Help! I was just told my lungs where too weak for chemo. Is This the end?

Hi Tigerman
I looked at your profile to see if you had more information posted but I see you do not. Have you had surgery? Do you have colon cancer that went to the lungs? As ChynaBear said, fight, fight, fight. Use one of those lung capacity builder uppers (can't think of the proper name for them) but it has a hose on it like a snorkel and a gauge that goes up to measure your capacity. After my lung surgeries they always had me do that exercise. That helped to strengthen the lungs.
Try to let us know a little more too if you can. I know how frustrating and angry one can get with all of this stuff.
-phil

Second Opinion
You didn't give us a whole lot of information on your situation but
when it comes to the docs saying hospice, always get a second opinion.
There have been several stories on this site of people who got second
and even third opinions and went on to surgery and chemo and became
NED (no evidence of disease).

Barbara

PamPam2 said:

inspirometer
Not sure about the spelling. I brought mine home from hospital, they throw them away, so took it back for next surgeries. I bet the hospital could supply you with one. Surely there is some way to build up some lung capacity. Maybe a second opinion is in order here, and quickly. Sound like Tigerman has one of those doctors that maybe give up too easy.
Pam

That's it!
I think you are right on all counts Pam. The name sounds very familiar. I still have mine, I'm trying to figure out how to make a bong out of it ;-)

Definitely get another opinion (or two). It always cracks me up the attitude of some doctors. If it were their A$$ES on the line they'd figure something out...
-p

dianetavegia said:

Spirometer
I have one I never used and will mail it to you if you'd like. Send me your mailing address at tavegia@bellsouth.net and I'll get it into the mail.

My husband had severe asthma and COPD (never smoked but 2nd hand in their home). 10 years ago he was dx'd with COPD and doctor said 'the worst case of asthma he's ever seen'. A few weeks ago I went with him to see his doctor from Emory and doctor said "We can no longer use the term COPD because your lung capacity went from less than 35% 10 years ago to 85% now, which is probably the average for a 62 year old with 'mild to moderate asthma'"

Exercise and losing about ten pounds .....

Don't give up! Walk around the room if you have to! Work on deep breathing! Maybe you've protected your abdomen from ouchies since surgery so haven't been breathing properly. Insist the docs send you for respiratory therapy! Fight, Fight, Fight!

WTF?
Tigerman, we need some info on your diminished lung capacity. Why are your's diminished to the point of no return? Who are your doctors and can you find better ones? Does oxygen help you? Maybe you could get a breathing device while on chemo. Listen to me. The doctors told me last year that I should go home and settle my affairs. It took me a few days to find doctors to even consider chemo. Here I am a year later, working on getting better. Get all your medical info and send it to wake forrest university, md anderson, sloan kettering, shands and any where else that will listen. If your lungs are toast, try to fix them. Get your hemoglobin up. Start juicing. My hemoglobin was higher after 6 cycles of chemo than it was before I started simply because I followed a strict juicing regimen. Everyday, 6 lemons, 4 carrots, 2 beets with greens, 2 apples, thumb sized ginger, 2 cups spinach. This will increase your hemoglobin. Talk with your dr about maybe taking a small iron supplement. If your lungs suck, perhaps you can get your blood a little more efficient. Keep in touch

snommintj said:

WTF?
Tigerman, we need some info on your diminished lung capacity. Why are your's diminished to the point of no return? Who are your doctors and can you find better ones? Does oxygen help you? Maybe you could get a breathing device while on chemo. Listen to me. The doctors told me last year that I should go home and settle my affairs. It took me a few days to find doctors to even consider chemo. Here I am a year later, working on getting better. Get all your medical info and send it to wake forrest university, md anderson, sloan kettering, shands and any where else that will listen. If your lungs are toast, try to fix them. Get your hemoglobin up. Start juicing. My hemoglobin was higher after 6 cycles of chemo than it was before I started simply because I followed a strict juicing regimen. Everyday, 6 lemons, 4 carrots, 2 beets with greens, 2 apples, thumb sized ginger, 2 cups spinach. This will increase your hemoglobin. Talk with your dr about maybe taking a small iron supplement. If your lungs suck, perhaps you can get your blood a little more efficient. Keep in touch

Thank you.

I'm a believer in the power of diet to enhance our healing. Thank you for posting about your experience.

I have a question about your juicing recipe. Do you juice in the traditional sense (collecting the juice without the pulp) or do you use a device like a Vita Mix and include the pulp in your drink?

Thank you.

Hatshepsut