AZCorey

UPDATE: Went to the dr this afternoon - and long story short - my mom's case is and I quote "complicated" translating to - in the left lung - she has adnocarcinoma - and in the right lung - they are not sure. MRI shows area of concern on the back of her skull - in the bone - BUT PET scans shows NOTHING of concern. The dr will have another dr review all the test results. If we're just dealing with the lungs and not the back of the skull - then the stage is 3B. If lungs and back of skull - then 4B. Still unclear. TREATMENT: We see the thorasic surgeon tomorrow afternoon to schedule outpatient surgery for port a cath. Once the cath is done - then 48 hrs later can schedule chemo. Regarding what type of chemo - the dr is seeing if she qualifies for any Investigational Treatment - but in the meantime - once port a cath is in - she will start the standard tx of Paclitaxel/Carboplatin/Avastin. Will repeat PET scan in 6 weeks after chemo behind and see where we are. She is in no pain and presents NO symptoms. What happened in Feburary was she was "sick with the flu" and it became a vicious cycle of her not eating - getting nauseated - can't eat because of nausea - etc. I took her to the ER and thought - give her an IV - hydrate her and we'll be on our way. My mom kept saying she "felt funny". She got her IV - labs came back good - EKG good - the ER dr said - let's do a CAT scan to RULE out a blood clot in your lungs. CAT Scan showed 3 areas of concern - spots in both lungs - and a large mass on bottom of left lung - which was diagnosed as pheumonia. We were referred to a pulmonogist - who said - let's put your mom on antibiotics and repeat the CAT scan in 6 weeks. We did that - CAT scan showed NO CHANGE. Dr wanted a biopsy of the left lung. We did that on April 27th and April 29th I get the phone call - positive for cancer. PET scan done on May 1st and here we are. I do like the Dr and he gave us a tour where mom will receive chemo. it's 3 minutes from the house. I'll find out tomorrow when we can schedule the port a cath surgery and chemo to follow. Time for me to get ready for work - thank goodness I can adjust my work hrs - will do home visits on my probationers this evening and hope everyone is in compliance! Corey

I have gotten a ton of excellent advice. I was able to read everyone's story this weekend - that has given me strength reading what everyone else has gone through and continues to go through. Many thanks to EVERYONE who responded. All I know is - that during my mom's last hospitalization (2 weeks ago) - we met the oncologist - and due to number/size/location of tumors - he was not looking at radiation. I know there are 2 spots on top of both lungs - and the lower left lung - lots of tumors. PET scan showed it is isolated to the lungs BUT is also on outside lining of lung. I'll be asking my 1000001 questions and THEN SOME today. My mom is 5'7" and weighs 103! So.... I'll see what the dr says this afternoon. I'll keep everyone posted. Corey

Thank you all for your support. I have no idea what to expect when we see the oncologist Monday. I'll keep you posted. Corey

My mom was recently diagnosed with lung cancer - and we're meeting with oncologist Monday - and we're also meeting w/Vascular Surgeon Tuesday about putting in port a cath for chemo. I'm angry, upset, the whole spectrum of emotions - this will be the second member of my family to have lung cancer. My sister died in 02 - she was only 40 yrs old. My mom is almost 75 and is very fraile to begin with - not sure what options are available - guess I'll find out Monday. I know quality of life IS BY FAR more important than quantity of life - so I'll be keeping that in mind. I'm juggling work, raising my neice (16 yrs old - my sister's daughter) caring for my mom and getting things in order for what lies ahead. No help from siblings - not going there - long story short - I'm doing it all. I'm a very head strong person - and I take it a day at a time. I do have a great support system of friends - and my work has been very supportive and understanding of all this. I just do not know what lies ahead - no one does - I'm prepared for the worst and hope for the best! I'm looking for a safe place to vent - I'm sure I'll be full of questions in the weeks to come - and I don't know what else to say - other than - I cannot weather this alone - I know I can't. Thanks for listening