Cancer Forums - Lung Cancer Forum

hopeful · Regular Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 30

Hello

I've been reading the posts for the last couple of weeks and they have helped me a great deal. My father was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma stage iv earlier this month. He had to have surgery for a collapsed lung and other prep work and tests, such as a PET before beginning treatment. He will begin radiation (30 treatments) beginning next week. His oncologist may incorporate chemo in a couple of weeks, but this is not certain yet. He is 70 years old. What can we expect with regard to reactions to radiation? 30 treatments seems like a lot, I haven't read anyone mentioning how many radiation treatments are "normal" for lung cancer. I do not live in the same state as my parents and I do not know if my mother will need help during this time. I think she will downplay the side effects over the phone so that I don't take time off of work, etc.

Thanks for your responses, the members of this site are very compassionate and knowledgeable.

helensgirl · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject: Re: Dad

First of all, let me tell you how sorry I am that you and your dad are about to begin the most difficult journey you'll ever know...I wish you only the best--and send prayers your way. I'm sorry, but I don't know what a typical radiation protocal is, as my precious mom only went through 2 types of chemo--no radiation...Do you know if this radiation therapy is palliative or are they hoping for some degree of a cure? My mom was 80 when she was diagnosed in May '07 with NSCLC, stage IV adenocarcenoma. She was getting ready to go on Tarceva--a form of chemo--in December of '07, when she succumbed to the side effects of the chemo treatments that she had been through...her cancer had not even spread beyond her lungs when she passed away. I don't mean to frighten you in telling you her story, but that's just the way it went with her, unfortunately...You just don't recover from the loss-----so, soak up every moment of love and time that you can with your loved one...and best of luck and good fortune to you and yours. Kim in NC
_________________
...keeping the faith in n.c.
Helen, my wonderful mom, diagnosed May, 07
fought-stage 4 NSCLC, (adenocarcinoma)
earned her place in Heaven, Dec. 14th, 07

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1302

Hi Hopeful,

Welcome and I'm glad you've come out of the shadows! I'm very sorry about this diagnosis for your Dad. It's a heartbreaker and I'm quite sure you're still in shock.

This radiation sounds fairly typical. I've seen more and my husband had less, but his was a complicated situation. The doctors must feel that there will be a benefit to your Dad to be proceeding with radiation. Is there just one main tumor in the lung? Typically they will give him some type of ointment to put on before treatment to prevent burning the skin. Some people do get radiation pneumonitis after a course of therapy. This is a pulmonary inflammation. Here is a link describing this issue: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/446886

Another variable is where the tumor is located. If it is close to the middle of the chest (the mediastinum), he may experience esophageal burning. It won't start right away, it takes a couple of weeks and lasts a few weeks. He might have problems swallowing and will be in discomfort. They will prescribe things to help him counter the effects of this problem. Some people are put on anti-acids and a solution that they swallow to numb the esophagus before eating.

I would think that your Mom will do just fine taking care of your Dad during his treatments. I did it all by myself and most people do. I know the knee-jerk reaction is to run home -- that's pretty natural. Just stay in touch and visit when you normally would plan to see them. I'm sure you will want to see him more often with this diagnosis, but there's probably no need to be taking leave from work for actual care purposes.

Good luck and let us know how he is doing. Feel free to ask any questions. We're not doctors, but have been down this road and many here have valuable information.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

hopeful · Regular Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 30

Hi

Thank you both for your responses. After speaking with my family over the weekend, I know that my dad has a rough road ahead, but that my mom is going to forge ahead and care for him, while members of the family who are closer to home will be available to head over if needed. I am on call to head over to help out. I don't want the burden to fall on one single person, but I also don't want to upset my mother or father by not acting "normal". Very odd how she wants to just act normal, I guess it's her way of coping.

With regard to the radiation, there is one large tumor toward the top of the right lung which is obstructing air. The radiation is to help him breath better, hopefully. I've been told that he will undergo two weeks of radiation now, with possible light dosage of chemo later this week or early next.

Now the battle begins. He's a brave man, and very dignified, so I know that this will be difficult for him. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1302

Hopeful,

Will certainly keep your Dad in prayers. I hope the radiation will do it's job and help with his breathing. Some people have no breathing problems, but when you do, it's a heartbreaking situation. I can't even imagine what that must feel like, but watched my husband struggle so badly until the chemo shrank the tumor off of one of his bronchial tubes.

Keep us posted!

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

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