73 yr old Mom with stage IV NSCLC

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2404

Hi Pink,

Hope your mom continues to do okay. I'm sure she was feeling a little more perky because of the steroids they put in the goody bag before the actual chemo infusion begins. They usually put an antihistamine and anti-nausea agent in the bag too. I know what you mean about them getting up at night alone. I had the same concern.

Please make sure they are testing her blood oxygen levels regularly -- both with/without oxygen and also while at rest and walking.

She may feel good, but if levels are the least bit low, she could be causing damage to vital organs from oxygen depletion. This "finger thing" monitor should be used at most of her visits. Hope they are doing this.

Wishing her good luck on the side-effects, but happy to know she has her appetite and is gaining weight. All good signs.

God bless,
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

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Hello my friends,

Good point, pbj, about the oxygen. I will make sure that they are testing her levels regularly, and yea, they've been using that "finger thingy". Don't want to cause any damage to any other vital organs.

Yesterday, on her day 8 post-chemo follow up visit, the lab results showed that Mama’s red blood cell count was low. So, they transfused her with two pints of blood. That makes five pints total since this ordeal began. She received two pints in the ER on day 1, one pint prior to her first round of chemo while still inpatient in the hospital, and two pints yesterday. The doctor advised that it takes about 3 weeks for the Aranesp injection to kick in - that injection stimulates red blood cell production.

Also, this second round of chemo has been different from the first round. (Keep in mind that her first round of chemo was administered while she was inpatient in the hospital.) The day after the second round, Mama had what she explains as a tightness in her chest or “indigestion”. When we took her in for her Neulasta shot the day after chemo, they told me to give her generic Claritin for the bone pain side effects of the Neulasta, and the generic Pepsid AC for the indigestion/heartburn, and both of those meds helped. Also, instead of constipation, she has had diarrhea. They told me to give her generic Immodium for that - it has helped as well. Then, she had a fever of 101 on Tuesday when home health visited her. They told me to give her Tylenol and the doctor also prescribed Levaquin to fight any possible infection. It worked too - no fever on Wednesday.

Other than that, she has continued to eat well, sleep fairly well, and is in good spirits. She has lost 7-10 pounds since this ordeal started six weeks ago.

Life is good! Our God is an awesome God! Very Happy

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

maryaz

thinkpink, Hope things get under control for your Mom and stay that way. One other thing to watch is De-hydration. That happened to my husband a few times. I forget the symptoms he had. Think the diarrhea was one of them.

Best of luck as this continues. Hope each treatment gets easier.
_________________
Mary

Husband is 67 year old Male
NSCLC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Chemo and Radiation Treatments together
Allergic reactions to Taxol and Taxotere.
The Story: http://www.cancerforums.net/about9079.html

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Thanks Mary, for your good wishes, and the heads up on the possibility of dehydration! I also hope things get under control and stay that way!

Mama felt so good this past weekend that she and I went on a short road trip to visit my daughter who just moved into a condo with two friends. She attends college about 40 miles away, so it’s not a long drive. Mama got to see her granddaughter’s condo, and then the three of us went out to eat Mexican food – we really had a great time! What a wonderful blessing!

Tomorrow is Mama’s day 15 post chemo-follow up visit and lab work. We are praying to hear that her treatment is progressing well. I am thankful that the Lord is full of compassion and great mercy.

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Today we celebrate my parents’ 52nd wedding anniversary, and we praise God for blessing them with His favor and grace during each moment of their years together! Very Happy

Mama’s third chemo treatment was last Wednesday, June 17th. For some reason, it went really quickly and she and Daddy were back home for 2:30 that afternoon.

When visiting with the doctor before her treatment began, he gave us some really good news – her blood work looked good, her blood counts were normal, her blood pressure good, and her weight stable. He advised that after the fourth chemo treatment on July 8th, he plans to scan her.

We asked him about radiation to the bone mets, and he said they will decide that after the scan. Mama told him that her hip pain was really bad, but she was just tolerating it, and still taking the Lortab for pain.

This third treatment seems as if it’s taking a toll on Mama. She was really moving slowly yesterday and appears a little out of it. She was having trouble with constipation again, but between stool softeners and mag citrate, she finally saw some action yesterday! Shocked

She also had a slight temperature, on and off, over the weekend, but the Tylenol kept it under control. Her appetite is still good and she is eating well.

