bwiley46

Just wanted to take a moment to let you all know my father in law passed away on 7/17/08. He was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia which turned out to be radiation pneumonitis. He was placed on a vent 5 days before, so he did not suffer. Until the very end he took care of his wife. She had a hard time deciding to turn off the vent or not, so he decided for her. We were in the room, and I saw him at the funeral home, but I still can't believe it. We expected about 8-12 months, and only got 7 months with treatment. His loss will affect us forever. Thank you all so much for the answers and support. I wish everyone my prayers in their fight against this horrid disease.

Thanks so much for the advice. Its good to know that he is recieving the same type of care. It would be great for him to know if his treatment is working, I know it would encourage him.

Sorry it has been so long since I logged in or posted but I have been busy taking care of my new grandson! Born 4/23/08 Brandon Jay Wiley (named after his pawpaw Jay), and helping my son thru a messy divorce. My fil has had 2 cycles of chemo and has 1 more radiation treatment of a 7 wk cycle to go. He has done remarkably well, no N&V from chemo. 1 episode of an irreg. hr and chest pain in his 2nd week of radiation. He has had difficulty eating but keeps trying! They have put his chemo on hold to let his body rest from the radiation. The last few weeks he has been very tired, doesn't feel like doing much of anything. My sil and fil saw the radiation oncologist yesterday to see where we stand and they were told that they would do another chest ct in 3 months, that the radiation continues to work for that long. He also stated he would not do another pet scan until 1 yr from the time he had his 1st one (Jan). Now it took 3 mos to get a positive biopsy and the onc says he does not know how lg the primary tumor was when he started rad. in April. I just wanted to get a general concensus , is this the norm? It seems like an awful long time to wait especially since they knew that it was already in the lymph nodes in Jan.

Thanks Shelley I am printing profiles for him (like your moms), so he can read how well people are doing on just chemo. Dadstimeon posted a sticky with alot of useful websites, and I have printed him a copy with the chemo drugs, other therapies, questions for your Dr., side effects etc.. Trying to do the research for him as he really doesn't like computers. Hope today is a good day! Sincerly, Bonnie

Dear Gail, I agree,stop beating yourself up. I see your Hank and my fil have both been dx recently, and I know my family is still trying to deal with the dx alone. I have smoked for 30yrs and ask myself everyday why I let something have such a hold on me! After all, I consider myself a strong person!! I could quit if I really wanted to! I watch people everyday suffer from the effects of smoking. My parents both have copd, my husband had a heart attack at age 34 (dr said it was from smoking the way it was loosly packed in his arteries), I am a nurse and see people admitted with respiratory problems, and now my fil has lung ca. And yet I give someone a breathing treatment and go on break to smoke. I sit here at the computer searching about chemo and treatments and smoke. On our out of town trips to the onc., my sil and I stop frequently to get out and smoke!! My husband quit 5 yrs ago now (he smoked 3-4 packs a day), and I know if he can quit anyone can. But yes it is my crutch. I feel that it is the one thing that keeps me going so I can support the people in my life. Even though I can not compare myself to you, because you are going thru this with the love of your life and without family,I do understand the guilt. But I do beleave we both will find the courage and strength to quit one day. Take care of yourself. Sincerely, Bonnie

Oh Ned, Thanks for the good laugh, as I really needed that after todays news. (Finally able to figure out your nickname also!) NED is VERY good!! We heard from the Dr. today re: RFA and like I was afraid, my fil is not a canidate for it. He is very down and says he isn't even going to try chemo now. Thanks so much for the info. I plan to gather as much info re: chemo and other treatments to pass on to him, along with all the inspirational stories I have read on here. I know it is up to him and we will support him in any decision he makes, but I want him to make an informed decision!! And I for one have just begun to fight!! Take Care, Sincerely, Bonnie

I am new here and have only posted once, but I have been reading alot. What a wealth of info. you people have to offer!! Feeling stupid as to some abbreviations though: BAC and NED? (have figured out ned is good!) I also read some posts on VEGF and EGF cancer cells. One more thing: what is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy? We have been waiting to hear from Johns Hopkins re: RFA, but are not very hopeful due to tumor proximity to pulmonary artery. Can IMRT provide therapy to a specific site without damaging vital organs? With good reason, my fil is anxious to start some type of treatment as we 1st found out in Jan. and it took till March to get a positive biopsy. But, I think we should start out with the best possible plan and after a visit to his onc. on monday, I (along with other family members) do not feel she is our best option!! Plan to ask radiologist for a referrel to an onc. at JH if RFA is not an option. Thanks for all the information.

Dear Lori, I am also new here. My father in law was dx 3/14/08 with prob stage IIIB NCSLC adenocarcinoma, and prostate ca 12/07. The surgeon kept referring to him as a "heavy smoker". (He smoked for 2 yrs, 20 yrs ago.) He worked all his life around automobiles and in the coal mines, which I feel is more than likely the cause. His brother died of brain tumor, mother had colon ca. I had hoped that with the death of Dana Reeve people would stand up and take notice!! No one deserves this!! More people die from Lung Ca alone than from colon,breast and prostate ca combined, yet there is more money being put into research for these types of cancers than lung. According to an article on oncologychannel.com/lungcancer/types.shtml adenocarcinoma accounts for 30% of cancer in male smokers, 40% in female smokers and 60% in male nonsmokers, and 80% in female nonsmokers!! Your chances are actually higher if you don't smoke!! I am very sorry for the loss of your mother, and pray for the healing of my precious father in law. Sincerely, Bonnie