My 45yr MoM has NSCLC: Just Diagnosed Surgery Already? HELP!

MyMomIsSick · New User Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 5 Location: MISSOURI

My mother is 45 years old and just had a biopsy to verify the 4cm mass in her right lung is NSCLC, but my mother is not very inquisitive and blind about her whole condition. She doesn't have access to resources like me, and all the information given so far is pretty vague coming from a doctor. As I search the internet, I am not finding comfortable information at all.

She is doing her function pret tests and a bone scan tomorrow, and they are currently trying to get her into surgery ASAP, but the doctor did not give her much information from the biopsy results. What he told her was that is was large cell cancer. That's it. She didn't know to ask him other questions, so I am going to do it here.

My questions:

1. She is getting more pain and weakness as the days go by, and it seems so sudden to me for her to be experiencing this, and so soon. I have found some info regarding these symptoms and others she is having, and I am assuming there is a possibility this has spread to her bones and elsewhere. She is having headaches almost on a daily basis now. Is this a possibility, or am I overreacting?

2. Since the doctor did not report the stage of the cancer, but has expressed urgency of surgery, what does a 4cm mass considered? This was the size a few months ago when they first discovered it in a required scan from her employer, after working in an area where absbestos had been found. (I think this may have something to do with her symptoms progressing at a fast rate.)

3. The doctor is currently setting up a date for surgery with a surgeon, but her function tests (blood/gas, etc..) are in the morning, but how soon should we expect surgery? I wish I knew so I could schedule my trip down there. I would be there now where she is living, but I have a family of my own, which is something I must take into consideration if I choose to be a caregiver, somewhat, for my mother after her surgery.

She has had all the scans, etc, except the bone scans and prep tests, which are tomorrow, so I just mainly concerned on when to expect her surgery to come?[size=18][/size][b][/b][b][/b]

Michie · Regular Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 12

I dont know the answers to your questions. Just wanted to send out some good vibes to your mom.

You can read my post, but its probably more of a downer. We think my fiance's father has basically gave up- and its been less than 2 months since diagnosis. His massive tumor is inoperable.

Good luck!

deba · Regular Joined: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 28

I'm afraid that I can't do much to answer your questions as my Dad's cancer is extensive small cell, but I'll do what I can. However, please know that my heart aches for you. I too have a family, but am traveling 3 hours one way every other week to take care of my Dad. Often times I'm here more than every other week. My brother is here when I am not. It is hard to be a caregiver when you have a family and job of your own. My not working and the expense of traveling is putting us in severe financial crisis, but I have an obligation to my Dad because ....... he's my Dad. So I know what you are feeling and what you are going through. Your mom is also very young. Please ask questions of the doctor - write them down and take them with you. You will never know unless you ask. If your doctor won't talk or take time with you and your mom - find another doctor who will!

My questions:

1. She is getting more pain and weakness as the days go by, and it seems so sudden to me for her to be experiencing this, and so soon. I have found some info regarding these symptoms and others she is having, and I am assuming there is a possibility this has spread to her bones and elsewhere. She is having headaches almost on a daily basis now. Is this a possibility, or am I overreacting?

[b]Sometimes the cancer is discovered in late stages and the symptoms are already manifesting themselves. I too would assume that it may be spread and that is why she is having pain and headaches. With cancer, don't ever think you are overreacting - it is an aggressive disease for sure![/b]

2. Since the doctor did not report the stage of the cancer, but has expressed urgency of surgery, what does a 4cm mass considered? This was the size a few months ago when they first discovered it in a required scan from her employer, after working in an area where absbestos had been found. (I think this may have something to do with her symptoms progressing at a fast rate.)

[b]Since your mom worked with asbestos, you might want to look up some other information concerning lung cancers due to asbestos. I would think that a 4 cm mass is pretty large according to how large my Dad's is. [/b]
3. The doctor is currently setting up a date for surgery with a surgeon, but her function tests (blood/gas, etc..) are in the morning, but how soon should we expect surgery? I wish I knew so I could schedule my trip down there. I would be there now where she is living, but I have a family of my own, which is something I must take into consideration if I choose to be a caregiver, somewhat, for my mother after her surgery.

[b]Since your mom is having the scans, etc., they should be able to stage her cancer. If the doctor is ordering all of the pre-testing, I would expect her surgery pretty soon. I have a friend who was diagnosed one day and had surgery the next morning. [/b]

mark`edmonds

I noticed you replied to my situation and must admit your mums tumor is different them mine.I have an adenocarcinoma which is probably the slowest growing where large cell cancer can spread quite quickly .

Has your mum had chemo or radio theraphy to shrink the tumor before surgery.

my specialist has advised me if my tumor shows any signs of growing again they will cut it out.Only if my lymph nodes are still free of cancer.

I hope your mum will be alright, I know how stressful it is but I tried to remain positive and not think to much of the consequences. This i think has helped me no end.

God Bless

	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