JenniferB

A friend of mine's father has just been diagnosed with extensive adenocarcinoma. I don't really know what this means or what to expect. My mom had sclc, so I primarly focused on that type. I was told that they plan on doing 4 chemo treatments (don't know what kind), then re-scan to see any progress. I was told that this type does not spread, is that true? Can anyone give me any insight on what my friend's father might experience. Thanks!

I'm sorry you are going through this terrible time. The inital diagnosis was the worst part for me. I was so terrified, didn't know what to do. My mother was very independent and was determined to beat it. Since your father is very independent also, you need to give this to him. I would go to the doctor with him, only as support and to hear what the doctor has to say. My mother reacted very well to chemo, she actually felt better on it. She was able to drive herself, I just always made her promise if she didn't feel up to doing things herself, then she would call on me for help. Just follow up with the doctor, find out how extensive this cancer is, and stay on top of it. SCLC is very agressive and spreads very quickly. My mother fought it will all her might and I enjoyed all the time I got to spend with her. I'll pray for you and your family.

I went through the same thing you are going through right now, two weeks ago. It was one of the hardest things I had to do. As long as your dad is comfortable, that's all that matters. I think my mother knew she was dying and she started to disassociate herself from us. All I can tell you, is to just talk to him. Tell him everything you want to say. I think it does them good as well as you. You both will be in my prayers.

Original message from JenniferB. Sorry

Well, it's been a very trying few weeks. Just prior to New Years mom was diagnosed with mets to the brain. We actually took her into the hospital 2 days after Christmas. Her potassium level was so low, the doctors couldn't fiqure out how she had survived. She made it through the hospital visit, only 3 days. Upon following up with her oncologist, and an MRI, he determined brain mets. Mom had 8 radiation treatments and things were looking up. On the day of her 9th treatment, she refused to go. She was also supposed to see a renal doctor, because she is swelling so bad in her legs. Well she never made it to those appointments. As of yesterday, mom was admitted to a hospice unit. Hopefully they will keep her a few days and then we can care for her at home. I know the end is near and just want her to go peacefully. I want to thank everyone for there kind words and prayers.

That is fantastic news. You must be feeling so relieved. Keep us posted.

Just wanted to welcome you here. You sound like a pretty strong person. As everyone said, Don't let the statistics get you down. There are many survivors in this forum. I just wanted to let you know that although sclc quickly mutiplies it also responds very well to chemo. Everyone reacts differently to chemo. It made my mother tired but it also made her feel good. She did lose most of her hair but she really didn't care, she knew she had to fight this battle. There are a lot of things out there to cover up a balding head so you don't really need to worry about that. If the chemo makes you feel sick, there are a lot of anti nausau medications available, if you need them, just ask the doctor. I believe that a positive attitude helps a lot. The initial diagnosis is really scary, but it gets better over time. Stay strong and positive and let us know how you are doing.

My mother went in for re-scans to determine the progress of the treatments. She had all the same test done as when she was first diagnosed in March. The oncologist was pretty vague, but at least he doesn't give you dreedful statistics. He has been very please with my mom's response to the treatments. He told us that the chest looks clear and is not the problem anymore. The bone scan was unclear and that he would not rule it as cancer. The original tumors on the liver have shrunking 50%, however there are new tumors present. There is also something going on in her hip, so she is going to start radiation in the next few days. After the radiation treatment, mom is going to start a second round on chemo, I think he said it was Captizar (sp). I am feeling pretty okay with the news, the fact that there are more tumors on her liver, do scare me a bit. But hopefully more treatments will help with that.

Mom finished up her 6th round of Chemo two weeks ago. We decided to take a trip to Pittsburgh to visit all of my mom's sisters. We are leaving tomorrow and will be visiting all of our relatives for about 9 days. Our whole family is going. We haven't all been together in about 25 years. We left Pittsburgh when I was little and don't get back very often. I've packed the camcorder and hopefully will be able to capture some good memories. We've put off the doctor's appointment for a week, but I think the trip is more important at this time. Hopefully all will be well with everyone, I'll miss this board while I'm gone. I look forward to reading lots of good news when I return. Take care.

My mom has been nitting a lot over the past several years. During her current runs with chemo she has turned to cross-stitching. It's pretty easy and doesn't require a lot of strenght. Maybe also try some puzzles or even cards if you think she's up to it. Hope this helps.

What a beautiful song. Thanks for sharing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

Amy, I became a true believer when my best friend's husband passed away a year ago. My friend asked her husband to send her a shooting star, so that she would know he was alright. Every night for 3 nights she would go outside looking for the star, but she never saw it. To make a long story short, here's what happened. In the middle of everything that was happening, she had a small flood in her master bathroom. She need to replace the carpet in her bedroom. When the carpet installer showed up, he handed her a board with difference carpet samples on it. She was looking them over and her thumb was constantly rubbing on square in the corner. She looked down to it and it's name was "Shooting Star". It wasn't one of the better looking choices, but she decided that that was his message to her. So now she has her pleasure of walking over him everyday. While she was dealing with this she had read several books. I read a few and I highly recommend this one. "Talking to Heaven: A Mediums Message of Life After Death" by James Van Praagh. It has truely made me a believer and I hope it will do the same for you.

Cathy, I'm so sorry for you and your family. May your father no longer suffer and watch over you and your family.

I am so happy for the both of you. That bit of good new just puts you into a fantastic mood. We had the same on Monday and it is just nice to have something positive instead of negative. Praying for continued sucess in beating this thing.