Husband diagnosed with lung cancer.may not be able to have surgery. We're concerned.

[joviangeldeb]

My husband has recently been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Its squamous cell cancer per the biopsy. There is a small mass left lower lung and 1 lymph node lit up in the upper same lung. He has underlying medical problems: copd, afib, heart problems and has a lung fuction of 57% so our doctors don't think he is a candidate for lung surgery, but are sending us to a specialty surgeon in Mobile, AL, to see if he can have surgery if the risk isn't too high. They tell us the prognosis isn't as good if he cannot have the surgery. Has anyone here not had surgery for this type of cancer either? My husband went through respiratory failure back in November and his health isn't very good. Back then they saw no mass in the chest ct scans. He was referred to a urologist a few weeks ago and had a ct of the abdomen which showed the mass in his lung. We saw the oncologist 2 days ago for the first time. If he can't have surgery, they will do chemo and try radiation, although she warned us due to his lung problems, he may not be able to tolerate the radiation. I'm a stage IIIA breast cancer patient for 4 years now and so far after going through a mastectomy, chemo and tamoxifen, I have no evidence of disease. I keep telling him we got me through cancer, we'll get him through it too. However, this seems much more severe than what I went through. And I'm scared for my husband. He seems to be taking the news okay, but its hard to tell at times. He has the attitude like what will be will be. I do stay positive around him and we've been handling it by only thinking of the here and now. Only worrying about today and tomorrow. This seems to be working. We are both out of work due to our healths and have filed for food stamps, ssi and disability. If we think too far in our future, we both get really upset and worried so we just stop ourselves from thinking about it. He had just been released to go back to work about a month ago, and now this. I've been fighting for disability for gastroparesis and I have a gastric pacemaker. That is what's disabling me because I have alot of trouble eating and drinking. But that's another major story I won't get into here.
sorry, I am rambling. I just feel like I have to vent. I'm glad I found these forums.
Thanks for listening.
Deb

[april51]

Hi Debbie, So sorry that you are both going through so much. But, your husbands attitude is a good one. Vent away! We all do it.

The thing is he went through some pretty hard emotional times when you were treating your cancer. That is how cancer changes your paradigm for life that people who don't go through it don't get. Pain is inevitable, suffering is a choice.

My lung capacity was about 63% and the surgeon wouldn't take the left lung. He said I could have done without a lobe, but not the whole lung. You have two lobes on the left and three on the right. It would have rendered me dependent on oxygen. The only reason I went ahead with the surgery is because they didn't know the tumor had grown into the fissure to the lower lobe. My surgeon made a good call and regretted he hadn't found it via scans, as he would have had me on radiation and chemo sooner.

Due to his current health problems he might not be able to tolerate radiation. Rad is tough. I got through it with pain pills. (Didn't care what they did.) However, I think rad is what blasted my tumor. Chemo cleaned up the rest. So he has a good chance if he can tolerate both.

My husband and I spend 99.9% of the time being troopers for each other. And 1% holding each other in the dark knowing one of us will go. Good luck to you both. a

[joviangeldeb]

Thanks, April. I'm glad your surgeon made the right call. I know what you mean how dealing with cancer changes your entire perspective. On the plus side, it has brought me and my husband closer together. Things that were so important prior, seem trivial now. Also I've noted this time we took the news of his cancer alot better than when I was first diagnosed back in 2007. It blindsided us and was a very traumatic experience because neither of us had any dealings with cancer prior to that. Ever since 2007, I've had one medical problem after another: breast cancer, C Diff, gall bladder surgery, and Gastroparesis. Then after my husband went through his health scare this past November, he went home on home oxygen and a home health nurse. he made a remarkable recovery and was just getting back to work, when we got the news of the lung mass. I cried in the doctor's office when we got the news becasue we are to the point that we keep getting knocked down over and over again. Again thanks for sharing your experience.
Deb

[april51]

Deb, Our experience doesn't compare though we have been through a lot. Life is difficult. Once you realize that you transcend it and it is no longer so. Zen. Again so sorry and live life to the fullest. My best times are when I get very quiet and listen. a

[Krystlex]

Hi Deb, welcome to the forum but I am very sorry for the predicament you are in. Please feel free to vent anytime you need to; thats what we're here for! My mom was diagnosed back in December with NSCLC..they originally diagnosed it as large cell but we learned about a month before her passing it was actually squamous. We were told that squamous is a little less aggressive. Needless to say, she was not able to undergo surgery because it had spread too much.

