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DANTHEMAN
New User
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 6
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 Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 1:02 pm Post subject: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Hello everyone.
I've been reading all of your posts for a while now, but this is my first contribution. Mom was diagnosed in October with NSCLC Stage 2B, and it looks like it's a Pancoast tumour in the Superior Sulcus. She's been having pain in her shoulder and arm for a number of years now, but has been fobbed off by any number of neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and pain management clinics, and it was ultimately a routine chest x-ray before some unrelated surgery that picked the tumour up.
She's been on chemo since October (Gemcitabine and Cisplatin) and has finished 4 cycles now. She had a CT scan today - results on Tuesday - and will start radiotherapy very soon. It didn't look all doom and gloom in October - no metastasis apparent - but the ultimate prognosis isn't that great, obviously.
The last three months haven't been as bad as I thought they'd be. Mom handled the chemo well, and we had a wonderful Christmas with mom and dad last week (was it only last week....?!). I haven't really got any questions and answers for anyone, but if anyone needs to talk about anything with someone going through the same experience, do feel free to contact me. I know I feel better after talking about it. It's a bloody horrible disease isn't it.....? |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3753
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Hi DANTHEMAN, you said it, it is a very horrible disease. Stage 2B is a relatively low stage and I am glad that she has undergone aggressive treatment to try to prevent it from spreading elsewhere.
You and your mother are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us informed.
_________________
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/ |
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DANTHEMAN
New User
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 7:21 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Thanks for your message, Jim.
I read your story a while back and it really is an inspirational one. After everything you have been through (cancer and non-cancer related), you still keep a positive mindset and provide much-valued support to everyone on here. Look after yourself!
I've said to mom a number of times, especially when she was first diagnosed and the oncologist thought there were additional lesions in her lungs, that the only way this disease wins is if you let it. And she really has adopted a positive mindset to the treatment, and has even taken it upon herself to talk with everyone in the chemo wards, offering as much support as she can. I can assure any lung cancer sufferers out there that this approach works!
What comes through in almost every post I read are less the awful and sometimes horrific stories of sufferers and their loved ones, but more the incredible spirit and fortitude of folk, and their determination not to let this disease get the better of them. And, speaking from a purely selfish perspective, reading these stories has helped me get a handle on the battle ahead and how honourably it can be fought.
Look after yourselves, and keep on fighting.
Dan |
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DANTHEMAN
New User
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:52 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Just thought I'd give you all a quick update about mum. We saw the oncologist on Tuesday about the results of her CT scan. Her tumour has shrunk by over 50%, with no evidence of any spread elsewhere, so the chemo has worked well. We are now starting radiotherapy next week for four weeks, to see if we can blast what's left to kingdom come!
Keep fighting! |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3753
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:11 pm Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Dan, that is great news!  . I am glad the chemo is working so well. How is she tolerating it?
Radiation should not be too hard on her. Sometimes it does cause a sunburn-like redness on the person's skin. It often makes a person feel tired after each treatment. But those are the two most common complaint about radiation.
Your mother continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
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/ |
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pbj11
Site Admin
Joined: 12 May 2007
Posts: 1006
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| Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Dan,
Congratulations to your Mom on her good results. I've seen many people with higher staged pancoast tumors that are surviving this disease.
Glad to see that the doctor's are being aggressive and high hopes that it will be a full cure!
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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DANTHEMAN
New User
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:57 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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| Thanks guys. Brainman - mum handled the chemo really well, with just a bit of nausea. |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3753
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:26 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Dan, that is wonderful! I am glad your mother is doing so very well and I will be praying that it continues to go well with her. I do not know about your personal beliefs, but think of this added time as a gift and make the most of it. Try to help your mother to have a great quality of life. Spend as much time with her as you can. Life is a gift and we should not overlook its beauty.
_________________
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/ |
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DANTHEMAN
New User
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:47 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Thought it was time for an update - Mom is just over half-way through her four-week radical radiotherapy regime. Felt a little dizzy on Friday and has a bit of soreness on her skin, but otherwise fighting fit. Another couple of weeks, then a rest for a bit, and then another CT scan to see what's what. X-rays taken during her radiotherapy looked pretty good on Friday, with some of the rib damage repairing itself. We're all quietly optimistic (with the usual NSCLC-provisos!!).
How are you all doing with your fights? |
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DANTHEMAN
New User
Joined: 03 Jan 2008
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:50 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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PBJ 11 - I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to thank you for your message last month. I have of course read your story, and I'm terribly sorry for your loss. But your husband lives on as hope for everyone on here - a legacy I'm sure he would have been proud of!
Take care. |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3753
Location: Tennessee
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pbj11
Site Admin
Joined: 12 May 2007
Posts: 1006
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:28 am Post subject: Re: Mom's Lung Cancer |
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Dan,
Glad to hear your Mom is weathering the storm well so far. The effects of the radiation will set in soon and she's going to be exhausted. It will pass, just keep telling her that.
Have they given her a cream to apply before the radiation to help prevent the burn? If not, ask about a prescription.
Good luck with the next scans and thank you for your kind words about my husband. He was a special guy.
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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