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Retha: So sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis, but you came to the right place. My dad was diagnosed w/SCLC just three months ago and I didn't know anything about lung cancer. I am still learning more every day through this board. The people here are tremendous and can answer almost any question you may have because someone has already been through the experience. I was with both my parents during the tests and initial diagnosis as my dad was so ill he had to be hospitalized (mostly due to pain). Was VERY difficult, but now that everything is out in the open and we've talked about it, things aren't really easier -- we just know more about it. Will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers and keep up your strength and support your parents -- they are going to need you!

Crystal -- so sorry about your sudden loss. I think that's the shock with all of us is that SCLC moves so quickly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find comfort that your MIL didn't have to suffer a long time and that she is with Jesus. God Bless!

Heather: Welcome! Your news about your mom was encouraging to me since my dad also has extensive SCLC. We're a little on the down path of the roller coaster ride now since his cancer is starting to grow back after he was doing super on his first cycle of chemo. Not the news we wanted to hear, but could be worse (no new growth and bone scans clear). Keep us updated with your mom -- inspires the rest of us!

Thanks for the quick responses! This prompted me to call my dad's onc to see why he's only using Camptosar. I got to speak to a very good nurse (chemo specialist) and she said that since my dad's last chemo rounds included a platinum-based drug (carbo) that they didn't want to use it this time because they were afraid that it had had stopped working with his system. Has anyone ever heard of this? Since my dad's cancer started growing back (only in initial place -- no new places), I want to make sure we stay ahead of the growth since it can spread so quickly! Any ideas would be appreciated!

Lori: Reading your post brought back so many memories of one of my dear friends. My friend also lost her husband at the age of 32 to leukemia. He battled for 4 short months and left behind two small children as well. I was with my friend every step of the way -- helping her tell her children, sending them Christmas from our company to the hospital with their dad, visiting both of them at the hospital. I know everything was difficult for her -- I helped her by finding out I was pregnant with my first child! She had a tough time, but decided to relocate and try to start again. She knew that's what her husband wanted her to do. This was 15 years ago and she has done a tremendous job with her children and her life. Her husband would have been very proud! I know she still misses him, but she knows she fulfilled their wishes with the children. I have since moved on to another company and now when I feel like I am losing my dad, my best friend at work (younger than me) just found out she is pregnant even though the drs said she may never be able to have children. Helps me keep the faith that lives can go on. Prayers to you and your family.

Need help! My dad was doing so well with chemo treatments, but after new scan results, cancer is growing back. Dr. started chemo today with Camptosar (sp?) and will be giving to him 1x week for 3 weeks for 90 mins each treatment. Don't know anything about this drug. Good news is bone scan doesn't show any new growth! My dad was doing so well with his treatments -- we are heartbroken. Need all the suggestions I can get right now. Is this the right treatment path? Should this drug be combined with anything else? Told my mom I would poll the "professionals" to see what you guys say. THANKS!!

Christine: So sorry for your loss! Your postings have given me knowledge as my dad's diagnosis looks very similiar to your step-dad's. You and everyone else have given me hope and strength to be able to face each day and appreciate every day I have with my dad (good or bad). Please keep sharing the knowledge and experiences your step-dad went through as this site is where I gather the most info.

Beth Ann: My dad has SCLC, diagnosed 10/2/03. He also has mets (to shoulder) and was in so much pain until radiation treatments (16x). He will finish his 4-round cycle of chemo (done over 8-wk period) next week. He has only been sick two times and other than being really draggy for a few days after chemo, he has been doing great. He continues to play music, go the the riverboats for 000 and working part time (he's 69 years old). Sounds like you will be a super caregiver! My mom is doing a wonderful job and the rest of the family has also been helping with rides to dr, etc. My dad travels 1 hr 15 mins each way to dr and treatments but gives us more time to spend together when I take him (I live 1 1/2 hrs from my parents). I remember the shock when I first found out and stayed with him in the hospital as long as I could. I felt like I was betraying him when I had to leave. Make sure you still make time for yourself -- will help clear your mind and make you feel "normal" again. My prayers are with you and your family and if you ever have any questions, just let me know!

Mike: Welcome! Like you, my dad was diagnosed w/SCLC on 10/3. I didn't know anything about lung cancer at the time, but through this website I have learned so much. There are so many caring, wonderful people here who can give you true information first-hand. My dad doesn't have access to email, but I funnel much info to him from this site. Maybe you can start out by relaying info to him and he'll be so curious, he'll want to start logging on. My dad's 4-round chemo cycle ends next week so I can help keep you advised of what my dad has gone through. He also did 16 radiation treatments which really helped his pain (he has mets to left shoulder). Prayers to you and your family!