It's awesome you both have such a positive outlook on this. Having a love one diagnosed, or even yourself, really does change your priorities. Everyone responds to their cancer differently and there is a chance he will respond very well to chemo and extend his quality of life. Never be afraid to question the doctors to the when/whys/hows. I wish we had a little more with my mom.

I wish you both the best with your health. Please come back anytime you need a place to vent!

[Spouse]

Hi Deb. Yes, it is so frightening when the lungs are involved in a cancer diagnosis. Breathing .... an essential part of life .... and not anything we even want to think about as being compromised. But, it sounds like your husband might have an early stage, which has treatment options. The lymph node involvement is something to look closely at, the implications vary widely. Here is a site that helps explain about lung cancer + lymph nodes: Lung cancer lymph node. On the positive side, "The treatment for lung cancer that has spread to lymph nodes depends upon the stage of your cancer and your general health. If lung cancer has spread to only a few nearby lymph nodes, surgical treatment may be considered.".

Although it's easy to say but hard to do, try to not worry about the unknown. Save your efforts for once you know what you are working with ... or against. I am sorry you have this new journey to take.

[Me: wife of Stage IV, squamous cell, he's a nonsmoker]

[joviangeldeb]

Thanks for the info and kind words, Spouse and Krystlex. Both of us are trying not to worry and have been keeping ourselves busy or our minds occupied with internet games, tv and doing a few errands together. We've been spending alot more time together latley which is very nice. Before all these health problems, we were so busy with work, and our own activities, we barely did anything together. that has changed now that both of us are disabled. We're waiting for this tuesday's appointment in Mobile, AL. to find out what the direction my husband's treatment plan will be: with surgery or with no surgery. One thing I've learned after my cancer diagnosis, and now his, is to take notice and appreciate all the blessings that surround each of us everyday, no matter how big or small.
I wish ya'll the best and take care,
deb

[irish]

Hi Deb, I'm very sorry to hear about your husband and wanted to wish you both luck with you app't tomorrow. My Dad was not able to have surgery but he was stage 4 so not a fair comparison. Hopefully they will be able to proceed with the surgery. Please let us know how the app't goes tomorrow. You've both been through alot and I hope you can catch a break here. God Bless.
Irish

[joviangeldeb]

Thank you, Irish. I am so sorry for your father's loss. I will post an update tomorrow evening after his appointment. We live in Biloxi, MS, which is about 45-50 minutes away from Mobile, AL., so I don't anticipate being home til tomorrow evening. His appointment is at 2pm tomorrow. We both are looking forward to finding out the plan of treatment. From going through my cancer, I find there is some comfort in knowing what the treatment plan will be. I feel more in control and get a sense of comfort in knowledge. It's like we're finally doing something and not waiting for answers. Kind of like power in knowledge. Anyways, thanks again and take care.
deb

[joviangeldeb]

Update: we saw the specialty pulmonary surgeon in Mobile this afternoon. Good news. He can do surgery on my husband. He stated he'll attempt to do the surgery robotically, with several small incisions, however, he stated he'd know within 15 minutes of the start of the surgery, if he'll not be able to do it that way. Still, he said if he needs to make an incision, it will be no greater than 2-3 inches. He reviewed my husband's records and scans and said in his opinion, there would only be a 90 to 95% of complications during or after the surgery, however, there's always a risk. He needs cardiac clearance from our regular doctor and the okay to come off coumadin, plavix and aspirin 7 days prior. This is better news than we had anticipated. Now they'll be able to correctly stage James' lung cancer and they say his prognosis is better if they can do the surgery. I'll keep everyone posted as I learn more. Thanks for all of ya'lls kindness. It surely means alot and I wish ya'll well.
Take care,
deb