This evening, we will have chocolate doberge cake and Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream, and propose a toast with some Sprite! Wink

We will most likely watch the College World Series until it’s time for Mama to go to bed – she’s been fairly consistent with a 9:00 pm bedtime these days.

I thank God for such wonderful parents whose love and sacrifice knows no limits. How great are His works!
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

melkissa

Glad to see yours and hers spirits up... sounds like you guys had a blast with your daughter! Yummy Mexican food and everything!
_________________
My dad was diag w/nsclc stage 4 & mets to spine & hips on 11/08 at age 43. Large mass on R lung & collapsed L lung. No surgery so chemo & rad 5d/wk. No results. 4/09 rushed to the hospital b/c breathing issues. Hooked up to o2 & treated for infection. Released when o2 levels were good w/help from Hospice at home. In Hospice as of 6/2/09. Passed 6/10/09. Missing you forever daddy.

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Thanks melkissa! You are such a sweetheart!

Just wanted to ask the forum gang for a little insight on this latest issue:

Mama has vomited twice since yesterday evening. Strangely enough, she still has an apetite, is still eating well, and doesn't feel nauseated. She has not vomited since her very first chemo treatment in April, while in the hospital.

Is it typical to just start vomiting like that, even if you've been doing well during most of the treatment? Question

I'm thinking that she may start to get sick more often since the effects of the chemo are cumulative.

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2404

Hi TP,

Glad to hear your Mom is doing well in spite of the vomiting.

Do call and let the Doctor know about this issue.

Sometimes it is something as simple as a bug she caught or something she ate that didn't agree with her. Our minds always go to the cancer first, but it might be something completely unrelated.

I'm not sure that the cumulative effects include vomiting. I think they are linked more to overall fatigue and drops in the blood counts.

Let us know what the Doc says.

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

melkissa

I am not sure about the vomiting, but I hope you guys are doing well. Keep us posted.
_________________
My dad was diag w/nsclc stage 4 & mets to spine & hips on 11/08 at age 43. Large mass on R lung & collapsed L lung. No surgery so chemo & rad 5d/wk. No results. 4/09 rushed to the hospital b/c breathing issues. Hooked up to o2 & treated for infection. Released when o2 levels were good w/help from Hospice at home. In Hospice as of 6/2/09. Passed 6/10/09. Missing you forever daddy.

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Hello amigos,

In order to help with the vomiting, the doctor told us to give Mama an 8mg zofran pill twice a day. She had been taking one 8mg zofran pill, once a day, in the morning.

The twice a day plan seemed to work, but Mama did throw up her breakfast this morning. She is still not nauseated, though, so that's good.

I'm not sure if 8mg is considered a typical, low, or high dosage of zofran. But, it seems as if all Mama needed to prevent the vomiting was a double dose.

Her fourth chemo treatment is Wednesday, and 2-3 weeks after that, they're going to scan her.

We know that God will continue to bless us with His favor and grace.

Thank you all for your support, advice, encouragement, and well wishes!

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Hey y’all,

I hope this post finds all patients and family members in good spirits, and hanging in there through the ups and downs! I always have to remind myself that it’s okay to SCREAM on this roller coaster ride even if we ain’t at the amusement park! It doesn’t necessarily change anything, but it makes me feel better! Wink

We received excellent news at Mama’s follow-up visit today!

Her weight remained stable. Her temp, bp, and blood counts were good. The Aranesp shot apparently has been working for stimulating the red blood cell production, and the Neulasta for stimulating the white blood cell production, even though she has had 3 blood transfusions of 5 pints total since this journey began. The doctor said that her left lung sounded so much better today, so he says that it appears that she has responded well to the chemo, especially since we have had no recurrence of pleural effusion or pericardial effusion since her initial diagnosis in April. The home health nurse said the same thing yesterday – her left lung sounded so much better! Very Happy

So for now, the first line treatment of Carboplatin/Alimta combo is doing the job! We are approaching nearly 3 months since her diagnosis, when one doctor estimated that she may only make it 1 month! But I always knew who was really in control….

Her fourth chemo treatment was today, and she will be scanned in three weeks. After reviewing the results of the scan with the doctor, we will discuss the next treatment steps.

I feel so blessed and am so happy with this good news! If we continue to get good results like this, I think that Mama will be healthy enough and feel good enough to make the 45 minute trip to see my daughter make her debut as a college cheerleader on Sept. 5th! Smile

I give the glory and the praise to our Heavenly Father who has inclined His ear to our prayers! Blessed be the Lord! I will continue to pray for all the patients and family members on this forum, for you are truly a source of strength and the epitome of courage to me.

