My stepmom was diagnosed in late July with SCLC and in August found out it was in the spine. I don't know what to think. They told her there is no treatment, which is fine, but is on pain meds and other treatments for her bone strength, etc. It seems like since she found out she has just made a complete turn for the worse. Prior to knowing in July, she was happy and showed no symptoms. In the month and half since her diagnosis she has started having severe pain, can't stand up, has a hard time breathing, is super tired, etc. I want to help her, my dad wants to too, but to me I feel like her body is already giving up. I don't think she would admit that, and I don't want to put words in her mouth. But I don't know, is it possible to go that far downhill so fast? I just feel for my dad, he loves her so much and I want her to be pain free and happy as long as possible. My dad had a heart transplant 10.5 years ago, and I hate this stress on him. On top of everything he lost his job and insurance in Sept. He has found insurance to get him through until another job, but he doesn't have the money to keep it up for long.
Can someone give me some insight. Is this disease that bad that it spirals down so quick?
Also, if anyone has any advice on how to let a 5 year old know what is going on, I would gladly accept it. I know she knows something is up, but I don't know how to tell her or if I want to. But, that said we are going home in 3 weeks and she is going to notice grandma is acting different I am sure.
Thanks for any help,
Heather