now. She is 69 and was healthy up until her diagnosis. She seems to be responding well to the radiation with no side effects, except loss of hair. I am keeping a positive attitude and hope and pray that she can beat it too. My thoughts and prayers are with you too.

    Thanks,
    Darlene

    P.S. I live in MA too!
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #6
    Lisaann63 said:

    Thank you Darlene, that would be great. My husband did start chemo, he's had 2 cycles, he goes every 3 weeks and gets an IV of carboplatin and taxol. He did very well the first time around, the second time so far seems a little rougher for him, he's very very tired. He drinks Ensure, that's been helping in keeping his weight up, keep that in mind. Please let me know how things are going, would love to stay in touch.
    Lisa

    Hi Lisa,

    Glad to hear that your husband is doing well with the chemo. I don't understand why the doctors have not started my Mom on chemo yet. They don't seem to tell us much only what we need to know. I would like to know if the radiation has shrunk any of the tumors or not. My mother is getting the same chemo drugs as your husband when she starts it. How old is your husband? My mother is 69 and had no health problems until diagnosed with the cancer. I think that she will do okay since she has no other preexisting conditions to deal with. I will keep in touch. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your husband.

    Darlene
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #7
    kimbil said:

    Hi Lisa,

    Glad to hear that your husband is doing well with the chemo. I don't understand why the doctors have not started my Mom on chemo yet. They don't seem to tell us much only what we need to know. I would like to know if the radiation has shrunk any of the tumors or not. My mother is getting the same chemo drugs as your husband when she starts it. How old is your husband? My mother is 69 and had no health problems until diagnosed with the cancer. I think that she will do okay since she has no other preexisting conditions to deal with. I will keep in touch. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your husband.

    Darlene

    Hi Darlene,
    I feel the same way, the doctors are not telling me much at all, we went to an ear nose and throat person last week because my husband's vocal cord on one side is paralyzed, and now he wants a CT done on his neck, but he says it's a precaution, now I'm freaking out about that because I feel like maybe the other dr's missed something. I don't know. And I don't know why there is such a variation with treatment, they gave my husband 10 radiation treatments to the brain and said that would probably be enough..well, we go friday to the radiation oncologist, I am ready to drill him with a million questions, there is so much information out there and I just get so confused. They may have your mom wait to start chemo just to be sure she is strong enough after the radiation, they were going to wait with myhusband but he insisted they start because he felt fine. But this second treatment has been a bit harder on him than the first. I hope he can get thru the 6 total treatments. I guess the more the better, in the long run. Please let me know how things are going with you, and I will say a prayer for your mom, it really is nice to speak with other people in this situation and be positive..we'll get thru this! Oh--I didn't answer your question, my husband is 51. One dr said his goal would be to shrink the tumor enough to remove it surgically, but the other drs haven't said much about that. I think it takes about a month for them to know if the radiation worked or not, that's why we are going on Friday to the radiation oncologist. That may be why they haven't done another CT yet either. It just seems everyone is different-patient and doctor! But, the medical oncologist said she saw a slight improvement and that was the day after he finished radiation. So one can only hope for the best..too much from all different directions!!
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #8
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi Darlene,
    I feel the same way, the doctors are not telling me much at all, we went to an ear nose and throat person last week because my husband's vocal cord on one side is paralyzed, and now he wants a CT done on his neck, but he says it's a precaution, now I'm freaking out about that because I feel like maybe the other dr's missed something. I don't know. And I don't know why there is such a variation with treatment, they gave my husband 10 radiation treatments to the brain and said that would probably be enough..well, we go friday to the radiation oncologist, I am ready to drill him with a million questions, there is so much information out there and I just get so confused. They may have your mom wait to start chemo just to be sure she is strong enough after the radiation, they were going to wait with myhusband but he insisted they start because he felt fine. But this second treatment has been a bit harder on him than the first. I hope he can get thru the 6 total treatments. I guess the more the better, in the long run. Please let me know how things are going with you, and I will say a prayer for your mom, it really is nice to speak with other people in this situation and be positive..we'll get thru this! Oh--I didn't answer your question, my husband is 51. One dr said his goal would be to shrink the tumor enough to remove it surgically, but the other drs haven't said much about that. I think it takes about a month for them to know if the radiation worked or not, that's why we are going on Friday to the radiation oncologist. That may be why they haven't done another CT yet either. It just seems everyone is different-patient and doctor! But, the medical oncologist said she saw a slight improvement and that was the day after he finished radiation. So one can only hope for the best..too much from all different directions!!

