KeithsDaughter

Sorry I haven't updated. It's been one heckuva roller coaster ride. Just to get you all up to speed. . . My Dad was diagnosed with a Pancoast tumor the end of February. Unfortunately, my parents have no insurance and were looking at hundreds of thousands in debt to attempt to save my Dad's life. Knowing there had to be help out there, I pounded the net and found this site. Here, I met Kasey who is an angel to our family. I really feel like God sent her to me. She shared her story with me and told me about NIH. I sent an email to a wonderful lady at NIH and she called me within five minutes! We sent all of Dad's scans and reports to them and my parents were there by March 23rd. Dad underwent about 10 days of testing and started his chemo/radiation on April 6th. He did really well until about the weekend. The radiation has really done a number on his throat. He says it feels like he has the worse strep throat anyone could possibly have. He is having trouble eating anything but is trying to find what works for him. He also is having a hard time finding a pain medication that doesn't make him vomit. He's also on 3 different types of meds to help control nausea. He says he needs a rolling suitcase for all of his meds. This is a man who has never been on any kind of medication! Throughout this process he has managed to keep his sense of humor. As he walked away for his radiation on Monday he asked my Mom to do him a favor. . . He said, "Mama, if you smell something burning would you tell them to turn me over?", "I think I'm done on this side!" I'll post more when I know more. Please pray and send positive thoughts our way. Kristi

Looks like Dad's biopsy was a bust. Poo! That's all I can say right now. Going to see a thoracic surgeon tomorrow. Hopefully this man will HELP US! Going to hospital to see if we qualify for financial assistance or atleast a payment plan. Sad when you have to fight for your life and worry about where you're gonna get the MONEY to do it! PITIFUL! We do not expect free, discount, something?!?! I'll let y'all know how it goes. Kristi

I posted earlier in the Introduce Yourself section and am now looking for further information and support. My Dad was recently diagnosed with a Pancoast Tumor. It is rather large, 8 cm. He has no pain associated with the tumor but has hoarseness. Today we got the results of his PET scan. There is Hilar and mediastial node involvement. Not what we wanted to hear. His oncologist already had a bit of a game plan but now that has all changed. Is there anyone who has experience with this type of cancer and what was the outcome. Thanks in advance! Kristi

About 2 weeks ago my Dad was seen by his FP for hoarsness. He had experienced this for about 2 months. A couple days later he had a CT scan and we were told that he had a large, 8cm mass atop his right lung, a Pancoast Tumor. My DH and I are both nurses with 36 years experience between us. Even we have no idea what we are dealing with. . . The past two weeks have been terrible for all of us. Dad isn't sleeping and cries a lot. Just 2 years ago my Mother was diagnosed with Breast CA and has done well. Unfortunately, their health insurance was cancelled. . .They have a small nest egg but that is dwindling as we speak. $3,500 this week alone for appointments and his PET scan. This has been an eye opener for us. They make just enough that they don't qualify for Medicaid and not enough to afford private insurance. Of course, no one is bending over backwards to help him. Today, the Oncs office called my Mother to let her know that the PET scan showed hilar and mediastinal node involvement. That news totally deflated both of them. Please keep them and our entire family in your thoughts and prayers. -Kristi