Kristi

Awesome!

Hi Sandy. I am fairly new myself so don't have any real advice but I am sorry to hear that you're in this situation and that your dear Mother is facing this awful disease. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. {{{hugs}}}

Thinking of Tom.... My Dad is having breathing troubles too.

Hi everyone! Another question for those of you who've been there. When my Dad was in the hospital he was on oxygen and it seemed to REALLY help him. He's horribly short of breath these days. Mom says he's fine if he just sitting but once he starts moving around can hardly breathe. Should they request an oxygen tank for him to carry with him? I'm thinking "of course" but his doctors haven't recommended it yet so it makes me wonder. Is it common practice to give oxygen for shortness of breath associated with lung cancer? Also, is the cancer causing this or the treatments? Thank you!

Great info! Thank you so much!

Talked to Mom and yes, he's on Decadron so that explains it. She's going to talk to his primary care doctor next week about it. As always, thanks for the replies and great advice!!

Mom tells me that Dad is so irritable lately. He's had two chemotherapy treatments so far along with his regular radiation. I know he's tired and that might have something to with it to. Before cancer his days consisted of his easy chair and cable TV. Now, he's up at 5:00 am every week day and traveling 45 minutes each way to the hospital and on his chemo days doesn't get home until late afternoon. I can imagine he's pooped! He's already on and has been on an anti-depressant but I don't think it's working. I *think* it's Wellbutrin. Is there another drug they can request that might help him "go with the flow" alittle easier? My Dad isn't the type to bring up this conversation with his doctor so I thought I'd ask for opinions here. I think my Mom is just about ready to ring his neck. Thanks everyone!

Bless his heart. Your family is in my prayers.

I'm so sorry... ...your family is in my prayers.

Aubree, I'm new here but your story brings tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your situation really hits home. My Dad was recently diagnosed and I while I don't live as far as you did from your Dad I do live 8 hours away. I so badly wish I could jump in the car and go see him just to spend the day or give him a hug but I can't. My husband and I both work fulltime and have two small boys in school. It's hard to find the time to visit. I'm already feeling the guilt and he's barely into therapy. Hang in there, it's got to get easier and remember, he wouldn't want you to blame yourself.

Thank you all so much for the quick replies! I'm so relieved that he can still live life while undergoing chemo. Susan, my Mom gave me these drug names - Taxol and Paraplatin. He had his first treatment this morning so I'll call later this afternoon (after his nap ) to see how he's feeling. He was in good spirits while undergoing the treatment. Mom said he was joking around which is music to my ears. I'm very encouraged by his good attitude so far. Thanks again for the replies, it helps to hear these things from someone who has "been there done that". You are all an inspiration to me. I passed along the "lots of water" advice to my Mom as well. P.S. I've updated my Dad's story and a picture of my parents in my signature. I'll try to keep it updated with his progress!

Hi everyone, if some of you recall from my introduction post (other forum), my Dad will begin chemo tomorrow along with his regular radiation treatments. Is chemo as bad as in years past? I'm worried as to how it will make him feel. The radiation seems to zap his energy, I hate to think of how he'll be with both. Anyone who can share their chemo experience? Thank you!!

Randy, thank you! I'm going to request the video mentioned in the link. I appreciate it!!

Donna, I'm not sure - I haven't heard the word Pancoast yet but I would assume so if this is the general term for these type tumors. Ned, you hit the nail on the head in your reply. That is exactly why he hasn't started chemo yet. I also wanted to mention that this morning before my parents went to his radiation appointment, he was having a hard time moving his feet, as in his brain wasn't able to tell his feet to move. They told his doctor this and they ordered an immediate brain scan, presumably to see if the cancer has gone to the brain. No results as of yet and I'm sure none of us will sleep tonight. He had a full body scan a few weeks back when it was discovered and came back with a clear brain scan at that time. I'm just praying it was something else. He's been dealing with awful blood pressure issues over the last year as well. He is no longer driving either because he had a short black out spell last week while driving! My mom has officially become his chauffeur. His last radiation treatment is tomorrow and then gets a 2 week break, followed by a new scan and new treatment plan. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful welcoming replies, words of wisdom and those links. I'll definitely be checking them out.

Hi. My name is Kristi and my dear Daddy, John was diagnosed a few weeks ago with Stage III non-small cell lung cancer. He is 69 and has been a smoker since he was a teenager so this wasn't a huge shock to our family but devastating none-the-less. I am so upset over this. I love my Dad soooo much and have so many questions. He has undergone two weeks worth of radiation treatments and the tumors are shrinking. He also has Vena Cava Syndrome which is giving him fits with swelling and breathing issues. I live 500 miles away so I haven't even been able to hug him. I talk to him almost daily though and he is in good spirits although he has mentioned that he knows his odds aren't good. I tell him to FIGHT THIS!!! There is a Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, very close to where my parents live and I have begged them to check it out but they are sticking with the local cancer doctors for now. I need opionions on CTCA. Does anyone have any knowledge of them, am I right in wanting them to fight this or at Stage III, do you give up that kind of hope? I want a miracle!! I want him to be around for as long as possible!! I feel like I'm the only one wanting them to seek something more. I have this overwhelming sense of urgency in him getting the BEST treatment possible. I also feel this pain in my heart at the thought of losing him. I'm just not ready to lose him. This is the worst rollercoaster I've ever been on. I catch myself crying at any given time. I think about what a wonderful father he was to us growing up. I think about how I don't want him to suffer. It's just so painful. Oh God, why do these things happen to good people? The good news is I'm leaving to go visit my Daddy in two days and can hardly wait. Thank you for reading. I ran across this site while researching my Dad's cancer and such and I'm sure I'll be visiting the other forums along the way. In the meantime I will be praying for that miracle.