    Lisa,

    My mother had 20 radiation to the brain and is having 30 to the lung. The tumor was pushing against her vena cava vein about two weeks ago and she swelled up like a balloon. Since they started the radiation to the lung all the swelling has disappeared. Every Tuesday we meet with the radiation doctor, he said that the radiation is responding to the cancer and that is why the swelling went away. We meet with her oncologist Friday to find out when she plans on starting the chemo. I hear bad things about chemo. I guess all I can do is wait and see. Everyone responds differently to the treatments as you stated. I have met some very nice people at the hospital in similar situations as my mother. I feel so bad for them. I don't know what to say. I guess I can only give them encouraging words and my prayers.

    I was told by the doctors that they will not do anymore tests on my mother until she completes all her treatments (radiation and chemo). Probably, because of the insurance companies, not sure though. Also, they said that her tumor could not be removed. I have heard that people get the tumor removed if they can shrink it enough. Your husband might have become paralyzed from the radiation. I have heard all kinds of things radiation can do to a person.

    Good luck with the doctor and let me know what happens. I will keep you updated too.

    Darlene
  • KHTM
    KHTM Member Posts: 6
    #9
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi Darlene,
    I feel the same way, the doctors are not telling me much at all, we went to an ear nose and throat person last week because my husband's vocal cord on one side is paralyzed, and now he wants a CT done on his neck, but he says it's a precaution, now I'm freaking out about that because I feel like maybe the other dr's missed something. I don't know. And I don't know why there is such a variation with treatment, they gave my husband 10 radiation treatments to the brain and said that would probably be enough..well, we go friday to the radiation oncologist, I am ready to drill him with a million questions, there is so much information out there and I just get so confused. They may have your mom wait to start chemo just to be sure she is strong enough after the radiation, they were going to wait with myhusband but he insisted they start because he felt fine. But this second treatment has been a bit harder on him than the first. I hope he can get thru the 6 total treatments. I guess the more the better, in the long run. Please let me know how things are going with you, and I will say a prayer for your mom, it really is nice to speak with other people in this situation and be positive..we'll get thru this! Oh--I didn't answer your question, my husband is 51. One dr said his goal would be to shrink the tumor enough to remove it surgically, but the other drs haven't said much about that. I think it takes about a month for them to know if the radiation worked or not, that's why we are going on Friday to the radiation oncologist. That may be why they haven't done another CT yet either. It just seems everyone is different-patient and doctor! But, the medical oncologist said she saw a slight improvement and that was the day after he finished radiation. So one can only hope for the best..too much from all different directions!!

    Hi Lisa- I too was diagnosed with stage 4 nsclc (adenocarcinoma). I was diagnosed Feb 2007, actually Saturday is my 1 year anniversary.I went in to have what we thought was scar tissue removed and found out I had cancer. I had also had two prior thorocentesis done but they weren't ever tested for cancer b/c "I was too young". I am 30 now but was 29 at the time. I had 1/2 of my lung removed, and a pericardial window put in b/c I had fluid build up around my heart.I had 6 treatments of carbo/taxol and avastin. I just seemed to feel bad about the 3rd or 4th day after treatment. Tell your husband to drink plenty of liquids before, during , and after treatments. That really helped me. I didn't really have a lot of problems other than a little fatigue and some achiness. I showed great improvement while on that combo. I was able to go a few months without any treament before I had slight progression. I am now on Tarceva with stable results. I actually have scans done on the 19th :( I'm always a nervous reck a couple weeks before a scan. I have not had to have radiation so far so I can not be helpful there. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. One thing I've been told all along is that a positive attitude is very important. It's hard to have when you are going through something like this but it certainly helps. KHTM
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #10
    kimbil said:

