I am new to the board. I already posted to "general" but think maybe I should post here? Sorry if anyone gets upset with duplication.
Hope I can get some insight. After many tests and an operation, my 77 year old dad was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer back in March. Since he was too weak for chemo , he began radiation April 4 and just finished his last treatment yesterday. He is so extremely exhausted. As of yesterday, my 18 year old son now carries my dad upstairs to bed at night since he has absolutely no strength. He has been told that some of his strength will come back in a few weeks. Can anyone tell me if this is really true? Both he and my mother are banking on what he's been told. I know the cancer is the core of his tiredness and shortness of breath. And I know the radiation is contributing. I am having a very difficult time seeing my dad dwindle down under 150 pounds. My mother is somewhat in denial. I try and help and offer suggestions but she takes it the wrong way and ends up not talking to me for several days.
I guess my main question is "what comes next"? We do know the radiation did shrink his tumor. However, he does have another spot on his other lung and a tumor on that side of his body. What does the radiation do? Did it just stump the growth of the tumor? Can the tumor grow more? Will he always be out of breath?
Any answers, insight, ANYTHING would greatly be appreciated. Also, let me know if I am posting to the wrong location. I am having a hard time finding a support group here in town so hopefully, this board will help me. Thanks anyone.
Nancy