azgirl

My mom had a single brain met resected last June. She really had no choice because it was growing and causing her brain to swell, so it had to be removed. We felt extremely lucky that it was isolated and able to be taken out. Like someone else mentioned, the recovery was a piece of cake (especially compared to the recovery of her lung surgery!). In August she had WBR. Her side effects were fatigue and loss of appetite, but it didn't last that long. She may have some short-term memory issues now, but nothing major. The doctors were very persistent that she should have the WBR to reduce the chances of a recurrence. The first CT scan she had after chemo (just a few weeks ago) showed a spot on her skull. We are now awaiting results from a PET scan to see what that spot was. We are praying hard that it was just some scar tissue. Good luck with your surgery; I hope this info. helps you some. Maryea

My heart broke for you as I read your words. I am so sorry. God Bless, Maryea

The first doctor Mom had after her diagnosis told us that they were only performing her brain surgery for her "quality of life", that her lung cancer was incurable, and that the tumor in her lung was inoperable. We refused to accept this and went for a 2nd opinion. The doctors at the Mayo Clinic informed us that the tumor in her lung was operable and they were going to "go for a cure". Those are the doctors you want, the ones who are willing to at least try to beat the statistics. I feel the first doctor simply went by the textbooks and wasn't going to be aggressive in the fight for my mom's life. My mom had whole brain radiation. I think you should absolutely go for it. Mom went once a day for 10 days. She was very tired and had no appetite, but that was the extent of her side effects. Stay positive and please don't let one doctor's words kill your hope! God Bless, Maryea

Great news!!

Welcome, Colleen!

I have no personal experience with hospice, but my heart goes out to you. Like someone else mentioned, I believe if you make a decision with your heart, it can't be the wrong one. Maryea

I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. Take Care, Maryea

I believe that nutrition and/or supplements are important for cancer patients. My mom has had several different doctors during her treatments, and EVERY single one has brushed off the notion that poor nutrition can attribute to the progression of cancer. EVERY doctor has told her, basically, "eat what you want". I find that to be such a disservice. Luckily we have taken upon ourselves to take the time to study, research, and learn what many doctors either don't know or won't tell us. I recommend the book, "The China Study" by Dr. Campbell (I can't remember his first name--I don't have the book in front of me right now.) That's my 2 cents on the subject. (for whatever it's worth)

How wonderful that you get to spend a month with your mom. My mom had years of coughing spells before her dx.--I think that is a common symptom of lc. (unfortunately it was ignored for too long...) After surgery they basically went away. My mom had already lost her hair from whole brain radiation before her chemo started so I can't help you there. I wish you strength as you embark on the scary journey of cancer treatments with your mom. She's lucky to have you.

She had whole brain radiation in Aug. but that is all.

My mom is getting her last chemo. treatment on 17th (hurray!) and is scheduled to get a PET scan on the 20th. My brother's friend, who is a doctor, has informed us that this is too soon to get a PET scan because the chemo. needs to be out of her body for the PET scan to be accurate. My mom asked her nurse about this, but she was unsure. I thought I would post this here and see if anyone knows about the timing of a PET scan. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

Hi Hopeful- Welcome to this site--I am also here because my mom has lung cancer. I have found this site very helpful for finding information as she goes through treatment and just for general support. I love your picture!

She does have a wig, but she doesn't like it. She says that it's uncomfortable--the longest she can wear it is 1-2 hours. It's getting her through right now, but she was hoping she could look forward to putting it away some time in the future. She's still hopeful that she'll be exception and her hair will grow back. We'll see. Only four more weeks and she's done with the chemo!

Has anyone had this experience with Chantix? (sp?) My mom is currently taking it so this report has me worried.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I think it will help my mom to have hope that it may grow back, but also be prepared in case it doesn't.

My mom had WBR in August and lost her hair from that treatment. She is now in the middle of her chemotherapy with her last treatment scheduled for December 17th. Today she asked one of the nurses when she could expect her hair to grow back and the nurse told her since she had WBR it might not grow back. This really upset my mom. I'm wondering if there is anyone out there who has had WBR followed by chemo. who would be willing to give us some insight? Is there a chance her hair might never grow back? I really appreciate any information you can give! Thank you--

She's never gone back to her pre-diagnosis diet. She was diagnosed in June and we immediately began researching nutrition and her diet's been mostly plant-based since then. She does have sugar and meat cravings sometimes and when she does she doesn't completely deprive herself, she just eats whatever she is craving in moderation.

Hi Peachy, My mom is in the second round of four of her chemo., also carbo./taxol. Her biggest complaint is that she doesn't have her usual energy. She hates to sit around! She's normally a very busy lady, but she's had to slow down a lot during her treatments. She feels best in the morning, so she tries to do as much as she can before lunch, and then she usually has to rest for a few hours after lunch. Other than fatigue, she hasn't had any horrible side effects (yet!). We hope they stay away! She says that WBR was much more difficult to endure. I know that it is different for everybody, but I hope that helps a little. I wish you the best!

BTW--I have also changed my diet along with my mom. My diet is about 95% plant-based now and I feel better than I ever have.

Hi Peachy, I have become somewhat obsessed with nutrition since my mom's diagnosis. There is a lot of information out there, that's for sure. My mom has incorporated a 90% plant-based diet. She avoids white flour products and sugar and only eats a little meat. I really believe that good nutrition can compliment traditional treatments. When my mom was diagnosed in June she'd lost about 10 pounds, and by the time WBR was finished in mid-August she was down another 5 pounds. Now that she is in the middle of her chemotherapy she's gained back 8 pounds! She's eating a very healthy diet and still gaining weight. She also is feeling pretty well, considering she's in the middle of chemo. Good luck to you!

Hello and welcome. I am also 2,000 miles away from my mom and your words could have easily been my own. I know exactly what you are feeling. Even though the beginning is really scary and really sad, I hope you will be able to find hope in some of the stories you will find on this site. I know that helped me a lot when my mom was first diagnosed--I read as many survival stories as I could. Please know that the statistics you read don't mean anything for your mom. I advise you not to read them at all because all they do is scare you. I'm glad you found this site.

Thanks for all the advice! Mom will be seeing her doctor on Tuesday...I'm hoping he also says that it's okay!

Many people (not doctors) have told my mom to avoid children during her chemotherapy. Considering she's got 12 weeks of chemo. and her grandchildren are such a source of joy for her, I'm wondering how important this is. I know her immune system is compromised and she needs to be very careful, but does she have to cut off all contact with children until after her treatment? I know she is planning on talking to her doctor about this, but I was hoping to get some advice from some of you. Thanks for any insight or advice you can give!

I tried to add the profile, so I am just checking to see if it works when I post.

Nushka---the chemo type is taxol/carboplatin. So far, so good. Yesterday was her first treatment, only 11 to go! Thanks again to everyone for your words of support. It is so comforting to know there is a whole community of wonderful people so willing to offer encouragement, hope, and support. Now I will try to add my mom's profile so it will show up when I post.