    My mother was diagnosed with the same as your husband in December. She has been receiving radiation for about a month now. She finished it on her brain and is getting it on her lung. She has had no side effects (only loss of hair) and seems to be responding well so far. She will be starting chemo soon. I will let you know how she makes out with the chemo. I don't know what to expect either, but will keep you informed on her progress. Darlene

    Hi Darlene,
    We had a cat scan done today for the chest but don't have results back yet. And we have an MRI scan scheduled for next week. HOw is your mom doing with the radiation? Do you know when she will be starting chemo and do you know what kind?
    HOpe alll is well! Lisa
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #11
    KHTM said:

    Hi Lisa- I too was diagnosed with stage 4 nsclc (adenocarcinoma). I was diagnosed Feb 2007, actually Saturday is my 1 year anniversary.I went in to have what we thought was scar tissue removed and found out I had cancer. I had also had two prior thorocentesis done but they weren't ever tested for cancer b/c "I was too young". I am 30 now but was 29 at the time. I had 1/2 of my lung removed, and a pericardial window put in b/c I had fluid build up around my heart.I had 6 treatments of carbo/taxol and avastin. I just seemed to feel bad about the 3rd or 4th day after treatment. Tell your husband to drink plenty of liquids before, during , and after treatments. That really helped me. I didn't really have a lot of problems other than a little fatigue and some achiness. I showed great improvement while on that combo. I was able to go a few months without any treament before I had slight progression. I am now on Tarceva with stable results. I actually have scans done on the 19th :( I'm always a nervous reck a couple weeks before a scan. I have not had to have radiation so far so I can not be helpful there. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. One thing I've been told all along is that a positive attitude is very important. It's hard to have when you are going through something like this but it certainly helps. KHTM

    Hi--wow--you do seem way to young to be going thru this!! I feel for you and keep you in my prayers. You sound like a very positive person(exactly what I need!!) and I'm glad to hear things are going well. We had a CT scan today of the chest area to see if the chemo is working, havent' heard anything yet and then next week we have an MRI. Is cancer in your family? Were you a smoker? My husband seems to be doing OK with the chemo--thanks for the advice about the liquids, I think that definitely does help. He's had 2 cycles, and goes for the 3rd one next week. I am just as anxious as you are about the scans...
    My husband did well with the radiation, they only focused on the tumor, didn't touch any good cells, so he had no side effects.
    I want to wish you all the best and please keep me posted on how you are doing!! Thank you for writing!! Lisa
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #12
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi Darlene,
    We had a cat scan done today for the chest but don't have results back yet. And we have an MRI scan scheduled for next week. HOw is your mom doing with the radiation? Do you know when she will be starting chemo and do you know what kind?
    HOpe alll is well! Lisa

    Hi Lisa,

    I hope you had a nice Valentine's Day. My mother is doing fine with the radiation. She has about two more weeks. She starts chemo on the 20th. I believe she is getting Taxol and Carboplatin. The doctor is starting her on a low dose for three weeks. Then she will go every three weeks thereafter for six treatments. I can't wait until radiation is over because I will only have to go to the hospital every three weeks, instead of everyday.
    Let me know how your husband makes out with his scans.

