small cell lung cancer and pain in left arm

sundial · New User Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Posts: 4 Location: uk

hi everyone, im new on here as my father has just been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. He was a heavy smoker but ironically gave up 2 weeks before finding out he had cancer. I would just like to ask if anyone out there knows why he may be getting a constant uncomfortable dull ache in his left arm and shoulder which is depressing him, if anyone could give me an insight to what to expect in the coming months of his treatment (chemo and radio) starts on friday, and also I am getting married next august and I dont think my dad will make it, does anyone know if he will be lucky enough to beat this or is it just a mtter of time?

isidella

Hi sundial,

Pain in the upper limb with small call lung cancer may be something called thoracic outlet syndrome or superior vena cava syndrone. This occurs when the tumor grows into nerve plexuses and causes pain, pressure and swelling of the face, neck and/or arm. Small cell is usually very sensitive to the first few rounds of chemo so this may shrink the tumor, causing the pain to subside, if this is the reason for the pain

Pain in the left arm and shoulder shoulder is also one of the symptoms of a heart attack. Please seek more medical advice.

As for your father's prognosis and your wedding, please know that small cell, regardless of the stage (extensive or limited) is generally very aggressive. A simple google search should give youa good idea for average survival times. Chemo and radiation can hold it at bay for a while, but it is very difficult to cure. Some people do better than others. He may be alive for your wedding. He may not make it. That may be difficult to deal with, but it is realistic. Keep hope alive, fight this disease with him. Don't spend too much time obsessing over wedding details when you could spend that time with your dad.

Take care.
Isidella

sundial · New User Joined: 23 Jul 2006 Posts: 4 Location: uk

thanks for your reply, I am a realistic person and I knew deep down that he is very unwell, it's very hard because my father is absolutely terrified, he actually said that on numerous occasions. I think my mother is actually in denial and with treatment I am sure she thinks he will have more years ahead of him. As for my wedding it is all under control at the moment so all my focus is on my father and will be through out his illness, I think it is just a case of take each day as it comes at the moment and hope for the best! Thanks again for your reply it answered so many questions x

Ivo · New User Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

Hi,
My dad was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer about 2 weeks ago and is now going through radiation and will soon be going through chemo. He too had a pain on his left arm which for him was due to the tumor in his lung and the pressure that the tumor is putting on his spine. He doesn't have much pain anymore since he's been having radiation, but he's very weak and and has lost like 25 pounds and that's not good for someone like my dad who's very slim as is, so he's very tired and weak and not able to walk much at all. My positive thoughts are with you and your family. Best wishes to you and yours.

LSW · New User Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 3

Hi, my OH has the same problem in his right arm, tumours in his neck are pressing on the nerves through his shoulder. He is taking Oxycondone and Pregabilin painkillers twice daily and Oxynorm breakthro' painkillers. It has troubled him some but is now controlled with the painkillers. Now though the tumours are causing problems in his right arm too and he has lost 90% power and he cannot lift it up anymore. He has recently had another bout of radiotherapy which has reduced the tumours greatly he still has no more use of his arm which is also swollen due to the lymph glands not working properly any more. He feet are also slightly swelly, don't know if this is an indication that the glands further down in his body are now not working properly either?

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