treatment for stage 4 lung cancer

annemarie77
annemarie77 Member Posts: 17
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about 1&1/2 months ago, spread to spine (not the bones), liver and lymph nodes. I was told surgery and radiation are not an option. The only thing they can do is chemo and it won't cure it perhaps shrink the tumors. Has anyone else had anything else besides chemo? I'm not ready to give up and I really want to stick around for as long as possible. I am very scared.
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Comments

  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    options
    There are a number of reasons why your doctors would preclude surgery and/or radiation, but I suspect the main one in your case is the spread of the disease. When my docs were once convinced (in error) that mine was not in one lung but both they told me that I would be gone soon, perhaps within 10 months. When I asked about surgery, the answer was No: the cancer had spread.

    But all is not lost, annemarie. While one would certainly prefer to hear that one is in remission or cured, I hear more and more from folks who indicate their cancer is being 'managed', that they are taking 'maintenance' chemotherapy. Some of them have apparently been at it for some time.

    It is not an absolute, either, that chemotherapy will be horrific: the medical folks are coming up with new ways to administer 'old' chemotherapies that make them easier to tolerate, and they are certainly coming up with new kinds of chemo that do what the 'old' ones did but without so much of the intolerable side effect.

    With the latter in mind, you might also consider pursuing trials that are going on. check out ACS' affiliated magazine CURE, for one, to find out about pertinent trials (I think you can access it online at www.curetoday.com).

    That said, you have every reason to be scared, annemarie. You have every reason to believe that you are going to have a rough row to hoe.

    Welcome to CSN, in any event. It is a crummy club, due to the 'membership requirements', as you have discovered, but you are sure to find the people very supportive. It is not just a good place to seek information but a great place to vent knowing that there will be receptive people on the other end.

    I wish you the best, annemarie.

    Take care,

    Joe
  • mama1958
    mama1958 Member Posts: 5
    Stage 4 lung cancer
    I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with this and was told it was in my lymph nodes. The Oncologists gave me 6 months with chemo and 8 with out. I am in a whirl wind and in shock. My Dad died 5 years ago of this exact thing. I am only 51 and I am terrified.
  • annemarie77
    annemarie77 Member Posts: 17
    mama1958 said:

    Stage 4 lung cancer
    I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with this and was told it was in my lymph nodes. The Oncologists gave me 6 months with chemo and 8 with out. I am in a whirl wind and in shock. My Dad died 5 years ago of this exact thing. I am only 51 and I am terrified.

    terrified too
    I wish I could give you good news, but I am a new diagnosis also, although I do know how you feel, sometimes I am afraid and depressed, and other times I feel like I'm going to kick the big c's as*, I cry a lot when I am alone, I have good supportive people around me but they do not want to hear about the possibility of my dying, they seem to avoid that subject. You have more strength than I have, I have not even been able to ask the dr. his opinion of how much time I have left yet, I am afraid of the answer. Have had one chemo treatment so far and came through it extremely well, am going for another one tomorrow. Keep your hopes up, say you are going to fight this, if you believe in prayer, then pray, it really does seem to help. Keep searching this site, there are many kind people who have been through what you are going to go through and apparrently come out on the other side of it, they offer hope and support, along with info on many things. I wish you well and will also say a prayer for you while I am saying one for myself. We seem to be pretty much in the same boat right now. Keep fighting, the dr.s have been proven to be wrong many times.
  • mama1958
    mama1958 Member Posts: 5

    terrified too
    I wish I could give you good news, but I am a new diagnosis also, although I do know how you feel, sometimes I am afraid and depressed, and other times I feel like I'm going to kick the big c's as*, I cry a lot when I am alone, I have good supportive people around me but they do not want to hear about the possibility of my dying, they seem to avoid that subject. You have more strength than I have, I have not even been able to ask the dr. his opinion of how much time I have left yet, I am afraid of the answer. Have had one chemo treatment so far and came through it extremely well, am going for another one tomorrow. Keep your hopes up, say you are going to fight this, if you believe in prayer, then pray, it really does seem to help. Keep searching this site, there are many kind people who have been through what you are going to go through and apparrently come out on the other side of it, they offer hope and support, along with info on many things. I wish you well and will also say a prayer for you while I am saying one for myself. We seem to be pretty much in the same boat right now. Keep fighting, the dr.s have been proven to be wrong many times.