    Darlene
  • KHTM
    KHTM Member Posts: 6
    #13
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi--wow--you do seem way to young to be going thru this!! I feel for you and keep you in my prayers. You sound like a very positive person(exactly what I need!!) and I'm glad to hear things are going well. We had a CT scan today of the chest area to see if the chemo is working, havent' heard anything yet and then next week we have an MRI. Is cancer in your family? Were you a smoker? My husband seems to be doing OK with the chemo--thanks for the advice about the liquids, I think that definitely does help. He's had 2 cycles, and goes for the 3rd one next week. I am just as anxious as you are about the scans...
    My husband did well with the radiation, they only focused on the tumor, didn't touch any good cells, so he had no side effects.
    I want to wish you all the best and please keep me posted on how you are doing!! Thank you for writing!! Lisa

    Hello- Glad to hear your husband is doing well with his treatments. I know sometimes they can be tough. I am still mentally trying to prepare myself for my scans on Tuesday:( if thats even possible. To answer your questions...Yes cancer does run in my family. My grandfather passed 4 years ago from lung cancer, but he had a totally different type. His was small cell, and very aggressive. Mine is non-small cell, a somewhat slow growing. I was never a smoker. My age and the fact that I never smoked I think had a lot to do with why I was dx so late. My surgeon said this was just bad luck, and I would say that it is. At first you ask yourself "why me" but then after feeling sorry for yourself you can think "why NOT me". It can happen to anyone no matter how old, healthy, etc,you are. I certainly have good and bad days, I just try to enjoy them the best that I can. I have 2 children (11&8)that give me the strength everyday to keep fighting. I also have a wonderful husband,family,and friends that refuse for me to give up. This website has been very helpful as well. Did you know about onctalk.com? That website is very helpful too. Dr.West is wonderful at answering any questions you may have, as well as other peoples stories.

    I pray for great results for your husband! Tell him to hang in there, I wish you all the best! KHTM
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #14
    kimbil said:

    Lisa,

    My mother had 20 radiation to the brain and is having 30 to the lung. The tumor was pushing against her vena cava vein about two weeks ago and she swelled up like a balloon. Since they started the radiation to the lung all the swelling has disappeared. Every Tuesday we meet with the radiation doctor, he said that the radiation is responding to the cancer and that is why the swelling went away. We meet with her oncologist Friday to find out when she plans on starting the chemo. I hear bad things about chemo. I guess all I can do is wait and see. Everyone responds differently to the treatments as you stated. I have met some very nice people at the hospital in similar situations as my mother. I feel so bad for them. I don't know what to say. I guess I can only give them encouraging words and my prayers.

    I was told by the doctors that they will not do anymore tests on my mother until she completes all her treatments (radiation and chemo). Probably, because of the insurance companies, not sure though. Also, they said that her tumor could not be removed. I have heard that people get the tumor removed if they can shrink it enough. Your husband might have become paralyzed from the radiation. I have heard all kinds of things radiation can do to a person.

    Good luck with the doctor and let me know what happens. I will keep you updated too.

    Darlene

    Hi Darlene,
    We saw the medical oncologist today to discuss the results of the cat scan. After 2 chemo treatments and 3 bracheatherapy treatments(radiation in the airway), the tumor has shrunk a little. The dr. was pleased to see that. But she said they probably won't do radiation to the lung. She said they can only do that once, so they have to choose the time carefully. I thought that was rather strange. My husband goes for an MRI for the brain tomorrow, he received 10 focal point radiation treatments to that tumor back in Dec and early January. Then we'll see the radiation oncologist next week to discuss those results...So much..
    In the meantime, today was chemo treatment 3-my husband has been doing well..she wants to do a total of 6 and then give him a break..
    How is your mom doing? Has she started chemo yet? Please let me know how things are going and how you are doing.
    Take care
    Lisa
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #15
    KHTM said:

    Hello- Glad to hear your husband is doing well with his treatments. I know sometimes they can be tough. I am still mentally trying to prepare myself for my scans on Tuesday:( if thats even possible. To answer your questions...Yes cancer does run in my family. My grandfather passed 4 years ago from lung cancer, but he had a totally different type. His was small cell, and very aggressive. Mine is non-small cell, a somewhat slow growing. I was never a smoker. My age and the fact that I never smoked I think had a lot to do with why I was dx so late. My surgeon said this was just bad luck, and I would say that it is. At first you ask yourself "why me" but then after feeling sorry for yourself you can think "why NOT me". It can happen to anyone no matter how old, healthy, etc,you are. I certainly have good and bad days, I just try to enjoy them the best that I can. I have 2 children (11&8)that give me the strength everyday to keep fighting. I also have a wonderful husband,family,and friends that refuse for me to give up. This website has been very helpful as well. Did you know about onctalk.com? That website is very helpful too. Dr.West is wonderful at answering any questions you may have, as well as other peoples stories.