Flabet: Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Please stay in touch. What others have gone through already and what they've posted has helped me realize the road my family has ahead of them. May God bless you!

Paula: Your mom was diagnosed one day before my dad (he actually was admitted to hospital on 10/2) so sounds like she's on a similiar path as my dad, too. People are tremendous here and if you have any questions, there's always someone who knows the answer (and usually first-hand). Prayers for your family -- welcome!

Dave: Praying for you and thanks so much for helping take one step closer to the "CURE" we are all hoping and praying for. We're all in this with you! Take care and keep us updated!

Kathi: Glad your dad has a little of his appetite back! My dad was diagnosed two months after your dad and looks like they are having similiar treatment. My dad finished his three-day round of chemo the day before Thanksgiving but he also was able to eat some turkey and pie! He actually gained 2 pounds at his last visit. I'm so sorry you might have to deal with this terrible disease with another family member. We found out over the weekend that my mom's brother has also been diagnosed w/SCLC last week. Will keep your family in my prayers and we'll get through this!

Thanks all for the info. I am taking my dad to his next treatment on 12/15 and PET scan questions will be at the top of my list! We don't care if insurance pays or not, seems to be worth the cost. I think he would rather know if there are other areas impacted right now as he is constantly checking for new growth. He seems to have a very knowledgeable onc and they have done two scans of my dad's brain -- I think CT scans. You know they do so many tests at first and you are in such shock, that it's hard to remember, but I know that CT and nuclear bone scans are all that they did. So far, there isn't any cancer in the brain and that has been one of my dad's biggest concerns. You guys don't know how much support you have given me and my family. I know God only gives you what you can handle, but I have an uncle (my Mom's brother) diagnosed last week w/SCLC also. I hope my family has the strength to handle all this! Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving!

My dad had a scare this past week, but he's okay. He's been doing so well w/chemo and left neck area lymph node has really gone down. Late last week, new swelling appeared on right side of neck and his mid-back area seemed to have swelling. We were all very anxious to see what onc would say yesterday when he went for chemo. Doc checked out both places and satisfied not new cancer growth. My question is when do they do the PET scan? He had CAT scan and nuclear bone scan which found the place in his left shoulderblade. From my reading of posts, sounds like PET scan shows other areas. Will the onc do this at the end of his 1st 4 cycles of chemo which is 12/17 or when? I just want to make sure that doc isn't missing something! Thanks for any info and when my dad should have this done?

Joe: As you can see from all the responses, folks here are the best! I took my dad to the ER on 10/2 (my mom's bday) to start our roller coaster ride. My dad was diagnosed the day after you and spent 12 days in the hospital. He is handling chemo and radiation well and is seeing Dr. today to start 3rd round of chemo. This site has been wonderful for me! I can always find my questions answered and help my dad through some of his trials by sharing info w/him. He was a smoker, but quit 20 yrs ago. Prior to diagnosis was picture of health (no forewarnings). Very active and healthy being a former Army sargeant who survived Vietnam and Korean Wars. Welcome from a Hoosier fan who wants to know if you like Michigan or Michigan State for bball! May God bless you and your family and give you the strength for your battle. My dad has had a very positive and fighting outlook with this beast and it has helped him emotionally and physically. Even w/mets in his shoulder, he has resumed playing fiddle, mandolin and guitar. He was so worried in the hospital that he wouldn't be able to hold musical instruments again, but the radiation has been a miracle for him -- hasn't had pain meds for over 3 weeks now. Take care!

Don: What great news to lead everyone into the holidays! I'm fairly new to this site, but everyone has been so warm & loving and help keep my spirits strong. Always uplifts me to hear great news shared by others. I've also learned so much from this board. I keep my parents updated since they don't have connection at home and they are learning a lot as well. You and Lucy need to celebrate and wishing you a blessed holiday season -- you deserve it!

Shelly: Please find comfort in the fact that everone cares about you and supports you. You have a right to be mad -- my mom is very angry right now. I understand your multiple losses. We had a lousy year in '99. My father-in-law died of cancer on Good Friday (dxd only 3 mos earlier), my blessed grandmother died 2 mos later and my dad couldn't attend her funeral because he fell off a two-story building and broke his back (almost killed himself!). I kept asking God why me and what had I done. I lost two precious people and almost a third. We decided that the new millenium had to be better -- WRONG! On Jan 16th, both my parents were injured in a terrible auto accident (not their fault) and both were lucky to be alive. God sent two Drs. at scene to help keep them alive. They were in bad shape for awhile, but God spared them. I had to drive over 6 hrs to even reach them (Chattanooga) not knowing whether they would be there or not. It's a terrible feeling to walk into ER and see both parents lying in terrible pain and suffering side-by-side hooked up to everything imaginable! Well, now my mom is wondering why God spared them -- that it would be easier if they both would have went then. I feel very blessed that I have had 4 more wonderful years with my dad since I almost lost him twice. I am trying to build memories right now and am wondering how I am going to cope if he's not here. Keep posting -- helps me prepare for what I have to face!

