Your Opinion Please

Annabelle41415
Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member

Hi all:  I'm from the colorectal board and have posted this there as well.  I'm hoping that you can give me some insight to my brothers situation.  This is a copy from the other board.

My brother just found on around Thanksgiving that he has lung cancer which has spread to liver/nodes.  He went hunting two days after he found out and then Wednesday before Thanksgiving he started laying on the couch.  He hadn't had chemo yet, but he quit eating (saying he was full all the time) and has layed in bed since.  They can't find any reason why he can't eat (or his reason for seeming full) and he won't get up and walk around, only to go the bathroom and have a cig.  He sleeps about 20+ hours out of the day.  My SIL left for work the other day and had all his medicine out and three protein shakes and when she got back 7 hours he hadn't taken any of his pills nor drank any of the shakes.  He has lost almost 40 pounds since Thanksgiving and is nothing but skin and bones.  He has been in the hospital constantly (for low platelets, bowel problems and dehydration) and they continually make him get up to move about but he is reluctant.  He is getting a feeding tube on Friday.  He has been on gebz (or something) and thought that was not such a bad chemo but that is only one week, I'm not sure what the other cocktail is.  I'm just not sure that this sleeping this much is common and so soon especially when he started this shortly after being diagnosed.  He is on anti depressants but I'm not sure that this is very common.  I'm almost thinking that he has just given up and so soon.  What do you think?  I'm stumped, my dad is and the doctors, and needless to say my SIL.  Any input would be much appreciated.

I'm not asking for a doctor's advice but from people that might be able to help me help my brother.  He said his shoulder hurts and I've heard that is common with this disease so he is on meds for that also.  Did any of you sleep that much.  My treatment was tiring but still moved around and was up and about as much as possible and still did family things.  I'm just at a struggle. 

Kim

 

Comments

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Sorry

    I'm just so sorry that on this board, after all this time, there was not even one reponse.  My board, colorectal, is much more friendly and supportive.  My brother is so bad just in two months and I'm trying to reach out to at least one group that I'm thinking would help me.  Guess I'm totally wrong reaching for answers here. 

    Kim

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member

    Sorry

    I'm just so sorry that on this board, after all this time, there was not even one reponse.  My board, colorectal, is much more friendly and supportive.  My brother is so bad just in two months and I'm trying to reach out to at least one group that I'm thinking would help me.  Guess I'm totally wrong reaching for answers here. 

    Kim

    Anabelle

    This is common for no one to respond unfortunatley.  I also visit the inspire web site for lung cancer.  Lots of posters with stage IV lung cancer there.  Maybe if you post there more will respond.  I visit the Anal,Correctol and Lung on CSN as I had anal and lung.  I see where you're taking a break to concentrate on your baby brother and have quality time with your husband.  I hope you will see this post before you go.  Please check out the ispire web site.  I wish you well Lori.

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    z said:

    Anabelle

    This is common for no one to respond unfortunatley.  I also visit the inspire web site for lung cancer.  Lots of posters with stage IV lung cancer there.  Maybe if you post there more will respond.  I visit the Anal,Correctol and Lung on CSN as I had anal and lung.  I see where you're taking a break to concentrate on your baby brother and have quality time with your husband.  I hope you will see this post before you go.  Please check out the ispire web site.  I wish you well Lori.

    Thank you Lori

    Thank you for responding and yes just saw your post on the other board.  Just wanted to chime in on the other board that their support was so much appreciated and yours as well.  I'm sorry that you have had to go through so much.  I'm hoping that you are doing well and wish you much health in the new year. 

    Kim

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member

    Thank you Lori

    Thank you for responding and yes just saw your post on the other board.  Just wanted to chime in on the other board that their support was so much appreciated and yours as well.  I'm sorry that you have had to go through so much.  I'm hoping that you are doing well and wish you much health in the new year. 