    I pray for great results for your husband! Tell him to hang in there, I wish you all the best! KHTM

    Hi KHTM--
    How are you? I believe you mentioned that you had some scans scheduled last week. How did they go? I can only hope that all is well...I can't imagine how difficult it is to wonder what the results will be.
    My husband's cat scan came back with some good news, the tumor in his lung shrunk a little, the dr seemed to be pleased with that since he's only had 2 chemo treatments. He had treatment number 3 today, he's still doing OK with that.
    I guess people just assume that the only people who would get lung cancer are people who smoke. A woman that I work with found out a couple of weeks ago that a friend of hers was diagnosed with lung cancer, was never a smoker. I guess it's the same as any other cancer, it will hit anyone at anytime.
    Please let me know how your scans are.. I hope they all came out well and you are doing well!! I think my husband looks at our kids too and they are the ones that keep him fighting..they are 14 and 11.
    Anyway, look forward to hearing from you soon!
    Best,
    Lisa
  • KHTM
    KHTM Member Posts: 6
    #16
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi KHTM--
    How are you? I believe you mentioned that you had some scans scheduled last week. How did they go? I can only hope that all is well...I can't imagine how difficult it is to wonder what the results will be.
    My husband's cat scan came back with some good news, the tumor in his lung shrunk a little, the dr seemed to be pleased with that since he's only had 2 chemo treatments. He had treatment number 3 today, he's still doing OK with that.
    I guess people just assume that the only people who would get lung cancer are people who smoke. A woman that I work with found out a couple of weeks ago that a friend of hers was diagnosed with lung cancer, was never a smoker. I guess it's the same as any other cancer, it will hit anyone at anytime.
    Please let me know how your scans are.. I hope they all came out well and you are doing well!! I think my husband looks at our kids too and they are the ones that keep him fighting..they are 14 and 11.
    Anyway, look forward to hearing from you soon!
    Best,
    Lisa

    Hi Lisa- Glad to hear that your husbands scans went well. My scans were also good. I got the results yesterday and I can relax again for the next 3 months until the next scans. I had 3 spots in my liver, which were completely gone!! The other spots in my left lung had gotten somewhat smaller. I'm okay with stable for sure. My head and bone scan were still clear.:) How is your husband doing with treament? Tell him to hang in there. I didn't have great response after my first 3 treatments, but had tremendous response after 6 so, it's worth it. Have you talked to his Dr. about Tarceva?
    Anyway, Thank you for checking on me. Keep us all updated as well.We are certainly praying for you. KHTM
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #17
    Lisaann63 said:

    Hi Darlene,
    We saw the medical oncologist today to discuss the results of the cat scan. After 2 chemo treatments and 3 bracheatherapy treatments(radiation in the airway), the tumor has shrunk a little. The dr. was pleased to see that. But she said they probably won't do radiation to the lung. She said they can only do that once, so they have to choose the time carefully. I thought that was rather strange. My husband goes for an MRI for the brain tomorrow, he received 10 focal point radiation treatments to that tumor back in Dec and early January. Then we'll see the radiation oncologist next week to discuss those results...So much..
    In the meantime, today was chemo treatment 3-my husband has been doing well..she wants to do a total of 6 and then give him a break..
    How is your mom doing? Has she started chemo yet? Please let me know how things are going and how you are doing.
    Take care
    Lisa

    Hi Lisa,

    My mother is doing okay with radiation. She has 7 left and done finally. She was supposed to start chemo tomorrow (2/27) but the doctor cancelled it until she completes the radiation. I have not been online because my beloved husband passed away on 2/16/08. He was laid to rest last Friday. He suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Our 11 year old daughter found him in bed not breathing. I am heartbroken and feel so alone right now. My husband and I were talking the week before his death about what we were going to do if anything happened to my mother. Never in a million years did I expect this to happen to him. He was only 56 and too young to die. I have to find the strength to go on for our daughter. I will keep you posted on my Mom's progress.

