pchefmichele

My dad has Stage 4 Lung Cancer. He hasn't had a chemo treatment for about 2-3 weeks now (he was in the hospital for 9 days for issues that were corrected), so I'm not sure we can totally blame his lack of appetite on chemo. He has lost 50 pounds over the past few months and he has NO appetite now. Dr. put him on Magas. It doesn't seem to help...but we are increasing the dosage beginning today to 2 tsps. (10mil) twice a day in hopes it will do something for him. I gave him one of his favorite dishes, spaghetti, yesterday for lunch. He seemed excited to eat it. Took 3 bites and 2 bites of a garlic bread stick and said, "I can't do anymore." An hour later I gave him 3 blackberries. An hour later I gave him a cracker with tuna salad on it. About 1 hour later he ate 4 bites of a chicken pot pie. Is this what we should expect him to do or have others found ideas that work better for them. We find out Monday if they will continue chemo or stop....and it won't be because he is cured. Thank you for your advice. I am so worried about him.

Thank you....we have contacted several agencies and are working on that.

My dad was diagnosed in August with stage 4 lung cancer. We can see him aging fast also. He's lost 55 pounds and is weak and sometimes confused. Nobody has told us how much longer we should expect to have him with us; but I continue to help him, tell him I love him, take time and patience with him and be aware of all his needs. Pictures! Take lots of pictures, find ways to laugh with him and encourage family and friends to visit with him. We have done this for my dad and hold on tightly to every day we have him with us. My heart breaks daily. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August. He has had 5 weeks of daily radiation and about 5 chemo treatments now. He is soon to be 80 years old. With so many health issues; 2 open heart surgeries, high blood pressure, diabetic and 2 strokes (one was a mini stroke within the past 3 weeks), I really worry about him. He is weak, has lost 55 pounds and is slowing down a lot. My mom is his major care giver and has very little patience. I am afraid she is bringing my dad down quicker than need be. I know she loves him, she is scared and I believe she means well; but the way she handles dad's not wanting to eat, taking 20-30 minutes to take his pills (he takes many 3 times a day) and waking her up when he has issues during the night is something we are having trouble with. Family helps as often as they can, but it never seems to be enough to give her enough relief. She does suffer from bad knees, bad back and bad nerves anyway. He is currently in the hospital for an issue of bleeding (that turned out to be hemorrhoids) and she is hoping they will send him to a nursing home from the hospital. I don't know if that is the right answer...or will that bring him down even quicker because he isn't at home. My parents do not have enough income to pay for aides and nursing, although I've got a call into the Veterans Administration to see what help we can get from them. Does anyone have any suggestions or guidance for me? TIA