Dad Stage 4 Lung Cancer, met liver, bone, and chest lymphnod

thompsontwin · New User Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 3

Hi to all! My dad was diagnosed in October of 2006, he chose chemo and has done real well. The liver and bone cancer shows gone? One tumor left out of 3 is about the size of a nickel. His last chemo was January and is on a break. He developed cellulitis in his lower leg and was real ill for 3 weeks now, stays in bed, can walk a short distance to the bathroom, sleeps alot, nibbles and sips food and drink. He gets wore out just by repositioning himself in bed!! and he gets out of breathe and that is scary!!He hasn't lost any weight suprisingly has gained? do not understand that at all, maybe the cancer is progressing? I can't tell if the infection has done this to him or if it is the cancer? I am so confused, he looks so bad and he is getting more confused and forgetful? Has anyone else had this experience with lung cancer with a severe infection like this?

Thanks to all,
Patti

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1265

Hi Patti,

Sorry about your Dad, but sounds like the cancer is being kept in check from what you have written. It is a strange beast that can suddenly go on the move though, especially during breaks. My husband could not be off chemo because the cancer would multiply quickly.

Cellulitis is a dangerous condition and can quite possibly account for his body being drained and fatigued. I hope he is being monitored by the doctor, because blood clots are also a big problem for lung cancer patients. Given that the infection started in the lower leg, they should be doing tests to make sure it is not a clot, worse yet, a clot that has gone to his lung. That is life threatening and could account for his shortness of breath. (SOB)

Gaining weight is a good sign. I've never seen anyone gaining who's cancer is progressing, but I could be wrong. The weight thing was a HUGE indicator of what the cancer was doing for my husband.

Is he staying adequately hydrated? Make sure he drinks plenty of fluids, including gatorade, orange juice, and other drinks that contain essential electrolytes. Dehydration can make people funny in the head.

His breathlessness could also be cause by pleural effusion, which would also account for some degree of weight stability. My husband would lose two pounds every time he was tapped for effusion.

Please pursue these issues with the doctors. I know how hard this is for you and I'm sorry.

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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