    Time
    I did not ask him about the time - he just spit it out. My heart felt like some one ripped it out. I work in the health care field and happen to work with my Oncologists wife. I am going in on Thursday to see if I can take the new pill that is out for lung ca. Only certain stains from the biopsy I had could be a match. What chemo have you had and did it make you sick? I will pray for you and me. I have a good support system too, but sometimes I think they think it is a dream like I do. It is nice to talk to some one going thru the same. What state are you in? Julie
  • ygfilart
    ygfilart Member Posts: 11
    mama1958 said:

    Time
    I did not ask him about the time - he just spit it out. My heart felt like some one ripped it out. I work in the health care field and happen to work with my Oncologists wife. I am going in on Thursday to see if I can take the new pill that is out for lung ca. Only certain stains from the biopsy I had could be a match. What chemo have you had and did it make you sick? I will pray for you and me. I have a good support system too, but sometimes I think they think it is a dream like I do. It is nice to talk to some one going thru the same. What state are you in? Julie

    Cryotherapy in China has
    Cryotherapy in China has become very popular in my country. I went there Jan 26 this year for treatment of my tongue cancer because my docs said there is no other option but to cut off my tongue. When i heard about this hospital, i immediately flew there. The treatments done to me were painless except for the 3-day chemo i underwent. For now, my tongue is safe and i am recovering. I can eat and talk better. Plus, i don't have to suffer the consequence of chemo and radiation. I will return to china after three weeks for local chemo. No harm for you to do some research.
  • annemarie77
    annemarie77 Member Posts: 17
    mama1958 said:

    Time
    I did not ask him about the time - he just spit it out. My heart felt like some one ripped it out. I work in the health care field and happen to work with my Oncologists wife. I am going in on Thursday to see if I can take the new pill that is out for lung ca. Only certain stains from the biopsy I had could be a match. What chemo have you had and did it make you sick? I will pray for you and me. I have a good support system too, but sometimes I think they think it is a dream like I do. It is nice to talk to some one going thru the same. What state are you in? Julie

    Going thru the same
    I know it takes awhile for reality to sink in, but even so, I still go through denial sometimes, it just doesn't seem real. I am taking avastin, taxol/carbo, I just had chemo done again today (2nd time), I feel fine after chemo, no side effects whatsoever (so far anyway) They also give me benadryl before starting chemo so I do sleep alot then, but I really need the sleep since I'm not generally sleeping well most nights, I have a good appetite and go into work the next day. What pill are you going to take? Is it a new one? Does working in the health care field help you understand anything better? My dr. would not even tell my husband how much time when he asked him, he said I had to be the one to ask, and as I said, I didn't have the nerve. I am in my 50's also, and there is still a lot of living left to do, so we will BOTH stick this out, and continue to hope and pray for a good outcome. I live in NJ. Good luck on Thursday!
  • mama1958
    mama1958 Member Posts: 5

    Going thru the same
    I know it takes awhile for reality to sink in, but even so, I still go through denial sometimes, it just doesn't seem real. I am taking avastin, taxol/carbo, I just had chemo done again today (2nd time), I feel fine after chemo, no side effects whatsoever (so far anyway) They also give me benadryl before starting chemo so I do sleep alot then, but I really need the sleep since I'm not generally sleeping well most nights, I have a good appetite and go into work the next day. What pill are you going to take? Is it a new one? Does working in the health care field help you understand anything better? My dr. would not even tell my husband how much time when he asked him, he said I had to be the one to ask, and as I said, I didn't have the nerve. I am in my 50's also, and there is still a lot of living left to do, so we will BOTH stick this out, and continue to hope and pray for a good outcome. I live in NJ. Good luck on Thursday!

    Time
    I am putting the time frame he said out of my mind. There is only 1 person that knows for sure. I have heard of alot of people living for years. That is going to be us!!!!! I am so glad you have had minimal side effects from chemo. I am taking megace for appetite because I had been losing weight. This stuff really works. I eat everything in site. Keep me posted, as I said it feels good to talk to someone that understands. Julie
  • annemarie77
    annemarie77 Member Posts: 17
    mama1958 said:

    Time
    I am putting the time frame he said out of my mind. There is only 1 person that knows for sure. I have heard of alot of people living for years. That is going to be us!!!!! I am so glad you have had minimal side effects from chemo. I am taking megace for appetite because I had been losing weight. This stuff really works. I eat everything in site. Keep me posted, as I said it feels good to talk to someone that understands. Julie

