what now

Is · New User Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Northwest

My father (63yrs) whom i have been careing for over the past 4 yrs due to strokes which have affected his speech, litracy skills and information retention amoungst other things. He was diagnosed with non-small stem cell lung cancer on fri 13th jan 05.

After the initial shock we have been up and down to the hospital, he was made an appointment with the surgeons who then said he wasn not strong enough to survive removing any part of the lung. we were then referred to the chemo and radiotherapy specialists with the view he would receive a combination of both treatments only then to be told he wasnt strong enough to survive the chemo and he would receive radiotherapy only 20 sessions over a four week period 5 sessions per week.

He finally got admitted into hospital yesterday thinking the above only to be told he would only be receive 5 treatment over a 1 week period as the tumor had grown considerably in a 5 week period and as all avenues had been exsusted this was the only treatment he would ever be able to have.

I would like to know if anybody has had a similar experience and maybe give me some advice on what will happen now? how long will he live? and any other information woud be greatfully appreciated

steph · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 12

I am sorry for you and your family. It is a difficult road you are on now. Please see my posts posted as Steph in the following topics;
"Dad just diagnosed.." and "Mother Lost the Fight..."
I express our experience with lung cancer.

My mother (passed away from small cell lung cancer stage IV at diagnoses on May 23,2005. She was diagnosed Feb 8, 2005. She also was not able to have surgery to remove the tumor on her lung because of a sudden heart problem. Chemo was also not an option because of her heart(her heart beat would ruse to over 200 beats per minute) and not one doctor knew why.In her last 3 and a half months on this earth, we spent so much time on tests and ineffective treatment. She only gort weaker and died when the med. community thought she was improving. Please read my post on the other topics. Of course everybody has a unique experience with cancer and treatment. I have met an awful lot of people who feel like the disease snuck up on them or their loved one and hit them hard and fast. Listen to your Dad and his wishes. Savor this precios time with him. Talk about everything, write it down, express fears, regrets ,happy times and love. The clock is ticking,time spent on him is not wasted now.

steph · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 12

Dear Is, My post under "Mother Lost Fight..." is under the topic "Cancer Care and Support". I also wanted to say prayer helped endure the process and hospice was helpful in the end although I wish we had spoke to them sooner.

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Lung Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others