[irish]

Hi Deb, great news....you've alway got a better chance if they are able to remove the tumor surgically. Sending prayers that he gets the go ahead from your regular doctor. Please let us know how that goes. God Bless
Irish

[joviangeldeb]

Hi. We just had another set back. James had to have a thalium stress test on friday to get his cardiac clearance in order to have his lung surgery done. We just got the call that the stress test showed a probable blockage so now we're being refered to a cardiologist. My husband had a heart attack over 10 years ago and had a chain of stents put in after 1 of stent failed about 6 months later. He's been doing okay heart wise, yet he's never been one for any chest pain or symptoms. Even during his heart attack, he was only experiencing arm pain on and off. When we went to the Er to find out what he'd done to his arm, the cardiac enzymes showed he'd been having the heart attack for 18 hours before we arrived. When his 1 stent failed, they'd only caught that with a stress test for a follow up and it showed 100% blockage of the same artery. He was having no symptoms at all, and that's when he had the chain of 3 put in.
got a question if anyone can answer. Since his lung surgery is being postponed and his diagnosis was around the first part of March, how fast does the squamous cell-non small cell lung cancer spread? I know its one of the slower forms, however, its worrisome that its going to be postponed even further and he can't have chemo or radiation now either until all this is corrected. We do know the cancer is in the bottom of the left lung and 1 lymph node lit up in a pet scan in the upper lung around the bronchial tube. I'll keep everyone posted on what's going on. We're currently waiting for the cardioligist office to call to set up an appointment.
Take care,
deb

[emilyloveslime]

Hey Deb, sorry to hear about the new problems. I don't think anyone can give you a real answer on how fast the cancer spreads. I would just say that the faster you can get your husband on treatment, the better. But you knew that already. Sending you guys good thoughts, I hope his heart problems don't cause too much delay!

Emily

[irish]

Hi Deb, Sorry to hear about this setback. Emily is right, the sooner he is able to have both surgeries, the better. I'm sure his doctor's will fast track this to ensure that he can take care of both. Seems like for every bit of good news along comes another challenge. Guess that's why this ride is such a roller coaster. Sending prayers that things progress quickly for you both. God Bless.
Irish

[april51]

I'm like Irish and Em. The surgeons and other doctors put things in a priorty kind of focus. They will do what they can to bring the best outcome. a

[breannishome]

Deb, My mom would tell you " A positive attitude is half the battle." Good luck!

[joviangeldeb]

Thanks, ya'll. Hope your doing well.
James is scheduled for a heart cath on 5-10-12 and the preop the day prior. I'll post an update on how that goes. We saw the cardiologist Monday and he says we''re looking at a blockage but he has to do the heart cath to find out which artery and how much its blocked. Take care,
deb

[joviangeldeb]

James had his heart cath yesterday. The Cardiologist found that his stents he had placed around 10-11 years ago, has failed. The 1 artery is 100% blocked again. However, he wants James to go ahead with the lung surgery in Mobile, so we are waiting for them to call to schedule it. Then after his lung cancer treatment, he'll schedule him to have the stents replaced. Cardiologist stated that if he does the stents now, it would be too long until James would be able to start his active cancer treatment. So he's calling our doctor to let him know his findings. Thanks for all of ya'll support. I'll keep updating as we learn more. take care, ya'll.
deb

[breannishome]

Thanks for the update. Hopeing he recovers from the heart cath smoothly and treatment goes as well as it can.

Praying for you and James.

[joviangeldeb]

Thank you. James is scheduled for his lung surgery at Mobile Infirmary Hospital next friday, the 25th. We have to check in at 8am. I'm glad his treatment is finally starting. I'll keep ya'll updated. Thanks, again,Deb