Where are we with the disease? - UPDATE

sealnomore · Regular Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 12

I have posted previously about my 75 year old father with NSCLC with mets to brain. Stage IV diagnosed at the beginning of March with a 3-6 month prognosis. He had WBRT and two chemo treatments that he tolerated well. Lately, he has began sleeping more, has balance and strength issues and is losing some control of one hand. He recently started antidepressants. At his appointment yesterday, his oncologist took him off chemo, doesn't think it is doing anything at this point. He will have a CT scan June 1st to see if there was any positive results from the chemo and then we will determine if another type of chemo will work.
My question is - should we expect a faster decline at this point with basically no treatment? He doesn't have any pain, could he still be heading towards the end of this?
Thanks,
Debbie

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1142

Hi Debbie,

Wow -- sorry to hear about this turn of events for your Dad. I'd check into paraneoplastic syndrome. Dr. West, who is an oncologist with a specialty in lung cancer has written articles on this issue and can be found at his new website CancerGRACE.org. You can research archived Onctalk files there or ask new questions.

I've seen other people who have developed odd symptoms like this and hope the doctor is just giving your Dad a little break from chemo to see if some of these problems go away. Sometimes residual effects of radiation can pop up, but what they told a friend of mine is that it usually is memory issues and about 5-6 months after WBR.

It does make a person nervous to be off of any chemo when you don't know the cancer status. Hopefully the June 1 scan will show that the chemo was working. There are still many regimens he can do if they get a handle on these other problems.

Good luck and please 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

sealnomore · Regular Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 12

Dad passed 6-2-08 at home after a stay in the hospital. We were very lucky to be with him at the end. Our biggest mistake was bringing Hospice in too late, but he was doing so well for so long. Four months after his diagnosis, he was still not taking anything for pain. He came home from the Hospital via ambulance on Friday and passed Monday. He was able to celebrate his 49th wedding anniversary at a surprise party for my mom and once that was done, he seemed to be ready to go. I appreciate all the support I have gotten on this board for him.
_________________
Debbie
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=31708

koikkeril · Moderator Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 321

Seanomore
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your father. I cannot yet imagine what you may be going through, right now... For your dad not to of had, to have pain meds for months on end, is a blessing on its own... I am so pleased he made his 49th wedding anniversary, I am sure this day will remain in yours and your mums hearts forever! God Bless, I will keep you and your mum in my prayers. Koik

Lore · Regular Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Posts: 19

I am so sorry for you terrible loss. I hope that knowing he was able to celebrate his anniversary brings some comfort to you and your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Lore

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1142

((Debbie)),

I'm very sorry to hear the sad news. My sincere sympathy on the loss of your Dad. I'm glad he was able to celebrate with your Mom -- I know how important that will be for her as time goes by.

May God's peace be with you and your family at this time and always.

We're still here to support you on the next step of this new journey.

Hugs,
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

brainman

Oh Debbie, I am so sorry to hear that your father has died due to this terrible disease... and it truly is terrible. It does seem like some people do hang in there until a special event or date passes. I have hung on to see my children graduate from college and get married. However, I am not fighting cancer at the moment. I am glad that your father was able to celebrate his 49 anniversary.

You are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time in your life.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

hopeinlife · Regular Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 17

I am so sorry for your father's passing. He is in a good place now with God who will take care of him for eternity.

Think of the good days you have with him and time will heal everything.

God bless you.

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