    Good to talk to you too
    Hello again, yes it is good to talk to someone who is going through the same thing, especially since we were diagnosed so close together. I guess it makes it easier to compare notes and all of the different emotions running through us. Has not really been a good day, first day I missed work because of it (back hurting) and I think that really depressed me. Have you been offered anyother treatment besides chemo? I am thinking of going for a 2nd opinion, I might want to try a clinical trial (if I can find one I can get into), the place where I go offers no clinical trials. It is just something I wish to look into. What state do you live in? Do you have any children? I have 3, one living at home, he's 21 and he has been absolutely great, they all know I have cancer but I haven't told them everything (how serious it is). Don't know how, when or if I should tell them everything. Yes, if you read this site there are alot of people who have lived for years after being told they only had a limited time, I hope and pray you and I are both two of those people. As I said, I will keep you in my prayers - Anne
  • mama1958
    mama1958 Member Posts: 5

    Good to talk to you too
    Hello again, yes it is good to talk to someone who is going through the same thing, especially since we were diagnosed so close together. I guess it makes it easier to compare notes and all of the different emotions running through us. Has not really been a good day, first day I missed work because of it (back hurting) and I think that really depressed me. Have you been offered anyother treatment besides chemo? I am thinking of going for a 2nd opinion, I might want to try a clinical trial (if I can find one I can get into), the place where I go offers no clinical trials. It is just something I wish to look into. What state do you live in? Do you have any children? I have 3, one living at home, he's 21 and he has been absolutely great, they all know I have cancer but I haven't told them everything (how serious it is). Don't know how, when or if I should tell them everything. Yes, if you read this site there are alot of people who have lived for years after being told they only had a limited time, I hope and pray you and I are both two of those people. As I said, I will keep you in my prayers - Anne

    To the doc today
    HI, Anne,


    Went to the doc today and will start the same chemo you did next week. I am in a trial for a nausea med. Thats different. I am so glad you have had no side effects - hope the same for me. I am on Megace for my appetite and have gained 6 pounds this week. I am also on Percocet for my back and neck pain. I live in Minnesota and I have 3 adult children - I have twin daughters that are 25 and 1 son who is 23. I also have a grandson ( has captured all of my heart) who is 3. I am divorced, but have alot of friends and family to help. I have my 2nd opinion at the Mayo clinic here next week. Keep the faith - I also have breakdowns and depression from time to time - it's natural.
  • marijune
    marijune Member Posts: 45
    mama1958 said:

    To the doc today
    HI, Anne,


    Went to the doc today and will start the same chemo you did next week. I am in a trial for a nausea med. Thats different. I am so glad you have had no side effects - hope the same for me. I am on Megace for my appetite and have gained 6 pounds this week. I am also on Percocet for my back and neck pain. I live in Minnesota and I have 3 adult children - I have twin daughters that are 25 and 1 son who is 23. I also have a grandson ( has captured all of my heart) who is 3. I am divorced, but have alot of friends and family to help. I have my 2nd opinion at the Mayo clinic here next week. Keep the faith - I also have breakdowns and depression from time to time - it's natural.

    Glad you are going for a 2nd opinion
    mama58, I am glad to hear you are going for a second opinion at mayo. You dont mention where or what kind of c you have, but I pray you will get a much better amswer from mayo.
    Many people on board will be praying for you to get good news.
    God Bless
  • annemarie77
    annemarie77 Member Posts: 17
    mama1958 said:

    To the doc today
    HI, Anne,


    Went to the doc today and will start the same chemo you did next week. I am in a trial for a nausea med. Thats different. I am so glad you have had no side effects - hope the same for me. I am on Megace for my appetite and have gained 6 pounds this week. I am also on Percocet for my back and neck pain. I live in Minnesota and I have 3 adult children - I have twin daughters that are 25 and 1 son who is 23. I also have a grandson ( has captured all of my heart) who is 3. I am divorced, but have alot of friends and family to help. I have my 2nd opinion at the Mayo clinic here next week. Keep the faith - I also have breakdowns and depression from time to time - it's natural.