    Kim

    Kim

    I was lucky to have my lung cancer found early as I was having follow up scans for the anal cancer.  I completed tx for anal cancer on 6-30-09 and the lung cancer was removed on 9-23-10.  I had a vats surgery to remove my lower right lobe, I was a 1a NOMX which is the best I could hope for, no futher tx was required.  I know on the Ispire web site there is tons of knowledge and surviors living with lung cancer for many years due to targeted theropies. (sp) 

    I know I was overwhelmed and very scared about the lung cancer.  It was not a met from anal but a new primary, as I was a 35 year smoker and both anal and lung are related to smoking.  I quit smoking on 5-4-09 and feel better than I have in years.  I know your brother is more that likely depressed and I can understand that.  I hope his drs are giving him some kind of hope, I think its gezmar for the chemo from what you wrote.  I didn't have chemo just surgery, but on Inspire there are lots of survivors on chemo.

    Thank you for the well wishes and I hope good health for you this year as well.  I hope your brother will start trying, I have him in my prayers.  Lori

  • Thank you Lori

    Thank you for responding and yes just saw your post on the other board.  Just wanted to chime in on the other board that their support was so much appreciated and yours as well.  I'm sorry that you have had to go through so much.  I'm hoping that you are doing well and wish you much health in the new year. 

    Kim

    Appetite depression and muscle wasting

    Hi Annabelle,

    When I had stage 2b lung ca 5 years ago. I had lost 20 lbs of basically muscle before I was diagnosed and had a successful resection.

    I had this much weight loss despite eating regularly.

    After the resection it took me almost a year to regain the weight back.

    This is typical for patients who have cancer or any other major disease insult to the body. Its referred to as a catabolic stress response

    where the body would normally burn carbohydrates and fat for fuel it burns muscle mass as a preferred fuel. Folks with advanced

    cancer also are hypermetablic since the body is at war with the disease. If he is running a fever as I was, (101-104) this also contributes to the hyper metabolic state.

    It sounds like he is getting good treatment with a feeding tube since that may prevent further wasting.

    My professional back ground is in selling IV nutrition to hospitals and critical care nursing. I just found this site today and I have not completed my profile yet but I felt for your comment. You are advocating well for your brother. Cancer just stinks.

    Regards, Chris

  • DollyM
    DollyM Member Posts: 4
    I'm new here

    Hi Annabelle,

    i can't sleep so I decided to research on my dad's case. He has lung cancer too. Oncologist didn't give us the staging yet since he said the tumor was identified as something that responds well to chemo. After the 1st cycle, his lung tumor was cleared and now, we have to address his tumor which has metastasized to his brain. He's on his 2nd week of radiation.

    My 63 year old dad sleeps a lot after his chemo and radiation treatments. He barely eats because he said he's full. He already lost 25 lbs since last Christmas And he's having a hard time to talk (Easier to understand him on the phone than in person).

    you can send me a message anytime. 

     

  • DollyM
    DollyM Member Posts: 4
    Hugs and prayers

    Keep the faith!!!:)

  • Rak36
    Rak36 Member Posts: 1
    Lung cancer ..

    My father was diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4 . He lost a lot of weight to due to the cancer and its normal ...i can feel your pain and worry when someone you love that much passes through this ... He slept for a long time and that's true... something I learned through this is that the faster you accept it the easier it will be. (actually he asked this from us to) he lived for 5 years after he was diagnosed with stage 4! He died eventually from a bacteria he got from the hospital and not from cancer

  • Deb0202
    Deb0202 Member Posts: 14
    Hi Kim!

    Hi Kim!

    Hoping all is going better for your brother. So much happens mentally and physically with the diagnosis, as you have been there and know. The issue is that there are no 2 of us alike. My solution has always been to look at works for others, then tweak it for yourself. There are certain chemos which are more effective on one cell than another -  some are more 'sickening' than others - and we all seem to handle them differently physically. I don't believe it's unusual to be on antidepressants as dealing with this can be overwhelming mentally. I'm hoping the chemo will, in the long run, make your brother feel better. Did the feeding tube help with his weight and stamina? Hoping all of these components will work to get him stronger and better able to deal with with the pain and lack of appetite. Follow your brother's cues and gently support him while prodding him along. I know it can be frustrating, but as you know, going through treatment can be nauseating and exhausting. Gather information! Best wishes! Deb

    And thanks to Lori, if you read this, for your help and positive attitude!

    (My story 'Putting out Fires' is on my page. Adenocarcinoma of heart doesn't happen? Well, hello!!). 

