NSCLC

Linda · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject: NSCLC

My husband was diagnosed with NSCLC in Dec. 2004 at the age of 57. He was asymptomatic - hurt his shoulder, had and x-ray and there was the tumor in the upper right lobe. It was diagnosed as having spread only to the hilum lymph nodes. He had chemo and radiation then underwent a lobectomy. About a month after the surgery he started getting symptoms that resembled a stroke. After an MRI he was found to have at least 5 tumors on his brain - the largest of which was on his brain stem. He underwent whole brain radiation then specific radiation to the one on his brain stem. They all reduced in size, but not significantly. We have now found that the cancer has spread to his liver, adrenal gland, right femur and left clavicle. He is taking decadron, which helps relieve a lot of symptoms. He is quite ambulatory, though uses a cane as he does get dizzy easily. He is taking experimental oral chemo meds - one of which passes through the brain barrier. I know he's only got a few more months to live. He is experiencing more headaches as of late, and certain high pitched sounds hurt his head. My question is, what symptoms can I expect to see as time goes on?
Thanks
Linda

Diane12 · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:53 am Post subject: Re: NSCLC

Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's dx at such a very young age, and the subsequent battle you and him have had to endure. I mentioned this link in another thread and it might be helpful to you in getting more information: http://www.lchelp.org/

Sorry that you are facing this horrible reality...may your love for your husband sustain you.

rlee · Site Admin Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 245

Brain mets can cause a variety of symptoms and it all depends on the locations of these lesions. As time progresses for most cancer patients, they become weaker and thinner as they become nutritionally deplete. Has your medical team discussed palliative or hospice care? This is an option for patients most interested in controlling symptoms and not pursuing active treatment. If you haven't, I encourage you to discuss with your medical team.

RLee, MD
_________________
RLee, MD

Any information provided is NOT intended to provide specific medical advice to users but rather to provide users with information to help them better understand their health condition and related care. All readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified physician for answers to their personal medical questions.

Linda · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject: Re: NSCLC

The mets are located: left pontine, right frontal, left parietal, centrum semiovale, posterior fossa. We have been seen by palliative care. He has been getting weaker, though he still has a fairly decent appetite. His right femur has been increasingly painful (another area of mets). His headaches are beginning to come more often - especially with loud and/or high pitched sounds. We have been increasing his methodone, though he's still on a fairly small dose - 5 mg 2-3 times a day, as well as 4mg dexamethasone bid. He is currently being treated, on a research basis, with oral tarceva and targretin. Based on the locations of the brain mets, with the tumor on the pons being the largest, how would you anticipate his symptoms to show?
Thank you so much for your help. Even though I am an RN, I feel like I know nothing!
Linda

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