    keep me (us) posted on 2nd opinion
    I am also glad you are going for a 2nd opinion, hope it goes well. I also hope your chemo goes well too. Apparently it isn't as bad as it used to be, they seem able to control a lot of the side effects better now. I am now on Percocet for my back pain too, was really getting bad, could hardly walk sometimes, but new meds are working a lot better for the pain, was sent for another spinal x ray, was afraid they would find the tumors on spine had grown but turned out it is degenerative arthritis, never thought I would be glad to hear my arthritis is getting worse, but I sure was. Has not been a good week for my family, husband's heart dr said he should seriously consider having a defibulator implanted in his chest, and my daughter was in a car accident last night, spent hours at the emergency room, thank God she (or the person in the other car) were not seriously hurt, but her truck is totaled. spent last night taking care of her, talked her into spending the night with us. Which was actually comforting for me knowing she was here where I could see her and took my mind off myself. Continuing to pray for us both, we are all in his hands.
  • mama1958
    mama1958 Member Posts: 5

    keep me (us) posted on 2nd opinion
    I am also glad you are going for a 2nd opinion, hope it goes well. I also hope your chemo goes well too. Apparently it isn't as bad as it used to be, they seem able to control a lot of the side effects better now. I am now on Percocet for my back pain too, was really getting bad, could hardly walk sometimes, but new meds are working a lot better for the pain, was sent for another spinal x ray, was afraid they would find the tumors on spine had grown but turned out it is degenerative arthritis, never thought I would be glad to hear my arthritis is getting worse, but I sure was. Has not been a good week for my family, husband's heart dr said he should seriously consider having a defibulator implanted in his chest, and my daughter was in a car accident last night, spent hours at the emergency room, thank God she (or the person in the other car) were not seriously hurt, but her truck is totaled. spent last night taking care of her, talked her into spending the night with us. Which was actually comforting for me knowing she was here where I could see her and took my mind off myself. Continuing to pray for us both, we are all in his hands.

    Short of breath
    For the last 4 days I have s.o.b from time to time. I have not started chemo yet and it is bothering me. My cancer has lymph node involment, does any one else have this symtom, if so what did you do??
  • abfaul6
    abfaul6 Member Posts: 9
    mama1958 said:

    Stage 4 lung cancer
    I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with this and was told it was in my lymph nodes. The Oncologists gave me 6 months with chemo and 8 with out. I am in a whirl wind and in shock. My Dad died 5 years ago of this exact thing. I am only 51 and I am terrified.

    Stage 4 NSCLC also
    mama58 -
    My husband was told in July 08 that he had 4 mos to a year. It is now soon to be two years. He had the chemo regimen that seems to be followed by many. He also did well with hardly any nausea, he took megace and is on anti depressant. We will have our 54th wedding anniversary in April and he plans to be there.
    Try not to transfer what happened to your dad to yourself. My husband's brother died within 4 months of diagnosis of his cancer, and his first response was that he was going to follow the same path. The doctor explained that everyone is different. You will cut your own path. I have a friend who also has NSC and she is about 6 mos. ahead of my husband and following the macrobiotic diet which is helping control things for her. It is not an easy diet but it seems to work for her.
    Regarding your shortness of breath, get your 02 sats checked by someone who has a meter thingy.
    I wish you all the best.
    Ann
  • dculver67
    dculver67 Member Posts: 1
    mama1958 said:

    Short of breath
    For the last 4 days I have s.o.b from time to time. I have not started chemo yet and it is bothering me. My cancer has lymph node involment, does any one else have this symtom, if so what did you do??

    Short of Breath
    I was diagnosed with stage 4 just 2 days after thanksgiving,I have nsc in both my lungs,all my lymph nodes and I now have 7 lesions on my liver,I am 42,since being diagnosed I too am more short of breath,but the chemo I have been on that is also a side effect,I started out on Cisplatin and Alitma,done only 2 treatments and was sent for an emergency petscan becuase of severe headaches,only to find out that everything grew and ended up with 4 more lesions on my liver,The oncologist scraped that plan and I am now on Avastin,Taxol and Paraplatin,doing good I might add, I didn't have the nausea and also not as weak and tired as with the first round.I am still short of breath, but I learned NOT to push myself when doing things, I now take my time in everything I do and it helps,I am so bad with breathing I can't even wipe down my stove top! and to put on my socks is even hard,but I get through it-just learn to listen to your body as I have learned to do.

    The dr said he is trying to keep me comfortable for another 6 mos to yr,some days I feel like giving up especially when the tumors are so swollen I can'e even sit or lie down or they cause me to become so light headed I almost pass out due to them pressing on the artery in my neck, but I don't plan on going anyplace that soon!