     

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Thank you all

    Thank you all for your responses and concern.  My brother is dying and probably too far to help.  He is on a feeding tube and that is the only nutrition that he gets.  He doesn't want visitors so I'm not sure if he will allow me to visit him or not.  I've not seen him since diagnosis because we live out of area.  I'm torn about abiding by his wishing about not seeing him or just go - my SIL needs someone to talk to so bad.  I'm sorry about previous post about your board not caring.  I'm now dealing with a new diagnosis of kidney cancer with my husband, my previous diagnosis with colorectal cancer and now my brother.  I'm just overwhelmed.  Thank you all.

    Kim

  • Bunky620
    Bunky620 Member Posts: 6

    Thank you all

    Thank you all for your responses and concern.  My brother is dying and probably too far to help.  He is on a feeding tube and that is the only nutrition that he gets.  He doesn't want visitors so I'm not sure if he will allow me to visit him or not.  I've not seen him since diagnosis because we live out of area.  I'm torn about abiding by his wishing about not seeing him or just go - my SIL needs someone to talk to so bad.  I'm sorry about previous post about your board not caring.  I'm now dealing with a new diagnosis of kidney cancer with my husband, my previous diagnosis with colorectal cancer and now my brother.  I'm just overwhelmed.  Thank you all.

    Kim

    Sending you hugs

    Kim, I just joined this site today and read your post.  You are dealing with more than one person should have to bear, and it's no wonder you are overwhelmed. I'm so sorry. Your stress level must be through the roof.  I think you need to first look after yourself to be sure you are healthy and strong enough to be able to support your husband as he begins a battle of his own.  No offense to the men out there, but it seems that most men depend on their wives to take charge in situations like this, and he will need you as his caregiver.  It's tough when you are also worried about your brother.  Does your SIL have other family members to help her?  It just isn't possible for you to do much for your brother, but if you really think he is dying, I think you should visit if you can, even if he says no.  A lot of times people will ask others not to visit or do anything for them, but then are depressed that it seemed like no one cared enough to come.  In terms of your original question about your brother not eating, that's what I am going through with my husband now.  He has completed concurrent radiation and chemo treatments, but has just laid in bed the last 2 days and will eat hardly anything.  I am so worried and have tried everything to get him to eat, but then he just gets mad.  It's a viscious cycle -- he feels bad so he won't eat or get up which then makes him that much weaker and feeling that much worse.  I'm afraid that he may be headed toward a blood transfusion and feeding tube if nothing changes soon.

  • rarph123
    rarph123 Member Posts: 64
    flax seed oil organic only //Budwig diet

    I have lung cancer, last C.T scan 5.8 1/14/14 &2/15/15  Some of the tumor is partialy wrapped arond the pulmenary artery. Dr.sent me home to die--" No further treatment will not be worth it..I ALSO HAD A 4CM TUMOR IN THE BLADDER AND CANCER OF THE PROSTRATE--1 CORE OUT OF 12---HIGHLY AGGRESIVE..........

    Budwig Diet--cabbage juice /& clove of garlic 3x day 1/2 cup Old fasioned oatmeal every a/m //w ground almonds fruit--PLANT FOOD ONLY--NO MEAT NO DIARY,EGGS,MEAT ALONG WITH THE ABOVE I TAKE A SPOONFULL OF TUMERIC (spice) mixed in the cabbage juice. C.T scan for two years the cancer tumor has remained as " Provence Cancer Center Everett wa. Caner tumor stable.

    REPORT: Prostrate was 9, in 2012. in 2013 a 4. in 2015 3.3.and stated as calsified.  BLADDER: Un-remarkable. LUNG: Its stable and not growing and will be working on it. Please read the Budwig diet--it can save your husband and in very serious cases they have used a enama with the oil to get the absortion rate into the blood stream. Woul love to see the other cancer forum get this story-Documented will share  Soon a T.V investigation in Can food cure CANCER  Somtimes--Treatment 16 chemo,s 36 rads $68,000  food diet $25.00 mo

  • Kim smith
    Kim smith Member Posts: 1
    Your Opinion Please

    Above symptoms are common. Probably cancer or its treatment may make you feel very tired and sleepy. My grand mother diagnosed with stage Iv lung cancer. She is getting her treatment from Sierra Nevada Cancer Center and they do really well. I hope this will help you. http://www.sierranevadacancer.com/news/lung-cancer-treatment-options