    Darlene
  • KHTM
    KHTM Member Posts: 6
    #18
    kimbil said:

    Hi Lisa,

    My mother is doing okay with radiation. She has 7 left and done finally. She was supposed to start chemo tomorrow (2/27) but the doctor cancelled it until she completes the radiation. I have not been online because my beloved husband passed away on 2/16/08. He was laid to rest last Friday. He suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Our 11 year old daughter found him in bed not breathing. I am heartbroken and feel so alone right now. My husband and I were talking the week before his death about what we were going to do if anything happened to my mother. Never in a million years did I expect this to happen to him. He was only 56 and too young to die. I have to find the strength to go on for our daughter. I will keep you posted on my Mom's progress.

    Darlene

    Darlene- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. KHTM
  • kimbil
    kimbil Member Posts: 12
    #19
    KHTM said:

    Darlene- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. KHTM

    Thank you for your thoughts and prayers KHTM. I hope you are doing well with your treatments. My mother starts chemo on 3/19 and radiation finally ends next week. My heart goes out to you, my mother, and everyone else who is facing this battle with cancer. My friend from work called me this morning and her husband had to go to the emergency room. He had a set back from his treatments. He was diagnosed 4 years ago with colon cancer and it spread to his liver and lungs. I have met some very nice people at the cancer center. I am astonished at how many young people have cancer. Anyone I guess can get it. My nephew has lymphoma and was diagnosed at 8 and has been living with it for 6 years also. I have to go on for my daughter now that my husband is no longer here to help and support me.

    Thanks for listening,
    Darlene
  • dscott
    dscott Member Posts: 35
    #20
    Hi, My boyfriend has stage 4 lung. He was diagnosed in August due to fluid in his heart. He also has it thru the bone. He just had his 6th chemo. He also had 10 radiation treatments on his neck. This has weakened him greatly due to the throat burning. He goes for scans next week but I have great faith that things will work out. Good Luck with your husband and keep up with the updates...Debbie
  • Lisaann63
    Lisaann63 Member Posts: 12
    #21
    kimbil said:

    Hi Lisa,

    My mother is doing okay with radiation. She has 7 left and done finally. She was supposed to start chemo tomorrow (2/27) but the doctor cancelled it until she completes the radiation. I have not been online because my beloved husband passed away on 2/16/08. He was laid to rest last Friday. He suffered a heart attack in his sleep. Our 11 year old daughter found him in bed not breathing. I am heartbroken and feel so alone right now. My husband and I were talking the week before his death about what we were going to do if anything happened to my mother. Never in a million years did I expect this to happen to him. He was only 56 and too young to die. I have to find the strength to go on for our daughter. I will keep you posted on my Mom's progress.

    Darlene

    Darlene,
    I am so so very sorry to hear of your loss.. My prayers are with you and your family. I wanted to share some good news, my husband had an MRI to the brain and the tumor has shrunk by 80%-he had 10 focal point radiation treatments in late Dec/early January. The doctor wants to do some stereotactic radiosurgery on it to be sure he can kill it completely. He seems to be very confident that he can get rid of that, so we'll see.
    In the meantime, I will pray for you and for your mother and hope that she does as well with her treatments as my husband has done with his. I am just amazed at what medical technology can do.
    You take care and please continue to let me know how you and your daughter and your mom are doing.
    God Bless
    Lisa

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