    I am fighting every morning I open my eyes. The family made plans for June to go to Smoky Mountians for a week and I also plan on doing the bike riding and trails,it's going to take more than this disease to keep me down,and I will have to pace myself to be able to do it-but I WILL !
  • medi_2
    medi_2 Member Posts: 505 Member
    dculver67 said:

    Short of Breath
    I was diagnosed with stage 4 just 2 days after thanksgiving,I have nsc in both my lungs,all my lymph nodes and I now have 7 lesions on my liver,I am 42,since being diagnosed I too am more short of breath,but the chemo I have been on that is also a side effect,I started out on Cisplatin and Alitma,done only 2 treatments and was sent for an emergency petscan becuase of severe headaches,only to find out that everything grew and ended up with 4 more lesions on my liver,The oncologist scraped that plan and I am now on Avastin,Taxol and Paraplatin,doing good I might add, I didn't have the nausea and also not as weak and tired as with the first round.I am still short of breath, but I learned NOT to push myself when doing things, I now take my time in everything I do and it helps,I am so bad with breathing I can't even wipe down my stove top! and to put on my socks is even hard,but I get through it-just learn to listen to your body as I have learned to do.

    The dr said he is trying to keep me comfortable for another 6 mos to yr,some days I feel like giving up especially when the tumors are so swollen I can'e even sit or lie down or they cause me to become so light headed I almost pass out due to them pressing on the artery in my neck, but I don't plan on going anyplace that soon!

    I am fighting every morning I open my eyes. The family made plans for June to go to Smoky Mountians for a week and I also plan on doing the bike riding and trails,it's going to take more than this disease to keep me down,and I will have to pace myself to be able to do it-but I WILL !

    Yeah!
    You go Girl! (giving you a thumbs-up ;))
    Medi
  • joie715
    joie715 Member Posts: 1
    abfaul6 said:

    Stage 4 NSCLC also
    mama58 -
    My husband was told in July 08 that he had 4 mos to a year. It is now soon to be two years. He had the chemo regimen that seems to be followed by many. He also did well with hardly any nausea, he took megace and is on anti depressant. We will have our 54th wedding anniversary in April and he plans to be there.
    Try not to transfer what happened to your dad to yourself. My husband's brother died within 4 months of diagnosis of his cancer, and his first response was that he was going to follow the same path. The doctor explained that everyone is different. You will cut your own path. I have a friend who also has NSC and she is about 6 mos. ahead of my husband and following the macrobiotic diet which is helping control things for her. It is not an easy diet but it seems to work for her.
    Regarding your shortness of breath, get your 02 sats checked by someone who has a meter thingy.
    I wish you all the best.
    Ann

    Stage IV NSCLC
    Hi all - my husband was diagnosed just before Christmas with stage IV NSCLC. When the diagnosis was confirmed, we immediately made plans for a 2nd opinion in Seattle at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. We are so grateful we did. Although there is no cure for him at this point (non-smoker, soon to be 50, and it's throughout his body), because of a certain mutation, he qualified for a "new" treatment called Tarceva instead of traditional chemo. It's a pill taken daily (or however your body allows) and it is proven to extend the life of the patient...best part is, it has less radical side effects than chemo! I would highly recommend you ask your oncologist about it. If he/she doesn't recommend it or what to test you for the mutation, find someone else.

    In addition, there are survivors of people at this stage, so please do not give up hope.

    All my best,

    Dara
  • tropicgirl2780
    tropicgirl2780 Member Posts: 9
    joie715 said:

    Stage IV NSCLC
    Hi all - my husband was diagnosed just before Christmas with stage IV NSCLC. When the diagnosis was confirmed, we immediately made plans for a 2nd opinion in Seattle at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. We are so grateful we did. Although there is no cure for him at this point (non-smoker, soon to be 50, and it's throughout his body), because of a certain mutation, he qualified for a "new" treatment called Tarceva instead of traditional chemo. It's a pill taken daily (or however your body allows) and it is proven to extend the life of the patient...best part is, it has less radical side effects than chemo! I would highly recommend you ask your oncologist about it. If he/she doesn't recommend it or what to test you for the mutation, find someone else.

    In addition, there are survivors of people at this stage, so please do not give up hope.