Kathi: What great news! Makes me even more optimistic about my dad. He's about two mos after your dad on diagnosis. Was in hospital when diagnosed and ended up in ICU when they OD'd him on pain meds. He also had terrible reaction to oxycontin. He did radiation and I believe same chemo drugs. Thanks for sharing this great news! My dad is feeling great right now, but goes for chemo 3x next week -- bad Thanksgiving timing. Also has to talk to Dr. about possible new lymph node site. Did your dad have lymph nodes affected? Take care and CELEBRATE! Whoo-hoo!

Cathy: Although I can't yet imagine what you're going through, I feel your pain. My dad has been recently diagnosed w/SCLC and there are already things that trigger the tears. Hearing others' stories has helped me get through some tough days. My dad has chemo M,T & W of Thanksgiving week - terrible timing so I brought him his favorite pumpkin pie this past weekend. Thought about the possibility that he might not be here next Thanksgiving and it hurts. My dad's feeling great at present, but am dreading the time when he doesn't. We take each day at a time and try to cherish moments and build more memories with each extra day. My whole family is very open and supportive. We vent and optimize! Hopefully you had time to build precious memories with your dad after you knew he was ill. May you find comfort in these memories and always remember that he is with you in heart and spirit -- cancer can't take that away! Hang in there and please share your feelings -- it helps others cope as well!

Wenna: What great news!! So glad you're in remission. This is encouraging for the rest of us. I'm sorta new at this and don't know all latest options for treatment, but I would be unsure about the memory loss thing too! Maybe see what others post here. So happy for you and your family! Thanks for making my day!

Cristi: My dad is 69 years old and very healthy. Also, he has a lot of willpower (a redhead!). He is doing very well with his chemo and the Drs. are pleased with his progress. I wouldn't switch in the middle of chemo treatment and I agree time is of the essence w/SCLC. Your mom needs to start treatment ASAP as it will also help with pain. I was with my parents through every Dr. diagnosis from the beginning. Was very difficult but we have all been very open about his condition and have agreed to remain open. He was in the hospital 12 tough days and ended up in ICU due to an overdose of pain meds. Glad they finally got that straightened out. He is not an Oxycontin man -- didn't have good reaction to it! My dad is making his own decisions but always asks our advice. We try to talk decisions over (quickly) as a family. We are blessed with a big, loving family who is very supportive. My dad is keeping his appetite which is good because I have an aunt who sends over homemade apple pie about every other day. My dad knows his attitude has a lot to do with the way he's going to feel. He gets depressed and has generally YUCKY days, but seems to rebound. He had a tough past weekend, but was out raking leaves yesterday! Hang in there and we'll keep each other updated. As you can see from the responses to your message, you'll get a lot of first-hand great advice from these folks! Take care!

Jennifer: So sorry about your Dad -- am going through the same thing w/my Dad. (I'm a newbie too.) Your family needs to pull together right now to support your Dad and to take some of the load off you. You need to take care of yourself. My Dad went through his chemo (3x wk every 3 weeks -- he is on round 2 of 4) and radiation (16x) at the same time and did okay. The chemo seemed to wear him down the week after he had it, but actually drove himself to some chemo and radiation treatments (2 hrs round trip). My Dad has even been resuming normal activities. He doesn't have mets to brain, but has in left shoulder, right lung and lymph nodes. Hang in there and take care of that baby!

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone here. My dad was also very recently diagnosed w/ext SCLC after quitting smoking over 20 years ago and he was very healthy and active! Once we got over the initial shock, I wanted to know everything. Thank goodness I found this website -- has been great resource to me. Also, push the doctors ASAP for treatments for the pain. My dad has mets to shoulder and was in terrible pain. He's a former Army sargent, so he can take a lot. Once they started radiation, he was much better w/pain. After 16 treatments (ended approx 2 weeks ago), he hasn't taken a pain pill in over a week. Our docs kept saying we had to wait to see of SCLC or NSCLC for treatment. After diagnosed SCLS I asked why so long for radiation since it works for both. I didn't get a really good answer, but I think it had to do with scheduling. Hang in there! Right now my dad's in cycle 2 of 4 of chemo treatments and other than being tired is resuming normal activities. He has a positive attitude right now and is a fighter! We take one day at a time! It helps to share with others -- great therapy!

Dave: Sounds like you are at a place where they really care about you! I'm the newbie with the retired military Dad -- remember you said that you both kicked butt before and can do it again! Hang in there and remember you guys fought for the rest of us -- we're fighting and praying for you now!