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Hi everyone,

Mama continues to do well, and I give thanks to God for that. Very Happy

Her fourth chemo treatment was Wednesday, July 8th. Her side effects, as usual, have been minimal and controllable with Rx meds and OTC drugs.

I missed her follow up visit last Wednesday, July 15th – I got to the doctor’s office a few minutes later than her 1:15 appointment. Normally, she would not have even been called until about 30 minutes or more AFTER her appointment time. It was the first time that she had been called back to a patient’s room early. By the time I arrived, she had seen the nurse pratictioner and was back out in the waiting area, waiting to be called for her Zometa drip. I didn’t get to speak with the nurse practioner, nor did I get a very good summary of the visit from my parents. Gigi, the NP, apparently told my mom that her hemoglobin count was low, but they wouldn’t tranfuse her since she wasn’t feeling tired. Huh? Confused

Also, NP asked my mom if she needed the walker and the wheelchair. Mom said yes. But I would like to know why the NP was asking that question. Anyway, Mom goes for another follow up on Wednesday, and I will make sure that I’m there on time so that I can hear what the NP has to say!

Mama’s scan is scheduled for Friday. I hope and pray that the tumor has shrunk!!!!

Mama and I went to visit my “college student” daughter yesterday- no oxygen, no wheelchair. Go, Mama!!!! Cool

We ate lunch at Sante Fe Cattle Company – steaks, loaded baked potatoes, ceasar salads, and delicious rolls! Even ordered a steak and all the trimmings “to go” for Daddy who was at my house cutting my grass for me. Next, we stopped at JCPenney’s to get Mama a new pair of slippers – her first time in the store since getting sick. Then we visited with my daughter and her roommates at their condo, left and went to church, visited a little while afterwards, then headed home. We got stuck on the interstate behind an accident, so it delayed our trip home by about 35 minutes.

But, all in all, it was a wonderful day. It was such a blessing that Mama felt well enough to go to church – it was the first time she had gone since getting sick. God is good! He’s an awesome God, a loving God, a forgiving God, a healing God…

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 2404

Hi Pink,

Hallelujah!!! God IS good. Did you ever think you'd see the day where a trip to JC Penny's was so exciting? LOL Laughing

I KNOW that feeling, only ours was a grocery store trip one time that stood out in my mind. We were so impressed with ourselves. Wink

I'm glad she was able to go to church too. We'd go when my husband was able and sit in the back because his portable oxygen makes that little "puff" sound when he inhaled. It's a good thing to be able to go and worship.

I'm happy that times are treating her well right now. I'll have her in my thoughts and prayers for good scan results. Sounds like things will be good with no return of the effusion. That's a great indicator that things are settling down with her lungs.

I was smiling as I read your posts. Thank you for sharing these uplifting times with us!

God bless and 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

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Hey gang,

I have a question.

Is it common to need transfusions very often during chemo treatment? Can anyone share your or your loved ones experiences with low hemoglobin? Does the low red blood cell count also occur during radiation treatment?

Mama is needing two more pints of blood since her HGB is down to 8.0. I know that the chemotherapy causes low red blood cell count, but I’m curious as to how many others have to be transfused during treatment.

And pbj, thanks for your thoughts and prayers! My family is blessed to have these uplifting times....

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

thinkpink · Experienced user Joined: 12 May 2009 Posts: 61

Mama went to the hospital today to get another blood transfusion - two pints of blood, which now makes seven pints since April. She checked in around 8:00 am and they put her in a room on the cancer floor and she finished around 4:00 pm.

Is it common to need transfusions very often during chemo treatment? Can anyone share your or your loved ones experiences with low hemoglobin? Does the low red blood cell count also occur during radiation treatment? Question

Her scan is tomorrow morning. I hope and pray for good results!

God is good!

tp
_________________
73 yo mother - 29 year breast cancer survivor, radical mastectomy with no radiation and no chemo and no recurrence.

Presented to the ER on April 14, 2009 with pleural effusion and pericardial effusion. Diagnosed on April 17th with stage IV adenocarcinoma NSCLC with mets to the lumbar spine. Began chemotherapy on May 1st- Carboplatin and Alimta plus Zometa for bone mets.

To read a summary of our journey: http://cancerforums.net/about12486.html

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