Just found out my Dad has lung cancer -

[Twingle]

what happens now? He's going for his PET scan today at 2p, and the only thing the doctors can tell us for sure is that it is NOT small cell. With the holiday tomorrow, we'll have the results Monday.

I know many of you are coping with having cancer yourself, or loved ones with the disease. Amazingly, this is the first time cancer of any kind has touched my family, and I'm not sure what to expect - if you can even expect or prepare for anything at all.

I don't often visit this board, but I posted the end of May about my grandparents murder/suicide. This is a hard time for my family, especially my mother. If you could offer prayers if so inclined, or pixie dust, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Jcricket Fan]

I am so sorry to read this. I posted to the thread of the loss of your grandparents and was thinking of you the other day wondering how you were doing.

Having non-small cell cancer leaves the possibility open that surgery can be done and portions of the lung can be removed depending how severe the spread is and what stage the cancer is.

My MIL has small cell lung cancer and surgery was never an option.

Please know that I will be keeping you in my prayers. I can only imagine how you must be feeling at this time and the waiting for the results will seem like forever. Once the dr's. have a handle on what you are dealing with a plan of action can be put in place but I know the unknown is so hard to deal with.

God bless you all.
Peace to you.
Colleen

 

[Twingle]

Colleen - thank you so much for your kind words and knowledge. I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL - I know that small cell cancer can limit your treatment options.

Thank you again.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I would think once you sit and meet with the oncologist, a plan will be put in place. If it is inoperable, probably treatment, chemo, or chemo and radiation, or just radiation. If they can operate, they will take it out and probably still do treatment.....

Today, he has the pet scan......the oncologist will get the report and tell you where it is, what stage, and the treatment. I am glad they did the pet scan as it is the most conclusive testing.....

I am speaking from my husband's illness for treatment, they may want to put in a port.....so that they do not have to access a vein each time they need to do chemo. I was not receptive to this, but it was the best way for DH as his veins were not good. Not sure what the treatment will be, once you know, if you post we can try to help if we have had any experience with that type of chemo. He may lose his hair from treatment depending on what they use. Bald is in......keep telling him that.

Also, this is tough for people who resist this, but if you can get to a big teaching hospital and stay away from the local hospitals... They just see so much more and have more experience in dealing with the complications of cancer and its treatment.

When you meet with the doctors, I brought a tape recorder of sorts as I knew I would not remember it all. I also wrote down any questions I had and made sure they all got answered.. I do that now when meeting with the oncologist.....it is just the best way to get things answered and you will not remember when you are in the midst of his treatment..

Most of all... stay strong, positive for your Dad and your Mom... and stay in the present.. try not to go into the future too much as it will make you crazy...

Hugs and post here and ask us whatever you need......if we can help, we are only too willing to do so as some of us are right there with you. I remember the post on your grandparents, hugs to your Mom....

 

[mommasita]

Hugs and Prayers

 

[safetymom]

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's cancer. When my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer he and my mother didn't want to hear it from the doctors. I was the one "elected" to talk with the doctor.

All you can do is take it one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time.

Just know that we are here for you if you want to talk. Sometimes typing it out makes you feel better.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

 

[Twingle]

Results are in from the PET scan - thank God, the cancer has not spread. It is located only in his left lung, very close to his aorta. He is meeting with his surgeon next Tuesday (the 15th) at 9:30a to schedule his surgery and his treatments after. He will be having his treatments and surgery at UVA, the University of Virginia hospital located in Charlottesville, Virginia - which has a huge cancer center and is a teaching hospital.

Thank you so much for your posts and kind words - I am hoping to go with them to the appointment next Tuesday, as both of my parents tend to not ask questions until after the fact. Thank you for the suggestion of the tape recorder, I think that's a great idea.

Thank you again -

Jennie

 

[Jcricket Fan]

Thank goodness the cancer has not spread. It sounds as if you are all heading in a positive direction for getting treatment right away.

Please know I will be thinking & praying for you all!

Peace to you.
Colleen

 

[kimis]

I am so sorry to hear your news. I will keep you in my prayers. I am glad it isn't small cell lung cancer. My mom passed of small cell lung cancer 19 months ago.
Take one day and one treatment at a time. Stay positive.
Always know your friends here are praying for you.

 

[frdeb1999]

Positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Hugs and prayers to your family

 

[Shugardrawers]

If you're going to have cancer you just can't get any better news than that! I'll be keeping your dad in my thoughts and prayers. I have a daddy of my own I'm very attached to