my dad has stage IV lung cancer

sunita · New User Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

Hello,

My father has recently (late may 2005) been diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer- to cut a long story short, he started noticing blood in his sputum and things went downhill from there. The doctors found a lemon sized mass in his right lung and metastasis to the bone (2 lesions on right humerus). All other tests are clear (i.e. no other detectable metastases) and the doctors have since removed the lower right lobe of his lung followed by bone resection of the right humerus (he now has a titanium implant). I recently visited him and he is always tired and is having trouble breathing comfortably and is scheduled to start chemo. (gemcitabine + carboplatin) next week for 18 weeks (6 rounds). Any ideas on what the prognosis for such patients are? Any suggestions on alternate chemo. drugs? My folks live in India and I am trying to do my best from here (USA).

Many thanks!

dss · New User Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

My dad was also diagnosed end of May w/ stage iv lung cancer. I know how you feel. I have searched for articles regarding treatment and there is not much positive information. I have read a few posting on this message board in which folks have lived with stage IV lung cancer for well over a year. Is it possible for stage iv lung cancer to go into remission?

Is there any hope?

adr22367 · Experienced user Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 78

He goes once a month, first night is Gemcitabine, a week later is that again along with Carboplatin, and the next night a shot of Neulasta. He had 4 treatments, went for a CAT scan Thursday, and we're hoping for results tomorrow or Tuesday. The oncologist seems to think this will shrink the tumors, will let you know when results are in. He has been doing great on the chemo. After the double he does feel a bit more tired and a little lightheaded, but only for a day or 2.

dmkipp · New User Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2

best of luck to your dad ,my dad was diagnosed may 08 th of this year with non small cell lung cancer but had no signs of being sick other than a small lump on his neck ,yet sadley he passed away on may 22 2005, i miss him so much , he was my best friend, one thing i had asked was a lung transplant a possible thing for my dad does anyone know if this would be a possibility with lung cancer i never really received an answer i would have given him half of mine does anyone know if this is possible?

adr22367 · Experienced user Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 78

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad had no symptoms either, he went for his annual exam at his Pulminary Doctor because he does have emphysema. I've never asked about a lung transplant, but can't see why it couldn't be done.

tobie · Regular Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 22

Hi There,
Sorry for your loss. I don't think that they will do a lung transplant for a cancer patient. The problem, especially when you are diagnosed as stage 4, is that the cancer has spread already. Lung surgery at that point is like closing the barn door after the horses have already escaped. It would be a waste of a good set of lungs. As much as we would love to have our loved ones around, it doesn't make sense from a medical point of view.

adr22367 · Experienced user Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 78

My Dad is stage 4, not because of spreading, but because it's in both lungs, and one tumor was 6cm.

Tompkin · Regular Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 15

You did not mention what type of lung cancer: small cell, non small cell. I believe that makes a difference in survival length. If a doctor is reading this perhaps they could comment.

mingy · New User Joined: 08 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

My husband at 49 yrs. old has been diagnosed with NSC Squamous cell lung cancer in Jan. He too found blood in his speutum, went to the emergency room, only to find out there was a 10 cm. tumor in his upper left lung. Surgery was not an option because of the tumor's proximity to the pulmonary artery. Neddless to say we have been through a lot since then and there is now a spot on his lung and a tumor on his backbone. I have been researching alternative/ additional treatments and found some very interesting info. Has anyone ever heard of a product called Transfer Factor or another called Gravizon? I found and have spoken to a woman who has been cance free because of these two products(she refused chemo and radiation) and swears by them. One boosts your immune system and one attacks cancer cells. We are going to try these along with chemo and radiation. Figure it can't hurt. Afraid to not get chemo, etc. I suggest you reserch these products on your own and see what you think.Good luck to all and never loose hope!
_________________
Mingy

adr22367 · Experienced user Joined: 17 May 2005 Posts: 78

My Dad has non small cell.

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