Questions to ask - Lung Cancer

Derek8032 · New User Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

This follows on from my previous post - (mother 80's) after fluid removed from my mothers lung and a pluerodesis procedure to right lung. Mass confirmed in right lung with an amount in the left. responded to treatment and reasonably bright. Prognosis of 2 months by doctors, no further treatment, chemo or radiography possible.

Type of mass has not been confirmed by biopsy (or has it?) as doctors feel it is unnecessary.

Should I be asking more questions? how can 2 months be a prognosis if it's not been confirmed as a cancer and the type?

Should I press for more treatment, they say this may do more harm and will be difficult for mother?

What happens next?

All probably difficult questions, and the doctors seem to want to avoid them, don't know if knowing will help understand, if so understand what!
_________________
Looking for information. Mother 80 years of age. Admitted to hospital with tiredness, shortage of breath etc, fluid on the left lung 4 litres removed. Waiting to do plural stick with the talc when fluid reduces. Tumour detected on right lung but we haven't been told size, stage and expectancy won't be stated by doctors. Any information or experience of treatment etc. would be a big help.

tracymarsh · Regular Joined: 01 Oct 2009 Posts: 17

After looking through many heartfelt stories i was unable to find someone with the same situation as i have, but your situation seems exactly the same. My mum was admitted to hospital with shortness of breath and fluid on the lung she had a lung drain and seemed to perk up just a little.

Then on our next visit to hospital/clinic we were told she had cancer cells on the lung, i asked if terminal and was told yes, prognosis give the same as you 2 months, left untreated as too weak to cope with medication chemo etc?????? she is actually in herself very well, no pain, only on steriods which started at 8 per day and this has been reduced to 2 per day, although tired and slow at moving around, she seems like normal mum, feel very confused. when i ring and speak to the consultant i seem to come off the phone even more confused. diagnosed 6 august now 6 october and panicking. Not sure what i should be expecting or what stages we have to go though, where are you at now with everything have you managed to find out any more with your situation?

WorriedAboutMom · Regular Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 14

I'm relatively new to the forum, but both of these stories are very similar to my mom's. Derek, it took almost 2 months for them to finally figure out what kind of cancer she was dealing with, and she'll just be starting chemo next week. They've told her after they do the first treatment and recheck the cancer, she can decide if she wants to continue or not, so I don't know if they are expecting it to work.

I think if you are uncomfortable with what information you have been given, you should continue to ask questions until you are comfortable. I've found that the doctors can be really good at telling you what they are doing, but not necessarily WHY they are doing it. Knowing the why helps me deal with what she is going through, maybe it will for you too.

I wish the best for your mom, and will be hoping you post again...

Derek8032 · New User Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

To tracymarsh and others interested.

You've read the posts so I'll not recap. Mam came home two weeks ago rather frail and very swollen legs from build up of fluid. Most tablets stopped except steroids to stimulate apetite and sodium docusate for bowels. Other than this, apart from some mobility issues of standing and getting off a toilet, mam is doing ok with very little signs of illness. Re-assessing the original prognosis of 2 months we are starting to thinks this is way out and in some ways We're annoyed at the doctors because we still don't know what is going on. The problem we have now is making a care package work along with one family member close at hand to take care of shopping, washing etc etc as well as working. Our thoughts are that there is more chance of a general decline through infection or another complication, again we just dont know, and as mam is not in hospital contact with a consultant is highly unlikely.
_________________
Looking for information. Mother 80 years of age. Admitted to hospital with tiredness, shortage of breath etc, fluid on the left lung 4 litres removed. Waiting to do plural stick with the talc when fluid reduces. Tumour detected on right lung but we haven't been told size, stage and expectancy won't be stated by doctors. Any information or experience of treatment etc. would be a big help.

dano

Sorry to what your going through Derek. This seems crazy to me and I would go to another doctor. The questions I have are, is it the country or area you live in, is it her insurance or are the doctors that stupid? Sorry I don't see any care here.
Dan
_________________
55 year old male, Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08 treatments now every 4 weeks with Alimta, taking Lovenox for blood clots, Now working full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993

simplyklb

To all of you,
You need to go with your family members to appointments and ask lots of questions. I have been thru this with both of my parents. I went to nearly all of my dad's appts and have been to most of my mom's (when I was not caring for my dad). I am never hesitant to ask questions ever.

Kristi
_________________
Dad - Andy, 70, diagnosed with SCLC in May 2008
2/20/38 - 10/15/08 Fly high, Dad!
Mom - Jackie, 67, diagnosed with NSCLC in May 2008

	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