Ckimoo65

We met with a surgeon today to discuss that particular option. And I got a little more info on what kind of cancer it is--adenocarcinoma--tumore less than 3 cm, with lymph node involvement on the same side as the tumor. The surgeon said that it is possible for lymph nodes to light up on the PET scan without actually being involved. He said a mediastinoscopy could be done to sample the nodes to determine this. But, even with that invasive procedure they might not get anything and it would be inconclusive. The doc said that while they could take the tumor out, if the lymph nodes are involved then the cure rate is very low regardless of the surgery. This hit my dad considerably hard--he might as well have punched him in the gut. Not happy! That mood constrasted with the chirpy appointment secretary. They scheduled him for some breathing tests (?) and a follow up. Tomorrow we go to see the oncologist. My dad thinks that he will get better news, or at least similar news with a little better attitude. He reminded me that when he originally found he had Stage IV throat cancer 2 years ago, they gave him a 40% chance--he switched doctors/hospital and the new docs said that if the other folks could only give him a 40% chance then they were still working in the early 90's because these new guys had gotten it up to 70%. So, with tomorrow's visit we will begin to decide what path to take for treatment. And if surgery will be included in that treatment. I would appreciate any experience that folks have had with mediastinoscopy, having an upper lobe removed--what was the surgery like, recovery time, etc. I am concerned about the surgery. I am wondering if the energy expended to recovery would be better spent enduring the chemo and radiation. Especially since statistically the surgery might not make that much of a difference in the long run. Sorry, for all the questions. We're still pretty new at this and so far things are working out. I took notes on my laptop during the visit and helped to ask a lot of questions. The one thing I did not like about the surgeon is that towards the end of the visit he seemed to be addressing me more than my dad--that bothered me a lot. Thanks again for all the responses so far--very helpful! Peace! Kim

Hi again! Thank-you! Your replies are very encouraging. I haven't posted more about my dad's condition yet because we really don't know yet what course will be taken. My dad is 67 and this is his second time with cancer. The first time around was in February of '04; he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Doc told him to go home and get his affairs in order. My mother is rather tenacious and she wouldn't accept that as an answer. She found him another hospital and a treatment team and he underwent aggressive radiation and chemo for something like 8 weeks. I wasn't a part of it last time. My parents chose not to tell anyone about it until after the treatment. They felt that his prognosis was so bad that they didn't want to say anything until they could tell for sure that he would live or die. They also lived 250 miles away at the time so there was a physical distance as well. (They have since moved to the same town I live in!) The treatment was successful--the cancer was gone. The only challenge has been that his saliva glands are damaged which limits what he can eat. So, now, lung cancer. They are considering surgery and some combination of rad and chemo. We are having a meeting next week with the docs to determine what path to take. Having been through it before, he is not looking forward to what lies ahead. For myself, I am considering going to a counselor so that I have a safe place to deal with all my “stuff” so that I can be stronger for them. I don't have anything else going on in my life right now, so I can give them whatever time they need. Once we know what is going on, I will post more details and beg for more information(!). I know I am going to need support to get through this. And to get my mom and dad through this. So, thank-you again, and I will post when I have more information. --Kim

I just registered this last week and I have been trying to make my way through all the posts. It is hard--they are very affecting. So many stories, so many lives. My dad was just diagnosed with NSCLC IIIA and will be undergoing treatment soon. I am going to be helping my mom and dad through this and I would like suggestions of what to do/ what not to do. Suggestions, insights--whatever you think might help me help my dad. Thanks! Kim