Guest JamesF Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Hi.....my Mom has been diagnosed with NSCLC. It's spread to bone and lymph nodes. Looks like type IIIB, but might be IV. It was borderline I guess. My mom's ONC is a friend of a friend, so she trusts him and a second opinion wouldn't be helpful at the moment. I live in Montana, but just spent a few days in Silverdale, Washington where she lives and is being treated, and unfortunately her ONC was away the days I was there so I didn't get to speak with him. She meets with him again Friday with my brother and aunt, after a week and a half of radiation and chemo to learn a bit more. Being far away only adds to the helpless feeling that comes from watching someone you love go through this. She's 67. I'm the youngest of her 5 children and my father passed away from diabetes complications less than two years ago. They were divorced, but friends. I can relate to how you feel Jana, I don't know what or how to feel or what to hope for. I'm praying so hard for remission and more time for her to enjoy life with her 14 grandchildren. But I also don't want to see her suffer through terrible pain just for a few more months. I just don't know what to think. And the doctors by their own admission don't seem to really know the odds except that they seem very long, but everyone is different so who knows. My mom wants to fight this thing. The doctors found a pullmonary embollism at the same time they suspected cancer, so they had to put her on blood thinners for a month to treat the embollism before they could even do the biopsy, so this whole thing has been very scary and emotionally stressful on everyone. Thanks for listening... james Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Welcome James, we all know how overwhelming this whole thing is. I hope that we can help and support you . It is so difficult to be far away from a loved one at a time like this . Again welcome. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 You are right, this is not the place anyone WANTS to be. BUT it is the best place to be if you need support, info and just a place to yak. Welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JamesF Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Thanks for your support. Sorry if my initial intro was more of an emotional vent. I know she's in for a real battle, and has a fighting heart. It just hurts to see someone go through this. Thanks again. I'll post more as I know more about her condition... james Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebayou Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 James..I am relatively new here but I would like to welcome you to this site as well. If you have any questions, need specific information or just a need to vent...please do so. You will find a lot of support here for all of the above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 James, welcome! My oldest child is James (one of three). Venting is one of the things we do here -- it is expected and supported. Lots of support and info here. Try not to think the worst, and think the best. My wife also has bone mets, which have disappeared for now. Keep plugged in. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Hi James, That is my son's name so I can relate to you as a mother.. I to am 67 but it is my husband who is now going through Stage IV lc with mets to the brain, liver, and bone. He has been fighting this since 7/31/02 and what a battle... I would suggest as I do to all new people to go to the web sight of www.blochcancer.org and www.chemocare.com. The is some really great reading there to help one understand this lung cancer fight. YOu might also want to have your brother read up on these so that he to is somewhat informed when going with your mom to the onc... Hang in and hold on tight for it is one he////of a battle.....and it can be betten.....your mom wants to fight and that is a great sign. will put your mom in my nightly prayers..[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Hello James; Welcome and my very best to you, so sorry to hear about your mom. This is a terrible disease and as Donna said can be quite overwelming at times. So know your not alone in feeling the things you are feeling. It just goes with the diagnoses. Your mom wants to fight it and thats a good thing and 67 is not that old. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Again welcome, glad you found us. God bless and be well Bobmc- NSCLC- stageIIB- left pneumonectomy- 5/2/01 " absolutely insist on enjoying life today!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jana Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Hello James It really is a hard thing when you don't know exactly what you should be hoping for, but I have realised the best thing to hope for is just hope itself. The advice others have given me about not worrying about tomorrow and just enjoying today is so true. Yet at times this is hard to do. But the thing that is easy to do is just love, and love, and love..as hard and as strong as we possibly can. That is one thing that cancer can't affect. I am thinking of you and your Mum and please keep us posted on how things are going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JamesF Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 My mom was readmitted to the hospital last night. She had been at a nursing home temporarily to receive physical therapy because she had pain in her back and numbness in her leg. But, her blood pressure dropped and they thought she might need the services available at the hospital to get her blood pressure back up. We don't know why it's dropped, but she became very dehydrated, and the steroids might have caused some of this. We'll know more this morning. It was a long night....especially being so far away. I don't know if this is a major change in her condition or just a bump in the road to recovery.... james Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 Hopefully it is just a bump in the road. I know not so long ago Buddy's blood pressure was so low I got really afraid. He was getting radiation at the time. We figured it was partly because he was getting two blood pressure meds together when they should have been 12 hours apart and the other part the dr didn't know unless radiation was doing it. It was very frightening...dr actually took him off of the blood pressure meds for about 4 wks. i ck'd two times a day and when it started going back up to normal, we gave him back his meds but 12 hrs apart. things are better now....Hopefully your mom's will get back to normal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JamesF Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 To all the brave souls on this board, my thanks go out to you. I'm afraid that for my mom, the disease is just too advanced and it's very aggressive. I'm flying back tonight to be with her and our family. We've rapidly gone from extension of life, to quality of life, and my heart if filled with sorrow to say that she won't be here with us very much longer. She has always had a great attitude, and still does, now. I love her, and I miss her but I have a deep faith that her loved ones on the other side are waiting in anticipation of a sweet reunion. Blessings to all. james Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 James, so sorry your mom has taken a turn for the worst. My prayers are with you and your family. Please stay connected here. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MO_Sugar Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 God Bless your Mom and your family at this time James. You will remain in our prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 James, have a safe journey and I will say extra prayers for your mom today. God Bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JamesF Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Thanks for all of the kind words and support. My mom passed away friday, at home and surrounded by her children, older grandchildren and friends. It was a week filled with hard moments, but some incredible spiritual times that almost defy description. To all of you fighting this terrible disease, I pray for your continued health and vigor. You're wonderful people. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jana Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Oh James, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry for this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, I am saddened at your loss of your mom. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, The suddeness of your mother's passing must seem both a bane and a blessing. Nothing can replace her and I offer you my sincere condolences on your loss. God be with you all. Thank you for letting us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, I am so sorry for your loss. It would truely be better if not at all, but if the disease was that bad at time of detection, sooner may have been better than the altenative. Again, no disease at all would have been the best scenario... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, I am sorry for your loss. It is so very hard to go so quickly from hope to grief. I am sure your Mom knew she was loved. And may your fond memories of her help to ease your sadness. Regards to you and your family, Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niececola Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, I am so sorry at the sudden passing of your mother. My heart breaks with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. God Bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norme Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, am so so sorry for the loss of your mom but I know she is with your father now and both are looking down on all of you. God Bless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 James, My condolences for the loss of your mother. She is with our Lord and no longer in pain. Prayers to you and your family..... God Bless and praying for a "Cure" for all of us Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Dear James, I too am so very sorry to hear you lost your wonderful mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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