I can't believe the roller coaster my family is on! My dad, Don and at only 68 was diagnosed with lung cancer-bronchoalveolar to be exact. The VA doctors were in no hurry to determine what the "spot" was on his lung due to the fact that "we have such aggressive treatments, there's no real hurry" The doctors encouraged him this was treatable, slow growing and no real concern. Yeah, right! Well the cancer has spread from the left to the right lung and now there is no hope for radiation! The chemo really kicked his butt and left him in the hospital with a phone call to all family to come and say their good byes! My dad is strong and pulled through only to find out his prognosis was 3 to 6 months to live. That was in August when he was diagnosed. We were devastated and my dad very down, feeling betrayed.
I did my own research and found a procedure called RFA (radiofrequency ablation) I actually had several choices of doctors. Many others I called will only do this procedure for liver cancer. My dad went to Dr. Jason Williams at the Cancer Ablation Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama cancerablation.com
The procedure only took 2 and half hours and when we went back to check my dad in a recovery room, he was sitting up and ready to go get something to eat. He had a bit of pain for a few days in the spot that the needle entered his back but other than that he did fantastic. The doctor and his staff were so personable and thorough! Although VERY EXPENSIVE! plan on a ticket price around 20k- they take credit cards, checks, cash and a mixture of all 3 if necessary! My dad only had the left tumor removed and is using the new Iressa chemo pill which Dr. Williams said is an ideal medication for this particular type of cancer. Again, VERY EXPENSIVE! My parents found the lowest price at a drug mart and for 30 days, costs $1750.00. My dad isn't confident that he will afford to be on this med very long. ( he has no health insurance- his care comes from the VA hospital) Dr. Williams told us one gentleman took it for 3 months and the tumor was gone on the followup CT. I'll keep you posted on his progess. He gets the results from his CT in 12 days. The procedure was done Dec. 19th. I hope this can encourage all of you for possible another option of treatment and/or cure. I am more than happy to answere anyone's questions on this. . My intention is to save a few more cancer victims! God Bless each and every you!