    All my best,

    Dara

    I was diagnosed with Stage
    I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB which they later upgraded to stage 4 on Nov. 5th of 2009. I had noticed the lymph node involvment in my neck back in April of '09. I started chemo with carboplatin, avastin and pemetrexed on Dec. 22. After 2 treatments the tumor in my lung was gone and lymph nodes shrank 80%. Now after completing 12 weeks of that regimen there is no detectable trace of a tumor anywhere, not even a mark and all my lymph nodes measure 9mm or less - down from almost 4 cm a piece. They said today that according to the scans the cancer is not showing up at this time and I am to continue with a maintenance dose every 21 days of the avastin. My dr's are in shock and have no idea how or why I am doing so well. I can honestly say it's been great friends, my children, and my attitude regarding the cancer. I have abso9lutely refused to allow it to run my life. I run my life and I viewed it as a mere road bump inthe way of me doing what I want to be doing. SO yes i went to treatment but I didn't dwell on it every day and i decided that crying is the way wrong way to go because you miss out on so much when you are sad and in bed. You are alive at this very moment and no matter what the hell the dr says you can have an influence on your prognosis. If you choose to believe everything that will become reality. I challenge everyone to create their own reality and live each day full and with hope. It is hard sometimes I know because it is such a scary cancer and so aggressive BUT you are stronger and youhave to wage a war inside yourself to prove a point. Good luck to everyone in their battles and just have faith you can be happy and healthy!
  • donsherr629
    donsherr629 Member Posts: 1

    I was diagnosed with Stage
    I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB which they later upgraded to stage 4 on Nov. 5th of 2009. I had noticed the lymph node involvment in my neck back in April of '09. I started chemo with carboplatin, avastin and pemetrexed on Dec. 22. After 2 treatments the tumor in my lung was gone and lymph nodes shrank 80%. Now after completing 12 weeks of that regimen there is no detectable trace of a tumor anywhere, not even a mark and all my lymph nodes measure 9mm or less - down from almost 4 cm a piece. They said today that according to the scans the cancer is not showing up at this time and I am to continue with a maintenance dose every 21 days of the avastin. My dr's are in shock and have no idea how or why I am doing so well. I can honestly say it's been great friends, my children, and my attitude regarding the cancer. I have abso9lutely refused to allow it to run my life. I run my life and I viewed it as a mere road bump inthe way of me doing what I want to be doing. SO yes i went to treatment but I didn't dwell on it every day and i decided that crying is the way wrong way to go because you miss out on so much when you are sad and in bed. You are alive at this very moment and no matter what the hell the dr says you can have an influence on your prognosis. If you choose to believe everything that will become reality. I challenge everyone to create their own reality and live each day full and with hope. It is hard sometimes I know because it is such a scary cancer and so aggressive BUT you are stronger and youhave to wage a war inside yourself to prove a point. Good luck to everyone in their battles and just have faith you can be happy and healthy!

    Congrats!
    I am new here, but reading some posts am encouraged for my husband who has sclc with liver mets and lymph node involvement. His doc has given him a year to 18 months. He's on carboplatin and etoposide, has had one round so far with little change. He coughs a lot and is tired all the time. I pray he gets better and that we have more time together. He's very positive, and that's good. I hope to get some encouragement here!
  • lindaslittlesis
    lindaslittlesis Member Posts: 1
    I am scared Too!
    annemarie77, get the treatment whatever they offer. My sister has stage IV lung cancer as well and has no insurance. We have not been able to get any hospital to agree to treatments and she also is not ready to give up. Lost her job of 30 years in 2008 and has no income until June 2010 when she can get early SS. We have applied for help and was told 45-60 days. You know everyday she waits is one day too long. God bless you and Fight!
  • legendsdaughter
    legendsdaughter Member Posts: 30
    stage iv
    My dad was diagnosed in November w/stage IV nsclc, in both lungs, lymph nodes & 1 adrenal gland. He has had 3 chemo treatments & his marker went from 229 to 185, but unfortunately he had a PET scan on Monday & it showed that he now has a mass next to his spine & the adrenal mass got larger. His doctor quickly said the chemo is not working & he needs radiation. He had a ct scan of his spine & an emegency mri of his thoracic & lumbar spine. She fears that it might be in the spinal cord which would be a medical emergency.
    He is in a lot of pain!! He takes oxycontin & oxycodone, but he needs to take sooo many for relief. For him surgery isn't an option either, due to the spread. He will probably have about 10 radiation treatmnets at 10 mins each. We're not sure yet when he will start up the chemo again.